Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Buffalo, New York and Los Gatos, California

Buffalo, New York, and Los Gatos, California, are two great cities separated by thousands of miles. These cities are located in the eastern and western parts of the United States, respectively, making it a long and challenging 38-hour drive to travel between them. However, what lies between these two cities are some of the most captivating and scenic landscapes in America.

During this road trip, one will be navigating through small towns, vast prairies, deserts, and snow-capped mountains of the Western and Midwestern United States. The trip reaches its halfway point in Sidney, Nebraska, a city in western Nebraska that connects the East to the West.

Top Five Things to Do

Visit Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a natural wonder that stretches over 2.2 million acres and is located across the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It is famously known for its natural features such as geysers, hot springs, and countless wildlife species. It is home to the famous Old Faithful Geyser, which emits hot water and steam every ninety minutes. Yellowstone is the ideal place to enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping.

Fun fact: Yellowstone lies on top of an active volcano whose magma chamber is much larger than previously believed, making it one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.

Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore is an iconic landmark that showcases the faces of four great American presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The memorial is carved into the side of the mountain using dynamite, chisels, and drills, and took over 14 years to complete. The monument serves as a tribute to the nation's heritage, democracy, and freedom. Visitors can take a tour of the Black Hills region surrounding the mountain or even hike up to the sculpture via the Presidential Trail.

Fun fact: The sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, had initially planned to also carve the bodies of the presidents but died before the project's completion.

Visit the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is considered one of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders. The canyon's sheer size and beauty have made it one of America's most popular tourist attractions, with thousands of visitors flocking yearly to take photos and enjoy the magnificent view. The Colorado River has carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years, carving out a canyon spanning 277 miles and reaching depths of over a mile. Visitors can hike, raft, or take a helicopter ride to take in the canyon's beauty.

Fun fact: There are many species of wildlife that call the Grand Canyon home, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and even the endangered California condor.

Visit Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada, is a city that needs no introduction. Known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas is famous for its casinos, nightlife, and glitz. Visitors can enjoy fantastic views of the Strip from the top of the Stratosphere Tower, witness an array of Cirque du Soleil shows, and indulge in some gambling and fine dining.

Fun fact: Over sixty thousand pounds of shrimp are consumed in Las Vegas every day, and the Las Vegas Strip is home to the largest number of hotel rooms in the world.

Visit San Francisco

San Francisco is a city rich in history, culture, and iconic landmarks. Visitors can explore the Golden Gate Bridge, which spans nearly two miles, see the famous Alcatraz Island, where the notorious mobster Al Capone was once imprisoned, or visit Fisherman's Wharf, where one can enjoy fresh seafood and seaport shopping.

Fun fact: San Francisco is home to the world's most narrow street, with a width of just six feet at its narrowest point.

Conclusion

Traveling from Buffalo, New York, to Los Gatos, California, is not only a great adventure but an opportunity to experience some of the world's most remarkable landmarks and natural wonders. With stops at Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and San Francisco, this road trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to leave lasting memories. The trip takes approximately 38 hours of driving time, but the sights and experiences along the way make it all worth it.