Rockies to the Big Easy
From the peaks of the Rockies to the jazz of the Bayou, this is the ultimate American road trip.
Fernie → Glacier NP → Yellowstone → Grand Teton → Utah 5 → Denver → St. Louis → Chicago → Nashville → Memphis → New Orleans
- Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Old Faithful
- Delicate Arch
- The Narrows
- Gateway Arch
- The Bean
- Graceland
- French Quarter
Day 1 · Crossing the Border
Pure driving day, but the desert highway views are unreal.
Fernie, BC
Fuel up and grab coffee before heading south.
Roosville Border Crossing
Quick crossing into the Big Sky State.
Lake McDonald
Those colorful pebbles are a total game-changer for photos.
Day 2 · The Crown of the Continent
This is THE photo day — charge your camera.
Logan Pass
The highest point on the road. Watch for mountain goats!
St. Mary Lake
Wild Goose Island lookout is iconic. Don't miss it.
Day 3 · Heading South
Transit day, take it easy and enjoy the scenery.
Flathead Lake
Massive freshwater lake. Great for a quick leg stretch.
Missoula
Cool college town vibe with great breweries.
Day 4 · Yellowstone Bound
Entering the world's first national park.
Gardiner North Entrance
Drive under the historic Roosevelt Arch.
Mammoth Hot Springs
The travertine terraces look like a frozen waterfall.
Day 5 · The Grand Loop
The big hitters. Expect crowds but they're worth it.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Artist Point offers the best view of the Lower Falls.
Old Faithful
The most famous geyser. Totally worth the wait.
Day 6 · Grand Teton Peaks
Jagged peaks and crystal clear water.
Colter Bay
Great spot for a first look at Jackson Lake.
Jenny Lake
Crystal clear water at the base of the mountains.
Day 7 · Jackson Hole Vibe
Cowboy boots and historic barns.
Mormon Row
The most photographed barns in America.
Jackson Town Square
Snap a photo under the elk antler arches.
Day 8 · South to the City
Leaving the Tetons for the salt flats.
Jackson, WY
Last look at the Tetons before the long haul.
Salt Lake City
Check out the architecture at Temple Square.
Day 9 · Red Rock Entry
Welcome to the desert. It's about to get orange.
Moab, UT
Drop your bags and head straight to the park.
Delicate Arch
The hike is steep but the sunset view is legendary.
Day 10 · Canyons & Reefs
Two parks in one day. High energy, high reward.
Canyonlands
Island in the Sky offers views for miles.
Capitol Reef
Check out the orchards and the Waterpocket Fold.
Day 11 · Hoodoo Heaven
The most unique landscape in the world.
Highway 12
One of the most beautiful drives in America.
Bryce Canyon
Walk among the orange stone spires.
Day 12 · Zion's Majesty
Towering cliffs and river walks.
Zion Mount Carmel Hwy
The tunnel and switchbacks are mind-blowing.
Zion Canyon
Take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava.
Day 13 · Turning East
Leaving the desert for the Rockies again.
Grand Junction
Stop for some local peaches or wine.
Glenwood Springs
Relax in the world's largest hot springs pool.
Day 14 · Mile High City
Crossing the Continental Divide.
Red Rocks
The most beautiful music venue on Earth.
Denver
Explore the breweries in the RiNo district.
Day 15 · The Great Plains
Long, flat, and surprisingly peaceful.
Colby, KS
The 'Oasis on the Plains'. Good for a stretch.
Hays, KS
A historic frontier town with a cool downtown.
Day 16 · BBQ Capital
Crossing into Missouri for the best BBQ.
Kansas City
Check out the fountains at Country Club Plaza.
Joe's BBQ
The ultimate KC BBQ experience.
Day 17 · Gateway to the West
The iconic arch and the Mississippi River.
Gateway Arch
Take the tram to the top for a bird's eye view.
St. Louis
Walk around Forest Park, it's bigger than Central Park.
Day 18 · Route 66 Vibes
Heading north toward the Windy City.
Springfield, IL
Visit the home of Honest Abe.
Route 66
Classic Americana kitsch along the old highway.
Day 19 · The Windy City
Deep dish pizza and world-class skyline.
Millennium Park
Snap a selfie at 'The Bean'.
Chicago Riverwalk
The best way to see the city's architecture.
Day 20 · Chicago Deep Dive
No driving today, just city vibes.
Art Institute
One of the best art museums in the world.
Navy Pier
Classic tourist fun with great lake views.
Day 21 · Heading South
Leaving the Great Lakes for the Crossroads of America.
Indianapolis
Visit the home of the Indy 500.
White River State Park
A beautiful green space in the heart of the city.
Day 22 · Music City
Neon lights and honky tonks.
Broadway
The heart of the Nashville music scene.
Grand Ole Opry
The show that made country music famous.
Day 23 · Blues & Rock
Home of the Blues and the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Graceland
Elvis Presley's iconic mansion.
Beale Street
The most iconic street in the Blues world.
Day 24 · Deep South Drive
Heading through the heart of the Delta.
Jackson, MS
The capital of Mississippi with deep history.
Mississippi River
Watch the sunset over the mighty river.
Day 25 · The Big Easy
Jazz, gumbo, and the French Quarter.
French Quarter
The historic heart of the city.
Jackson Square
The most iconic spot in New Orleans.
- Book Utah park entries months in advance
- Prepare for massive temperature swings
- Check car fluids regularly—it's a long haul