Road-Tripping from Burlington, Kentucky to Fairfield, California
Are you planning a road trip from Burlington, Kentucky to Fairfield, California? This trip will take you through 11 states: Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and California. Here are the top five must-see places to stop during your journey.
An Interesting Fact
Did you know that the famous Route 66, the "Main Street of America," runs parallel to I-70 for over 200 miles in Missouri and Kansas? This historic road is known for connecting Chicago to Santa Monica and even inspired a song named after it.
Halfway Point
Near Kansas, the halfway point of your trip, you'll find Cheyenne, Wyoming, which was once a silver mining town. Today, it is the capital of Wyoming and home to several festivals throughout the year, including Frontier Days, the largest outdoor rodeo in the world.
Length of the Trip
The journey from Burlington, Kentucky to Fairfield, California is roughly 2,200 miles and takes approximately 33 hours of driving time. Plan to spend around two to three weeks to complete the trip, allowing time for rest and exploration.
- Gateway Arch National Park - St. Louis, Missouri The largest man-made monument in the United States, Gateway Arch National Park is a must-visit attraction in St. Louis, Missouri. At 630 feet tall, it was built to commemorate the westward expansion of the US and located right along the banks of the Mississippi River. Take a tram to the top for incredible views of the city and surrounding landscape.
- Point of Interest Recommendation: Explore the neighboring historic Old Courthouse, where the Dred Scott case was heard by the Supreme Court in 1857.
- Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, Colorado Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural park filled with towering red rock formations and sparkling streams. Visitors can hike, bike, and even rock climb within the park. There are several picnic areas and an educational visitor center for those looking to learn more about the park's history and geology.
- Point of Interest Recommendation: Take a scenic drive through the park at sunset to see the rock formations come alive in a beautiful array of colors.
- Arches National Park - Moab, Utah Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, the highest concentration in the world. Visitors can hike the park's trails for up-close views of these stunning formations. Additionally, the park offers stargazing tours, horseback riding, and even hot air balloon rides.
- Point of Interest Recommendation: Join a ranger-led hike to the iconic Delicate Arch, a symbol of Utah and one of the most popular attractions in the park.
- Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is truly a sight to behold. The park offers something for everyone, from hiking and camping to mule rides and helicopter tours. Visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the canyon from several different lookout points, including the popular South Rim and the less-crowded North Rim.
- Point of Interest Recommendation: Take a stroll on the Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends over the canyon and offers stunning views from several stories above the ground.
- Golden Gate Park - San Francisco, California Located in the heart of San Francisco, Golden Gate Park is a beautiful oasis within the bustling city. The park spans over 1,000 acres and features several gardens, lakes, museums, and art installations. Visitors can rent bikes, enjoy a picnic, or attend one of the events held within the park throughout the year.
- Point of Interest Recommendation: Visit the California Academy of Sciences, an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all-in-one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the road trip from Burlington, Kentucky to Fairfield, California offers a diverse range of landscapes, historic landmarks, and natural wonders to explore. The trip is a drive that can be accomplished in a few days or even stretched out over a few weeks to allow for unique experiences and chance encounters. Whether you have a few days or a few weeks, make sure to visit these top five stops along the way for a trip that you'll never forget.