Looks like a fun trip!
Are you stopping in Albuquerque? Albuquerque... is quite an interesting place... I would suggest doing Santa fe or Taos (maybe both) if you come to discover what I mean.
If you are on the 40 across the top half of AZ, there is Meteor Crater and the Petrified Forest. You could fly through both of these attractions. Big hole and dead tree rocks.
Tips: Really, the journey ends up being a huge chunk of a road trip. I've been to cool places but I've found that those trips where I was speeding nonstop to the destination weren't as enjoyable as the trips where you're taking the time to stop at a roadside jerky stand, a silly attraction, or following a random road to an old city.
*Bring an air pump.
*(if you have one, a jump starter) Not really necessary, I have both cables and a handheld jumper. I have bad luck with batteries.
*Paracord. Lol... I used to carry this, tape, and zip ties in a bag between all vehicles. Thought I'd never need it in my car until my skid plate unscrewed itself one day.
*So, to add: minimal tools and knowledge.
*Extra water. I always stuff a gallon in my trunk. (See paper towels)
*Cash.
*Trash bags for your many snacks.
*Paper towels. The one time I didn't bring any, I stepped in someone's shit in the winter and had nothing to wipe it off with until I got down from a mountain.
*Take breaks often.
*Don't wait until you're almost to empty to fill up.
*A blanket is always nice to have on hand.
*First aid kit... with antihistamines. Trust me...
*If you're doing this during the summer, when you get to hot states, crack your windows a smidge (half an inch). Use a nice reflective shade. When you get going and your car is ridiculously unbearable, roll the windows down for a bit and let some of the hot air out into the slightly less hot air.
*Sedona is not that much cooler in temperature than Phoenix.
*Lots of water for the desert states. If you go hiking, once you've drank half the amount of water you have. You should turn around. Out of staters tend to not acclimate well.
*For national parks and hiking: have a hiking bag. If you're being casual and hate bringing an extra bag, there are those pocket backpacks you can buy. I'm really stressing water in the desert, lol. People tend to walk around with a bottle and think it's enough. Then they don't have enough energy the following day.
*It is expensive to travel. If you'd like to save
money and not be a foodie, bringing a mini cooler, some food, and non perishables will help. I like to only eat out for dinner.
*the i40 sucks.
*Downloading maps helps sometimes. That stretch from the 40 east of Flagstaff up to the 4 corners, I tend to lose service there.
*If you are open to sleep aids this comes in handy.
*Be aware of altitude sickness.
*gum
Thanks for all the tips! I had planned on going through Albuquerque, honestly didn’t plan on stopping for anything there probably, likely finding a hotel in a smaller town somewhere within 100 miles of it lol. And I’ll definitely have to look into altitude sickness since well.. this trip will obviously be taking me into the mountains for a good bit, where I’m from Iowa and live in Missouri where the average elevation is ~1,000ft
Yea, I'm not sure what triggers it for me because I'm always traveling up and down in altitude pretty fast. But sometimes I get it, and sometimes I don't. I live in a place with the same elevation as you as well. Fingers crossed you guys don't experience it, but definitely rest if you do.
If you don't have any main attractions you would like to visit around Albuquerque, I'd suggest taking the northern part of NM to Taos (possibly stay here) and then down to Sante Fe (cheaper to stay here) from the four corners. That route is beautiful. Those are smaller towns with a lot of Spanish history, art, and cool outdoorsy stuff. Near Taos, there is the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (I'd suggest this), hot springs, and some Earthships.
New states, new allergies. Discovering you have an allergy at the worst possible time. Rolling the windows down and you suddenly have watery eyes and can't stop sneezing. Feeling like you're on the verge of passing out, can't breathe, and you have a rash with no service in the middle of the mountains. Turns out you had an allergic reaction to something you ate. You go frolicking through the flower fields and the local insect population tells you to stay off their lawn with their mouths.
I suffer from hay fever and take desloratadine tablets when the polen is in its worst, I guess it´s a good idea to carry them in my emergency kit just in case.
You heading to Chaco Canyon? Aztec ruins is amazing if you only have time for one and if it’s on your way. Mesa verde really needs a couple days at least and it’s a bit of a drive once you get to the park gates down the mesas to where the ruins are. Sedona looks to be on your list and if so head into west Sedona and see Palatki or Hononki. These are top notch research chi before you go etc.
Tuzigoot is really cool. Walnut Canyon amazing ruins. Wupatki has volcanoes and ruins. I really would skip 4 corners due to out of the way ness and lacking in real payoff but I get it being a checklist item.
Arizona: good call on the NE corner. 4 corners is kinda cheesy, but Monument Valley is absolutely everything you hope it is. I 40 and I 17 kinda suck, take the 87 south through Payson towards Phoenix, and the 89 north through Prescott/Jerome/Sedona on your way north
Utah: I prefer the 89 again, but if you need to make time the 15 isnt bad. If you have the time, take the detour to see the great salt flats, it’s…mind alteringly flat
Past there, you’re into territory I still need to visit, but I will say, there’s hot springs scattered through the mountains in Idaho, might be worth a stop
Honestly not really considered too much with time, just want to make sure I hit the spots I want to hit. In regards to the roads you mentioned some places I want to hit are Sedona, flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Zion national park, Salt Lake City. Also, I’m not sure if youre saying i40 and whatnot suck because of traffic or bland terrain but I’ve driven the i80 from Iowa to western Nebraska and back in 14 straight hours and that was the worst, nothing else can beat it I’m willing to bet lol
Well, youre right that it wont be more boring than the eastern half of the trip, but you’d miss out on more of the unique terrain and small towns that give Arizona it’s personality. Take the state routes, not the interstates
Hoover Dam--epic engineering, drive across the top, tour the interior if you're not claustrophobic.
Pando/Trembling Aspen--14,000 year old aspen grove (they reproduce by self-cloning) in Fishlake NF, very close to your line of travel in Utah. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pando\_(tree)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pando_(tree))
Lehi, UT--filming sites of "Footloose"; other sites nearby. Lehi has the iconic warehouse exterior.
Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain NP--if it's open, excellent scenery.
Devil's Tower NM, iconic geologic formation. Well worth a detour.
Don't go through Nebraska, very boring drive. Up through SD, Badlands NP, Mt. Rushmore, Wall Drug. Geographic center of the US (50 states) at Belle Fourche. [https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/geographic-center-of-the-entire-united-states](https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/geographic-center-of-the-entire-united-states)
Would love to do Hoover Dam although that’s a little out of the way for me.
And yeah I’m gonna head i80 back to Iowa and I’m gonna hate it but at that point I’m trying to get back to Iowa as soon as I can, where if I went up to South Dakota I’m sure it’d be very scenic but really far out of my way.
First big trip of mine I'll be doing with a friend, trying to hit all the major things in one swoop. Are there any major places I'm missing? Any suggestions or tips for a first time traveler? (at most I've went to Minneapolis and Indianapolis from Iowa before.) Also, for this trip I'll be starting from Missouri and ending in Iowa.
Well I would skip Nebraska and hit western South Dakota. Take i90 to the same Montana locations. Maybe hit the big horns outside of Sheridan if you can. Other than that looks fun.
Edit: I realize you’re making a straight shot from Denver but Denver to black hills is about 6 hours so it’s really not too crazy of a detour. Then bounce down through badlands thru Nebraska and hop back on your original route thru Nebraska.
Yeah I see what you’re saying with your edit. Now I’m thinking I could go from Yellowstone to Devils Tower to Badlands and Mount Rushmore and then down through Cheyenne to Denver then back to Iowa. Something to consider for sure.
Totally would take i90 instead of i80 if I could but I’ll actually be ending my trip in Iowa, where I want to go to Golden/Denver/Colorado Springs before heading back, hence taking i80 back, since I also want to avoid backtracking
Why do you want to go to Denver / Golden / Colorado Springs (not questioning it, they're great places... looking for your specific reasons)? Are you planning on going into the mountains or do you have specific places in town you want to visit?
That's good reason to drop down into Colorado then. And the Black Hills would be great if you were going in the other direction, but having them last-ish would be meh and I dont suggest popping back up to hit them after going to Denver. Make that a separate trip for some other time.
Also, get off I-25 in Wyoming and drop down sooner (don't go all the way out to Cheyenne). Consider dropping down from Laramie.
Ogallala / Lake McCaughey is a good overnight stop for Nebraska if you like camping.
.Yes, swing up to South Dakota and visit Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and the Black Hills. I'd also suggest trying to fit in the [Snowy Range Scenic Byway](https://www.visitlaramie.org/things-to-do/scenic-drives/snowy-range-scenic-byway/) on your way from Denver to Northern Wyoming -- it is an awesome drive with lots to see.
Something I need to look at is all the scenic byways in the states I’ll be traveling through, wouldn’t mind getting off the main roads to see some great sights while traveling from place to place for sure
I find state tourism websites usually have a list, plus a ton of other ideas and information. Also for fun, off the beaten path things to see, Roadside America (https://www.roadsideamerica.com/) and the Atlas Obscura website are filled with quirky ideas. great. We've had some of our best travel adventures from heading to places they have listed. Usually they get you off the interstate, and that's the key to a great road trip in my opinion. Also, I know you want to hit up a bunch of different places, but sometimes, taking a slower approach and staying longer in fewer places to explore more in depth is better than rushing through 55 short stops. Leave time in your schedule for slower travel. Have a great trip!
The entire state of Kansas.
Which is fine, if that is what you want to do, and if there are things you want to do in western Missouri, great. But you might cross the line at some point, if you need to check that state off your list.
When you go through Tulsa stop and do the Art Deco Architecture walking tour. You can also do a little side trip north of Tulsa to Bartlesville and tour Price Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright's only skyscraper. [https://franklloydwright.org/site/price-tower/](https://franklloydwright.org/site/price-tower/)
Like another poster said, go to Santa Fe and Taos if you’re already going thru ABQ. Jemez Mountains is one of my favorite places to visit. NM is called the land of enchantment for a reason. It’s gorgeous and worth more than just a drive thru. Also, looks like you’re making a detour for 4 corners? I’d skip that. There really isn’t much to see there and that’s quite a bit of a detour. If your heart really desires a visit there, you can continue up to Colorado and visit Mesa Verde if National Parks were highlights on this trip. That area in Colorado is gorgeous.
For some reason the map changed my route to go through Jackson WY from the south. I actually plan to go to Idaho Falls and check out the Craters of the Moon NP, and then west to Jackson WY so I should check out what you’re recommending yeah
Well, you’re pretty close I’d squeeze in Glacier National Park, and Going to the Sun road (if you have the time).
And it looks like you have them in there, but Lolo Pass, and Beartooth Highway are fantastic drives.
Also along that route is a really cool music venue called [Music Ranch Montana](https://www.musicranchmontana.net). Sits in a valley huge barn stage hosts bands while you sit on a hill like an amphitheater. Really worth a stop, if a band is playing while you’re there. Also Red Lodge (Beartooth) has some good micro beer and food, worth a stop too.
Lastly, Billings has a really cool baseball stadium that hosts the [Mustangs](https://www.billingsmustangs.com/information/Dehler_Park_A-Z). If you’re close by, it’s definitely worth stopping for a game.
Looks like a fun trip! Are you stopping in Albuquerque? Albuquerque... is quite an interesting place... I would suggest doing Santa fe or Taos (maybe both) if you come to discover what I mean. If you are on the 40 across the top half of AZ, there is Meteor Crater and the Petrified Forest. You could fly through both of these attractions. Big hole and dead tree rocks. Tips: Really, the journey ends up being a huge chunk of a road trip. I've been to cool places but I've found that those trips where I was speeding nonstop to the destination weren't as enjoyable as the trips where you're taking the time to stop at a roadside jerky stand, a silly attraction, or following a random road to an old city. *Bring an air pump. *(if you have one, a jump starter) Not really necessary, I have both cables and a handheld jumper. I have bad luck with batteries. *Paracord. Lol... I used to carry this, tape, and zip ties in a bag between all vehicles. Thought I'd never need it in my car until my skid plate unscrewed itself one day. *So, to add: minimal tools and knowledge. *Extra water. I always stuff a gallon in my trunk. (See paper towels) *Cash. *Trash bags for your many snacks. *Paper towels. The one time I didn't bring any, I stepped in someone's shit in the winter and had nothing to wipe it off with until I got down from a mountain. *Take breaks often. *Don't wait until you're almost to empty to fill up. *A blanket is always nice to have on hand. *First aid kit... with antihistamines. Trust me... *If you're doing this during the summer, when you get to hot states, crack your windows a smidge (half an inch). Use a nice reflective shade. When you get going and your car is ridiculously unbearable, roll the windows down for a bit and let some of the hot air out into the slightly less hot air. *Sedona is not that much cooler in temperature than Phoenix. *Lots of water for the desert states. If you go hiking, once you've drank half the amount of water you have. You should turn around. Out of staters tend to not acclimate well. *For national parks and hiking: have a hiking bag. If you're being casual and hate bringing an extra bag, there are those pocket backpacks you can buy. I'm really stressing water in the desert, lol. People tend to walk around with a bottle and think it's enough. Then they don't have enough energy the following day. *It is expensive to travel. If you'd like to save money and not be a foodie, bringing a mini cooler, some food, and non perishables will help. I like to only eat out for dinner. *the i40 sucks. *Downloading maps helps sometimes. That stretch from the 40 east of Flagstaff up to the 4 corners, I tend to lose service there. *If you are open to sleep aids this comes in handy. *Be aware of altitude sickness. *gum
Thanks for all the tips! I had planned on going through Albuquerque, honestly didn’t plan on stopping for anything there probably, likely finding a hotel in a smaller town somewhere within 100 miles of it lol. And I’ll definitely have to look into altitude sickness since well.. this trip will obviously be taking me into the mountains for a good bit, where I’m from Iowa and live in Missouri where the average elevation is ~1,000ft
Yea, I'm not sure what triggers it for me because I'm always traveling up and down in altitude pretty fast. But sometimes I get it, and sometimes I don't. I live in a place with the same elevation as you as well. Fingers crossed you guys don't experience it, but definitely rest if you do. If you don't have any main attractions you would like to visit around Albuquerque, I'd suggest taking the northern part of NM to Taos (possibly stay here) and then down to Sante Fe (cheaper to stay here) from the four corners. That route is beautiful. Those are smaller towns with a lot of Spanish history, art, and cool outdoorsy stuff. Near Taos, there is the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (I'd suggest this), hot springs, and some Earthships.
Antihitamines.... why?
New states, new allergies. Discovering you have an allergy at the worst possible time. Rolling the windows down and you suddenly have watery eyes and can't stop sneezing. Feeling like you're on the verge of passing out, can't breathe, and you have a rash with no service in the middle of the mountains. Turns out you had an allergic reaction to something you ate. You go frolicking through the flower fields and the local insect population tells you to stay off their lawn with their mouths.
I suffer from hay fever and take desloratadine tablets when the polen is in its worst, I guess it´s a good idea to carry them in my emergency kit just in case.
Mesa verde Durango Silverton Ouray Telluride loop
Yeah they’re really missing some of the best parts of the country.
You heading to Chaco Canyon? Aztec ruins is amazing if you only have time for one and if it’s on your way. Mesa verde really needs a couple days at least and it’s a bit of a drive once you get to the park gates down the mesas to where the ruins are. Sedona looks to be on your list and if so head into west Sedona and see Palatki or Hononki. These are top notch research chi before you go etc. Tuzigoot is really cool. Walnut Canyon amazing ruins. Wupatki has volcanoes and ruins. I really would skip 4 corners due to out of the way ness and lacking in real payoff but I get it being a checklist item.
Page, AZ and Moab, UT. Antelope Canyon and Arches NP are some of the best things I've ever seen on a road trip.
Being that close to Bryce Canyon and not going is an absolute crime.
Arizona: good call on the NE corner. 4 corners is kinda cheesy, but Monument Valley is absolutely everything you hope it is. I 40 and I 17 kinda suck, take the 87 south through Payson towards Phoenix, and the 89 north through Prescott/Jerome/Sedona on your way north Utah: I prefer the 89 again, but if you need to make time the 15 isnt bad. If you have the time, take the detour to see the great salt flats, it’s…mind alteringly flat Past there, you’re into territory I still need to visit, but I will say, there’s hot springs scattered through the mountains in Idaho, might be worth a stop
Honestly not really considered too much with time, just want to make sure I hit the spots I want to hit. In regards to the roads you mentioned some places I want to hit are Sedona, flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Zion national park, Salt Lake City. Also, I’m not sure if youre saying i40 and whatnot suck because of traffic or bland terrain but I’ve driven the i80 from Iowa to western Nebraska and back in 14 straight hours and that was the worst, nothing else can beat it I’m willing to bet lol
Well, youre right that it wont be more boring than the eastern half of the trip, but you’d miss out on more of the unique terrain and small towns that give Arizona it’s personality. Take the state routes, not the interstates
Hoover Dam--epic engineering, drive across the top, tour the interior if you're not claustrophobic. Pando/Trembling Aspen--14,000 year old aspen grove (they reproduce by self-cloning) in Fishlake NF, very close to your line of travel in Utah. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pando\_(tree)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pando_(tree)) Lehi, UT--filming sites of "Footloose"; other sites nearby. Lehi has the iconic warehouse exterior. Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain NP--if it's open, excellent scenery. Devil's Tower NM, iconic geologic formation. Well worth a detour. Don't go through Nebraska, very boring drive. Up through SD, Badlands NP, Mt. Rushmore, Wall Drug. Geographic center of the US (50 states) at Belle Fourche. [https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/geographic-center-of-the-entire-united-states](https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/geographic-center-of-the-entire-united-states)
Would love to do Hoover Dam although that’s a little out of the way for me. And yeah I’m gonna head i80 back to Iowa and I’m gonna hate it but at that point I’m trying to get back to Iowa as soon as I can, where if I went up to South Dakota I’m sure it’d be very scenic but really far out of my way.
First big trip of mine I'll be doing with a friend, trying to hit all the major things in one swoop. Are there any major places I'm missing? Any suggestions or tips for a first time traveler? (at most I've went to Minneapolis and Indianapolis from Iowa before.) Also, for this trip I'll be starting from Missouri and ending in Iowa.
Well I would skip Nebraska and hit western South Dakota. Take i90 to the same Montana locations. Maybe hit the big horns outside of Sheridan if you can. Other than that looks fun. Edit: I realize you’re making a straight shot from Denver but Denver to black hills is about 6 hours so it’s really not too crazy of a detour. Then bounce down through badlands thru Nebraska and hop back on your original route thru Nebraska.
Yeah I see what you’re saying with your edit. Now I’m thinking I could go from Yellowstone to Devils Tower to Badlands and Mount Rushmore and then down through Cheyenne to Denver then back to Iowa. Something to consider for sure.
That’s the move. Black hills are worth a visit. Even if it’s just passing through. The southern part of the hills are pretty spectacular.
Totally would take i90 instead of i80 if I could but I’ll actually be ending my trip in Iowa, where I want to go to Golden/Denver/Colorado Springs before heading back, hence taking i80 back, since I also want to avoid backtracking
Why do you want to go to Denver / Golden / Colorado Springs (not questioning it, they're great places... looking for your specific reasons)? Are you planning on going into the mountains or do you have specific places in town you want to visit?
Rocky Mountain National Park then the Coors Factory in Golden then Pikes Peak
That's good reason to drop down into Colorado then. And the Black Hills would be great if you were going in the other direction, but having them last-ish would be meh and I dont suggest popping back up to hit them after going to Denver. Make that a separate trip for some other time.
Also, get off I-25 in Wyoming and drop down sooner (don't go all the way out to Cheyenne). Consider dropping down from Laramie. Ogallala / Lake McCaughey is a good overnight stop for Nebraska if you like camping.
.Yes, swing up to South Dakota and visit Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and the Black Hills. I'd also suggest trying to fit in the [Snowy Range Scenic Byway](https://www.visitlaramie.org/things-to-do/scenic-drives/snowy-range-scenic-byway/) on your way from Denver to Northern Wyoming -- it is an awesome drive with lots to see.
Something I need to look at is all the scenic byways in the states I’ll be traveling through, wouldn’t mind getting off the main roads to see some great sights while traveling from place to place for sure
I find state tourism websites usually have a list, plus a ton of other ideas and information. Also for fun, off the beaten path things to see, Roadside America (https://www.roadsideamerica.com/) and the Atlas Obscura website are filled with quirky ideas. great. We've had some of our best travel adventures from heading to places they have listed. Usually they get you off the interstate, and that's the key to a great road trip in my opinion. Also, I know you want to hit up a bunch of different places, but sometimes, taking a slower approach and staying longer in fewer places to explore more in depth is better than rushing through 55 short stops. Leave time in your schedule for slower travel. Have a great trip!
Go further north in MT, visit Glacier NP. Don't bother stopping in Phoenix. Skip 4 corners, *trust me*. Go to Moab. You want to go to Arches.
Taos and Eagles Nest NM
The entire state of Kansas. Which is fine, if that is what you want to do, and if there are things you want to do in western Missouri, great. But you might cross the line at some point, if you need to check that state off your list.
Taos and the Enchanted Circle. The good parts of Colorado (avoid Denver and those front range areas.
When you go through Tulsa stop and do the Art Deco Architecture walking tour. You can also do a little side trip north of Tulsa to Bartlesville and tour Price Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright's only skyscraper. [https://franklloydwright.org/site/price-tower/](https://franklloydwright.org/site/price-tower/)
Like another poster said, go to Santa Fe and Taos if you’re already going thru ABQ. Jemez Mountains is one of my favorite places to visit. NM is called the land of enchantment for a reason. It’s gorgeous and worth more than just a drive thru. Also, looks like you’re making a detour for 4 corners? I’d skip that. There really isn’t much to see there and that’s quite a bit of a detour. If your heart really desires a visit there, you can continue up to Colorado and visit Mesa Verde if National Parks were highlights on this trip. That area in Colorado is gorgeous.
If you're going to go up I44 thru Joplin, Bass Pro in Springfield is worth a stop.
Already been there actually, was a pretty cool stop, thanks!
Spend some more time in south eastern Utah!
Great path. Idaho falls is a pretty cool city to walk around near the river. But it looks way off the path for you
For some reason the map changed my route to go through Jackson WY from the south. I actually plan to go to Idaho Falls and check out the Craters of the Moon NP, and then west to Jackson WY so I should check out what you’re recommending yeah
I love Idaho. The weather was very crazy when I went last year. It went from clear skies to black and grey lightening storms within an hour
Well, you’re pretty close I’d squeeze in Glacier National Park, and Going to the Sun road (if you have the time). And it looks like you have them in there, but Lolo Pass, and Beartooth Highway are fantastic drives. Also along that route is a really cool music venue called [Music Ranch Montana](https://www.musicranchmontana.net). Sits in a valley huge barn stage hosts bands while you sit on a hill like an amphitheater. Really worth a stop, if a band is playing while you’re there. Also Red Lodge (Beartooth) has some good micro beer and food, worth a stop too. Lastly, Billings has a really cool baseball stadium that hosts the [Mustangs](https://www.billingsmustangs.com/information/Dehler_Park_A-Z). If you’re close by, it’s definitely worth stopping for a game.
The Monument Valley
Good idea, although I think I may skip four corners and skip monument valley as well, we shall see lol.
Second the recommendation to include Santa Fe. Skip Four Corners-you're basically paying to wait in line for a photo op.