Route 1: Southern Route (Distance: ~2,050 miles, Time: ~30-32 hours)
- Take Interstate 40 West from St. Louis, Missouri, to Flagstaff, Arizona.
- Continue on Interstate 40 West to Barstow, California.
- Take Interstate 15 South to Los Angeles, California.
Advantages:
- This route is generally more direct and shorter in terms of distance.
- It takes you through some of the most iconic natural landscapes in the United States, including the Grand Canyon and Joshua Tree National Park.
- There are numerous attractions, landmarks, and national parks to explore along the way, such as the St. Louis Arch, Cadillac Ranch, Meteor Crater, and Route 66.
Disadvantages:
- The drive is longer and may require multiple overnight stops.
- Some sections of the route can be quite remote, with limited services.
- Certain areas may experience extreme weather conditions, such as heat in summer or snow during the winter.
Route 2: Northern Route (Distance: ~2,200 miles, Time: ~33-35 hours)
- Take Interstate 70 West from St. Louis, Missouri, to Denver, Colorado.
- Continue on Interstate 70 West to Grand Junction, Colorado.
- Take US Highway 191 South to Moab, Utah.
- Continue on US Highway 191 South to Bluff, Utah.
- Take US Highway 163 South to Kayenta, Arizona.
- Take US Highway 160 West to Flagstaff, Arizona.
- Continue on Interstate 40 West to Barstow, California.
- Take Interstate 15 South to Los Angeles, California.
Advantages:
- This route offers more diverse scenery, including mountains, deserts, and national parks.
- It takes you through some of the most scenic and iconic national parks, including Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park.
- There are many scenic drives and points of interest along the way, such as Vail, Telluride, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon.
Disadvantages:
- The drive is longer and requires multiple overnight stops.
- Some sections of the route are quite remote, with limited services.
- Certain areas may experience extreme weather conditions, such as snow during the winter or heavy rains during certain times of the year.
The choice between these routes depends on your personal preferences and the time you have for the journey. Carefully plan your trip, considering stopovers, accommodations, and attractions you want to visit along the way to make the most of your road trip.
