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Denver to SF: The Grand West

This 21-day odyssey takes you from the Rockies through the red rocks of Utah, the neon of Vegas, the granite peaks of the Sierras, and finishes at the Golden Gate.

21days
22stops
DAY01

Denver Int'l Airport → LoDo District

Overnight in LoDo District
  1. 14:00
    Denver Int'l Airport· start
  3. 17:00
    LoDo District· overnight
Denver Eats
  • Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs · Wild game sausages like reindeer or elk. Totally unique Denver staple.
Initial Costs
Car Rental
$1200
DAY02

Estes Park

Overnight in Estes Park
  1. 12:00
    Estes Park
Mountain Dining
  • The Stanley Hotel · Grab a cocktail at the Cascades Whisky Bar. Very 'The Shining' vibes.
Park Fees
Park Pass
$80
DAY03

Trail Ridge Road

Overnight in Trail Ridge Road
  1. 10:00
    Trail Ridge Road
Local Favorites
  • Bird & Jim · Modern mountain food. The roasted cauliflower is a game-changer.
DAY04

Moab

Overnight in Moab
  1. 18:00
    Moab
Roadside Snacks
  • Palisade Peaches · If it's summer, stop at a roadside stand for the world's best peaches.
DAY05

Delicate Arch

Overnight in Delicate Arch
  1. 16:00
    Delicate Arch
Moab Classics
  • Milt's Stop & Eat · Old school burgers and buffalo milkshakes. Perfect after hiking.
DAY06

Mesa Arch

Overnight in Mesa Arch
  1. 06:00
    Mesa Arch
Post-Hike Brews
  • Moab Brewery · Local beers and hearty food. Try the Dead Horse Amber Ale.
DAY07

Capitol Reef

Overnight in Capitol Reef
  1. 11:00
    Capitol Reef
Hidden Gem
  • Hell's Backbone Grill · In Boulder, UT. Award-winning farm-to-table in the middle of nowhere.
DAY08

Inspiration Point

Overnight in Inspiration Point
  1. 09:00
    Inspiration Point
Sweet Treats
  • Bryce Canyon Pines · Famous for their homemade pies. Get the boysenberry.
DAY09

Zion Canyon

Overnight in Zion Canyon
  1. 14:00
    Zion Canyon
Springdale Eats
  • Oscar's Cafe · Huge portions of Mexican-American food in Springdale.
DAY10

Angels Landing

Overnight in Angels Landing
  1. 08:00
    Angels Landing
Park Lunch
  • Zion Lodge · Eat lunch under the massive cottonwood tree.
DAY11

Las Vegas Strip

Overnight in Las Vegas Strip
  1. 16:00
    Las Vegas Strip
Strip Snacks
  • Tacos El Gordo · Authentic Tijuana-style tacos. The line is worth it.
DAY12

Fremont Street

Overnight in Fremont Street
  1. 20:00
    Fremont Street
Feast Mode
  • Bacchanal Buffet · The king of all buffets at Caesars Palace. Go hungry.
DAY13

Lone Pine

Overnight in Lone Pine
  1. 17:00
    Lone Pine
Lone Pine Eats
  • Alabama Hills Cafe · Classic diner food in Lone Pine. Great breakfast.
DAY14

Mammoth Lakes

Overnight in Mammoth Lakes
  1. 14:00
    Mammoth Lakes
Mountain Brews
  • Mammoth Brewing Co · Great patio and even better burgers. Try the Epic IPA.
DAY15

Tenaya Lake

Overnight in Tenaya Lake
  1. 13:00
    Tenaya Lake
Legendary Stop
  • Whoa Nellie Deli · Inside a gas station at Lee Vining. Best fish tacos in the state.
DAY16

Tunnel View

Overnight in Tunnel View
  1. 09:00
    Tunnel View
Historic Dining
  • The Ahwahnee · Even if you don't stay, have a drink in the grand dining room.
DAY17

Glacier Point

Overnight in Glacier Point
  1. 11:00
    Glacier Point
Picnic Prep
  • Degnan's Kitchen · Good deli sandwiches for a picnic at the point.
DAY18

San Francisco

Overnight in San Francisco
  1. 16:00
    San Francisco
Cali Classic
  • In-N-Out Burger · A California rite of passage. Get it 'Animal Style'.
DAY19

Fisherman's Wharf

Overnight in Fisherman's Wharf
  1. 10:00
    Fisherman's Wharf
Seafood Stops
  • Sotto Mare · Best Cioppino in North Beach. Authentic and loud.
DAY20

Alamo Square

Overnight in Alamo Square
  1. 14:00
    Alamo Square
Mission Eats
  • La Taqueria · The gold standard for Mission-style burritos. No rice!
DAY21

SFO Airport

  1. 12:00
    SFO Airport
Final Breakfast
  • Tartine Bakery · World-famous bread and pastries. Expect a line.
Heads Up
  • Day 4: 5h 30m driving — plan rest stops
  • Book RMNP and Yosemite entry permits early
  • Check Tioga Pass opening dates (seasonal)
  • Hydrate constantly in the desert