Road Trip Madness: Traveling from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Palm Springs, California

Have you been wanting to experience the thrill of a long road trip? Here's a great idea for your next adventure – driving from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Palm Springs, California! Whether you're a seasoned road tripper or a newbie, the flexibility provided by driving will ensure that you'll have a great time.

The Southward Route: Through St. Louis

Driving from Cedar Rapids to Palm Springs via St. Louis, MO is one of the most direct ways to reach your destination. The distance between Cedar Rapids and St. Louis is 302 miles, and if you take I-70 West, it should take you around 4 and a half hours to reach the city. From there, take I-44 West, and you'll arrive in Palm Springs in approximately 27 hours, covering approximately 1,821 miles.

We recommend spending the night in St. Louis to sample some of the city's famous cuisine. From BBQ and Italian to Cajun and Asian, there's something for everyone in St. Louis. Additionally, St. Louis is a beautiful city to explore, with a variety of landmarks such as the Gateway Arch and the City Museum.

The Mountain Route: Taking the Scenic Route through Santa Fe

Another great option is to take a more leisurely route through the mountains of New Mexico. This route gives you an opportunity to enjoy nature's beauty while taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. Simply head west on US 20 to Sioux City and then get on I-29. From there head to I-70 and head west. Be sure to stop in Santa Fe, NM, where you'll find an excellent chance to unwind and enjoy some great food and culture.

From Cedar Rapids to Santa Fe is approximately 1,086 miles, which should take around 17 hours. The journey from Santa Fe to Palm Springs is 800 miles and should take approximately 13 and a half hours.

The Southern Route: Through Texas

Taking the southern route to Palm Springs is another great option that allows travelers to experience a variety of scenery and climates. From Cedar Rapids, take the I-35 Southbound, which will take you through Dallas and Austin, TX. You can taste the state's famous BBQ, indulge in some hearty Tex-Mex, and visit some of the cities' must-see sites.

From Cedar Rapids to Dallas, the distance is approximately 830 miles, which should take approximately 12 hours. From Dallas to Palm Springs is approximately 1,208 miles, which will take around 19 hours.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of which route you end up choosing, be sure to take your time and enjoy the journey. There are plenty of attractions, landmarks, and places to explore en route to Palm Springs. A few places we recommend visiting besides the ones we already mentioned include Okoboji, IA, Kansas City, MO, and Flagstaff, AZ. Also, make sure your vehicle is in its prime condition, and check for road closures and weather conditions before the trip. Wherever you may find yourself driving, remember to take in the experience and enjoy the journey.