If you’ve ever dreamed of hitting the open road with your windows down and nothing but epic views ahead—this one’s for you.
This isn’t just any road trip—it’s an epic journey from sun-soaked LA to the wild mountain of Yellowstone, with plenty of totally unforgettable stops along the way.
You’ll pass through deserts that feel like Mars, towns that look like movie sets, and places where nature just goes full-on WOW.
So buckle your seatbelt—because this road trip is about to be your new favorite adventure.
1. Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a huge, sunny city in Southern California, surrounded by mountain ranges.
It’s famous for Hollywood, where you can visit movie studios, the Walk of Fame, and you might even see a celeb grabbing coffee in sweatpants.
You’ll also find wild beaches like Venice, cool neighborhoods like Silver Lake, and awesome spots like the Getty Center and Griffith Observatory.
2. Kelso Dunes, CA
Next up, say hello to the Kelso Dunes—a massive stretch of golden sand hills hiding out in the Mojave Desert, about 3 to 4 hours northeast of Los Angeles.
These dunes are huge (some rise over 600 feet!) and they boom when you slide down them—seriously, they make a deep humming sound like a drum.
There’s no shade, no shops, and limited to no cell signal, but the peace, the silence, and the endless views make it feel like you’ve landed on another planet.
Bring water, start early, and get ready for one wild sandy hike you’ll never forget.
3. Las Vegas, NV
After the quiet of the dunes, Las Vegas hits like a glitter bomb—loud, flashy, and totally over-the-top in the best way.
This wild city in southern Nevada is packed with mega hotels, neon lights, rooftop pools, and all-you-can-eat buffets that are basically a food coma waiting to happen.
You can ride a roller coaster on top of a hotel, catch a Cirque du Soleil show, or just wander the Strip, known for its vibrant energy and street performers.
It might be in the desert, but Vegas somehow feels like its own sparkly little planet where anything goes and bedtime is optional.
4. Valley of Fire State Park, NV
Just an hour outside of Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park feels like you’ve stepped into a sci-fi movie—think bright red rocks, crazy shapes, and stone formations that look like giant frozen waves.
This place gets its name from the way the sandstone glows fiery orange when the sun hits it just right (sunrise and sunset are magic here).
There are petroglyphs carved into the rocks, short hikes like Fire Wave and Mouse’s Tank, and even a rock that legit looks like an elephant.
It’s hot, it’s surreal, and it’s one of those spots where your camera roll is going to explode with cool shots.
5. Zion National Park, UT
From the fire-red rocks of Nevada, you’ll cruise into the green-and-gold canyons of Zion National Park in Utah—and wow, it’s a total showstopper.
Zion is all about towering cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and hikes that make your legs shake and your jaw drop (looking at you, Angels Landing).
You can wade through the river inside The Narrows, stare up at sandstone walls the size of skyscrapers, or just chill on the canyon floor watching the light shift around.
It’s one of the most popular national parks for a reason—it’s dramatic, wild, and makes you feel tiny in the coolest way.
6. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Just a couple hours from Zion, Bryce Canyon flips the script with a jaw-dropping maze of orange spires called hoodoos that look like weird sandcastles.
The best part? You can hike right down into the amphitheater on trails like Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden and feel like you’re walking through a forest made of stone.
The views from the rim—especially at sunrise—are next-level, with the whole canyon lighting up in pinks, oranges, and golds.
It’s smaller and quieter than Zion, but the scenery is so strange and beautiful, it kinda feels like a dream someone had and then turned into a park.
7. Capitol Reef National Park, UT
Capitol Reef is the underrated gem in Utah’s lineup—way less crowded, but packed with cool rock layers, hidden canyons, and even fruit orchards you can snack from.
It’s stretched along a giant wrinkle in the Earth called the Waterpocket Fold, and yeah, it looks just as wild as it sounds.
You’ll find cool hikes like Hickman Bridge, petroglyphs carved by the Fremont people, and fresh pie at the little historic town of Fruita (yes, pie in a national park!).
It’s quiet, quirky, and perfect if you’re craving big scenery without the big crowds.
8. Moab, UT
Moab turns the energy way up—this desert town is Utah’s adventure HQ, where mountain bikers, hikers, and Jeep lovers all roll in for a good time.
It’s the gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, so the scenery is nonstop epic—think giant red rock arches and canyons that stretch forever.
Main Street’s got taco joints, gear shops, and cool little cafes where everyone’s still covered in trail dust and sunburns.
If you’re into sunrise hikes, wild off-roading, or just want to see some of the most iconic landscapes in the Southwest, Moab’s got you covered.
9. Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City feels like a total change of scene—bigger, greener, and backed by massive snow-capped mountains.
It’s Utah’s capital, packed with cool museums, buzzing coffee shops, and that giant salty lake it’s named after (yep, it’s super salty—floating is weirdly easy).
You can visit the historic Temple Square, catch a Jazz game, or head just 30 minutes up into the mountains for some incredible hiking or skiing depending on the season.
It’s a super chill mix of city life and outdoor fun, and is the perfect spot to catch your breath before the next stretch of the trip.
Just a heads-up: As of now, the temple is closed for renovations until 2027. Good news, though—the grounds and many of its attractions are still open!
10. Bear Lake, UT/ID
From the city streets of Salt Lake, the drive to Bear Lake feels like rolling into summer vacation—bright blue water, tiny beach towns, and raspberry shakes on every corner.
Straddling the Utah–Idaho border, this lake is so crazy clear and turquoise, people call it the “Caribbean of the Rockies” (yes, really).
You can rent paddleboards, cruise around on a boat, or just chill on the sandy shore with fries and a shake from one of the roadside stands.
It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for a slow afternoon in the sun—and a super fun detour before heading into the wilds of Wyoming.
11. Jackson, WY
Jackson feels like you just stepped into a postcard—think wooden boardwalks, cowboy hats, and the jaw-dropping Teton mountains rising straight up in the background.
This town in western Wyoming is small but packed with personality, from art galleries and bison burgers to a town square with antler arches made from real elk sheds.
It’s also your base for exploring Grand Teton National Park, which is just minutes away and full of alpine lakes, moose sightings, and trails that make you stop every five seconds to take a photo.
Whether you’re sipping coffee at a local café or spotting elk from the highway, Jackson feels equal parts Wild West and an outdoor dreamland.
12. Yellowstone National Park
From Jackson, the road leads straight into the grand finale—Yellowstone National Park, a place so full of weird, wild stuff it honestly feels like Earth showing off.
You’ve got geysers that blast water sky-high (Old Faithful is the superstar), bubbling mud pots that gurgle like a witch’s brew, and rainbow-colored hot springs that look too bright to be real.
Bison casually stroll across the road, waterfalls crash through deep canyons, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a bear or a wolf in the distance.
It’s massive, it’s magical, and there’s no better spot to end a road trip than in the middle of America’s oldest—and most mind-blowing—national park.
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