Planning first cross country road trip (CA to NC)

So a quick overview on my situation. I'm currently enlisted in the Marine Corps stationed on Oahu Hawaii. I'm getting out in August 2017 and we recently decided that instead of making the pricey flight to North Carolina the usmc will ship my jeep (2012 jk) to California and pay me per diem to drive it home so we're going to take that route. We are planning on camping the whole way and packing as light as possible. I was wondering if there were some decent routes you guys might know about that would take us through some scenic areas and pass some memorable land marks. Also ahh experience on this subject is greatly appreciated. Being that I'm somewhat of a logistical expert due to my current mos(job) I'm not too worried about hacking at all the moving parts just not very experienced on the subject. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Welcome to RTA, and thank you for your service.

Where in CA and where in NC? This can make a difference. Also, how many days are you willing to spend on the trip?

Thank you, from LAX to eastern north Carolina Johnston county area.

How many days?

The last I knew, government shipments of vehicles into the LA area were going to Compton. From experience with this (a number of years ago, though), make sure you ship in plenty of time so that your vehicle is actually there when you arrive! But this is a military PCS move question rather than a road trip question. :-)

As far as the trip is concerned, you need *at least* 5 days to make it across the country to NC. Anything you have beyond that, we can make recommendations of places to see. Do you have a paper map or atlas? If not, you should pick up an atlas (at the exchange) or maps at AAA (free if you're a member).


Donna

If you can take the time in the trip try to time it so that you visit the Colorado mountains after Labor Day. The weather is fabulous, the crowds are vastly reduced, the days are long and clear, and the aspen leaves start to turn color, and the snow has melted off all the trails if it's going to that year.

People drive their Jeeps from all over the country to drive the jeep trails in Colorado. Don't miss this opportunity.


San Juan mountains near Telluride and Ouray. Then head north to Taylor Park area west of Buena Vista.