Perfect Road Trip Between Chicago and San Francisco: A 14-Day Itinerary

Planning a road trip between Chicago and San Francisco is a thrilling adventure, especially if you have 14 days to explore the journey. Whether you drive or take the train, there's plenty to see along the way, with a variety of national parks, historic sites, and scenic routes to choose from. In this guide, we'll explore the best stops to make on your journey and ensure that your trip is both memorable and enriching.

Option 1: Driving Along I-90

The fastest route from Chicago to San Francisco is via I-80, but with fewer points of interest, it lacks the scenic beauty and cultural vibrancy of other routes. For a more enriching experience, consider taking I-90 until just north of Sheridan, Wyoming. From there, take US Hwy 14 into Yellowstone National Park, then continue into Idaho, and finally head south to meet up with I-80 in Salt Lake City.

Key points to explore on this route include:

Visiting Badlands National Park in South Dakota Landmarks such as Mt. Rushmore and Wind Cave Parking at Jewel Cave to explore Scenic views of Wyoming and Idaho forests The Grand Tetons and Craters of the Moon National Park

Option 2: Exploring Additional National Parks

If you wish to venture further from the main path, you can visit Glacier National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the many national parks in southern Utah. However, these are lengthy side trips, adding several days to your travel time.

Driving Along I-80: Corn Palace and Ghost Towns

Another option is to drive along I-80, passing through exciting spots such as the Corn Palace in South Dakota and numerous ghost towns. Don’t miss the public library in Seattle for its rich history and cultural significance. The coastal route to San Francisco is scenic but can be time-consuming and potentially dangerous due to weather conditions.

Exploring Cities: A Balanced Itinerary

The basic rule for such trips is to use the Interstate through the mountains, the blue routes through the plains, and a bit of both through the cities. Don't forget to visit hubs like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Denver, spending at least a day in each city if possible. If you're a meat lover, consider stopping in Dodge City for unforgettable steaks.

Alternative: Traveling by Train

For a more relaxed and scenic route, consider taking Amtrak’s “California Zephyr.” This train trip, while taking three days, offers unparalleled views and a unique way to explore the journey. It's one of the world's best train trips, not just the USA's.

Planning for Side Trips and Coastal Routes

With 14 days, you have ample time to plan some time out of the car. Spending a day or two along the coast, perhaps aiming for Portland before swinging south or around the Sierra Nevada mountains, would be a great idea. Yosemite offers stunning natural beauty and is definitely worth visiting.

Wrapping It Up

14 days is plenty of time to explore the best of the northern route between Chicago and San Francisco. By combining various driving routes, city visits, and national parks, you can create a memorable and enriching road trip experience. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, there's always something new to discover on the road.