Go on a road trip to the west of the United States from San Francisco: discover the roads of the mythical Far West!
You want to live the experience of a American road trip ? Why not choose the routes of the mythical Far West? You will not visit the United States on a single trip, but you will be able to discover many places in the U.S. West from his roads. From California, to Arizona, Utah and Nevada, you will have a lot to do: coastal roads along the Pacific Ocean, discovering iconic cities, visiting exceptional national parks... On board your rental car, you will not have a better chance to succeed your trip to the Far West only through his roads. Take the time to see the most beautiful sites in this region of the USA: you will touch the famous American dream closely! We have created for you an idea of itinerary from San Francisco so that you are inspired by it for your next trip to the west American .
This route may be suitable for a stay of 15 to 20 days.
San Francisco
Flickr – Yang and Yun’s Album
As soon as you set foot in the streets of San Francisco, you will already regret the idea of leaving it one or two days later. Also, enjoy every moment in the midst of The City by the Bay . Enjoy the hippie atmosphere in the Haight-Ashbury district, take a tour of the Golden Gate Park to get a breathtaking view of the bay. To have a superb view of the emblematic Golden Gate Bridge make a cruise at sunset during which you can admire the city and prison Alcatraz . You can enjoy it to visit it during your short stay in San Francisco . The fourth city of California is very cosmopolitan and you will appreciate its walking or walking tour Cable Car . Before borrowing it Pacific Coast Highway ( Route 1 ), make sure you have explored some of the best museums in the city and benefited from the lively nightlife.
Monterey and Big Sur
Pixabay – werner22brigitte
A walk along the Pacific Coast Highway is the ingredient that makes a road trip a dream trip. As you descend the steep coast of California, you will be surprised to see how breathtaking the landscape is. Don't miss them McWay Falls , which flows directly to the beach. Visit the typical Californian village Monterey and enjoy a walk along the coast with beautiful views and the opportunity to see whales, sea lions and elephants.
Santa Barbara
Wikimedia - Eugene Zelenko
Continue to Santa Barbara where you can explore the pier or relax on the beach. If you’re looking for a little shade, it’s not the palm trees that miss to sit below, with why not a glass of local wine... The journey before and after Santa Barbara, still on the Panoramic Route 1, is superb.
Los Angeles
Flickr – Andra MIhali
Discover the tedious and glamour of Hollywood while you arrive in this celebrity neighborhood. Discover the famous Walk of Fame and its sidewalk where stars have their star. If you love the world of rhinestones and glitter, take the time to go to the neighborhood of Beverly Hills . Los Angeles is also known for its beaches. Walk for example along the promenade Venice Beach and watch street artists and skaters. This gigantic city is a good place to go shopping and party.
Direction the Grand Canyon on Route 66
This is especially when you travel between Los Angeles and the Grand Canyon that you will get the true definition of the word “road trip”. Indeed, you will borrow part of the Route 66 The famous American mythical road. You will stop in emblematic cities such as Kingman who says to be the heart of Route 66. After having spent many motels and service stations very typical of the Mother Road , you will arrive at one of the most beautiful sites than a road trip in the American West can offer you: Grand Canyon ! Nothing you have seen before will prepare you for such natural beauty. Depending on your budget and your desires, go hiking Hermit Road which will offer you one of the most beautiful views on the canyon, or fly over the Grand Canyon by helicopter. In the evening, enjoy the sunset to spend a moment in the calm and silence of the national park.
Monument Valley
Wikimedia – Carol M. Highsmith
Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture by visiting Navajo Reserve or discover the landscapes of American westerns with mesas , these famous flat-top butts that dominate the breathtaking landscape. You can also get a great view from John Ford Point who derives his name from director John Ford who helped make the region famous thanks to his western films. In the evening, this place is the best place to exchange stories about a camp fire under a star cover.
Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon
Wikimedia - Meckimac
Riding on the border of Utah and Arizona, the Lake Powell is a paradise in the heart of the desert, whose blue water strongly contrasts with the ochre colors of the stone surrounding it. Opt for a swim in crystal clear waters or simply sit on the shore and relax. Visit the famous panorama of Horseshoe Bend , a superb segment of the Colorado River curiously taking the form of a horse-riding iron, and being one of the most photographed areas of the Colorado River. Finally, don’t forget to explore Antelope Canyon (in guided tour), in which you will be subjugated by the light games that illuminate this natural wonder.
Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park
Wikimedia – Tobias Alt
Famous for its fairy chimneys, here you are in the National Park Bryce Canyon . The fairy chimneys are strange and wonderful rock sparrows arranged in rows. The Amerindians think that these rock forms are legendary people who have been transformed into stone for their sins, but it will be up to you to interpret their form when you are there. Many trails in the park will offer you a multitude of hikes within a kaleidoscope of natural colours.
Then take the road to Zion National Park. To get incredible 360-degree views of the entire park, climb to the top of the park Angels Landing . The hike itself will blow you in the sense of the figurative. Other more or less difficult trails, by their length, allow you to explore what is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. Whether you ran over or down the canyon, you will be really impressed by the landscapes. One of the best moments of your road trip for sure!
Las Vegas
Flickr – Joao Carlos Medau
Another highlight of your road trip in the Far West, the "city of sin" (Sin City) is similar to any other city on Earth. Why not offer you a night tour of the city in the limousine, attend a magnificent show, or have fun while spending a few dollars in one of the huge casinos? And as if it wasn’t enough, climb up one of the skyscrapers in Las Vegas to have a panoramic view of the strip and the rest of the city.
The Valley of Death
Flickr – Fikret Onal
Enter one of the largest American national parks, the Death Valley National Park . Climb up to Dante’s View to have an overview of the park and its desert sand dunes. Although superb and unavoidable on your way back to San Francisco, the Death Valley is the most arid and hottest point in the United States, with summer temperatures up to 51 °C. Careful then, when you pass, plan a lot of water.
Yosemite National Park
Flickr – Jeffrey Trust
Prepare to be seduced by rough stunts, granite peaks and huge sequoias in the magnificent Yosemite National Park . Amazing landscapes await you at every corner of the park and the abundance of wildlife. Moreover, you will have to keep your eyes open because you may encounter bears, coyotes and other wild animals that live here. Hiking, sublime panoramas, rafting... in short, everything is there to marvel at you.
Back to San Francisco
Here you are back in San Francisco, where you can unpack your road trip around a glass and rest a little while strolling around the city. While waiting for your flight back to France, you will find the good times spent by car or in the places you explored. That kind of thing. road trip in the Far West American is part of the “travels of a life”, which one does not forget.
Did you make a similar road trip in Western America? Tell us!
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