Points of Interest between Burbank, California to Caldwell, Idaho

picture of Burbank, California

Museums, Parks and Landmarks to Visit During a Road Trip from Burbank, CA to Caldwell, ID

If you are planning a road trip that will take you from Burbank, California to Caldwell, Idaho, you're definitely in for an adventure. The road trip alone has some of the most amazing scenic views that will leave you breathless. However, there are also great places to stop and explore along the way.

An interesting fact about the trip is that it includes some of the most scenic highways throughout the United States. From Burbank area, where you will find the first drive-through McDonald's restaurant, to the Caldwell area that has vast wine vineyards and is near one of the largest rivers in the country.

The halfway point of Schurz, NV is a great stop to refuel and stretch your legs. Here, you'll find a small town with a sizeable reservation and fantastic landscapes of the Walker River.

The trip from Burbank, California, to Caldwell, Idaho is a total distance of roughly 800 miles. Depending on traffic conditions, road detours, and other variables, it can take between 12-15 hours of driving to complete the entire journey. However, taking time to stop at attractions and tourist sites on the way can easily increase the length of the trip.

Here are the top five places to visit along the road trip:

  1. Death Valley National Park, CA - Known for its unique geological features and expansive wilderness, this park is a must-see stop for visitors going through California. As one of the driest and hottest regions in North America, the park offers unique sights and an opportunity to examine remarkable landscapes. Don't miss the hike to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, which is a truly remarkable sight to see.

  2. Zion National Park, UT - Considered one of the most beautiful spots in the United States, Zion offers visitors an unmatched experience. The park offers trails to hike, a scenic drive, and opportunities to camp, climb, and photograph stunning rock formations. Make sure to check out the iconic Angel’s Landing trail.

  3. Arches National Park, UT - If you're looking for breathtaking landscapes, this park offers thousands of red and orange arch formations. Arches National Park is ideal for hiking, photography, and camping. Don't miss Delicate Arch, which is a thrilling hike that leads to an incredible view of Utah's iconic scenery.

  4. Yellowstone National Park, WY and MT - This park is one of the most famous tourist destinations globally and is the oldest national park in the United States. It is a vast parkland, boasting miles of forest, geysers, springs, rivers, and wildlife like grizzly bears, wolves, and bison. Some of the must-see locations include Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

  5. Mount Rushmore National Monument, SD - The monument features the faces of four US Presidents, carved into the mountains in South Dakota. The monument also has a rich history. Visitors can get an amazing view of the presidents’ faces by hitting one of several hiking trails available. The nearby area offers great restaurants and shopping spots.

Make sure to book a hotel or plan for camping stops at each location. Here is a recommendation for a point of interest in each stop:

  • Death Valley National Park, CA: Visit Dante's View spot view that gives breath-taking views of the ravines and wavy valleys in the National Park.
  • Zion National Park, UT: Walk with the ranger on the trails, it gives an interpreter's view of the park and the historical background of the park.
  • Arches National Park, UT: Catch sunset at Delicate Arch. This is the best way to see the magnificent arch as it captures the sun’s ray’s reflections perfectly.
  • Yellowstone National Park, WY, and MT: The Lamar valley is a great spot to view wild animals such as bison and elks. It is also an ideal location for wildlife photography.
  • Mount Rushmore National Monument, SD: Stop by the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is nearby and currently under development. The sculpture is said to be the largest in the world once completed, and the site offers informational exhibits and hosts cultural events.

In conclusion, visiting all stops while driving from Burbank, California, to Caldwell, Idaho, would take approximately 14 hours. The journey offers beautiful views of the countryside and several breathtaking recreation destinations to explore - make sure to keep these in mind when planning your next road trip!