The Ultimate Guide to Cross-Country Road Trips from Denver
There is a massive difference between a weekend getaway to the Rockies and packing up the car for a 1,000-mile, multi-day expedition across the country. I've done both.
Whether you are moving to the West Coast, heading home to the Midwest for the holidays, or just crave the open road, driving cross-country from Denver presents unique challenges.
You aren't just dealing with mountain passes—you're dealing with crossing time zones, massive stretches of empty desert, and the sheer endurance of 20+ hours behind the wheel.
Read This Before Driving 1,000+ Miles
- The East vs. West Reality Check: Driving West (to LA, SF, or Seattle) means tackling the Rockies early when you are fresh, but dealing with isolated desert stretches later. Driving East (to Chicago) is flat, but highway hypnosis through Nebraska and Iowa is a very real danger. Plan your audiobooks accordingly.
- The 2-Driver Rule: For any of these drives, do not try to "hero" it in one go. It's not fun and your back will thank you later. Plan for at least one overnight stop - I have listed the best halfway towns for each route below.
- Vehicle Prep is Non-Negotiable: A breakdown on a Sunday in rural Wyoming means you are stuck until at least Monday. Check your spare tire, top off all fluids, and carry extra water - especially on the Southwest routes through the desert.
The 9 Best Cross-Country Routes from Denver
Los Angeles
🚗 1,140 miles ⏱️ 17 hours, 50 minutes
LA, the entertainment capital of the world. Make sure to visit Hollywood Boulevard, Universal Studios, and Santa Monica Pier in the California sunshine.
San Diego
🚗 1,250 miles ⏱️ 21 hours
Relax in sunny San Diego, and visit Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo. There is no end to the adventure you can have in America's Finest City.
🚗 1,394 miles ⏱️ 21 hours, 30 minutes
Enjoy vibrant city of San Francisco, strolling across Golden Gate Bridge, and visiting lively neighborhoods like Chinatown and Mission District.
Chicago
🚗 1,310 miles ⏱️ 20 hours, 40 minutes
Chicago, known for its iconic architecture and world-class museums, has sites including Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Navy Pier to pay a visit.
Seattle
🚗 1,300 miles ⏱️ 19 hours, 30 minutes
Discover the eclectic city of Seattle, with beautiful surroundings and landmarks including Space Needle and Pike Place Market to enjoy.
🚗 824 miles ⏱️ 13 hours
The remote wilderness of Big Bend National Park makes this a very special Park to visit, where the Rio Grande carves through desert landscapes. A hidden gem to experience calmness and real escape.
Phoenix
🚗 820 miles ⏱️ 13 hours
Escape to the sunny oasis of Phoenix, with desert botanical gardens, scenic trails and a lively atmosphere and nightlife in the heart of the city.
🚗 1,055 miles ⏱️ 17 hours, 45 minutes
Within Montana's Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is known for its alpine scenery and crystal-clear lakes. Travel Going-to-the-Sun Road to take it all in.
🚗 525 miles ⏱️ 8 hours
Discover the vibrant capital of Utah, Salt Lake City. Found between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountain, the historic Temple Square, world-class museums, and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, make this a popular place to head.
Sasha Yanshin – Co-Founder & Lead Driver
Sasha Yanshin has spent the last 15+ years mapping and driving thousands of miles across Europe and the US. As the Co-Founder and Lead Driver of Lazytrips, he brings an analytical approach to road-tripping, sharing meticulously tested routes, realistic drive times, and the hard-earned logistical reality of the open road.
Read full bio