25+ days, 4000 mile southwest roadtrip

[dlebech]

Hi,
First, this is really a nice forum. It's fun to read about people's roadtrip plans.

I have an idea for a summer roadtrip that I would like some input on:
Start: Eugene, Oregon

Major Stops (in this order):
Salt Lake City
Yellowstone
Rapid City
Denver
Santa Fe
Las Vegas
Los Angeles

End: San Francisco

-Google Maps: Roughly 4000 miles.
-Average speed estimate of 40 MPH = 100 hours of driving
-8 hours of driving on drive days gives a total time estimate in car of 12.5 days.

If everything works out with my current visa (I'm an international student), I will have "unlimited time". If not, I will have around 25 days starting from June 16 because I have to go home on July 10.

My questions are:
1. Do you think 12 (whole) days would be enough to cover the different sites? "Enough" meaning minimum because I potentially have more time if I get to stay longer in the US.
2. Is my speed estimate too conservative?
3. Am I crazy? :-)

Thank you very much for your input!
Best regards
David

[Southwest Dave]

Hello and welcome to the R.T.A forums.

Well I would say your trip can be comfortably done in 25 days. We tend to work on an average 57mph average between points A@B with short stops for gas and food etc. This will slow as and when you start taking detours onto scenic routes, parks etc but with only 160 miles a day to cover to accomplish your goal it won't be too much of a problem.
Of course you could practically spend a lifetime exploring places within the area you have suggested and not see everything.

3. Am I crazy? :-)

If wanting to take a road trip classes you as crazy then all I can say is you are in the right company here at R.T.A. ;-)

Glad you like the forums. Have a good look around them and the Roadtrip planning pages for more ideas and as you build your trip just keep asking questions and we can help you piece it all together.

Dave

[dlebech]

Thank you for your input.

Looking at the trip as an average of 160 miles per day makes it more tangible for sure.

My idea was not to take too many very scenic roads when traveling from one place to the other. This would bring me fast from place to place, giving me the opportunity to take day trips that may have the sought for wow power. In any case, even driving on the highway in the southwest will be so different from anything I've ever seen before so that should be fine.

Best regards
David