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The most epic American road trip

11,000 miles of roadside wonders and national park beauty.

  • 19
  • 149:55
  • 8,736 mi
  • $1362
Take This Trip

Created by debclif - January 11th 2019

The best part of a road trip is making detours along the way. Pre-planned stops to see classic attractions and unexpected adventures are what make a road trip truly great. But taking the absolute most epic road trip across America? That's easier said than done. Luckily, we know our fans are a wanderlust-y sort, so with the help of Holiday Inn, we turned to them to show us their favorite places to go on a road trip.

Because we can't possibly fit EVERY single amazing place into one epic cross-country American road trip, we've singled out the best of the best, based on user submissions to our "America's Most Epic Road Trip" contest with Holiday Inn. These hidden gems and perennial favorites are user approved and Roadtrippers tested. Buckle up, roll down the windows, and turn up the radio, because we've got the definitive route for the most epic American road trip.

Ringwood, New Jersey, United States

1
792mi 13h 11m

55 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, US

Cloud Gate

1

From Niagara Falls head across to the Midwest and visit Cloud Gate in Chicago. This public sculpture has become a symbol for the city. It was designed by Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor, and is remarkable for how it was welded together. Comprised of 168 stainless-steel plates, there are no visible welding seams because of how much it was polished. You can take some pretty epic photos here at sunrise. The "Bean" (as it's called) is in the AT&T Plaza in Millennium Park, in the Loop area of Chicago, which is a great place to grab a drink or a bite to eat.

2
940mi 14h 40m
Photo of Mount Rushmore
4.5

13000 SD Highway 244, Keystone, SD, US

Mount Rushmore

2

From St. Louis, head north towards Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota. Nothing says “America” more than Mount Rushmore. But, there’s also more to do here than just see the carved mountain memorial. There’s an adorable little tourist town nearby, where you can learn about the making of the monument. Plus, there’s good places to eat. Sometimes there’s a laser light show after dark at Rushmore, so check with the park to see if there’s one on the calendar when you visit. If you want a great spot for a picture, head to the Grand View Terrace. And be aware that there's going to be lots of tourists from June through August, so traffic might be an issue during this peak season.

3
130mi 02h 17m
Photo of Devils Tower National Monument
4.5

149 State Highway 110, Devils Tower, WY, US

Devils Tower National Monument

3

After Rushmore, it's straight on to Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. This was the first national monument, established in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. You may remember it from the Steven Spielberg sci-fi film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." It's a pretty phenomenal geological wonder, and even more incredible in person. After you pay the entrance fee, you can visit the monument for seven days. There’s a lot to explore here, including learning about the cryptozoological mythology of the monument and surrounding area. If you take the scenic road on the north side of I-90, you’ll get a great view of the tower.

4
456mi 08h 09m
Photo of Grand Teton National Park
5.0
4

Next stop is Grand Teton National Park, home to one of America’s most beautiful lakes, Jenny Lake, as well as the majestic Teton mountains. If you visit in summer, it can get pretty hot during the day, but then cool down considerably at night, so be sure to pack accordingly. If you drive in from the South Entrance you’ll get a fantastic view of the Tetons as you approach the park. Another great tip is to hop on a boat and take it across Jenny Lake, and from there, hike a mile to Inspiration Point for one heck of a panoramic view.

5
122mi 03h 12m
Photo of Yellowstone National Park
4.7

S Entrance Rd, WY, US

Yellowstone National Park

5

Then it’s just a few-miles drive to Yellowstone National Park, and seriously, this park is no joke. It’s a geothermal playground of epic geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and deep boiling pools. The entire park is one big adventure. Also, be prepared to see wildlife everywhere, including roaming herds of buffalo, that will walk right past your car. Some can’t-miss Yellowstone wonders: Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Falls, and of course, Old Faithful. Definitely grab lunch at the Old Faithful Inn, one of the world’s oldest and largest log buildings. No wonder it was the third most-added stop on our fans' Most Epic Road Trips!

6
422mi 07h 16m
Photo of Glacier National Park
4.6

64 Grinnell Drive, West Glacier, MT, US

Glacier National Park

6

The next major national park on the most epic American road trip is Glacier National Park in Montana. The Kootenai and Blackfeet Native American tribes consider the land this park protects to be sacred, and when you visit, you’ll see why. The immense beauty of Mother Nature here is indescribable. There’s a great Red Bus tour that will take you along the Western Alpine, and a boat tour of Lake McDonald. Also check out Many Glacier, which offers incredible views of the remaining glaciers.

7
706mi 13h 08m
Photo of Olympic National Park
4.3

600 E Park Ave, Port Angeles, WA, US

Olympic National Park

7

From Glacier, head west to Olympic National Park. This national park is home to coastline, beaches, rainforests, alpine lakes, glacier-capped peaks, forest valleys, and a primeval, ancient wilderness.There’s really something for everyone: from hiking and backpacking to walking along the beach and taking wildflower meadow picnics. If you have the opportunity, absolutely drive along Hurricane Ridge. This is the park’s most accessible mountain area, and the views are insane.

8
193mi 04h 03m

Mount Saint Helens Way Northeast, Castle Rock, Washington, United States

8
9
311mi 05h 41m
Photo of Crater Lake National Park
4.6

From Medford - Route 62 north and then east. From Klamath Falls - Route 97 north to Route 62 north and then west., OR, US

Crater Lake National Park

9

Yes, Crater Lake is beautiful. Yes, you should see it. However, it is a long haul from Eugene or any of the major stops off the 5, so you'll want to plan accordingly and expect to take a full day to visit and drive back from this attraction. From high atop the rim of Crater Lake, you can see just how magical the world really is. A hike down to the water reveals new beauty. The water is so blue and so deep, it’s no surprise that it’s the deepest lake in America, and one of the deepest on Earth. That’s why it’s one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon.

Surrounded by cliffs almost 2,000 feet high and boasting a picturesque island with a violent volcanic past, Crater Lake is also home to hikes through old-growth forests, and cross-country ski trips in the winter months. Many of the roads and facilities close during the winter, but the park is open and accessible all year long.

Crater Lake is located in southern Oregon, which is also home to the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the stunning Rogue River, the Oregon Caves and vineyards, and chocolatiers and cheesemakers galore.

10
772mi 14h 12m

South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV, US

Las Vegas Strip

10

The Las Vegas Strip is a world unto itself. First, it’s the third destination on this most epic American road trip that has no open container law (the other places being Savannah and Bourbon Street), which means you can walk around with a foot-tall margarita while you casino hop. This is a fantastic place for people watching, and there are loads of shows and some pretty delicious restaurants. Visit the Heart Attack Grill if you have time... the waitresses wear nurse uniforms!

11
283mi 04h 51m
Photo of The Grand Canyon National Park
4.7

450 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ, US

The Grand Canyon National Park

11

Rounding out the most epic American road trip is a visit to Grand Canyon National Park, the most popular spot that showed up in our Holiday Inn contest submissions. Drive between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View for some amazing scenic overlooks. The National Park Service takes exceptional pride in this park and does an amazing job at keeping it well-maintained and clean. A few insanely cool hikes are the hike down South Kaibab Trail toward Phantom Ranch, the North Rim hike to the river, and the South Rim Trail, which provides unbelievably beautiful sunsets.

12
330mi 05h 52m
Photo of Arches National Park
5.0

N Highway 191, Moab, UT, US

Arches National Park

12

Arches National Park is one of the most jaw-dropping geological wonderlands in America, so it's no wonder that it was the second-most popular place users added to their trips in our contest. Plan to spend a day exploring the many arched rock formations. A few highlights are Balanced Rock and Tunnel Arch. If you take Exit 204 towards Cisco, it will take more time to get to the park but the drive way more scenic. The park can get pretty busy during the day, but it empties out just before sunset, when you can get some amazing photos.

13
153mi 02h 47m
Photo of Monument Valley
4.5

U.S. 163 Scenic, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ, US

Monument Valley

13

From Vegas, drive to Monument Valley. This is home to what’s arguably the most iconic landscape of the American West.If you go to The View Hotel and pay $10 per person, you can get some insane pictures of the valley from the Visitor Center balcony. This is absolutely an essential stop on any great American road trip.

14
493mi 08h 17m

Then it's on to Tucumcari, New Mexico! After all that national park adventuring, it's time to chill out in an authentic Route 66 town, just off of I-40. There are tons of great diners to eat at here, and loads of retro motels, such as the Blue Swallow and Motel Safari. And make sure to grab a bite at Del's: You'll recognize it 'cause it's got a massive cow on top of its sign. Take some time to walk around and snap loads of pictures of the vintage Route 66-era neon signs.

15
576mi 09h 44m
Photo of The Alamo
4.5

300 Alamo Plz, San Antonio, TX, US

The Alamo

15

From New Mexico, hop the border into Texas and drive down o the Alamo. Every year, more than 2.5 million people visit this important piece of history. Back in 1836, a band of Texans held out for an impressive 13 days inside the Mission against the centralist army of General Antonio López de Santa Anna. Even though the Alamo ultimately fell to Santa Anna's forces, those brave men who defended the Mission have gone down in history as American heroes and defenders of liberty. The Alamo is located directly in the middle of San Antonio, right next to the Riverwalk (which is a bustling riverfront neighborhood full of restaurants, bars, and cafés).

16
545mi 08h 14m
Photo of The French Quarter
4.5

Canal St to Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA, US

The French Quarter

16

After San Antonio, head to the French Quarter in New Orleans, for a taste of some insane Louisiana nightlife. Here you can drink on the streets thanks to New Orleans's open container law. Be prepared if you visit during football season: The crowds can get pretty crazy after a Saints game. Bourbon Street is one of the wildest streets in America (in a good way), and the French Quarter itself is full of gorgeous architecture that will make you feel like you're walking back in time through an eighteenth century French tropical colony.

17
678mi 10h 45m
Photo of Gateway Arch
4.5

11 North 4th Street, St. Louis, MO, US

Gateway Arch

17

Speaking of iconic city symbols, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is one of the Midwest's most visited places. There's a museum beneath the park, and an observation deck with great views of the river. If you have time, pack some nibbles for a picnic under the arch, or take a tour of it.

826mi 13h 33m

East Capitol Street, NE and 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC, US

National Mall

You can't take the most epic American road trip without visiting our nation's capital. Washington D.C. is home to incredible historical architecture and some truly mind-blowing museums, most of which are free! If you only have a day, hit up the National Mall, but be prepared for a long walk, and don't forget your sunscreen and some water. Here, you can enjoy a picnic surrounded by Washington's most iconic memorials, or visit a museum or two right off of the Mall. Also, between the Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History, there's a pretty great fountain where you can cool off. The best time of year to visit is either fall or spring: You'll still find crowds, but the changing colors of the foliage in fall is a can't-miss, as is cherry blossom season in spring.

There you have it: The most epic American road trip as voted by road-trippers just like you during our Most Epic Road Trip contest, powered by our friends at Holiday Inn. Happy travels!