Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive From Big Sky, Montana, to Torrance, California
Driving from Big Sky, Montana, to Torrance, California, can take approximately 22 hours depending on the route and traffic. While it may seem like a long journey, the breathtaking scenery along the way and the opportunity to make unexpected stops make the trip worthwhile. This route takes travelers through Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and finally, California. The diversity of the landscape and unique places make for an unforgettable experience.
Halfway Point: Beaver, UT
Beaver, UT, is the perfect place to stop during the long drive from Big Sky, Montana, to Torrance, California. It lies almost exactly at the halfway point of the trip and is a quaint town with a population of fewer than 3,000 people. The town is situated in a valley that is surrounded by the Tushar and the Wah Wah mountain ranges. This location makes it an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts to spend a couple of hours or an entire day.
1. Cove Fort Historic Site
Cove Fort Historic Site, located in Cove Fort, UT, is an excellent spot for history buffs along the route. This location was used as a stopover for travelers during the mid to late 19th century, and it remains a testament to Utah's rural history. Visitors can learn about the fort's history, the Pony Express, and the overland stage coaches that passed through the area.
Favorite Food: Apple Pie
2. Lehman Caves
Lehman Caves, located in Great Basin National Park, NV, offers visitors an opportunity to explore underground. The limestone caves have been open to visitors since 1922 and feature formations thousands of years old. Guides lead tours through the cave system, providing valuable information about their geological history. The park also features hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Favorite Food: Bison Burger
3. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, located in Amargosa Valley, NV, is one of the most vibrant oases in the Mojave Desert. The park boasts over 24,000 acres of pristine habitat with crystal-clear streams and an abundance of wildlife. Visitors should take some time to explore the boardwalks through the wetlands, and take in the beauty of the lush plant life.
Favorite Food: Fried Catfish
4. Zzyzx Road
Zzyzx Road, located in the Mojave Desert, CA, is a road that leads travelers to a hot spring and research facility. Visitors can take a dip in the hot spring or explore the surrounding trails and the lake bed. The facility has an interesting history as it was established in the 1940s as a health resort. Today it is a California State University outpost for desert studies, and visitors can learn about the desert's unique ecology.
Favorite Food: In-N-Out Burger
5. Prado Dam
Prado Dam, located in Corona, CA, is a picturesque location surrounded by the Santa Ana Mountains. The dam was created by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the late 1930s and early 1940s to control flooding in the Santa Ana River. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and hiking trails. The location is also home to many birds, so birdwatchers should bring their binoculars.
Favorite Food: Korean BBQ
The drive from Big Sky, Montana, to Torrance, California, can be a long one, but the journey should be just as exciting as arriving at the destination. Exploring these five unexpected places along the way can make for an adventure of a lifetime. So, plan your next road trip, pack your bags, and hit the road. You won't regret it.