Road Trip from Chandler, Arizona to Vancouver, Washington: The Best Things to Do
As summer approaches, road trippers everywhere are planning their cross-country journeys. One popular trip is the 1,900 mile route from Chandler, Arizona to Vancouver, Washington, sandwiching the halfway point of Austin, NV. This trip takes over 30 hours, but it offers an array of activities and sights to keep you entertained. Some of the highlights of the trip are the beautiful scenic drives, parks, landmarks, and cultural attractions along the way. Here are the top five things to do:
Visit Arches National Park in Moab, Utah
The first stop on the trip is in Moab, Utah, where visitors can explore the stunning Arches National Park. This park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, along with red rock formations and balanced rocks. The beauty of the park changes throughout the day and each season, making it worth multiple visits.
Fun fact: The longest arch in the park is Landscape Arch, measuring 306 feet long.
See Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
No trip out West is complete without a visit to Yellowstone National Park, and a sighting of Old Faithful Geyser. This geyser erupts every 90 minutes, shooting boiling water and steam up to 185 feet in the air. The park also offers opportunities to see wildlife, scenic drives, and hiking trails.
Fun fact: Old Faithful was named by early explorers for its consistent and predictable eruptions.
Explore Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota
In South Dakota, take a detour to visit the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This massive sculpture features the faces of four notable U.S. presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. During the summer, nightly lighting ceremonies add another layer of majesty to the site.
Fun fact: The sculpture was carved out of a granite mountain using dynamite and chisels, and took over 14 years to complete.
Walk Across the World's Longest Pedestrian Suspension Bridge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the SkyBridge is the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, stretching 680 feet across a valley overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains. The bridge also includes three glass panels, where visitors can look down at the valley floor below.
Fun fact: The SkyBridge also features a 30-foot SkyDeck platform, that has views of the Smokies, and a smaller glass panel section.
Experience the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington
As you near your final destination, take some time to visit the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington. This iconic landmark features a rotating restaurant and observation deck, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains and waterways. It's a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset and night skyline of Seattle.
Fun fact: The Space Needle was built for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, and its observation deck has been visited by over 2.3 million people each year.
In conclusion, the Chandler to Vancouver road trip offers a variety of experiences for travelers to enjoy. The route includes stunning national parks, sculptures, bridges, and landmarks. From the natural beauty of Arches National Park to the man-made wonders of Mount Rushmore and the Space Needle, there is something for everyone on this trip. The time it takes to complete the journey may be longer than other road trips, but the memories made and sights seen will be well worth it.