No matter where you are in the United States, the West has captured our attention as a symbol of freedom, exploration, and awe. While the symbolism remains, the reality is vastly different. With the modern highway system, road trips can take you to almost anywhere. If you are planning a road trip to the west and want to see jaw-dropping landscapes, below is a list of seven landscape worthy to visit.
Castle Valley radiating at sunrise, photographed while on a road trip. Photo by Dalton Johnson
1) Castle Valley, Utah
Immediately, when planning a road trip, my mind goes to the American South West, think Utah and Arizona. With awe-capturing views like the Grand Canyon and Desert Towers, I am pulled to these majestic landscapes. Out of all the places, the pull has been strongest to Castle Valley, UT, the home of Castleton Tower. Not only is this a wonder rock climb, the perfectly erect tower commands a space that requires humility. Regardless if you are rock climbing, sleeping under the stars, or just passing by, this view of Castle Valley, especially at sunset, should be on your road trip stops.
Additionally, this view is only an hour away from the iconic Moab and Arches National Park, but without the people and always room to park overnight.
What to do: Rock climb, day hike, photography
Directions to Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Vu9bwTv1MYz2jBYB6
Mount Forker photographed while attempting to climb Mount Denali during a road trip. Photo by Dalton Johnson
2) Denali National Park
In terms of mountains, Mount Denali is one of the grandest. I don’t say that lightly. For the most part, the mountain stands far away from most viewing areas, yet it towers towards the skies. Like bookends, Mount Hunter and Mount Forker create a trifecta of balance. Overall, getting close to these mountains is difficult, usually requiring a bush plane to access, or significant glacier travel skills, however you can enjoy the landscape regardless.
If you are road tripping to Denali National Park, I would guess you are spending a good amount of money, so opt-in for a bush plane flight. The money will be well spent and the views will be something you remember for a lifetime. Additionally, if you are on a road trip through Alaska, Denali National Park is a great place for adventures. Make sure to check out the backpacking, biking, rafting, and many more adventures!
What to do: Day hike, mountaineer, backpack, photography
Directions to Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aFsg4iHk38buS8L68
Catavina photographer at sunrise while on a road trip. Photo by Dalton Johnson
3) Catavina, Baja Mexico
Halfway down he Baja Peninsula, while road tripping, you will come across an area without gas. Dividing the Baja California from Baja Sur (the two Mexican states that make up the Baja Peninsula) is a preserve with little amenities. Here, you will find the “town” of Catavina, which is more like a few abandoned buildings. The good news is, you are not coming to Catavina for a the town, you are there for the wilderness, for cactus reaching for the skies, the wildlife hiding out among the desert, and the solitude.
While being alone in Mexico might not be advised by American media, the solitude is incomparable and should be sought after. It is here that you can write a poem, watch the sun move across the sky, get a full-body sunburn, and reconnect with the natural world. I’m not saying this lightly, if you decided to dedicate time to this landscape on your road trip, you might feel like you walked through a portal to another dimension.
What to do: Off-roading, day hike, photography
Directions to Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VmAHYSMA4CqLdyKE6
Big Sur, CA photographed in early afternoon on a road trip. Photo by Dalton Johnson
4) Big Sur, California
The classic American road trip would not be complete without a jaunt down the Pacific Coast Highway, seeking out the rugged cliff-line that has iconically cemented Big Sur in road trip allure. From hot springs to day hikes to hidden waterfalls to secret surf spots, a road trip through Big Sur will leave you breathless. The diversity of landscapes, bridges, and access will make you want to come back time and time again.
I’ll be honest, on my first road trip to Big Sur, I did not do any research and I was lost. It was raining and dark, yet I still found a beautiful place to park my car and set up a tent. Sleeping overnight, I woke up above the clouds and thought to myself, “this is exactly why people talk of Big Sur.” Now, I was totally lucky, but regardless, making a road trip to Big Sur you will fill memory cards with photos and videos. Around every corner, you will want to stop. Take your time, sit with some tea, and enjoy the views.
What to do: Surf, day hike, backpack, photography
Directions to Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dvdEf718MXEN96jh6
A photograph taken of Bonzi Rock, Nevada under the Milky Way while on a road trip. Photo by Dalton Johnson
5) Bonzi Rock, Nevada
I laugh at the name of this spot every time I write it, for I imagine there being a soul whom paddles out to this rock, walks up the backside, and trims the pine-needles that have gotten out of hand. In my wild imagination, I see picture a humble, old man who drinks tea and goes on long walks. Once done trimming the bonzi tree, his childlike character comes out and he leaps off the rock into the cold water. While I have never witnessed this, I hope to one day see it.
If you go visit this rock, via paddle board or kayak or swimming, enjoy it. Over the last few years, this spot has blown up because of Instagram, so be on the lookout for influencers in the wild. With that said, you can still have Bonzi Rock to yourself, especially at sunrise. The parking is limited, so that helps manage the crowds as well. For those of you road tripping, there are a few pullouts, park here. If you have to walk a little ways, don’t fret, it’ll be worth it. For all of you photographers out there, I suggest sunset and milky way shots, the light doesn’t hit here until midday.
What to do: Swim, paddleboard/kayak, day hike, photography
Directions to Location: https://goo.gl/maps/qXBFvSANSrZvk9Dh6
Blanca lake photographed while on an adventure road trip. Photo by Dalton Johnson
6) Blanca Lake, Washington
Park your van at the trailhead, maybe straighten up all that has fallen down from the bumpy road, and get your hiking boots on. Blanca Lake, just outside of Seattle, Washington is an awesome spot for a weekend warrior, or a traveller. This spot is tucked away, so many don’t come out here, but what really keeps the crowds away is the hike. Be ready to work your booty off. Many—actually everyone I met—day hikes Blanca Lake as an out and back. I do not suggest that! Take your time, especially as you are going to be hiking for a few hours, so make it an overnight trip. There is a bathroom at the saddle, where you will camp, if you decide to backpack.
I am not sure how long ago, but there are new rules for sleeping. You must sleep at the saddle, there is no camping at lake level. Please follow the rules!
What to do: Backpack, day hike, collect blueberries, photography
Directions to Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zEVGYAYB2q1ALtDa9
Grand Prism Hot Spring in Yellowstone photographed while on a road trip. Photo by Dalton Johnson
7) Yellowstone National Park
The first National Park in the United States, Yellowstone National Park, is a great one to visit for a road trip. The park is vast, so having a vehicle to navigate the landscapes in a reasonable amount of time is needed. If you are building a road trip in the Western United States, I suggest adding Yellowstone to the list. Why? Well, the landscapes are totally unique. When I was in middle school, my family visited Yellowstone to watch the geysers. As a little kid, the explosion of water fascinated me (make sure to check out the time-tables). When I returned as an adult, the geysers did not disappoint. Actually, they still amazed me!
In addition to the geysers, the wildlife is booming. It isn’t uncommon to see buffalo standing near the side of the road, where you can snap images from the drivers seat. I must admit, I did cause some traffic jams, but, hey, I’m a tourist… right?
What to do: View wildlife, day hike, photography
Directions to Location: https://goo.gl/maps/7jA8dDp52cLspLAX7
Final Thoughts
There is an endless list of places you can travel with fantastic views. My goal of sharing these seven is to give you an idea of some places to visit while on your road trip, or take you down memory lane with these images. Either way, I hope you have safe travels and please share your favorite places/photographs with me! If you visit a place, let me know on IG or email.