Cross-Country Transit: Huntington Beach to Southern Illinois
A focused 4-day transcontinental drive from the Pacific coast to the heart of Illinois. This efficient corridor route follows the historic I-40 and I-44, balancing long-distance transit with iconic American West landmarks.
Huntington Beach -> Flagstaff -> Santa Rosa -> Tulsa -> Creal Springs
- Lowell Observatory
- Blue Hole
- Oklahoma City National Memorial
- Gateway Arch
Ascending the Plateau from the Pacific
5851 Snead Dr
5851 Snead Dr, Huntington Beach, CA, US
Kelso Depot
Kelso Depot, Mojave National Preserve, CA, US
Lowell Observatory
Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, AZ, US
Painted Deserts and Turquoise Waters
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park, Holbrook, AZ, US
Blue Hole
Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, NM, US
Crossing the Plains to the Green Country
Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX, US
Oklahoma City National Memorial
Oklahoma City National Memorial, Oklahoma City, OK, US
Center of the Universe
Center of the Universe, Tulsa, OK, US
Mississippi River Crossing and Final Arrival
Gateway Arch
Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO, US
349 Circle Dr
349 Circle Dr, Creal Springs, IL, US
- Check weather for high-elevation passes around Flagstaff, especially in early spring.
- Ensure the vehicle is fully serviced; cell service can be spotty in Mojave and New Mexico desert stretches.
- Pre-book lodging in smaller towns like Santa Rosa to ensure availability during peak travel dates.
- Day 1: 8h 7m driving — plan rest stops
- Day 2: 7h 4m driving — plan rest stops
- Day 3: 7h 50m driving — plan rest stops
- Day 4: 7h 52m driving — plan rest stops