Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Coos Bay, Oregon to Grand Junction, Colorado
A road trip from Coos Bay, Oregon to Grand Junction, Colorado offers an exciting adventure filled with stunning natural landscapes, charming towns, and unique attractions. The journey takes travelers through the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest, across the majestic landscapes of the Northwest Plateau, and into the charming towns of the Rocky Mountains. The halfway point of the trip, Carlin, NV, offers a perfect opportunity to take a break and explore the small-town charm of the area.
Exploring Crater Lake National Park
One of the top highlights of the road trip is a visit to Crater Lake National Park. This stunning natural wonder is famous for its crystal-clear blue waters and the majestic crater that surrounds it. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake, take a scenic drive around the rim, or embark on one of the many hiking trails that offer stunning panoramas of the surrounding landscape.
Interesting Fact: Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, with a depth of 1,949 feet (594 meters).
Discovering the Painted Hills
Located in the high desert of Oregon, the Painted Hills are a unique and colorful geological wonder. The vibrant hues of red, gold, and black create a stunning landscape that is truly one-of-a-kind. Visitors can explore the various trails that lead through the hills and marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty of the area.
Interesting Fact: The Painted Hills are part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, known for its rich deposits of fossils from the Cenozoic Era.
Visiting Arches National Park
As the road trip takes travelers into Utah, a visit to Arches National Park is a must. This iconic park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, as well as a variety of other unique rock formations. Visitors can hike through the park, marvel at the natural wonders, and witness the stunning colors of the rock formations as they change throughout the day.
Interesting Fact: The largest arch in the park, Landscape Arch, spans an impressive 306 feet (93 meters), making it one of the longest natural arches in the world.
Exploring Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a breathtaking experience as the road trip ventures into Colorado. The deep, narrow canyon is a stunning natural wonder, with dramatic cliffs and the rushing waters of the Gunnison River below. Visitors can take in the awe-inspiring views from the various overlooks, hike the rugged trails, or even try their hand at rock climbing.
Interesting Fact: The sheer walls of the Black Canyon are among the steepest and most unforgiving in North America, with an average depth of 1,000 feet (300 meters).
Experiencing the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway
The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway offers a picturesque drive through the lush forests and towering cliffs of the Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-topped mountain. Along the route, travelers can stop at various overlooks to take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, explore the charming towns of the area, and even try their hand at fishing in one of the many scenic lakes.
Interesting Fact: The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway reaches heights of over 10,000 feet (3,000 meters), offering stunning vistas of the surrounding wilderness.
In conclusion, the road trip from Coos Bay, Oregon to Grand Junction, Colorado offers a diverse and exciting journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. The route covers approximately 1,200 miles and can be completed in about 20 hours of driving time, making it a perfect adventure for a week-long vacation. Whether it's exploring stunning national parks, marveling at geological wonders, or taking in scenic drives, this road trip offers something for every traveler to enjoy.