US Road Trip from Boston, MA
Mar 17th, 2022
•
24762 views
The ultimate US Road Trip Guide. Perfect for those interested in seeing some of the best National Parks in the country. Here's my itinerary, Enjoy!
General tips
Before you go
- Do your research
- Although we have cell phones and trustworthy Google, Do NOT expect to always have service.
- Check the weather. Obviously things will change, but be sure to do your research before hand. We had nights that got down to 30 degrees (it snowed in July!) and days that got up to 110F. So be sure to plan according when packing. Bring clothes that can be layered or multi purposed.
- If you are renting a car, be sure to compare prices. We originally were going to do 3 weeks, but it was only a difference of $20 dollars to rent it for 4 weeks. Be sure to get a car with unlimited millage... 4 wheel drive is also a major plus!
- Organization is key
- Start with your packing list. Regardless of how long your road trip is, you want to pack as minimal as possible. Consider aside from your suitcase, how many additional items you will have in your car- cooler, tents, sleeping bags etc.
- When packing your vehicle, be practical when organizing. We kept all the suitcases on one side, the cooler and snacks close to the back seat so can be accessible while driving, but can also be removed to stock easy.
- We opted for a larger rental. The Nissan Pathfinder was perfect. We lucked out and received a 2020 model that had all the bells and whistles. The car had 3 rows of seats, but we put the last row down to gain additional space.
On the road
- Don't stress over what is out of your control.
(traffic, road work, closures etc) it happens, give yourself some leeway throughout your trip.
- Give yourself rest days!
Between driving, hiking, and all of the time changes, you WILL be tired.
We took 2 full days in Huntington Beach, CA to relax.
Apps to download
- Google Maps-
Constantly updating road closures, traffic jams, police radar and construction. I also love that you can search/add stops along your route- This is great for searching for gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores etc.
- All Trails-
The only app you need to search for hiking trails throughout your trip. You start by searching by city, park or trail. It then breaks it down by ratings, trail difficulty, length, and estimated time. You can also filter your search by activity, attractions, pet friendly , etc.
- Recreation.gov-
I learned the hard way and didn't download this until half way through our trip. If you plan on camping, this app is a must! You can find camping & lodging as well as tickets & tours. If looking for a camp site you search by your destination and it will show you what is available and price per night, you can also reserve and pay right through the app. Keep in mind, camp sites in National Parks can be more expensive and book up quickly. Try searching near by National Forests as you will find much more availability and cheaper prices!
**Interested in going on a road trip, but don't know where to start?
Contact me to customize your own personal itinerary. With a variety of options available.
East Coast, West Coast, 7 day, 14 day, 30 day etc. Let me do the planning for you!
Email- soulpurposeoflife@gmail.com
Or direct message me on instagram- @missmarisss
Day 1
Boston, MA- New York- Ohio
1
Niagara Falls
Nature & Parks
Waterfalls
From the web: Niagara Falls is a city on the Niagara River, in New York State. It’s known for the vast Niagara Falls, which straddle the Canadian border. In Niagara Falls State Park, the Observation Tower, at Prospect Point, juts out over Niagara Gorge for a view of all 3 waterfalls. Trails from the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center lead to other viewpoints. The Aquarium of Niagara is home to Humboldt penguins, seals and sea lions.
5 hr 26 min · 349 mi
2
Columbus
From the web: Columbus is Ohio’s state capital. The city’s Scioto Mile is a string of parks on both sides of the Scioto River, with a huge interactive fountain and trails. On the west bank, the COSI science center offers hands-on exhibits and a planetarium. Downtown, the Columbus Museum of Art includes American and European paintings and a sculpture garden. The German Village area has restored brick houses built by 1800s settlers.
1 hr 16 min · 60.8 mi
3
Hocking Hills State Park
Park
Fun & Games
From the web: Scenic park with hiking trails, archery, fishing, swimming & more amid waterfalls, cliffs & gorges.
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Day 2
Ohio - Illinois
1
Chicago
From the web: Chicago, on Lake Michigan in Illinois, is among the largest cities in the U.S. Famed for its bold architecture, it has a skyline punctuated by skyscrapers such as the iconic John Hancock Center, 1,451-ft. Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower. The city is also renowned for its museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago with its noted Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.
13 min · 0.66 mi
2
Cloud Gate
Monument
2 hr 40 min · 166 mi
3
Moline
From the web: Moline is a city located in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. With a population of 42,985 in 2020, it is the largest city in Rock Island County. Wikipedia.
Day 3
Illinois - South Dakota
1
Badlands National Park
National park
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
From the web: 244,000 rugged acres of geological formations, prairie grass & wildlife like bison & bighorn sheep.
1 hr 42 min · 88 mi
2
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Memorial park
Sights & Landmarks
From the web: Massive mountainside sculpture drawing crowds for its depiction of 4 former American presidents.
2 hr 30 min · 134 mi
3
Devils Tower National Monument
National reserve
Sights & Landmarks
From the web: Held sacred by Native American tribes, this climbable rock formation is the first national monument.
3 hr 23 min · 190 mi
4
Casper
From the web: Casper is a city in central Wyoming. It’s home to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, featuring dioramas and hands-on displays that evoke the journeys of 1800s pioneers. Contemporary art is on show at the Nicolaysen Art Museum. Fort Caspar, a reconstructed 1865 military post, houses a museum with local-history exhibits like a 1901 sheep wagon. South, Casper Mountain offers a waterfall and ski slopes.
Day 4
South Dakota - Wyoming
1
Grand Teton National Park
National park
Sights & Landmarks
From the web: Tranquil spot with plenty of wildlife plus hiking, rafting & swimming among valleys & mountains.
2 hr 22 min · 81.9 mi
2
Yellowstone National Park
National park
Park
From the web: Renowned park since 1872 is home to mountains, animals & nearly half of the globe's active geysers.
38 min · 20.7 mi
3
Old Faithful Geyser
Geyser
1 hr 23 min · 44.2 mi
4
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Ravine
Nature & Parks
Canyons
1 hr 8 min · 37 mi
5
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Ravine
2 hr 18 min · 73 mi
6
Gardiner
From the web: Gardiner is a census-designated place in Park County, Montana, United States, along the 45th parallel. As of the 2020 census, the population of the community and nearby areas was 833.
Gardiner was officially founded in 1880. Wikipedia.
Day 5
Wyoming - Montana
1
Cateye Café
affordable
Cafe
Restaurant
From the web: Feline-themed hangout for classic cafe breakfasts & lunches made with local ingredients.
5 hr 15 min · 316 mi
2
Montana Vortex and House of Mystery
Sights & Landmarks
Mysterious Sites
From the web: Whimsical crooked shack featuring unique optical illusions, plus a store for souvenirs.
29 min · 20.4 mi
3
Kalispell
From the web: Kalispell is a city in northwest Montana. It’s a gateway to vast Glacier National Park, with its peaks, alpine trails and wildlife like grizzly bears. Downtown’s restored 1800s buildings include the Conrad Mansion, now a museum with period furnishings. Hockaday Museum of Art focuses on Montana artists. South of the city, Flathead Lake offers beaches and forested Wild Horse Island, home to horses and bighorn sheep.
15 min · 5 mi
4
Lone Pine State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
Park
From the web: Woodland park offering scenic overlooks & trails for horseback riding, hiking, biking & snowshoeing.
Day 6
Montana - Washington
1
Glacier National Park
National park
Park
From the web: More than 700 miles of trails in a vast park with diverse landscapes & abundant wildlife.
22 min · 8.8 mi
2
Avalanche Lake
Lake
Nature & Parks
From the web: Dense woods & mountains surround this scenic lake known for its hiking trails & abundant wildlife.
10 hr 7 min · 470 mi
3
Winthrop
From the web: Winthrop is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. It is east of Mazama and north of Twisp. The population was 394 at the 2010 census, and increased to 504 at the 2020 census. Wikipedia.
Day 7
Washington
1
North Cascades National Park
National park
From the web: Huge wilderness of mountains, glaciers & ancient forest, undeveloped but for backpacking trails.
7 min · 1.9 mi
2
Trail of the Cedars
Hiking area
6 hr 9 min · 180 mi
3
Olympic National Park
National park
From the web: 922,000-acre park featuring snow-covered mountains, lush rain forests & dramatic Pacific coastline.
Day 8
Washington
1
Mount Rainier National Park
National park
From the web: 236,000-acre wilderness around Washington's highest peak encompassing wildflower meadows & glaciers.
1 hr 23 min · 39.9 mi
2
Narada Falls Trail
3 hr 10 min · 135 mi
3
St. Helens
From the web: St. Helens is the county seat of Columbia County, Oregon. It was founded by Captain Henry Montgomery Knighton, a native of New England, in 1845, as "Plymouth". The name was changed to St. Helens in the latter part of 1850 for its view of Mount St. Helens, roughly 39 miles away in Washington. Wikipedia.
Day 9
Oregon - California
1
Crater Lake National Park
National park
From the web: 183,224-acre park containing America's deepest lake, striking geologic features & a historic lodge.
3 hr 12 min · 147 mi
2
Mount Shasta
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
From the web: This rugged, 14,179-ft-high volcanic mountain offers backcountry skiing, climbing & panoramic views.
4 hr 35 min · 290 mi
3
San Francisco
From the web: San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is a commercial, financial, and cultural center in Northern California. With a population of 808,437 residents as of 2022, San Francisco is the fourth most populous city in the U.S. state of California behind Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose. Wikipedia.
Day 10
Pacific Coast Highway
1
Big Sur
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
From the web: Big Sur is a rugged stretch of California’s central coast between Carmel and San Simeon. Bordered to the east by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the west by the Pacific Ocean, it’s traversed by narrow, 2-lane State Route 1, known for winding turns, seaside cliffs and views of the often-misty coastline. The sparsely populated region has numerous state parks for hiking, camping and beachcombing.
17 min · 10.7 mi
2
Bixby Creek Bridge
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
From the web: Iconic concrete canyon crossing on Highway 1 & standing 280 feet above Big Sur, open since 1932.
3 hr 23 min · 174 mi
3
Elephant Seal Vista Point
Vista point
Sights & Landmarks
From the web: Observation deck over a shoreline known for elephant seal sightings in birthing & breeding seasons.
3 hr 28 min · 131 mi
4
Los Padres National Forest
Woods
Day 11
Huntington Beach
1
Pacific Coast Highway
1 hr 30 min · 70.9 mi
2
Huntington Beach
From the web: Huntington Beach is a California city southeast of Los Angeles. It's known for surf beaches, such as Huntington City Beach, with its long Huntington Beach Pier. The International Surfing Museum displays longboards and other memorabilia. Sprawling Huntington Central Park features fields, gardens and lakes, plus an equestrian center. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve's wetlands and dunes shelter hundreds of bird species.
Day 12
Huntington
1
Huntington Beach Pier
From the web: 1,850 ft. pier & local icon offering views of surfers, shops, fishing & a diner with a tiki bar.
11 min · 0.55 mi
2
Baja Sharkeez
affordable
Mexican restaurant
From the web: Lively bar & eatery with simple Mexican fare & multiple margaritas draws happy-hour & game day fans.
4 min · 0.21 mi
3
602 Coffee House
affordable
Coffee shop
Cafe
Clothing store
Restaurant
Store
Day 13
CA - AZ
1
Coconino National Forest
National forest
From the web: 1.8 million–acre wilderness & recreation area, home to Sedona's famed red rocks & vast pine forests.
45 min · 24.2 mi
2
Flagstaff
From the web: Flagstaff is a city in the U.S. state of Arizona, surrounded by mountains, desert and ponderosa pine forests. It’s a gateway to the San Francisco Peaks, home to Arizona’s tallest mountain (Humphreys Peak) and the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort. Nearby, Wupatki National Monument has Native American pueblo sites, and Walnut Canyon National Monument is dotted with their cliff dwellings.
Day 14
Sedona
1
Sedona
From the web: Sedona is an Arizona desert town near Flagstaff that’s surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests. It’s noted for its mild climate and vibrant arts community. Uptown Sedona is dense with New Age shops, spas and art galleries. On the town’s outskirts, numerous trailheads access Red Rock State Park, which offers bird-watching, hiking and picnicking spots.
4 min · 0.2 mi
2
Ol' Bill's
Gift shop
6 min · 0.32 mi
3
Sedona Crystal Vortex
Gift shop
Gemologist
From the web: Locally owned shop providing an array of crystals & minerals, plus gifts, aura readings & massages.
2 min · 400 ft
4
Savannah Bee Company
Gift shop
1 min · 200 ft
5
Soul Shine Sedona
Gift shop
22 min · 10 mi
6
Red Rock State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
From the web: Nature preserve with lots of trails plus views of the Sedona area & surrounding red rock formations.
Day 15
Sedona
1
Local Juicery
affordable
Health food restaurant
From the web: Organic juices (including cleanses) & health food are served with coffee & tea, plus a to-go area.
38 min · 21.4 mi
2
Wet Beaver Creek
River
33 min · 18.9 mi
3
Canyon Breeze Restaurant
affordable
American restaurant
From the web: Casual counter-serve spot for American cuisine plus ample seating, canyon views & a patio.
Day 16
Sedona - Page
1
Grand Canyon National Park
National park
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
From the web: Beyond its scenic overlooks, this mile-deep geologic wonder features hikes, mule rides & rafting.
3 hr 4 min · 137 mi
2
Page
From the web: Page is a city in Coconino County, Arizona, United States, near the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. As of the 2010 census, the population of the city was 7,247. Wikipedia.
9 min · 0.44 mi
3
State 48 Tavern
affordable
Bar
Hot spot local bar with great food, craft beer, and darts.
The beer battered avocado is AMAZING.
Day 17
Lake Powell
1
WazSUP Kayak Rental
Canoe & kayak rental service
Canoe and kayak club
Canoe & kayak tour agency
Water sports equipment rental service
6 min · 2.6 mi
2
Lake Powell
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
19 min · 9.8 mi
3
Lone Rock
Natural feature
33 min · 19.2 mi
4
Antelope Canyon
Ravine
Nature & Parks
Canyons
From the web: Navajo Nation sandstone slot canyon, renowned for its undulating angles & light shafts.
13 min · 9.1 mi
5
Horseshoe Bend
Scenic spot
Hiking area
From the web: Historic park along the Tallapoosa River known for hiking, boating & Andrew Jackson's Creek War win.
7 min · 3.8 mi
6
Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
Vista point
Nature & Parks
Dams
From the web: A short hike down a set of rock-carved stairs leads to this viewpoint on the rim of the river & dam.
Day 18
Day trip to Utah from Page
1
Zion National Park
National park
Nature & Parks
Canyons
From the web: Home to Zion Canyon, this vast national park offers trails, climbing, camping & more.
58 min · 29.7 mi
2
The Narrows
Mountain pass
Nature & Parks
From the web: This scenic, narrow section of Zion Canyon is popular with hikers & leads to the Temple of Sinawava.
2 hr 24 min · 92.4 mi
3
Bryce Canyon National Park
National park
Nature & Parks
Geologic Formations
From the web: Park with a natural amphitheater, plus overlooks & trails offering views of towering rock spires.
1 hr 3 min · 11.7 mi
4
Navajo Loop Trail
From the web: This seasonal 1.3 mile loop offers outstanding views of Thor's Hammer & other rock structures.
Day 19
Page - Moab
1
Oljato-Monument Valley
From the web: Oljato-Monument Valley is a census-designated place in Navajo County, Arizona, United States. The population was 154 at the 2010 census. Wikipedia.
19 min · 13.8 mi
2
Forrest Gump Hill
From the web: Iconic spot where Forrest ends his run in the 1994 film, with views of nearby Monument Valley.
1 hr 51 min · 81.5 mi
3
Four Corners Monument
Sights & Landmarks
Historical landmark
From the web: Guests can stand in 4 states at once at this Navajo Nation monument with a visitor center.
3 hr 14 min · 145 mi
4
Moab
From the web: Moab is a city in eastern Utah. It’s a gateway to massive red rock formations in Arches National Park. Southwest, Canyonlands National Park features mesas and buttes carved by the Green and Colorado rivers, plus Native American rock art. Dinosaur tracks can be found at sites like Bull Canyon Overlook and Copper Ridge. In the city, collections at the Museum of Moab include dinosaur bones and archaeological artifacts.
5 min · 0.28 mi
5
Zax Restaurant
affordable
American restaurant
From the web: Downtown eatery with indoor & outdoor seating, plus TVs, an eclectic menu & a full bar.
59 min · 33.3 mi
6
Dead Horse Point State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
Park
From the web: Cliffside park offering camping, hiking/biking trails, plus overlooks & views of the Colorado River.
Day 20
Canyonlands and Arches
1
Canyonlands National Park
National park
Nature & Parks
From the web: Split by 2 rivers, this majestic park in 4 zones features sandstone spires & Island in the Sky mesa.
5 hr 24 min · 131 mi
2
Grand View Point Overlook
Vista point
Sights & Landmarks
Lookouts
From the web: Easy hike & popular viewpoint at the edge of Island in the Sky mesa offering wide canyon panoramas.
1 hr 37 min · 54.5 mi
3
Arches National Park
National park
Nature & Parks
From the web: Scenic area offering camping & a variety of hiking trails with red rock vistas & 2,000 stone arches.
16 min · 6.9 mi
4
Turret Arch
Scenic spot
Nature & Parks
From the web: Sandstone fin featuring large & small openings & a taller, turret-like rock pillar to the side.
5 min · 0.28 mi
5
Windows Trailhead
Hiking area
2 hr 7 min · 121 mi
6
Grand Junction
From the web: Grand Junction is a city in Colorado's Western Slope region. It's known as the hub of Colorado's wine country. Split into 5 sections, James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park offers river access, lakes, biking trails and wildlife. The Museum of the West displays prehistoric pottery and 19th-century firearms. West of the city, trail-lined Colorado National Monument is a park with red sandstone monoliths and canyons.
1 hr 20 min · 86.6 mi
7
Glenwood Springs
From the web: Glenwood Springs is a resort city in Colorado known for its hot springs. It sits in the rugged Rocky Mountains, surrounded by the vast White River National Forest. Glenwood Canyon is rich with wildlife and features Hanging Lake, with its striking turquoise waters. Glenwood Caverns are ancient underground caves. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has roller coasters and canyon swings overlooking the Colorado River.
1 hr 12 min · 42.2 mi
8
Aspen
From the web: Aspen, in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, is a ski resort town and year-round destination for outdoor recreation. It's also known for high-end restaurants and boutiques, and landmarks like the Wheeler Opera House, built in 1889 during the area’s silver mining boom. The Wheeler-Stallard House is a local history museum set in a 19th-century, Queen Anne–style home, while the Aspen Art Museum displays contemporary artworks.
9 min · 3 mi
9
Highlands Alehouse
affordable
Gastropub
Bar
Pizza restaurant
Day 21
Aspen
1
Bear Den Aspen
affordable
Bistro
Breakfast at the Bear Den- A little pricey but, worth it!!
The Green Goddess Bowl is Amazing... paired with freshly squeezed OJ (best I've ever had!)
5 min · 2.1 mi
2
North Star Nature Preserve
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
The perfect lazy river! We paddle boarded down, but others used floats or kayaks. Note- depending the time of year the water can be very shallow in places. Keep your eyes peeled for the blue herons and moose along the river!
5 min · 1.9 mi
3
The Red Onion
affordable
American restaurant
From the web: Established in 1892, this brick-walled American tavern serves up pub fare & occasional live music.
Day 22
Aspen
1
T-Lazy-7 Ranch and Snowmobiles
Snowmobile rental service
Sights & Landmarks
If you are in Aspen in the summer time, this is a MUST!
The staff there are so kind and professional. We did an hour long trail ride through the White River Forest, up and down fairly steep trails in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. They also offer half day lunch tours to Maroon Bells Valley.
Check out their website here:
13 min · 4.5 mi
2
Emporium and Flying Circus
Art dealer
A unique retail shop featuring local artists. "Delivers an offbeat creative energy in a ginger bread brightly painted 100 year old Victorian miners cabin. It is an experience as much as a shop."
3 min · 0.15 mi
3
Aspen Tap / Aspen Brewing Co
affordable
Brewery
From the web: Easygoing taproom & brewpub offering house craft beers, tasting flights, pizza & other pub grub.
Day 23
Aspen
1
Gondola Ticket Office- Aspen Skiing Company
Ski resort
If you visit Aspen between mid June- early September, the Elk Camp Gondola and Silver Queen Gondola give you access to free outdoor activities, miles of trails and outdoor dining with a view.
See website here:
23 min · 11.4 mi
2
The Sky Residences at W Aspen
Hotel
Meeting planning service
Rooftop pool with a view! Entry available to non guests, but I recommend calling before. Food and drink service available with option to purchase private lounge chairs.
Day 24
Aspen
1
Roaring Fork River
River
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Book a white water adventure with Kiwi Ko! This was a customized trip with experienced guides. Mind you, this was no lazy river. You are in your own tube and given a wet suit, booties, and a helmet. The guides do a great job of guiding the group down class lll rapids.
See website here:
36 min · 20.5 mi
2
Tatanka Aspen
Permanently closed
Restaurant
Modern Saloon serving western comfort food. If you're looking for a great cocktail order the dead man's boots- rye whiskey, reposado tequila, fresh lime, ginger beer served in a glass cowboy boot.
Day 25
Aspen to Iowa
1
Independence Pass
Mountain pass
Sights & Landmarks
12,095 ft above sea level. This scenic drive is beautiful but can be very narrow at times with hairpin turns it can be very dangerous. Be sure to check weather conditions before hand. Breathtaking views of the continental divide and surrounding mountains.
12 hr 2 min · 807 mi
2
Des Moines
It took us about 13 hours to travel from Aspen, to Des Moines. This was just a rest stop for us as we continued to power home.
Day 26
Iowa to Boston
1
Boston
WE MADE IT. A little over 19 hours but we pushed through and made it back to Boston. We personally were not interested in making any pit stops on the way back. Trust me, after a month on the road you are tired!!
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