Calling all road trippers! With travel and plans changing for everyone this summer, we've compiled our favorite road trips to inspire you to go out on a brand new adventure. Enjoy the ride.
SIERRA
Minnesota’s North Shore, Twin Cities to Gunflint Trail
Minnesota’s North Shore drive is gorgeous and has lots of fun stops along the way. Stop in Duluth for a malt at Portland Malt Shoppe and tour of the Glensheen Mansion. Have a picnic at Tettegouche State Park or Gooseberry Falls State Park. From there, head north to Split Rock Lighthouse, an iconic staple along Highway 61. Once you hit the adorable town of Grand Marais, MN, I recommend Java Moose Espresso Cafe, Gunflint Tavern, Voyageur’s Brewing Company, Sven & Ole’s, and the Blue Water Cafe. Then head up the Gunflint Trail, one of my favorite places in the world with world-class hiking, camping, and canoeing.
AJ
2400+ mile loop, Logan, UT to Cape Kiwanda
When I think of my favorite road trip, I think of a 2400+ mile loop we did on college spring break. We started in Logan, Utah, then drove up to the Columbia River Gorge, out to the Pacific Ocean beach at Cape Kiwanda then drove down the coast on Highway 101 to San Francisco, then we made our way back to Logan across California and Nevada. Some notable spots to stop along the way (although it’s hard to choose): Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Cape Kiwanda, Pacific Coast, Oregon Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor, Pacific Coast, Oregon Glass Beach, Fort Bragg, California Sun Tunnels, Wendover, Utah Traveling in March, we were able to see the PNW in all it’s rainy glory, so highly suggest a waterproof bag like the Splash 25, as well as rain ponchos, umbrellas, and waterproof hiking boots.
CORY
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway: From Provo – Park City – Kamas – To Evanston (on route 150 which is the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway through the Uintas) – back down to Echo on the I-80- back to SLC
Must stop places: Provo River overlook, Mirror Lake, Bald Mountain, Ice Cream in Evanston at ‘The Scoop.’ Great little hikes and fishing along the way. Best time of year: Fall with changing colors on the trees. Gear: LWD – for those spontaneous stops at the lake. Drift Pillow – to lay your head back with a relaxing beautiful view. Versa Blanket – the fall can be more chilly than you’d expect.
STACY
Salt Lake City to Grand Targhee Ski Resort
A must in the car is my Klymit Versa Blanket quick at hand. Jackson Hole is not too far away. The car ride is full of beautiful mountains.
MATT C
Cedar Breaks National Monument, east of Cedar City, UT
There are plenty of hiking options all over Cedar Breaks, but if you just want to take a fairly short half-hour ride from Cedar City up to Point Supreme Overlook, there are some pretty spectacular views of classic Utah red rock formations. Back in Cedar City, I recommend the French Spot for lunch!
