Cross-Country Road Trip: Burlington to Crescent City

Are you planning a cross-country road trip from Burlington, Colorado to Crescent City, California? Congratulations! You're in for an amazing adventure. With so many beautiful and fascinating places to see along the way, it's sure to be an unforgettable journey. But just how long will it take you to get there? Let's take a look at some of the different routes and travel times.

The Northern Route: I-80 West

If you're looking to take in some stunning mountain landscapes, the northern route is the way to go. Start by taking I-80 West from Burlington through Wyoming and into Utah. From there, you'll head west on I-84 and then north on I-82 into Washington state. At the Tri-Cities area, you'll connect to I-90 West and follow it all the way to Spokane. From there, take US-395 South to Lakeview, Oregon, and then head west on CA-139. This will take you into northern California, where you can take in some of the state's most beautiful natural scenery.

This route is a bit longer than some of the others, at around 1,540 miles, but it's also one of the most scenic. Depending on your driving speed, you can expect the journey to take between 25 and 30 hours. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and stretch your legs along the way, including rest areas, scenic overlooks, and small towns. Consider taking a detour to see Crater Lake National Park or the Columbia River Gorge.

The Southern Route: I-40 West

If you're looking for a more direct route that still passes through some interesting places to see, consider taking I-40 West from Burlington through New Mexico and Arizona. From there, you'll head north on US-93 into Nevada and then pick up US-95 North. This will take you all the way into Oregon, where you can connect to US-101 and follow it along the coast to Crescent City.

This route is a bit shorter than the northern route, at around 1,350 miles, but it can still take around 24 hours of driving time. There are plenty of great sights to see along the way, including the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead, and the Hoover Dam. You can also take a detour to see Redwood National Park or explore the Oregon coast.

The Middle Route: I-70 West

If you're looking for a route that passes through some of the most iconic American landscapes, the middle route may be for you. Start by taking I-70 West from Burlington through Kansas and Colorado. From there, you'll head west on I-15 into Utah and then connect to I-84 West. This will take you into northern Nevada, where you can pick up US-95 North and follow it into Oregon.

This route is around 1,460 miles long and can take between 24 and 26 hours of driving time. Along the way, you'll pass through some of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes in the country, including Arches National Park, Monument Valley, and the Great Salt Lake. Consider taking a detour to see the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area or experience the wine country of southern Oregon.

The Best Places to Stop Along the Way

No matter which route you take, there are plenty of places to stop and explore along the way. Consider checking out some of the following highlights of your journey:

Kansas City, Missouri: Home to some of the best barbecue in the world, as well as jazz, museums, and history.
Grand Canyon National Park: One of the world's most iconic and stunning natural wonders.
Las Vegas, Nevada: A city that needs no introduction, with entertainment, food, and nightlife for every taste.
Portland, Oregon: A city known for its food, beer, and funky culture, as well as easy access to the stunning natural world of the Pacific Northwest.
Redwood National and State Parks: Home to some of the largest and oldest trees on Earth, as well as stunning coastline and wildlife.

No matter which route you take, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore and enjoy all the amazing things that this part of the country has to offer. Happy travels!