Road Tripping from Cathedral City, California to Orem, Utah
Cathedral City, California and Orem, Utah might not seem like they have much in common, but one thing they both offer is a great starting point for an epic road trip. With stunning natural scenery and a wealth of unique attractions, the route from Cathedral City to Orem is a journey that will be remembered for a lifetime. And with Mesquite, NV as the halfway point, the trip is split perfectly for travelers to take a break, refresh, and explore.
Top Five Things to Do
- Visit Zion National Park - This park is a must-see for anyone traveling through Utah. With its stunning red sandstone cliffs and canyons, waterfalls, and wildlife, there is something for everyone. The park is perfect for hiking, biking, and camping. A highlight of the trip is hiking the famous Angel's Landing trail, with breathtaking views of the park.
Interesting fact: Zion National Park is home to one of the world's largest freestanding arches, Kolob Arch, which spans 287 feet.
- Take a Scenic Drive through Bryce Canyon National Park - This park has some of the most unique geological formations in the world, including hoodoos, which are tall spires of rock that have eroded over time. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the park, with stops at various overlooks, or hike through the hoodoos on one of the many trails.
Interesting fact: Bryce Canyon is actually not a canyon, but a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the edge of a high plateau.
- Experience the Extraterrestrial Highway - While not an actual highway, this stretch of Nevada State Route 375 was named by the state in 1996 to attract UFO enthusiasts. The route runs through the desolate Nevada desert, with little else around but the occasional government installation. Visitors can stop at the Alien Research Center and grab a burger at the Little A'Le'Inn, a UFO-themed restaurant.
Interesting fact: Along the Extraterrestrial Highway, visitors may spot Area 51, a United States Air Force facility that is notorious for its secrecy and rumored to be home to extraterrestrial technology.
- Explore Death Valley National Park - Despite its ominous name, Death Valley is a beautiful and unique landscape. The lowest and driest place in North America, visitors can see towering sand dunes, colorful badlands, and salt flats. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep and coyotes.
Interesting fact: Death Valley holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth, clocking in at 134 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Relax at Lake Powell - Located on the border of Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell is a stunning man-made reservoir that is perfect for boating, fishing, and lounging on the beach. Visitors can rent houseboats or fuel up their own boats for a day on the water.
Interesting fact: Lake Powell has over 1,900 miles of shoreline, making it longer than the entire west coast of the United States.
After taking in all of these amazing sights, travelers will undoubtedly be asking themselves, "How long did it take?" The total distance from Cathedral City, California to Orem, Utah is approximately 700 miles. Depending on how many stops and detours are taken along the way, the road trip can be completed in anywhere from 10 hours to several days. But no matter how long it takes, the journey is sure to be memorable.