Moving PA to CA

I’m moving from Lancaster County, PA to San Jose, CA this August and after researching my options, I’m going to pack up my Honda Fit with what little items I plan to take along and hit the road. There is a slight chance I might do it alone, but pretty sure my boyfriend will fly out and drive with me.

I’ve started looking through my possible options for routes but would love to hear suggestions from those who have lots of experience driving across the country. I love the thought of stopping in Chicago and then maybe taking 44/40 to Grand Canyon.

Driving across the country has always been a dream of mine. Ideally, I would love to take a few weeks to do this but I can’t at this time. My goal is to make it the easiest but also the most interesting trip. We’re hoping to drive 10 hours a day (5 hours each) but still have time to at least take photos here and there (we are both photographers).

I have lived most of my life on the east coast and visited California (Bay Area) but that’s about it. So, seeing the rest of the country will be a treat.

Saving money is important but we will splurge if need be. I’d love to camp along the way but my boyfriend is not a fan. Any suggestions on how to plan for lodging for such a trip like this would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Carissa

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

How much time do you actually have for this trip?

10 hours a day is a pretty full day on the road, but that doesn't leave a lot of time for stops and if you want to get off the interstates to find some great photo locations, it might not get you as far down the road as you're expecting. The route you've laid out does add some miles too, although it's certainly not unreasonable. You're looking at needing at least 5 days to cover the miles, but that doesn't include time to explore Chicago, the Grand Canyon, or any detours for Photography.

Camping is a great way to save money, but if your boyfriend isn't a fan, then it's probably not a great idea. Budget motels are probably a better bet, and you certainly can look at options like AirBnB to find lower cost room options in other places too.

I think we might have some flexibility in our time schedule. If I can find inexpensive lodging, that might change how long we have to get to CA.

I’m more interested in finding out what the best (beautiful views, etc) route is since there are so many choices.

How many do people book lodging for a trip like this when you don’t really know how far you will drive each day?

You are going to need more than 5 days unless you take the fastest route across, which are the toll roads to Chicago, then I-80. If you have an EZ-Pass, it works all the way through PA, OH, IN, and IL. Finding relatively inexpensive lodging "on the fly" on Interstate highways is not difficult unless you are in a resort area or near heavily visited national parks. If you take that route, you would be looking at the following areas for overnights:

Elkhart/South Bend IN
Omaha NE
Cheyenne WY
Wells NV

Install the hotels.com app on your phone, this will help you find lodging when you are on the road.

Now - we can make alternate suggestions, but you will have to tell us how many days you can REALLY take.

A week (7 days) is probably the most we can do. My boyfriend’s sister lives in Phoenix so if we go that route, we would have a place to stay so sightseeing around that area wouldn’t be counted in our 7 days if that makes sense.

Thank you for the suggestions on lodging!

Chicago and Grand Canyon would be great to see but do not have to see them on this trip. Just looking at my options right now.

Okay, you should be able to do this:

Take US-30 west to I-81 south to I-70 west to I-68 west to I-79 north to I-70 west.
At Columbus, take the I-270 bypass south.
Spend the night in Richmond IN.
At Indy, take the I-465 bypass south.
At St. Louis, take the I-270 bypass to MO-370 back to I-70.
Spend the night in Lawrence KS.
Spend the night on the west side of Denver - probably Golden.
At Exit 216, take US-6 over Loveland Pass, back to I-70 at Dillon.

Option 1:

At Exit 214 in UT, take UT-128 to US-191. If you have time, go through Arches NP and/or Canyonlands NP.
Take US-191 south. Lodging in Moab is expensive. Spend the night in Monticello or Blanding.
At Bluff, take US-163 through Monument Valley. You will have a great picture opportunity which you will recognize if you saw Forrest Gump.
At Kayenta, take US-160 to US-89.
Take US-89 south to Flagstaff. (Optional - take AZ-64 through the Grand Canyon, exit via AZ-64 south to US-180 to Flagstaff)
Take I-17 to Phoenix.

Option 2:

At Exit 149 in UT, take UT-24 south to Hanksville and Torrey. Go through Capitol Reef NP, spend the night in Torrey.
Take UT-12 to Tropic, go through Bryce Canyon NP, spend the night in Tropic or Panguitch.
Take US-89 south to Flagstaff, if you have time, use the Grand Canyon option.

Note that lodging around the Grand Canyon is expensive, best bet for cheap is Flagstaff.

From Phoenix, you are looking at a day and a half to SJ. Take I-10 west to CA-210 to I-215 to I-15 to US-395 to CA-58 to Bakersfield. This avoids the majority of LA traffic.
Take CA-99 north to CA-46 west to I-5 north to CA-152 west to US-101 into SJ.

Thanks glc! I got out my atlas so I could check out your options. Definitely looks like a good suggestion. We are both nature lovers so visiting parks is perfect. :)

Is there an app or website that allows me to put in my own routes for a trip—like GPS but allows me to customize which way I go?

We have 2 of them right here!

In the light green toolbar at the top of the forum, right under the RTA logo, there's a Map Wizard and Advanced Maps. Use those in conjunction with your atlas.

Note that I-70 through the Rockies is probably the most scenic Interstate highway in the country. UT-12 between Torrey and Tropic and UT-128 between I-70 and Moab are also great scenic routes. Closer to PA, I-68 across northwest MD is very scenic, and avoids the PA Turnpike tolls. The only toll across any of the routes I recommended are between KC and Topeka, it's only about 3 bucks.

Depending on how many national parks you visit, the annual pass is $80, it may be worth it - especially if you plan on visiting any parks close to home in the next year such as Lassen, Crater Lake, Death Valley, Yosemite, and Sequoia. It can be purchased at the entrance station at the first park you visit. It allows a full car in and has 2 signature lines, so you can share it with someone else. The nps.gov site will tell you how much the non-pass admission fee is for each park.

That is awesome! Thank you so much for all of your help and info. I really appreciate it.

I personally would opt for I-70 through Colorado and follow glc's route to Bryce canyon. From there I would look at the option of visiting the North rim of the Grand canyon NP and go to Zion NP (Springdale UT) From Springdale UT you could head towards Vegas and cross Death valley and then head through Yosemite NP via Tioga Pass (CA120) and on to San Jose. You won't have lots of time to explore but West of Denver onwards would be a spectacular drive with lots of amazing photo opportunities through diverse scenery.

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Originally Posted by Southwest Dave

I personally would opt for I-70 through Colorado and follow glc's route to Bryce canyon. From there I would look at the option of visiting the North rim of the Grand canyon NP and go to Zion NP (Springdale UT) From Springdale UT you could head towards Vegas and cross Death valley and then head through Yosemite NP via Tioga Pass (CA120) and on to San Jose. You won't have lots of time to explore but West of Denver onwards would be a spectacular drive with lots of amazing photo opportunities through diverse scenery.

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That’s exactly what I’m looking for!

The only downside of Dave's suggestion is you won't be going anywhere near Phoenix. If you can deal with that, and the days on the road you will have to find lodging, it's an outstanding suggestion.

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Originally Posted by glc

The only downside of Dave's suggestion is you won't be going anywhere near Phoenix. If you can deal with that, and the days on the road you will have to find lodging, it's an outstanding suggestion.

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I’m thinking we could skip Grand Canyon and Phoenix since we plan on taking a trip there specifically for that in the near future. So, I just have to plug everything in and see how long it will take and how many days/lodging we will need.

Okay, my route, as modified by Dave - Bryce Canyon to Zion to LV to DV to Yosemite to SJ, is 3100 miles. This is 6 to 7 days of just driving, not including sightseeing stops. You will probably need to allow for more than 6 overnights.

Bryce Canyon can be seen in half a day if you stop at the welcome center to watch a short movie, then drive down to the end, turn around, then stop at each lookout on the way back (they will all be on that side of the road) for a short photo session. Zion probably needs closer to a full day, you will have to park in Springdale and take shuttle buses. Death Valley can pretty much be driven straight through, it's too hot in August to do much of anything out of the car. Make sure your A/C is working properly! You don't have to spend too much time in Yosemite because that's an easy weekend trip from San Jose. The drive over Tioga Pass is spectacular, if you have time you could go down into the valley to see the waterfalls and head up to Glacier Point. August is generally not a great time to see the waterfalls, they should really be seen in the spring when the snow is all melting off.

If you are pinched for time, you can go straight from Zion to LV and on to SJ. Go to Yosemite and DV on your GC-Phoenix trip.

Being that I have my software open, let's see how overnights would stack up, keeping costs down as much as possible.

Option 1 - with DV and Yosemite:

Richmond IN
Lawrence KS
Golden CO
Torrey UT
Tropic/Panguitch UT
St. George UT
Bishop CA

This is with a quick drive through Capitol Reef, half a day in Bryce Canyon, just over half a day in Zion, quick drive through DV, and a quick drive through Yosemite. I'd probably plan on one additional night somewhere. That comes to 8 nights in hotels.

Going from St. George to SJ via LV and Bakersfield will need one night in a hotel somewhere. That's still 7 nights.

Thanks for doing that for me! That’s plausible—it’s still a heck of a lot cheaper than shipping my car and few items across the country. ;) Plus, I get to see amazing sights along the way. Works for me.

Hello:

I agree with everyone, regarding the route you seem to be leaning towards. The drive between Capitol Reef and Bryce is epic, one of my personal favorites, with sweeping views, gorgeous curves, and not all that much traffic. If you're going to stay the night in Tropic, you should make a point of getting up super early--before sunrise, if you possibly can, and drive straight to Bryce Canyon. Depending on where you stay in Tropic, it's only 20 minutes away (or less--there are several motels right at the park entrance). The gate doesn't open until 8 AM, but all that means is that nobody will be manning the entry station. Unless things have changed since I was there two years ago, you can drive straight into the park; there are (or were) no closed gates across the roadway. Once inside the park, there's a drive that leads past a series of overlooks, each with a parking area. Start at Inspiration Point, which faces due east: Bryce Canyon has an eastern exposure, and when the sun pokes up above the horizon, it sets that entire landscape on fire, spires and hoodoos gleaming in golden light! As a photographer, you'll truly appreciate the very special opportunity. The best part about the early start: you'll have the whole place (almost) to yourself. Once the gates open and the tour buses start rolling in, it's a completely different experience. Assuming you have an annual parks pass, it's perfectly acceptable for you to drive in without paying. If you don't have a pass? You can pay on your way out.

I have a slideshow on my personal website with photos of what I've just described. Check it out, if you're interested (give the first page a minute to load, then the slides will advance automatically):

Bryce Canyon Sunrise

Enjoy! Sounds like you're going to have an awesome trip!

Rick

If you only camp once, make it at Bryce Canyon National Park, particularly the North campground. You can walk directly from your campsite to the rim walk that overlooks the magnificent amphitheater. It's right there!

https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvis...ndmaps2009.pdf

Starting June 1, they will be repaving the roads in the two campgrounds. Check that the North campground is open by then.

Rick:

Thank you for the suggestion! My boyfriend and I love to get up and take shots of sunrises. I will definitely keep that in mind. And I will check out your website. :)

Travelingman:

Sounds like that would be a perfect match with Rick’s suggestion. :) Question: if we’re there in August, is it going to be super hot though? I’m used to the humidity in the south during summer so I know it will be different out there.

This would be a decent alternative:

Night 4 - Green River UT, get an early start, drive through Hanksville and Torrey, making a quick trip through Capitol Reef, on to Tropic or Panguitch (or camp in Bryce) for night 5. Lodging at the park entrance is expen$ive.

See Bryce, go into Panguitch and take UT-143 to UT-148 through Cedar Breaks to UT-14 to Cedar City for night 6. Lodging in Springdale is expen$ive.

Head to Zion, park in Springdale, take the shuttle buses around the park, on to St. George for night 7 and Bishop or Bakersfield for night 8.

Buy the parks pass at the first park you come to - which will probably be Capitol Reef.

Bryce Canyon is at high elevation and a little cooler, but it's not to say it doesn't get hot. Average highs in August are around mid 70's but an all time high of 98F has been recorded during July 2002. Evening and early morning temps are much lower. You should certainly have hats and sunscreen this time of year and plenty of water.

glc:

That looks great! Could you come along on our trip? LOL

Dave:

That’s what I figured. I lived in Alice Springs, Australia for 3 years and summers were tolerable to me as long as I was in the shade and it was in the 90s. And everything cooled off at night. It’s the humidity and direct summer sunlight that kills me.

Would we need to make a reservation at the campground ahead of time for that time of year for Bryce Canyon?

Absolutely, if available. Due to construction, no reservations are currently being accepted.

https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

You can camp at Ruby's, just outside the park. Reservations are currently being accepted.

https://www.brycecanyoncampgrounds.com/

In addition to RV and tent sites, they have cabins, cost is very competitive with Panguitch/Tropic hotels and considerably cheaper than the hotels right at the park.

Ruby's Inn is kinda cool. It's right by the entrance to the park and has stores, a restaurant and just opposite is Bryce Old town where you can visit the Old rock shop and spend time behind bars if you wish !

Ruby’s looks great. I’ve bookmarked it on Yelp. The cabins are definitely affordable if the boyfriend will not agree to tent camping. ;)

I requested a map, brochures and travel guide from Utah today. Can’t wait to look it over.

If you are carrying some camping gear you could sleep in one of their Tipi's.

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Originally Posted by Southwest Dave

If you are carrying some camping gear you could sleep in one of their Tipi's.

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I saw those! At least we wouldn’t have to pitch the tent.

On the date I checked in August at random (8th), the tipis were sold out already. Available on the 15th.

You need to plan your dates sooner rather than later.

I would slightly disagree with glc about heading to Cedar City after Bryce, although it's personal choice. Now if you are camping lodging costs wouldn't be much of an issue and I would get on to booking the Watchman campground in Zion NP. I would actually head south on US89 after UT12 to Mt Carmel Junction and take UT 9 through the Mt Carmel tunnel. It's a fantastic drive into the park and the chance to stop to take in some rock formations at Checkerboard Mesa.

Here is a list of stops west of Denver that spring to mind and don't take long to enjoy.

I-70. Take US6 detour to Loveland Pass. Great views as you cross the Continental divide at around 12000ft.

Colorado National Monument Rim drive between Grand Junction and Fruita CO. (Not so quick and likely to add 2 hours with stops but a great detour)

Goblin Valley SP between I70 and Hanksville UT24. Great rock formations but again would add a couple of hours. (Cool Gas station in Hanksville called Hollow mountain. Store has been created by blasting a hole in the rock and it may be a good place to fill up)

Capital Reef NP. The scenic road is great if you have time. If not, Gifford Homestead is a neat stop and you could stop at Panorama Point and Goosenecks overlook just to the west of Fruita UT.

When you join UT12 about 20 mins south there is Larb Hollow overlook. Lovely views for a 5 min stop.

Just beyond Tropic UT you will see parking for Mossy cave trail. The cave isn't much tbh but it offers a nice 15 min stroll in a quieter part of Bryce. When you leave Bryce you will eventually go under Red canyon Arch that spans the road, just after there is parking and you can cross the road and walk among the red rocks.

As mentioned, Checkerboard Mesa if you take the Mt Carmel route to Zion.

Death valley quick stops. Zabriske Point, Furnace Creek and the Sand Dunes.

Tioga Pass (CA120) As you enter the road from 395 you will see Tioga gas Mart. If you take the turn and continue up the hill past the station you will come to a parking lot with expansive views of Mono Lake. You could stop and stroll at Tuolumne Meadows and also pull up by Tenaya Lake.

These are just a small sample of options and you won't get time for all. You need to get a few more days !! lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by glc

On the date I checked in August at random (8th), the tipis were sold out already. Available on the 15th.

You need to plan your dates sooner rather than later.

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Yeah, unfortunately, my move date is not final yet. That is the problem.

- - - Updated - - -

Dave:

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions! Yes, I would love to add more days as well. ;)

I’ve noticed that you guys suggest no more than 500 miles a day. Just wondering the reasoning behind that. I’ve driven over 500 miles in one day with just me driving and my children in the day (more than once). I’ve driven to Florida from Maryland/Virginia with a second driver and children although we did stop for the night. 500 miles with 2 adults and no children seems on the low side but I’ve never driven that many days in a row or in that part of the country. Just want to understand and have a realistic view of what’s to come. I will say that my boyfriend barely fits in my car and that’s my main worry. He is 6’5” and my Honda Fit doesn’t give him a lot of leg room. He was just here visiting and used my car a lot. His ankles weren’t around his neck or anything but he doesn’t have a lot of room to move around while in either seat.

The reason I suggested Cedar City is this - with that schedule you would not be getting out of Bryce till noon or so. To get from there to Zion through the tunnel and see any of the park would be a very busy afternoon, and if you aren't going to camp you will be spending a lot of money to stay in Springdale. In the summer you can't drive through the canyon, shuttle buses only. Cedar Breaks is just a quick drivethrough.

We usually recommend 500-550 miles per day, since that equates to roughly 9-11 hours on the road. That's more than your average workday, at least for most folks. Commercial drivers are limited to 10 hours in the cab of their rig, whether it's behind the wheel or riding sidesaddle. It's hard on your system to be sitting much longer than that, even if you stop and take a 10 minute stroll someplace.

Hubby and I have done 600+ mile days, when we were pushed to do so by an outside factor. We don't enjoy them as much as our 500-550 mile days, however.


Donna

Hello again!

We've all pushed that 500 to 550 mile limit when circumstances warranted speed (and/or when we were younger), but as Donna says, those extra long days in the car are never particularly enjoyable. On a road trip, it's always better to strike a more casual pace, and leave lots of room in your schedule for stops and spontaneous detours. When you try to cover too much distance in a day, the trip becomes a white-line fever marathon, and those are exhausting! Fatigue sneaks up on you; it's deadly, and actually causes more crashes than alcohol; it's also cumulative, especially on a long trip. "Better safe than sorry" is a time-worn cliche, but it's also a fairly profound truth!

Rick

That makes a lot of sense. I’m not a spring chicken anymore and my car is not the most comfortable for driving/riding. Thank you for your insight, everyone!

If you wanted to push hard to get out west I think you could make Idaho Springs CO at the end of day three, averaging 565 miles per day and then take your foot off the gas. Of course we are all different and if you feel weary you should pull up for the night. Get reasonably early starts, even out your stops and get a good nights rest. A mistake often made is to push too hard at the start of the trip while you are fresh and excited only to get a big smack of fatigue half way.

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Originally Posted by Southwest Dave

If you wanted to push hard to get out west I think you could make Idaho Springs CO at the end of day three, averaging 565 miles per day and then take your foot off the gas. Of course we are all different and if you feel weary you should pull up for the night. Get reasonably early starts, even out your stops and get a good nights rest. A mistake often made is to push too hard at the start of the trip while you are fresh and excited only to get a big smack of fatigue half way.

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We’re both early birds so we tend to get going early and then I like to stop “early” so I can relax and look around.