Where to go on a western USA 10-day roadtrip in order to get the most variety?

Question

In mid-May my boyfriend and I are flying out west to take a roadtrip. Our goal is to get away from it all and see varying geographies without having to drive forever... I only want to go through a couple of states so we have time to enjoy each place. We're in search of mountains, forest, desert, lakes, and possibley ocean -- but most of all, wilderness. I'd love to see some great cities, but with unpopulated natue in between. I don't want to drive along the California coast only to be met with 20 other tourists everytime I try to pull over into a scenic turnout. Our original plan was LA to Portland, but we thought that might be too long and overcrowded. Some new options we've come up with: Phoenix to Denver, Montana to Seattle, or Oregon to Vancouver. I'm really open to anything, but I definitely want to see some desert if that can be in the mix. Any recommendations of routes? Cities to fly into/out of? Highways that are super scenic but sparsely populated? Thanks!

The states we're most interested in seeing are Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and anything west of that... no offense to the Great Plains! We plan on staying in cheap motels we find along the way, or possibly sleeping in our car. Ideally I'd like to rent a small SUV or jeep, but it sounds like rental companies will only give you a small car if you are under 25 (which I am), and additionally I will have to pay extra. But we definitely want to drive it ourselves, instead of being stuck on a bus, etc. Driving is one of the best parts!

Answer 1

Wyoming alone has allot to look at. If you are to rent a jeep you could see the hole in the wall were butch and his gang hid out. Devils Tower is a fun place to visit and Yellowstone National Park.

Answer 2

Hey! If you do not mind some driving I would suggest starting in Las Vegas...yep Vegas baby! You can get your fill of desert and then head north thru Utah...Salt Lake city is nice and the mountains are very cool. There is more to Utah then inbreeding so don't be shy...that is WAY in the past (mostly). Head on up into Wyoming and visit the Great Tetons and Yellowstone National parks (they are neighbors). Scoot over to Portland or Seatle and then work your way down the coast and back to Vegas. Perhaps via Tahoe/Reno area...enjoy.

Answer 3

You're right...don't do just the California Coast. I would start in Las Vegas and go west through the desert, (be sure to check out Hoover Dam) then go North through Yosemite or the Tahoe area. Then, go west through California wine country to the coast up 101 - At Crescent City cut over to I-5 and see Crater lake in Oregon, continue N on 5 to Portland, cut west and follow the coast to Anacortes, WA and catch the Ferry to Vancouver.

You'll see Vegas, desert, canyons, big cities, the coast, the mountains, the redwoods, heat, cold, fog and national treasures!

Answer 4

This is a perfect time for the Grand Canyon. Then zoom up through the Sierras (gotta see Yosemite), then jump back out through Northern Nevada and rush over to see Bryce & Zion. Then jump up to the Grand Tetons and over through Yellowstone before it explodes.

If time allows, you might be able to fit in the the Badlands and Mt. Rushmore. But have fun whatever you do...

Answer 5

God has been type to allow me stay immediately.the following day won't in any respect come.So I could desire to be happy approximately immediately.And as quickly as I awaken on the morrow,the ask your self of being alive is quite friendly. Have a impressive day.

Answer 6

l.a. - palm springs - grand canyon - las vegas - death valley - yosemitte - siera nevada - san francisco.

all in 7-10 days.

Answer 7

INCLUDE THE GRAND CANYON AND THE DRIVE ALONG OAK CREEK CANYON BETWEEN SEDONA AND FLAGSTAFF
GOD BLESS