Funky and fun destinations in the West to add to your next road trip

While Seattle’s tallest, and most famous attraction towers more than 600 feet in the air, one of its weirdest residents lurks under the George Washington Memorial Bridge (also called the Aurora Bridge) in the city’s Fremont neighborhood. Stories of bridge trolls from Norwegian folklore are said to be the inspiration behind the giant sculpture. Seattle’s Fremont Arts Council launched a design competition for ideas to clean up the underpass from littering and rodents, and the 18-foot troll sculpture was the winning choice.

The Fremont Troll was constructed in 1990 by artist Steve Badanes and a few of his friends. The sculpture features an actual Volkswagen Beetle being gripped by the massive creature. Kids and adults alike enjoy this attraction, often climbing on the Troll’s arms and shoulders. There’s no admission for this site, but you can donate to help upkeep the popular piece of art.

For an extravagant roadtripping experience, it doesn’t get much more luxurious than California’s Hearst Castle. Tucked away just off Highway 1, the estate was built by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst and his architect Julia Morgan. The construction spanned nearly 30 years, beginning in 1919 and ending in 1947.

Take a guided tour through the mansion to see Hearst’s extensive art collections, lavish pools, sophisticated decor, and more. The 165-room estate sits on a 127-acre property overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Nearly 4 hours from Los Angeles and San Francisco, this is an absolute must when roadtripping along the winding Highway 1.

This bizarre, remote art installation keeps the desert weird in the best way possible. Created from the visions of Leonard Knight, Salvation Mountain took nearly 30 years to complete. The display consists of thousands of gallons of latex paint, cement, bales of hay, vehicles, and other salvaged materials Knight brought out to the desert with him. Though inspired by the artist’s religious awakening, visitors of all beliefs come to the Colorado Desert to see this fascinating installation.

The Folk Art Society of America even declared Knight’s work worthy of protection and preservation. The site is open year round from sunrise to sunset, and while this is a free attraction, donations are used to help keep Knight’s creation preserved for years to come.

You don’t have to compete for the next land speed racing record to visit this otherworldly landform. The Bonneville Salt Flats span nearly 30,000 acres and consist of mostly sodium chloride (table salt). This odd, barren landscape can be found nearly 120 miles outside of Salt Lake City on the western edge of Utah’s Great Salt Lake Basin. The area was once home to Lake Bonneville until it evaporated more than 14,000 years ago.

Today, the 12-mile long and 5-mile wide recreational area is used for speed racing, endurance races, archery tournaments, photography shoots, scientific research, and more. It’s also been used as a filming location for movies like Independence Day, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, and The World’s Fastest Indian. The Salt Flats are managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the area is generally open to the public with the exception of special events and inclement weather.

With luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and stunning architecture, on paper, the Stanley Hotel looks and sounds like any other upscale hotel with views of the Rocky Mountains. But its high-end rooms and amenities aren’t the only reasons why guests come from all over to tour and stay at this posh resort. Rated as one of the most haunted hotels in the U.S., the Stanley is known for its paranormal activities and is the inspiration behind Stephen King’s chilling novel, and subsequent movie, The Shining.

Visitors can take tours of the property, including an after-dark Spirited Tour and The Shining Tour. If you’re brave enough, you can even stay the night in one of the hotel’s reportedly haunted rooms like the Stephen King Suite, and popular rooms 401, 407, and 428. Besides having a hauntingly good time at this mountainside hotel, the Stanley is also minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and other outdoor activities.