The western part of the United States of America boasts of some of the most scenic and diverse terrains in the country and would therefore be most appropriate for a road trip. Largely because this region is home to towering mountains, thick forests, vast deserts and rocky coasts to name but a few. This drive will cover some of the most fantastic and picturesque roads in the west from California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. From the first day and all the way through to the last moment of your trip, whether it is a first major road trip or you are used to travelling this trip will present you with memorable experiences and scenic views at every turn.

Starting the Journey in California

Pacific Coast Highway

They start on one of the most picturesque roads in the world the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California, which is lined with cliffs and beautiful ocean views, as well as picturesque coastal cities. While on this road you will be able to view attractions such as the Big Sur cliffs, the beautiful Malibu beaches and the beautiful village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Just like every corner that can be turned to while driving along the PCH presents a new and fresh view of the surrounding environment, the PCH is one of the most beautiful roads to drive on across the globe. Pull over at some of the vantage points to get the best view of the Pacific Ocean and the natural untamed landscape of California.

Yosemite National Park

Off the coast and on to Yosemite National Park, one of the most spectacular of the parks in the National Park System. Yosemite National Park is famous for incredible granite walls, the most famous of which are El Capitan and Half Dome. Visit Yosemite Falls, the highest water fall in the United States or get to see the Mariposa Grove, the largest grove of giant sequoias. It has been the artist and the adventurers delight and still remains so for the visitors with its preaching scenes and wild life.

Lake Tahoe

From Yosemite, it is North to the alpine lake of Lake Tahoe, which is both a summer and winter resort destination. Picnicking is possible during summer; boating, fishing, and swimming in the lake or hiking through the nearby mountains which offer aerial views of the Sierra Nevada. During the winter it is a winter sports resort, with excellent skiing and snowboarding available for visitors. With its natural surroundings and recreational fun all-year-round, it is a must stop-over when planning a trip through the western region.

Experiencing Nevadas Unique Landscapes

Death Valley National Park

Finally you enter Nevada and what can be better than driving through the Death Valley National Park the hottest place on the planet. This otherworldly terrain is dominated by large salt pans, sand ridges, and even mountainous country. Hike through Badwater Basin, which is the lowest altitude of the continent, or drive through Artists Palette, where rocks are coloured by naturally occurring minerals. Death Valley is one of the most fascinating places to visit in your route because of its geography and other climate conditions.

Las Vegas to Red Rock Canyon

It is quite the opposite when one gets to Las Vegas after the dryness of the Death Valley. It is well famed as the entertainment capital of the world with lots of shows. Here you can get away from the urban jungle and enjoy the scenery of high red cliffs, gorgeous roads, and incredible trails. By featuring Las Vegas and Red Rock, Nevada can boast about having both the Sin City and the beautiful landscapes.

Discovering Arizonas Natural Wonders

Grand Canyon National Park

One cannot embark on a road trip through the west without a stop over at the famous Grand Canyon which is among the seven natural wonders of the world. This immense gorge has been created by the Colorado River and spans millions of years; looking at the endless depths of the gulf sends a shiver down the spine. Whether one is hiking along the rim, exploring the deep within the canyon or just admiring the views from the various viewpoints, Grand Canyon is one of those travel destinations that leaves a lasting impression of any traveler.

Monument Valley

When you proceed further in the east, you will be able to visit the famous monument valley which represents the west. The tall and isolated red sandstone formations of buttes and mesas are truly breathtaking with the feeling of being right out of many cowboy movies. With an authorized Navajo guide, one can get to know not only the geological and geographical value of this place but also its cultural aspect; one can drive the Valley Drive, the most popular scenic route, and see the so-called Mittens and Merrick Butte. Monument Valley is a classic site of Arizona as it has beautiful and monotonous view and has a history of being inhabited by Native Americans.

Sedonas Red Rock Country

Your Arizona trip goes on to Sedona, a town that has made a name for itself as the ultimate red rock country and art capital. Red cliffs and spires surround Sedona and offer a great opportunity for hiking, mountain biking and jeep tours. Sedona also has an extraordinary beauty and spirituality, the latter being manifested in the presence of numerous energy vortices. Whether one wanders in the trails or spends an evening with the brilliant red rocks in the backdrop, Sedona provides a nice combination of both adventure and tranquility.

Exploring Utahs National Parks

Zion National Park

Entering Utah, in Zion National Park you are greeted by giant vertical cliffs of sandstone, steep canyons, and green valleys. Zion is a hikers delight as there are easy strolls and tough hikes that start from the park and go up in the canyons. The Angels Landing trail is well-known offering perfect views of the park from the narrow ridge though hiking through the Narrows, hikers get to wade through the Virgin River in a slot canyon. The extreme and varied geography of Zion makes it a definite stop for your road trip through the ruggedly beautiful West.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Another nearby park that can be visited is the Bryce Canyon National Park where hoodoo rock formations will provide breathtaking scenery of spires, fins, and pinnacles. The different amphitheaters of the park including the Bryce Amphitheater offers bizarre formations and these are best viewed early in the morning or at dusk as the color differential brings out the hues of the terrain. Visitors can walk through the hoodoos using the hiking trails such as the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden thus making it a photographers delight and a must do experience.

Arches and Canyonlands

The last leg of your road trip brings you to the extreme south-eastern corner of Utah and the magnificent country of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks of the Colorado Plateau. Arches has more than 2000 natural stone arches and the states most famous arch Delicate Arch, while Canyonlands has great canyons, huge mesas and the junction of the Green and Colorado rivers. It is an advantage that both parks offer a seemingly inexhaustible list of activities for hiking, nature photography, and trail exploration, and that brings you up close and personal with the wilderness of Utah.

Conclusion

This a road trip through the Western states and is arguably one of the most scenic and diverse road trip in the entire America. Starting from the coast of California, to the four corners state of Arizona and Utah, every stop on this route is an adventure and a spectacle. Whether its the awe inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon, the otherworldly beauty of Bryce Canyon, or the road trip itself this tour is all about America at its best. Thus, do not hesitate, grab your things, get inside your car and go on a journey you will never want to forget.