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Go West, Young Traveller

"Go West, young man, go West and grow up with the country."

  • 26
  • 53:16
  • 2,581 mi
  • $325
Take This Trip

Created by morgan.williams.83 - July 28th 2014

In October the scorching heat of the summer begins to wane into crisp Autumn weather, the South West highways of America beckon to the hungry vagabond (and their family.) This sprawling trek takes a winding route across the desert range (where the deer and the antelope play) and past geological landmarks that literally tell the story of the Earth's past via Route-66. Afterwards the voyage turns North along the awe-inspiring State Route 1 of California to dazzle the driver with countless sites from the Golden State. The final leg of the expedition invites the wanderer to discover the great outdoors as you continue north into the piney redwoods and crisp Pacific air!

Photo of Carlsbad Caverns National Park
4.6

727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM, US

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

This hidden gem of the desert is a great way for the family to beat the heat and enjoy the beauty and magnificence that time can build just below our feet.

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110mi 02h 47m
Photo of International UFO Museum and Research Center
3.5

114 North Main Street, Roswell, NM, US

International UFO Museum and Research Center

1

The Roswell of today is modern city with only faint nods to it's prestigious alien-related history. However, if you're a fan of conspiracies, the weird and all things extraterrestrial be sure to enjoy the most out-of-this world experience that Roswell has to offer.

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206mi 03h 15m
Photo of Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
4.6

4401 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, US

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

2

Explorers of the open road should pause to enjoy a horizon literally filled with a myriad of colors and shapes as hundreds of hot-air balloons take flight.

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98mi 02h 44m

WSMR P Route 13, Socorro, NM, US

Trinity Site

3

A less visited but important landmark in this fine country's history. Those present should take a moment to reflect on the genius necessary to launch us into the atomic age and soberly remember the horror it unleashed as a result.

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126mi 03h 15m
Photo of The Very Large Array - Visitors Center
4.5

Old Highway 60 Socorro, Socorro, NM, US

The Very Large Array - Visitors Center

4

Pictures pale to the task of capturing the immensity of these gargantuan satellite dishes dedicated to exploring the great unknown. No stop is necessary because you'll be able to see this attraction long before and long after you arrive at its destination.

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203mi 05h 20m
Photo of Petrified Forest National Park
4.4
5

This National Park is a great way to experience the majesty of the South West's colors and climate all at once. If you can arrive late in the day you'll be treated to a sunset vista that will stay with you the rest of your days.

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28mi 00h 37m
Photo of Wigwam Village Motel No. 6
4.0

811 W Hopi Dr, Holbrook, AZ, US

Wigwam Village Motel No. 6

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6

The Wigwam Village is a great way to spend the night in one of Route 66's most iconic locals!

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56mi 01h 11m
Photo of Meteor Crater
4.0

I 40 Exit 233, Winslow, AZ, US

Meteor Crater

7

While the entry fee is unfortunately a bit expensive this meteor crater does offer an extremely rare opportunity to witness first-hand the result of "alien contact" with planet Earth.

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130mi 02h 18m
Photo of The Grand Canyon National Park
4.7

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

The Grand Canyon National Park

8

The experience of seeing the Grand Canyon can easily leave one without words to reflect the magnitude of the sight. A single review will not convince you to see this ancient wonder if you aren't already committed to the task. Suffice to say, I don't know a single soul who has walked away unimpressed.

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247mi 04h 03m
Photo of The Hoover Dam
4.5

Hoover Dam Access Rd, Boulder City, NV, US

The Hoover Dam

9

After The Grand Canyon few things will ever seem as impressive, but the Hoover Dam holds its own. Few things in the history of America have boasted the size and productivity (both during construction and in operation) as the Hoover Dam.

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32mi 00h 46m

2000 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV, US

Stratosphere Hotel - Casino & Resort Hotel

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10

This trip features a lot of nature, so spending a night on "The Strip" to recharge your urban needs and desires can be a refreshing change. While there is plenty to see and do in Las Vegas the High Roller roller-coaster atop the Stratosphere Hotel is both family-friendly and a thrilling way to take in the neon glow of this desert oasis.

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91mi 01h 29m
Photo of World's Largest Themometer- Baker
3.6

72155 Blvd., Baker, CA, US

World's Largest Themometer- Baker

11

As you skirt the edge of Death Valley be sure to stop for a photo-op at one of the "World's Largest" road-side attractions.

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167mi 02h 47m

1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA, US

Huntington Botanical Gardens

12

Few, if any, will ever grow tired of the idyllic gardens and dozens of roses. Afterwards, you can always pop next door and ogle one of the historic Gutenberg Bibles.

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19mi 00h 33m
Photo of Hollywood Sign
4.0

3204 Canyon Lake Dr Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States, Los Angeles, CA, US

Hollywood Sign

13

No one needs to see the Hollywood sign close-up, but who can pass up a perfect photo opportunity with this L.A. landmark in the distance!

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57mi 01h 13m
Photo of Point Mugu State Park
4.4

9000 Pacific Coast Hwy Point Mugu State Park, Malibu, CA, US

Point Mugu State Park

14

Point Mugu is one of the less boasted (and as a result less crowded) beaches along your trip north. With Labor Day crowds gone, early October is still perfect weather to enjoy the Pacific surf.

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41mi 00h 42m

4299 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA, US

California Avocado Festival

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If the stars align properly you might just be able to arrive in Carpinteria during California's greenest and tastiest celebration! Even if you miss the window of festivities you're still assured to find delicious options for any meal with avocados at prime picking in the fall.

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210mi 04h 06m
Photo of Pfeiffer Beach
4.5

Sycamore Canyon Rd, Big Sur, CA, US

Pfeiffer Beach

16

If Point Mugu didn't fill your Pacific beach quota, of if you were left wanting more Pfeiffer Beach is sure fill those desires. Pfeiffer really is the quintessential California beach for surfing and sunbathing.

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36mi 00h 59m

Ridge Road, one block west of the intersection of Lighthouse Avenue and 17 Mile Drive, Pacific Grove, CA, US

Monarch Grove Sanctuary

17

As autumn blooms the Monarch migrations travel worldwide to return to this special sanctuary. The stunning undulations ochre wings can easily take one's breath away.

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118mi 02h 20m
Photo of Alcatraz Island
4.5

B201 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA, US

Alcatraz Island

18

Alcatraz has a little bit for everyone. It's a great opportunity to get out from behind the wheel for a few hours and enjoy stories of ghoulish gangsters and ghastly ghosts!

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4mi 00h 09m
Photo of Golden Gate Bridge
4.5

US Highway 101, San Francisco, CA, US

Golden Gate Bridge

19

As you say goodbye to southern California and head out onto State Route 1, take the bridge that is instantly identified by nearly every America from coast-to-coat. Driver beware: despite it's picturesque appearance the bridge is a toll road so be preaperd!

As the amber-crimson colors of the Western sun come to rest beyond the Pacific it is easy to appreciate the wild beauty that drove early Americans out into these untamed lands. We follow in our cars, our campers and on our motorcycles tasting but a phantom flavor of their adventures. And yet, when we hear the open road call, which of us could say no?