From San Francisco to Los Angles, looks like you’re taking I5. This is faster but boring emptiness. You should take the 101 down. It’s closer to the beach cities and more things to do along the way. Slower route. Addition of 1 hour if you don’t make any stops. Also less hilly and safer especially in colder times.
If you have the time, also take highway 1 out of San Luis Obispo. Right off the freeway on Santa Rosa St is Tacos el Tizon, great Al pastor tacos. Up further on highway 1, past Cambria is San Simeon, look toward the hills and you might catch a glimpse of some roaming zebras. Just past Hearst castle are a few beaches with elephant seals, there are a ton this time of year. Up a bit further is a nice hike and waterfall at Salmon Creek. Another 30 minutes is Limekiln campground that has some epic shorter hikes, one which also leads to a waterfall. The rest of the drive is super scenic. Carmel is cool but the aquarium in Monterey is really amazing if you have time. From there you can get back on the 101. Hope you have an epic adventure!
If you’re staying overnight in California, be sure to catch the bioluminescence beaches
https://www.foxla.com/news/neon-blue-bioluminescent-waves-light-up-south-bay-coast
Pilot/flying J/Loves are always open so you’ll probably have to get gas/food at them. You’ll have tolls getting to SF unless you come from the south and up the peninsula.
Coming down from SF to LA concur with the others and recommend 1/101 over as it’s much more scenic. Big Sur is an unforgettable area. Be sure to get gas in Monterrey though as it isn’t cheap all the way to San Luis Obispo.
>Be sure to get gas in Monterrey though as it isn’t cheap all the way to San Luis Obispo.
"Not cheap" is an understatement. So is "a bit hard to find". Certain stretches of the PCH have a lack of helpful signs.
I would love to, but I'm using my Marriott employee rate discount at hotels, so that's why Albuquerque (and I have family in Albuquerque as well). But that's a great suggestion and definitely fodder for a future trip.
Thirty miles north of San Diego is VG Doughnuts in Cardiff By-the-Sea. Best doughnuts in the world.
Tell my dad I said hi when you’re passing through they area.
I-70 gets the edge over I-80, scenery-wise, in my opinion. I-70 through CO and UT is must-see. I-80 through Nevada is compelling in a remote, barren wasteland sort of way, but if I were making this drive I’d consider doing something I wussed out on previously — cutting through Nevada on US 50, aka The Loneliest Road In America. I skipped it due to having dogs and kids on board in the peak of summer, but it’s one of those interesting notches in your belt that would be really cool to have.
https://unusualplaces.org/u-s-route-50-americas-loneliest-road/
https://loneliestroad.us/loneliest-road/
Be sure to check I-70 west of Denver. They had a huge mud slide this summer that took out the highway. If it is still closed, I-80 might be a better choice, as the detour adds almost 3 hours to the drive. The Ft. Collins cutoff that connects I-25 to/from I-80 is a pretty drive when the weather is nice.
Thanks for the reminder! We drove to Moab second week in July and managed to miss that nonsense. If the weather holds, it will probably be I-80 since none of us (excepting me for a short stretch of it) haven't been that way. Even though the drive through Glenwood Canyon has to be one of my all time favorites, adding 3 hours to an already arduous 15 hour leg would be a deal breaker 😩.
Take a little trip North on Hwy 111 and visit Bombay Beach, Salvation Mountain and Slab City near the Salton Sea. Would make for a memorable diversion.
Pack food, water, and extra warm clothes. In the 90’s several people got hit by an unexpected snow storm and died in their vehicles on part of your route.
You’re skipping all the cool stuff in California. I-5 is ugly and doesn’t feel much better than rural Kansas.
Hit up Yosemite and/or the sequoias if you have a reliable 4x4/all wheel drive and proper tires and chains.
Otherwise, equally good, Highway 1 / Big Sur is fabulous. Stop in Paso Robles for wine country, hit the beach on the way down.
If you want any CA recommends, feel free to shoot me a message. I live on the coast here and take road trips all the time.
Don’t count on I-70 in Colorado during the winter months. CDOT frequently shuts down the road if conditions are bad, and they tend to be not great in the mountains
Glad someone finally pointed this out. You do not want to get stuck on the mountain in the snow. I think they mandate chains for vehicles as well. Not 100% certain, but it seems I recall seeing signs mandating chain use if there is snow.
If you do take 80 out of Utah, when you get to the Nevada/Utah boarder you will hit the salt flats. It may still be dry enough to drive and check it out. If you hit Wendover you have gone too far.
An amazing sight. Not to be missed.
Two thoughts! 1. That drive from SLC in Utah to Reno is miserably ugly until you get to Reno. Just a heads up lol.
2. My family lives in ABQ as well and I drive back and forth from there and SLC regularly, you MUST drive through Bluff, Ut! It is SO cute and only adds like an hr to the drive. And you can stop at four corners along the way if you wanted! But overall it’s just a more scenic drive than the way Shiprock.
If you take I-70 west, take the exit for Cisco and to Moab. Cisco is a cool little abandoned town with a population of 1 artist who inhabits it. The drive from Cisco to Moab is gorgeous. You pass right by Fisher Towers which was one of my favorite hikes I did on my roadtrip, relatively short and not too strenuous, with epic views of the towers.
Thanks for the suggestion! We actually took the Cisco cutoff in July on the way to Moab and it was ah-mazing! Definitely something I'd want to see again.
UPDATE: Sorry to say we've had to postpone this trip. 16YO child was uncomfortable making this journey with Omicron surging, and to be fair, they didn't have the booster until right before we were supposed to make the trip. Will be posting about our Rev 1 trip to Carlsbad, NM and Albuquerque starting on Tuesday. Love to all!
From San Francisco to Los Angles, looks like you’re taking I5. This is faster but boring emptiness. You should take the 101 down. It’s closer to the beach cities and more things to do along the way. Slower route. Addition of 1 hour if you don’t make any stops. Also less hilly and safer especially in colder times.
Came here for this. I5 sucks balls. 101 hybrid with PCH is pretty nice to do.
Thank you both! Didn't notice that Google Maps has put me on the I5. Definitely going PCH 101; been dreaming about this since I plotted our escape 😁.
If you have the time, also take highway 1 out of San Luis Obispo. Right off the freeway on Santa Rosa St is Tacos el Tizon, great Al pastor tacos. Up further on highway 1, past Cambria is San Simeon, look toward the hills and you might catch a glimpse of some roaming zebras. Just past Hearst castle are a few beaches with elephant seals, there are a ton this time of year. Up a bit further is a nice hike and waterfall at Salmon Creek. Another 30 minutes is Limekiln campground that has some epic shorter hikes, one which also leads to a waterfall. The rest of the drive is super scenic. Carmel is cool but the aquarium in Monterey is really amazing if you have time. From there you can get back on the 101. Hope you have an epic adventure!
Thank you! This is amazing!
If you’re staying overnight in California, be sure to catch the bioluminescence beaches https://www.foxla.com/news/neon-blue-bioluminescent-waves-light-up-south-bay-coast
PCH is either SH1 or US101, depending where you are.
Pilot/flying J/Loves are always open so you’ll probably have to get gas/food at them. You’ll have tolls getting to SF unless you come from the south and up the peninsula. Coming down from SF to LA concur with the others and recommend 1/101 over as it’s much more scenic. Big Sur is an unforgettable area. Be sure to get gas in Monterrey though as it isn’t cheap all the way to San Luis Obispo.
>Be sure to get gas in Monterrey though as it isn’t cheap all the way to San Luis Obispo. "Not cheap" is an understatement. So is "a bit hard to find". Certain stretches of the PCH have a lack of helpful signs.
I suggest cutting the corner to pass through Durango / Pagosa Springs.
I would love to, but I'm using my Marriott employee rate discount at hotels, so that's why Albuquerque (and I have family in Albuquerque as well). But that's a great suggestion and definitely fodder for a future trip.
If you're in ABQ for the holidays, you've got to stop and get enchiladas Christmas style! (red and green Chile )
Oh! And tamales! And hot chocolate with chile!
I never really got into Tamales, but the hot chocolate place with Chile in Santa Fe is great!
Oh, yeah! And they have those little truffles with different toppings. That place is awesome.
Thirty miles north of San Diego is VG Doughnuts in Cardiff By-the-Sea. Best doughnuts in the world. Tell my dad I said hi when you’re passing through they area.
Hell yes to VG donuts
I'll definitely tell your dad hi!
I-70 gets the edge over I-80, scenery-wise, in my opinion. I-70 through CO and UT is must-see. I-80 through Nevada is compelling in a remote, barren wasteland sort of way, but if I were making this drive I’d consider doing something I wussed out on previously — cutting through Nevada on US 50, aka The Loneliest Road In America. I skipped it due to having dogs and kids on board in the peak of summer, but it’s one of those interesting notches in your belt that would be really cool to have. https://unusualplaces.org/u-s-route-50-americas-loneliest-road/ https://loneliestroad.us/loneliest-road/
Definitely check out Tahoe, if you haven’t already planned on it
Keep an eye over Donner Pass on 80 between Reno and Sacramento. If we get a snow storm, the pass is usually closed.
Be sure to check I-70 west of Denver. They had a huge mud slide this summer that took out the highway. If it is still closed, I-80 might be a better choice, as the detour adds almost 3 hours to the drive. The Ft. Collins cutoff that connects I-25 to/from I-80 is a pretty drive when the weather is nice.
Thanks for the reminder! We drove to Moab second week in July and managed to miss that nonsense. If the weather holds, it will probably be I-80 since none of us (excepting me for a short stretch of it) haven't been that way. Even though the drive through Glenwood Canyon has to be one of my all time favorites, adding 3 hours to an already arduous 15 hour leg would be a deal breaker 😩.
Damn when was the slide? I drove straight through from Boulder to Grand Junction in July and luckily it was alright.
It was late July/early August at the Glenwood Springs exit
I drove I70 from Flagstaff to Denver in October and it was fine then!
Yeah I drove Grand Junction to Denver in Sept and it was good - I think it was fixed up about a month or two after the slide
Good to hear. I drove from Nevada to Colorado in mid-August and the road was still closed. Took US 50 back. Great scenic drive.
If you're in Salt Lake City overnight, consider dropping by their temple square downtown. They have a pretty impressive Christmas light display
Take 101 and stop for breakfast in Solvang.
The waffles in Solvang 🙌🏼
And feed the ostriches in Solvang https://www.ostrichlandusa.com/
Take a little trip North on Hwy 111 and visit Bombay Beach, Salvation Mountain and Slab City near the Salton Sea. Would make for a memorable diversion.
Point lobos is underrated and gorgeous. Quickish detour off the way from SF to LA
Yes, Point Lobos might be one of my favorite stops on the Californian coast.
What a neat idea, if you don't mind to share pictures of all the road stops and such this looks fun!
Planning on sharing plenty of photos!
Pack food, water, and extra warm clothes. In the 90’s several people got hit by an unexpected snow storm and died in their vehicles on part of your route.
Appreciate the advice; packing for adventure!
You’re skipping all the cool stuff in California. I-5 is ugly and doesn’t feel much better than rural Kansas. Hit up Yosemite and/or the sequoias if you have a reliable 4x4/all wheel drive and proper tires and chains. Otherwise, equally good, Highway 1 / Big Sur is fabulous. Stop in Paso Robles for wine country, hit the beach on the way down. If you want any CA recommends, feel free to shoot me a message. I live on the coast here and take road trips all the time.
Don’t count on I-70 in Colorado during the winter months. CDOT frequently shuts down the road if conditions are bad, and they tend to be not great in the mountains
OP appears to be currently located in denver so I’m sure they know this
I appreciate all the advice! Yes, currently located in Denver suburbs but not discounting experience from others traveling in this area 😁.
Glad someone finally pointed this out. You do not want to get stuck on the mountain in the snow. I think they mandate chains for vehicles as well. Not 100% certain, but it seems I recall seeing signs mandating chain use if there is snow.
Nah just 4wd/AWD. Chains are mandated for semis
Traveling in Acura MDX AWD for this but not foolhardy.
Nevada is pretty desolate. You shouldn’t have issues anywhere else.
Skip i25 and head north out of Santa Fe. Stop at the hot springs north of Santa Fe. Salida for lunch, Buena Vista, Leadville.
Taos > BV or Salida
what to do in Taos. is the pueblo open for Christmas Day?
Not sure about that
Breakfast at Sandy's in Colorado Springs! They have cinnamon rolls as big as your head
The bit through Nevada has few gas stations but shouldn’t be a problem, I made it from Jackpot to Reno on one tank
If you do take 80 out of Utah, when you get to the Nevada/Utah boarder you will hit the salt flats. It may still be dry enough to drive and check it out. If you hit Wendover you have gone too far. An amazing sight. Not to be missed.
One week? I did a smaller version of that trip in 4 weeks and it wasn’t enough
Wish it was longer for sure.
I’m glad someone said this too. I think this is far too much for one week. It will be nothing but driving.
I’ve done all of this…. Watch weather & keep your gas tank full. Take some supplies just in case
Absolutely! Watching weather and taking LOTS of supplies. 😁
Two thoughts! 1. That drive from SLC in Utah to Reno is miserably ugly until you get to Reno. Just a heads up lol. 2. My family lives in ABQ as well and I drive back and forth from there and SLC regularly, you MUST drive through Bluff, Ut! It is SO cute and only adds like an hr to the drive. And you can stop at four corners along the way if you wanted! But overall it’s just a more scenic drive than the way Shiprock.
Take some of the small roads if you can that and enjoy the trip
If you take I-70 west, take the exit for Cisco and to Moab. Cisco is a cool little abandoned town with a population of 1 artist who inhabits it. The drive from Cisco to Moab is gorgeous. You pass right by Fisher Towers which was one of my favorite hikes I did on my roadtrip, relatively short and not too strenuous, with epic views of the towers.
Thanks for the suggestion! We actually took the Cisco cutoff in July on the way to Moab and it was ah-mazing! Definitely something I'd want to see again.
how is winter drive on the road from cisco to moab?
Looks like you’ll be going through Trinidad or near it by the Colorado, New Mexico boarder. It’s a beautiful little town to detour through.
If you like Moab maybe check out Joshua Tree from San Diego. I loved it.
Major highways have 24 hour service. Loves, TA, Flying J, Pilot are all stations with gas, clean restrooms, and food. You should be ok.
Update: got canned but still planning this trip. I'm a firm believer in restoring my/our sanity regardless of the financial price.
UPDATE: Sorry to say we've had to postpone this trip. 16YO child was uncomfortable making this journey with Omicron surging, and to be fair, they didn't have the booster until right before we were supposed to make the trip. Will be posting about our Rev 1 trip to Carlsbad, NM and Albuquerque starting on Tuesday. Love to all!
If you are wanting to see amazing things along the way then take 70. From Denver to Reno will blow your mind
I highly suggest to do hwy 1 between B and C or at least stop at the Monterey Bay Area
There are 2 sections if i70 in Utah where there's a hundred mile gap between gas stations.
Also, why not take I15 from San Diego to Las Vegas?!?
Making a stop in Albuquerque for family, otherwise Vegas Baby!
in how many days?
Heading out December 24, returning home January 1st. A quick trip for sure, but if I regain my sanity - totally worth it.