Summer Road Trip out West

[UVMGrad422]

Hello, my name is Matt and me and a couple of friends are graduating for the University of Vermont this May. Afterwards we are planning on roadtripping out west before we enter the "real" world of work. We have been looking into places to go and have gotten a lot of information from AAA but they are just a big business and from what I have read here in this forum, I'd really like some ideas. So here is some info on what we sort of plan on doing/seeing: We have 3-3 1/2 weeks to drive from NJ, where a friend lives to out west and back. We plan on seeing Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Vegas, LA/Hollywood, Yosemite, San Fran. Redwood Forest, Yellowstone, and Chicago. Basically hit them in the order, so head south then loop around and come back. First off, do you think this is enough time to be able to see all of this? If not, what would you cut out? Also, we kind of want to see all the odd stop offs that would complete a road trip (ex. largest anything). We have 3 people total going so I figured driving out West and back we would be able to drive 12-14 hours a day. We are trying to make this a true road trip, camping out most of the time, and also once being out there playing it by ear, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Matt

[Mark Sedenquist]

and me and a couple of friends are graduating for the University of Vermont this May.

Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum! So here is some info on what we sort of plan on doing/seeing:

We have 3-3 1/2 weeks to drive from NJ, where a friend lives to out west and back. We plan on seeing Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Vegas, LA/Hollywood, Yosemite, San Fran. Redwood Forest, Yellowstone, and Chicago.

Well, it is 10 days non-stop driving (driving 8-10 hours per day) to cover the basic distance between NJ and CA. I think you could physically drive to all of these places in three weeks, but it would be tough to seek out those "odd stop" locations you referenced.

If not, what would you cut out?

If you elminate the Redwood NP and Yellowstone you might have a shot.

First things first -- make sure your friends all take and understand the ramifications of the roadtrip compatibility quiz and are really committed to the pace you would need to maintain to see all of these places.

Mark

[Quebec Gen]

Hi Matt,

Here's a directory of World's Largest things for the US and Canada. Don't forget to take a look at our collection of Roadside Marvels and Funny Signs to find other ideas.

Gen