Driving Time between Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Anaheim, California

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The Great American Roadtrip: From Cape Girardeau to Anaheim

Are you planning an epic road trip from Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Anaheim, California? Whether you're chasing the sunshine or catching a Disneyland adventure, this journey offers exciting routes and plenty of things to see and do along the way. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the different routes available, the distance each route covers, and how long it takes to get to your final destination.

Route 1: I-44 West and I-40 West

This route is the most direct way to get from Cape Girardeau to Anaheim, clocking in at around 1,800 miles. Begin your journey by hopping onto I-55 South from Cape Girardeau and continue driving until you reach St. Louis. Then, take a detour to I-44 West and head towards Tulsa, Oklahoma. Once you're in Tulsa, jump onto I-40 West and drive all the way to California.

While this route is the most direct, it also means you'll be driving without many notable diversion points until you reach Albuquerque. After about 19 hours on the road, consider taking a break in New Mexico and visiting the historic Old Town Albuquerque. From there, it's just over 10 hours to reach Anaheim.

  • Driving time: approx. 27 hours.
  • Recommended stop: Old Town Albuquerque.

Route 2: I-44 West, I-40 West, and Route 66

If you're looking for a bit more adventure and nostalgia in your road trip, consider taking this longer but more scenic route of Route 66. Follow the same directions as Route 1 until you reach Tulsa. Once you're there, take a turn onto Route 66, a historic highway that passes through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

This route is much more scenic, covering about 2,270 miles in total. While the drive time is undoubtedly longer, you'll have plenty of unique spots to explore along your journey. From the Cadillac Ranch in Texas to Meteor Crater in Arizona, there's no shortage of chances for roadside sightseeing.

  • Driving time: approx. 40 hours.
  • Recommended stop: Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.

Route 3: I-70 West, I-15 South

Another option for your Cape Girardeau to Anaheim road trip is taking I-70 West, which passes through Kansas, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, before linking up to I-15 South to reach Anaheim. While this route is more meandering than the previous options, it offers an exciting way to explore the scenic vistas of the American West.

You'll need to first reach St. Louis by following the directions of Route 1 and then continue westward on the I-70. Some of the highlights of this route include Denver, the Rocky Mountains, and Bryce Canyon National Park.

  • Driving time: approx. 35 hours.
  • Recommended stop: Bryce Canyon National Park.

Regardless of the route you take, your journey will undoubtedly be full of excitement and adventure. Just don't forget to pack plenty of snacks, entertainment, and a buddy (or two) to share the driving. Safe travels!