I will be traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles starting 05/08/04 by
car.  I would like to know what is the shortest route, but the most
scenic.  I do not mind spending a bit of extra time or taking a
slightly longer route to get to LA, but I definetly would like to see
"The Must See" things when driving across the states to LA.  Please
provide details on where each "Destination" should be for our drive
back.  I don't need a detailed answer with where to turn, but if you
can provide me with details on where are stops are so when we map it,
it will make sense, I would really appreciate it.

Ah... the iconic American Road Trip!

The Mother Road, Route 66 traces the continental journey from Chicago
to Los Angeles. In itself Historic Route 66 -is- the journey, not the
destination. Combining Route 66 "tidbits" with Interstates 55, 44 and
40 might be an ideal combination of scenery and time on the road.

I've found a resource that details the highlights of Route 66, along
with maps and directions to and from the interstates that can assist
you in your trip planning.

Route 66 Road Descriptions
http://www.historic66.com/description/


I traveled this route a number of times in the 60's and 70's, from
Anaheim (Disneyland) to Detroit and back, and recently took my own
daughter cross country. We returned to California using the same
strategy. It's well worth the time to visit some of the marvelous
landmarks along the route. Here's my list of noteworthy Americana.


Jefferson National Expansion Memorial - St. Louis, MO
-----------------------------------------------------

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial includes the Gateway Arch, the
Museum of Westward Expansion, and St. Louis' Old Courthouse.
The Museum of Westward Expansion, located below the Arch, is as large
as a football field and contains an extensive collection of artifacts,
mounted animal specimens, an authentic American Indian tipi, and a
wonderful Lewis and Clark expedition exhibit.

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
http://www.nps.gov/jeff/index.html


Meremec Caverns - Stanton, MO
-----------------------------

I loved Meremec Caverns as a child, and found just as much enjoyment
exploring as an adult. This is fake spelunking for people who don't
care for dark and muddy. Colleague digsalot-ga may take exception to
my preferences.

"Meramec Caverns is the largest single cave formation in the world. It
has 26 miles of underground passages on seven stories. All but two of
the levels are open to the public. In the Caverns, visitors can see
expansive rooms, beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, unusual onyx
formations and towering colorful formations.

Meramec Caverns is considered a "show cave" with interior lights and
paved paths but it is also a "living" cave with moving and dripping
water which continues to alter it with the formation of new passages
and the enlargement of old ones."

Meramec Caverns Fact Sheet
http://www.explorestlouis.com/factSheetsMedia/fact_merameccavern.htm


Branson, Missouri
-----------------

Branson is a bit off the Route 66 path, but it's such a popular
vacation destination, a mention won't hurt. Depends on your taste for
entertainment and scenery.

Branson Online
http://www.branson.com/ 


Museum/Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City, OK
--------------------------------------------

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum - Massive museum known for
its Western Art and Historic Village.
http://www.cowboyhalloffame.org/

Myriad Botanical Gardens - 17 acres surrounding the Crystal Bridge
Tropical Conservatory. Breathtaking.
http://www.myriadbotanicalgardens.com/home.asp


Sante Fe, NM
--------------------

I love Santa Fe. The shopping, food, atmosphere are almost other
worldly. The Wheelright Museum of the American Indian is one of my
favorites, anywhere. El Rancho de las Golondrinas (The Ranch of the
Swallows) is a 200 acre living history museum that has preserved the
Spanish Colonial and Territorial way of life in the 1700's.

Wheelright Museum of the American Indian
http://www.wheelwright.org/

Rancho del las Golondrinas
http://www.golondrinas.org/


Pueblos - NM
------------

Pick a pueblo to visit. The Zuni Pueblo is amazing, the Taos Pueblo is
very scenic. Or explore Chaco Canyon, the cultural center of the
Anasazi.

New Mexico Pueblos
http://www.newmexico.org/go/loc/about/page/about-pueblos.html

Chaco Canyon
http://www.nps.gov/chcu/


Petrified Forest / Painted Desert, AZ
-------------------------------------

"The Painted Desert is an expanse of badland hills, flat-topped mesas
and buttes. It is an arid land, sparsely vegetated and heavily eroded.
The name Painted Desert refers to the rainbow of colorful sedimentary
layers exposed in the austere landscape. It is represented by
outcroppings of the Late Triassic Period Chinle Formation."

The Painted Desert
http://www.nps.gov/pefo/painteddesert.htm

The Petrified Forest is the real deal. Located in northeast Arizona,
this National Park features one of the world's largest, most colorful
collections of petrified wood.

Petrified Forest National Park
http://www.nps.gov/pefo/


Grand Canyon - North of Flagstaff, AZ
-------------------------------------

No words. This is a picture that deserves an up-close view. 

Grand Canyon
http://www.nps.gov/grca/


Calico GhostTown, just NE of Barstow, CA
----------------------------------------

This is a San Bernardino County Regional Park, donated by Walter
Knott. Walk the Old West in this Living History exhibit.

Calico Ghost Town
http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/parks/calico.htm


Mountains and/or Desert, CA
---------------------------

Take your choice of Palm Springs or Lake Arrowhead. Both resort
communities are beautiful and relaxing. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
takes you from the hot desert floor to snow on Mt. San Jacinto in 10
minutes. Lake Arrowhead is worth a side trip. On a clear day, the
Rim-of-the-World highway offers breathtakingly scenic views of
Southern California.

Lake Arrowhead WebCam
http://www.lakearrowhead.net/webcam.html



Travel Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Interstate 40
http://www.ihoz.com/I40.html

Interstate 55
http://www.ihoz.com/I55.html

Interstate 44
http://www.ihoz.com/I44.html


The National Scenic Byways Program is also a wonderful trip planning
resource. Route 66 is well documented -- select a Route 66 State from
the righthand dropdown search box, and you'll see all the scenic
byways listed.

National Scenic Byways
http://www.byways.org/

Roadside America offers a Guide to Offbeat Attractions. If, like John
Travolta in "Michael", you'd like a once-in-a-lifetime gander at the
World's Largest Frying Pan or Biggest Ball of String, this is the
definitive resource.

Roadside America

  Illinois  http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/il.html
  Missouri  http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/mo.html
    Kansas  http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/ks.html
  Oklahoma  http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/ok.html
     Texas  http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/tx.html
New Mexico  http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/nm.html
   Arizona  http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/az.html
California  http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/ca.html


Search Strategy
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Personal experience on the road, and a saved AAA TripTik

MapBlast at MSN: http://mappoint.msn.com/

Google Search Terms:

scenic byways
"road trip" "chicago to los angeles"
"route 66"
routes "chicago to los angeles"
routes "chicago to california"


I hope you find this information useful. It's been a wonderful memory trip for me. 

Happy traveling :)

---larre

---

Request for Answer Clarification by carlohp-ga on 30 Apr 2004 16:26 PDT

I should have probably mentioned it, but I did not realize it until
after I saw your answer...  Any other route that is worth using other
than Route 66?  I guess I was hoping to see things that "Most" people
don't see, because they don't drive that route.

I really appreciate your answer, and it is very helpful, but if you
have any other suggestions, I would love to hear them.


Thanks,
Carlo

---

Clarification of Answer by larre-ga on 30 Apr 2004 17:44 PDT

Ah! Thank you for adding clarification. I'll be happy to expand the
listing to places further afield.

---larre

---

Request for Answer Clarification by carlohp-ga on 30 Apr 2004 18:51 PDT

Hi Larre,

And I almost forgot, how long is the drive if we did take the Route
66, and spent a bit of time with the sightseeing?  You know how many
miles that is roughly?

Thanks for all your help.


Carlo

---

Clarification of Answer by larre-ga on 30 Apr 2004 19:09 PDT

Route 66 is 2,250 miles from Chicago to L.A.

I drive rather swiftly, except on toll roads where speeds are
monitored and tickets issued if you complete the route too quickly.
Four days from Chicago to LA allows for some sightseeing, but of
course it will depend on how many hours you prefer to drive in a day.
I've made the trip (Orange County to Piru, Illinois, where I have
people) in 2.5 days, but it's grueling.

I am working on an expanded version of places I love between those two
points, without limiting the choices to the single route. I do
consider the Zuni Pueblo and Chaco Canyon to be very special. Neither
is a typically touristy. I should have a few more suggestions for you
by Saturday morning.

---l

---

Clarification of Answer by larre-ga on 01 May 2004 02:43 PDT

Here you go, Carlo,

In addition to the pueblos and Rancho del las Golondrinas in New
Mexico, I've put together suggestions of several lesser known gems of
the USA, west of Chicago. All roads lead eventually to LA, so you can
decide what's worth the time to you.

Tallgrass Prairie Preserve - 1 Hour North of Tulsa, OK
------------------------------------------------------

"Originally spanning portions of 14 states and covering over 142
million acres, the tallgrass prairie was one of North America's major
ecosystems. Today, less than 10% of the original tallgrass prairie
remains. Large, unbroken tracts of tallgrass prairie only exist now in
the Flint Hills of Oklahoma and Kansas. As a functioning ecosystem,
the tallgrass prairie is extinct.

In 1989, The Nature Conservancy purchased the 30,000 acre Barnard
Ranch north of Pawhuska, Oklahoma as the cornerstone of the Tallgrass
Prairie Preserve which now spans over 39,000 acres."

Nature Conservancy - Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
http://nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/oklahoma/preserves/tallgrass.html

Minneapolis Star Tribune (Free registration may be required)
America The Beautiful - Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
http://www.startribune.com/stories/1694/2243984.html


The Great Plains - US-80 - 1 Hour West of Cheyenne, WY
------------------------------------------------------

This view of the plains from the top of the Rockies is surely one of 
the most magnificent vistas in the USA, especially at sunrise, driving
east into Cheyenne for breakfast.


Meteor Crater - 35 Miles East of Flagstaff 
------------------------------------------

Meteor Crater is privately owned by the Barringer family. It is leased
to Meteor Crater Enterprises, operators of the Visitor's Center.
Meteor Crater's Museum of Astrogeology offers self-guided tours of
exhibits and video reproductions of the meteor impact, the resulting
devastation, and the significant contributions Meteor Crater makes to
the study of earth and space sciences.


Four Corners - Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah
-----------------------------------------------------

Mesa Verde - Anasazi cliff dwellings, hauntingly beautiful.

Mesa Verde National Park
http://www.nps.gov/meve/
http://www.nps.gov/meve/home.htm

Antelope Slot Canyons

"Located on LeChee Navajo lands near Page, Arizona, Upper Antelope and
Lower Antelope are breathtakingly beautiful and quite easy to reach
and explore. Both slot canyons are open to visitors by permit, as
conditions allow."

Antelope Canyon Slot Canyons
http://www.blackrabbit.com/antelope.htm
http://www.americansouthwest.net/slot_canyons/antelope_canyon/


Telluride Mountain Village
--------------------------

"Mountain Village is the ultimate mountain retreat for residents and
visitors alike who want convenience, luxury and incredible scenery.
Located mid-mountain on the south side of the ski area, the Town of
Mountain Village overlooks some of the highest and most magnificent
peaks in the San Juan Mountain Range. Founded in 1987, the design
combines European-alpine architecture with the rustic traditions of
the Rockies.

Getting to Mountain Village is half the fun. A three-stage gondola
provides a fast and free commute with glorious vistas 275 days of the
year. The only transportation system of its kind in North America, the
gondola whisks passengers between Telluride and Mountain Village in 13
minutes..."

Telluride.com - Mountain Village
http://www.telluride.com/about_telluride/village.asp


The Royal Gorge Bridge - US-50 East of Canon, CO
------------------------------------------------

Royal Gorge is the World's highest suspension bridge. It crosses the
Arkansas River 1053 feet above the canyon floor.

Royal Gorge Bridge
http://www.royalgorgebridge.com/attractions/ride_bridge.htm


US-50 Illinois to California
----------------------------

US-50 might prove to be an alternative route. US-50 is dubbed "The
Loneliest Road in America" and may offer the scenic Americana you're
seeking.

Highlights include: 

St. Louis, Kansas City, MO, The National Trails Center in
Independence, Counsel Grove, KS, and Dodge City. Catch a first glimpse
of the Rockies at Las Animas, on a tributary of the Arkansas River,
originally called Rio de las Amimas Perdidas en Purgatorio (River of
the Lost Souls). Detour to Denver and/or Pike's Peak. Cross the
Continental Divide at 11,312-foot Monarch Pass. The Colorado National
Monument, west of Grand Junction is compelling. In Utah you'll travel
through or close to Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National
Park, Helper, and Castlegate. In Nevada, US-50 follows the Pony
Express Route through Ely, and Fannon, to Virginia City and Carson
City. The road continues up the grade to Lake Tahoe, one of the most
beautiful clear lakes in the World.

Now you're getting close to "my" California. Route 50 crosses the
Sierra and heads down to Gold Rush Country at Placerville. Here, you
have a choice. Continue on US-50 to San Francisco, and take the Coast
Route (CA-1) to Los Angeles, a full day's drive down one of the
world's most scenic coastline drives, Carmel to Santa Barbara, to LA.
Or, follow the 49ers on CA-49 from Placerville to Mariposa. A detour
to Yosemite is well worth the extra day. The world's most beautiful
glacier-carved valley, the world's tallest trees, and the tallest
waterfall in the US. Yosemite is my backyard. From Yosemite it's a
day's drive to Los Angeles, via CA-41, CA-99, and I-5.

The Road Trip USA US-50 site is excellent, offering a detailed Highway
Guide. It "travels" west to east, so if planning from the opposite
direction, read from the bottom of the page to the top.

Road Trip USA - US50

Illinois - http://www.roadtripusa.com/us_50/illinois.html
Missouri - http://www.roadtripusa.com/us_50/missouri.html
Kansas - http://www.roadtripusa.com/us_50/kansas.html
Colorado - http://www.roadtripusa.com/us_50/colorado.html
Utah - http://www.roadtripusa.com/us_50/utah.html
Nevada - http://www.roadtripusa.com/us_50/nevada.html
California - http://www.roadtripusa.com/us_50/california.html


I hope these additional suggestions fit your trip anticipation more closely. 

---larre - [USA Cruisin' in a Corvette Convertible] - ga

You guys are AWESOME!!!  Thanks for all the details, and I really look
forward to this trip.

Hello Carlohp,

I like to take road trips as well but try to limit the driving each day to
4-6 hours. I do longer segments only if I don't have any other choice.
That would certainly extend the 2200+ mile trip to 6-10 days.

A few other places that I've been to along the general path between Chicago
and Los Angeles include...

 - Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH.
A little out of the way but an exceptional display of a large number of
[primarily] military aircraft. To give you an idea of how many planes there
are, I have a stack of post cards > 1" thick and all the planes are there.
 - If you like roller coasters, a stop at Kings Island to ride "The Beast"
and "Son of Beast" is worth it. Both are large wooden coasters.
 - If you go through Oklahoma City, take some time to visit the downtown
area (food, dancing, ...) but also visit the memorial.
 - Hoover Dam is a good stop on the way to Las Vegas (if you go that way). The
new visitors center has a movie, tour of the generator building, and other
displays.
 - Las Vegas is certainly a destination that can be added to your trip.
 - If you take a more northern crossing (e.g., Salt Lake City) / then go
through Vegas, try stopping at both Bryce and Zion national monuments.
Both are really nice in different ways.

I'll also strongly recommend a few sites Larre has mentioned:
 - St. Louis Arch. My kids and I found the Science Museum in St. Louis to
be a good stop as well.
 - The Grand Canyon is really great. On the way - the Petrified Forest is a
good stop to help break up the drive.
 - Going through Santa Fe is good if you have the time. My kids really liked
the ruins near Los Alamos as well.

  --Maniac