Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Cave Junction, OR to Phoenix, AZ
With summer fast approaching, many Americans are beginning to plan their annual cross-country road trips. The drive from Cave Junction, Oregon, to Phoenix, Arizona, takes travelers through some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the country. The journey, which takes roughly 16 hours, covers a distance of approximately 963 miles. The halfway point of the trip is Kettleman City, CA, a sleepy agricultural town situated in the heart of California's Central Valley.
As you embark on this unforgettable trip, here are five must-see attractions to add to your itinerary:
Grand Canyon National Park
No trip to Arizona is complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon National Park. This natural wonder spans over 277 river miles, and it's over a mile deep at its lowest point. The park is home to thousands of species of plants, birds, and animals, making it a paradise for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Interesting fact: Did you know that the Grand Canyon is not the deepest canyon in the world? That title goes to the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon in Tibet, which is over 17,000 feet deep.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon located on Navajo land in Northern Arizona. The canyon is famous for its picturesque sandstone formations and striking colors, which are especially prominent during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. To visit the canyon, you must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide.
Interesting fact: Antelope Canyon, like many other slot canyons, was formed by the erosion of sandstone due to flash floods and rainwater.
Route 66
Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, is a legendary highway that runs from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. The road, which was established in 1926, covers a distance of over 2,400 miles and passes through eight states. The stretch of Route 66 that runs through the Mojave Desert, in particular, offers breathtaking views of the arid landscape and is a must-see for history buffs.
Interesting fact: Route 66 was immortalized in pop culture by the famous song "Route 66" by Bobby Troup. The song has been covered by hundreds of artists, including Chuck Berry, Nat King Cole, and the Rolling Stones.
Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is a massive concrete structure that straddles the border between Arizona and Nevada. The dam, which was completed in 1936, spans over 1,244 feet and stands at a towering height of 725 feet. The dam is a marvel of engineering and provides hydroelectric power to millions of residents in the western United States.
Interesting fact: The Hoover Dam was originally named the Boulder Dam, but it was later renamed in honor of President Herbert Hoover, who played a key role in the project's development.
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona and is home to some of the most unique geological formations in the world. The park is famous for its petrified wood, which was formed over 200 million years ago when trees were buried by ash and sediment and fossilized over time. The park is also home to ancient petroglyphs and some of the darkest skies in the country, making it a popular destination for stargazers.
Interesting fact: The park is not actually a forest, and the petrified wood found there does not belong to any modern-day species of tree.
Overall, the drive from Cave Junction, Oregon, to Phoenix, Arizona, is a must-see for anyone who loves natural beauty, American history, and cultural landmarks. With its stunning national parks, iconic highways, and awe-inspiring engineering feats, this road trip is an unforgettable adventure.
The drive takes roughly 16 hours without taking into account stops and sightseeing. So pack your bags, jump into your car, and hit the road - the adventure awaits!