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places - stay

This route takes you from the Pacific coast through the Sierra Nevada, across the high desert of Nevada, into Utah's 'Mighty 5' red rocks, and finally over the Colorado Rockies. It's the ultimate American West road trip.

8days
20stops
2306km
DAY01

San Francisco → Yosemite Valley

314 km · 4h 2m driving · Overnight in Yosemite Valley
  1. 08:00
    San Francisco· start
  2. 302 km · 3h 46m
  3. 13:30
    Tunnel View
  4. 11 km · 16m
  5. 16:00
    Yosemite Valley· overnight
Valley Eats
  • Degnan's Kitchen · Solid deli sandwiches and coffee right in the heart of the valley.
  • The Ahwahnee Dining Room · Pricey, but the high ceilings and views are legendary. Dress up a bit.
Day 1 Budget
Park Entry
$35
Yosemite Lodge
$280
DAY02

Tioga Road → Mammoth Lakes

127 km · 2h 15m driving · Overnight in Mammoth Lakes
  1. 09:00
    Tioga Road· start
  2. 115 km · 2h
  3. 13:00
    Mono Lake
  4. 12 km · 15m
  5. 16:00
    Mammoth Lakes· overnight
Mountain Fuel
  • Whoa Nellie Deli · Inside a gas station but world-famous fish tacos. Seriously.
  • Mammoth Brewing Co · Great local beers and huge burgers to refuel after the drive.
Mountain Budget
Gas
$50
Mammoth Hotel
$220
DAY03

Alabama Hills → Las Vegas

358 km · 4h 1m driving · long drive · Overnight in Las Vegas
  1. 09:00
    Alabama Hills· start
  2. 171 km · 1h 50m
  3. 13:00
    Zabriskie Point
  4. 187 km · 2h 11m
  5. 18:00
    Las Vegas· overnight
Roadside & Neon
  • Alabama Hills Cafe · Old school diner in Lone Pine. Get the homemade pie.
  • Best Friend · Koreatown vibes in the Park MGM. The short rib tacos are a game-changer.
Vegas Stakes
Gas
$70
Vegas Hotel
$180
DAY04

Valley of Fire → Zion National Park

80 km · 50m driving · Overnight in Zion National Park
  1. 10:00
    Valley of Fire· start
  2. 80 km · 50m
  3. 14:30
    Zion National Park· overnight
Canyon Fuel
  • Oscar's Cafe · Massive portions of Mexican-American food in Springdale. Great patio.
  • Zion Canyon Brew Pub · Right at the park entrance. Perfect for a post-hike pint.
Zion Budget
Zion Shuttle
$0
Springdale Hotel
$250
DAY05

Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy → Bryce Canyon

8.1 km · 12m driving · Overnight in Bryce Canyon
  1. 09:00
    Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy· start
  2. 8.1 km · 12m
  3. 13:00
    Bryce Canyon· overnight
Rustic Eats
  • Thunderbird Restaurant · Home of the 'Ho-Made' pie. A classic roadside stop.
  • Bryce Canyon Pines · Hearty steaks and country cooking. Very rustic and cozy.
Today's Spend
Gas
$30
Bryce Lodge
$210
DAY06

Scenic Byway 12 → Moab

191 km · 2h 32m driving · Overnight in Moab
  1. 09:00
    Scenic Byway 12· start
  2. 73 km · 55m
  3. 13:00
    Capitol Reef
  4. 117 km · 1h 37m
  5. 18:00
    Moab· overnight
Byway Bites
  • Hell's Backbone Grill · Farm-to-table in the middle of nowhere. Award-winning and amazing.
  • Milt's Stop & Eat · Old school Moab burger joint. The buffalo burgers are legit.
Moab Budget
Gas
$60
Moab Hotel
$240
DAY07

Arches National Park → Glenwood Springs

8.3 km · 9m driving · Overnight in Glenwood Springs
  1. 07:00
    Arches National Park· start
  2. 8.3 km · 9m
  3. 16:00
    Glenwood Springs· overnight
Border Eats
  • Love Muffin Cafe · Best breakfast burritos in Moab. Grab one for the road.
  • The Pullman · Modern American food in an old train station vibe in Glenwood.
Relaxation Budget
Hot Springs Entry
$40
Glenwood Hotel
$200
DAY08

Glenwood Canyon → Denver

1220 km · 10h 56m driving · long drive
  1. 10:00
    Glenwood Canyon· start
  2. 1220 km · 10h 56m
  3. 15:00
    Denver
The Last Meal
  • Village Smithy · Legendary breakfast spot in Carbondale just south of Glenwood.
  • Avanti F&B · Modern food hall in Denver with a killer rooftop view of the city.
Final Tally
Gas
$40
Celebration Dinner
$100
Heads Up
  • Day 3: 6h 5m driving — plan rest stops
  • Day 8: 19h 28m driving — plan rest stops
  • Book National Park entries early
  • Check Tioga Pass seasonal status
  • Hydrate constantly in the desert