The vast, open spaces of the American West beckon, promising adventure and breathtaking vistas found only behind the wheel. Taking a road trip across this diverse landscape is more than just travel; it’s an immersion into nature’s grandeur and the unique spirit of the land. As a girl from road trip, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing many such journeys, and one of the most memorable led me from the high plains of Colorado all the way to the verdant beauty of Oregon. This adventure was a tapestry woven with red rock arches, unique hoodoos, vibrant city lights, and serene alpine lakes, truly showcasing the varied viewpoints and wonders this country holds. It’s a call to the church of nature, a soul-searching escape that reminds you of the sheer freedom the open road offers.
My journey, like any great road trip, had its planned stops but also left room for spontaneous discoveries. This balance, I believe, is the secret ingredient to a truly unforgettable American drive. Join me as I share postcards from this incredible trek from Denver, Colorado, tracing a path through Utah and Nevada before finally arriving in Oregon. This is the story of a girl from road trip exploring the heart of the West. For those looking for diverse experiences across the states, exploring iconic food scenes like finding the best bbq in austin can be another incredible dimension to an American adventure, although far from this particular route.
“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.” ― Jack Kerouac, On the Road
Martian Landscapes and Ancient Arches: Moab, Utah with the girl from road trip
Our first major stop took the girl from road trip to one of my absolute favorite U.S. National Parks: Arches. Located just outside the charming town of Moab, Utah, Arches National Park presents a landscape unlike any other, dominated by towering red rock formations that could easily convince you you’ve landed on Mars. It’s a place that has drawn me back multiple times, always offering something new to impress visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
Starting your visit at the Welcome Center near Moab is essential. If you’re traveling with children, signing up for the Junior Ranger program is a fantastic way to engage them, providing a booklet filled with activities designed to teach them about the park’s unique geology and biology. The sheer scale and vibrant colors of the formations, like the Courthouse Towers, immediately capture your imagination.
Red rock Courthouse Towers stand tall in Arches National Park, a sight for the girl from road trip
Arches National Park is open year-round, but the visitor center hours vary by season, so it’s wise to check the official website before you go. As of the last update referenced, the entrance fee per vehicle covered all occupants for a 7-day period.
Navigating Arches: Tips from the girl from road trip
The park is most crowded from March to October. Summer months (June-August) can see temperatures soar past 100°F (37°C), and shade is scarce. Hydration is critical; bring plenty of water as facilities are limited beyond the main visitor center. Sunscreen and sturdy hiking shoes are non-negotiable for exploring the trails and getting up close to the iconic arches.
Don’t miss formations like Balanced Rock, Sand Dune Arch (a fun spot, especially with kids, featuring a sandy trail), and the Windows Arches section. For a longer walk, the trail to Landscape Arch in the Devil’s Garden area offers a glimpse of one of the world’s longest natural arches, though its fragile structure means it might not last forever. The challenging 3.2-mile roundtrip hike to Delicate Arch, particularly at sunset, is a truly magical experience that makes it clear why Utah chose this arch for its license plates. It’s a highlight for any girl from road trip.
Landscape Arch trail in Devil’s Garden, Arches National Park, explored by the girl from road trip
Sand Dune Arch in Arches National Park, a unique stop for the girl from road trip
Windows Arch seen from the trail in Arches National Park, Utah, on a girl from road trip adventure
Where to Stay and Eat near Arches
While the main campground inside the park may have limited availability (check the NPS website for current status), there are other campgrounds outside the entrance. For a family-friendly option with amenities, the Moab KOA offers “Kamper Kabins” and features like a swimming pool and mini-golf, providing a comfortable base after dusty park excursions.
For dining, the Jailhouse Cafe in Moab stands out for its excellent brunch, offering a delicious start to your day of exploration. Be sure to check their opening hours, as they can vary. It’s a favored spot by this girl from road trip.
Scenic landscape view near Moab, Utah, where the Arches National Park adventure began for the girl from road trip
Descending into Hoodoo Valley: Bryce Canyon National Park Visited by the girl from road trip
Utah boasts five magnificent National Parks, a testament to its incredible geological diversity. While perhaps a bit less traveled than Zion or Arches for some, Bryce Canyon National Park offers a vista that is entirely unique and profoundly impressive. Its signature feature is the hoodoos – bizarre, spire-like rock formations created by frost weathering and stream erosion. These quirky towers, banded in whites, oranges, and reds, fill the valley below the rim. Standing on the rim gazing down is breathtaking, but hiking among the hoodoos is an experience the girl from road trip highly recommends for truly appreciating their scale and complexity.
Unique hoodoo rock formations seen from the rim at Bryce Canyon National Park, a highlight for the girl from road trip
The Bryce Canyon visitor center is an excellent resource, offering talks, presentations, and detailed information on the park’s geology. Its hours also change seasonally, so check ahead.
Essential Tips for Exploring Bryce Canyon
Unlike many parks, Bryce Canyon hikes typically start at the rim and descend into the canyon. This means the trek back up requires energy! Be prepared with water, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear. Horseback trail rides are also available for a different perspective into the canyon.
Highlights not to miss include the iconic Thor’s Hammer and the Slot Canyon section on the Navajo Loop Trail. For a truly awe-inspiring experience, consider attending one of the Astrology Nights held at the visitor center. Bryce Canyon’s isolation from urban light pollution makes it a prime spot for stargazing, offering the potential to see the Milky Way and thousands of stars with incredible clarity. This celestial display adds another layer of wonder to the journey of a girl from road trip.
Thor’s Hammer hoodoo on the Navajo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park, a must-see for the girl from road trip
Staying in and around Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon has two campgrounds within the park (South and Watchman), but reservations, especially for Watchman, are highly recommended due to popularity. For lodging, the historic Bryce Canyon Lodge and Cabins offer the only in-park accommodations from April through mid-November. Numerous options are also available just outside the park in nearby communities.
A Quirky Stop for the girl from road trip: Rocks and Gems in Orderville, Utah
No classic American road trip is complete without stumbling upon some curious, authentic roadside attractions that embody the spirit of Americana. Driving along Route 89 between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, you’ll find just such a place in the small town of Orderville, Utah. This stop is a gem, literally and figuratively, for anyone with even a passing interest in rocks and minerals.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a “rock hound,” a visit to one of the iconic shops here might just change your mind. Where else can you browse geodes, onyx, petrified wood, crystals, and even fossilized dinosaur teeth in one spot? It’s a delightful pause on the journey, offering a unique local flavor that the girl from road trip found utterly fascinating.
Don’t miss The Rock Stop and Fisher’s Rock Shop & Jewelry for their diverse and often surprising selections. These stops provide a tactile connection to the ancient geology of the region you’ve been driving through.
The Rock Stop in Orderville, Utah, another fascinating place to find rocks and gems on the girl from road trip
Zion National Park: Communing with Angels for the girl from road trip
Often described as heaven on earth, Zion National Park is a place that truly moves you, regardless of your beliefs. For this girl from road trip, it firmly holds a spot in my top three U.S. National Parks, thanks to its epic and awe-inspiring landscapes. Compared to the barren, Martian hues of Arches, Zion is dramatically greener, nestled within a stunning slot canyon carved by the Virgin River. It’s also one of the most popular parks in the Western U.S., welcoming millions of visitors annually. Planning your visit for early summer or early fall can help you experience its majesty with slightly fewer crowds.
The nearby town of Springdale, much like Moab, serves as a vibrant outpost for park visitors, hikers, and families. The Virgin River flows right through Springdale, offering beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities. The town provides excellent options for accommodation, restaurants, cafes, and crucial stops for the free shuttle service that transports visitors directly into the park, essential for most visits.
Entrance sign for Zion National Park, Utah, marking a significant stop for the girl from road trip
Getting Around and What Not to Miss in Zion
Starting at the Visitor Center is crucial. Here, you can pick up maps, guidebooks, check current trail conditions, and get information on the shuttle system. The center also has clean restrooms, a gift shop, and places to fill up your water bottle with refreshing Zion spring water.
A top tip for visiting Zion: parking inside the park is extremely limited and fills up quickly, often by mid-morning. The smartest approach is to park in Springdale and utilize the free shuttle system, which operates from March to November. This saves you the hassle of hunting for a parking spot.
Must-see spots include Weeping Rock and the Riverside Walk along the Virgin River. During warmer months, a hike up The Narrows – literally walking in and out of the river through the canyon – is an unforgettable adventure, though it can get very crowded. The Visitor Center staff can offer suggestions for less-trafficked trails that still offer spectacular viewpoints.
Riverside Walk along the Virgin River in Zion National Park, a peaceful trail enjoyed by the girl from road trip
Hiking the Virgin River Narrows in Zion National Park, Utah, a memorable experience for the girl from road trip
Accommodations and Dining near Zion
Zion offers camping within the canyon at South and Watchman Campgrounds, with reservations available online for Watchman. These spots are popular and often fill up early, highlighting the park’s demand. The Zion National Park Lodge provides the only year-round lodging option inside the park.
For lodging outside the park, Springdale offers a range of choices. If you’re looking to splurge, the Desert Pearl Inn is highly recommended by this girl from road trip. Its spacious family rooms, especially those on the Virgin River side, open onto grassy areas along the shaded riverbank, with stunning views of the red rocks. The river here is shallow and calm, perfect for children to play in, catch frogs, or simply relax by. The pool with red rock views is another wonderful amenity.
Dining options abound in Springdale. The Bit and Spur Restaurant and Saloon offers Tex-Mex with character, featuring fun decor and a great outdoor patio – perfect for unwinding after a day of hiking. Their margaritas and guacamole are a treat. A classic American road trip stop near Zion, especially if heading towards Vegas, is Larsen’s Frostop Drive-In in St George. Burgers, fries, and milkshakes of every flavor provide a nostalgic taste of Americana.
Kids swimming in the Virgin River near Springdale, Utah, enjoying the water during the girl from road trip
Classic Larsen’s Frostop Drive-In sign in Utah, a nostalgic stop for the girl from road trip heading towards Vegas
A Flash of Neon: Las Vegas, Nevada, for the girl from road trip
Every good road trip needs a bit of contrast, a dash of yang to nature’s yin. After the serene beauty of the national parks, a stop in Las Vegas, Nevada, provides just that. While often known as “Sin City,” a single night in Vegas can be a fascinating experience, even with children. The sheer spectacle of the neon lights and themed hotels is captivating for everyone. The girl from road trip believes it’s possible to enjoy Vegas responsibly as a family, focusing on specific attractions and daytime/early evening exploration.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, an iconic photo stop for the girl from road trip
The classic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign is a mandatory photo stop. Conveniently located in a median with dedicated parking, it’s an instant classic for any road trip album.
Experiencing Vegas with Family
To minimize exposure to the more adult aspects of Vegas, focus exploration on specific, family-friendly sites during the day and early evening. Many major hotels on the Strip boast incredible pools that are a massive hit with families, offering a welcome respite after days of camping and hiking.
Don’t miss the iconic water show in front of the Bellagio, the thrill of the Big Apple roller coaster atop New York-New York, exploring the unique shopping experience under the simulated sky at Caesars Palace, or the dazzling light show at the Fremont Street Experience downtown. These attractions provide plenty of entertainment without venturing into casinos.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
Las Vegas offers accommodations for every budget imaginable. If you prefer lodging away from the casino floor’s constant buzz, lists of non-gaming hotels are available online. For a unique family-friendly experience, this girl from road trip recommends the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino downtown, part of the Fremont Street Experience. Its pool features a waterslide that goes through a shark tank, providing hours of unforgettable entertainment. Being part of the Fremont Street Experience also offers easy access to nightly light shows and other attractions under the massive LED canopy.
Crossing the High Desert: Hawthorne, Nevada, on the girl from road trip Route
Leaving the dazzling lights of Las Vegas behind, the road trip continues north towards the serene alpine lakes. Traversing Nevada is a journey across vast, wild landscapes of tumbleweeds, sagebrush, scattered teepees, and an abundance of cacti. It takes determination, but the target – Lake Tahoe – is well worth the drive.
Along this stretch of seemingly endless high desert, the peculiar town of Hawthorne, Nevada, appears almost out of nowhere. With a population centered around the local Army depot, Hawthorne offers a unique glimpse into a different facet of the American West. It’s worth a stop, particularly to visit the free Mineral County Museum. This museum provides a fascinating look back in time, illustrating life in this remote part of the country through historical artifacts and exhibits. It’s a quiet but insightful pause for the girl from road trip.
Vast Nevada landscape with a barn, seen during the girl from road trip journey
A roadside teepee structure in the Nevada landscape, a quirky sight for the girl from road trip
Sign for the Mineral County Museum in Hawthorne, Nevada, a historical stop for the girl from road trip
Don’t miss the Mineral County Museum for an unexpected dive into local history on this long drive.
Crystal Clear Waters: Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California Border, Hosts the girl from road trip
Ahhh. You’ve made it. After the desolation of the Nevada high desert, the welcoming whispers of Lake Tahoe call through the tall pines. The largest alpine lake in the United States, Lake Tahoe straddles the border of Nevada and California, offering stunning beauty and recreational opportunities on both sides. For this girl from road trip, arriving at Tahoe felt like reaching an oasis. We chose to stay on the California side for this particular trip, settling in for a couple of nights to truly soak in the serenity.
Summer view of Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, California, a stunning scene for the girl from road trip
While summer offers beautiful weather for water activities, Lake Tahoe is also a world-class winter destination, home to renowned ski resorts like Heavenly, Diamond Peak, Squaw Valley (now Palisades Tahoe), and Mount Rose.
Activities and Sights at Lake Tahoe
Whether visiting in summer or winter, there’s plenty to do. In warmer months, exploring South Lake Tahoe and the incredibly scenic Emerald Bay is a must. On the Nevada side, taking the Heavenly Gondola offers amazing panoramic views of the lake and a restaurant at the top. To get out on the water, consider a cruise on a sternwheeler departing from Zephyr Cove.
Sunset over Lake Tahoe with boats, a beautiful end to the day for the girl from road trip
Camping and Dining at Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a prime camping destination with numerous campgrounds available. Websites like The Dyrt offer crowd-sourced reviews to help you find the perfect spot. We stayed at William Kent Campground near Tahoe City on the California side. The rustic, wooded sites across the street from the lake offered easy access to the water and nearby Tahoe City for supplies. A critical feature at campgrounds here are bear lockers – use them diligently to protect your food and yourselves! It’s a necessary precaution for the girl from road trip in bear country.
As for dining, while Tahoe City has restaurants, one quintessential American summer road trip “meal” reigns supreme: S’mores around a campfire. With just three simple ingredients – marshmallows (American Jet-Puffed are superior, believe me!), Honey-Maid graham crackers, and Hershey’s chocolate – you create pure perfection. Toast your marshmallow to a golden-brown meltiness, place it on a graham cracker with a piece of chocolate, top with another graham, and let the chocolate melt slightly. That first bite, warm and gooey, will bring a smile to your face and make you crave “some more.” It’s an essential taste of the American road trip experience for any girl from road trip.
Campsite sign for William Kent Campground at Lake Tahoe, California, a place the girl from road trip camped
The Deepest Blue: Crater Lake National Park Welcomes the girl from road trip Home
Our journey nears its end as we head north into Southern Oregon to visit Crater Lake National Park. This stunning park is home to the deepest freshwater lake in the United States (Lake Tahoe is the second deepest). Crater Lake sits within the caldera of Mount Mazama, a volcano that erupted approximately 8,000 years ago.
Snow still lingering in summer at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, experienced by the girl from road trip
Even visiting in mid to late June, we found that summer hadn’t fully arrived; snow still covered some roads and trails, and overcast skies obscured the vibrant deep blue the lake is famous for. Despite this, the park’s dramatic caldera and pristine waters still left a powerful impression on the girl from road trip.
From Crater Lake, it was a final push home to Portland, Oregon. After covering nearly 2,000 miles (3,200 km) in roughly a week, the comfort of our own beds and showers was a welcome thought. Our feet were weary, but our minds were filled with indelible images and experiences.
The post-trip feeling for a girl from road trip is always a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. The wonders seen, the distances covered, and the sheer freedom of the open road leave lasting watermarks on your soul. The landscapes of the American West offer endless opportunities for discovery.
This journey from Colorado to Oregon, navigating diverse terrains, experiencing natural wonders, and encountering unique slices of Americana, was an experience that deeply resonated with the spirit of exploration. It’s a testament to the simple yet profound power of hitting the road. Get out there, buy the ticket, take the ride, and feel the freedom that awaits.