Lonely PlanetOct 26, 2026
Rockies Versus Sierra: Two Ways to Road-Trip the American West
Choose your starting point then hit the road for an adventure of a lifetime with these epic mountain road trips.
24 things in this story
- Bear LakeSightIntensely blue lake, good for swimming or paddling.
- La Beau’sRestaurantServes raspberry shakes, a local specialty.
- Elsewhere
- Main StreetNeighborhoodPark City, United StatesHistoric street for strolls and long lunches.
- Horseshoe BendSightPage, United StatesShort hike or kayak trip.
- Utah Olympic ParkSightPark City, United StatesObserve athletes train, ride a scenic gondola or bobsled.
- Bryce Canyon National ParkSightBryce Canyon City, United StatesScenic road, Navajo Loop Trail, Inspiration Point.
- Virginian LodgeHotelJackson Hole, United StatesRetro Western rooms, communal firepits, rowdy saloon, daily programs.
- Dornan’sRestaurantJackson Hole, United StatesServes pizza.
- Million Dollar Cowboy BarSightJackson Hole, United StatesFamous for elk antler arches.
- Billy's BurgersRestaurantJackson Hole, United StatesClassic diner vibe, serves half-pound burgers.
- World’s Largest Elkhorn ArchAttractionAfton, United States75-foot-wide structure made from shed elk antlers.
- KITARestaurantPark City, United StatesJapanese steakhouse for splurging.
- Big Cottonwood CanyonSightSalt Lake City, United StatesScenic route, spectacular in the fall.
- Navajo Loop TrailTrailBryce Canyon City, United StatesHike among striking orange hoodoos.
- Inspiration PointSightBryce Canyon City, United StatesStriking orange hoodoos view.
- Checkerboard MesaSightOrderville, United StatesCheckerboard Mesa is situated immediately southwest of the park's east entrance, towering 900 feet above the Zion –…
- Observation PointSightOrderville, United StatesUnderrated viewpoint on Zion's eastern side.
- The Shop Coffee Co.CaféOrderville, United StatesServes coffee and specialty toast.
- Grand Staircase-EscalanteSightKanab, United StatesBroad desert mesas and sandstone formations.
- Antelope CanyonSightPage, United StatesAntelope Slot Canyon Tours offers comfortable luxury rides to explore Upper Antelope Canyon in Page, AZ.
- Snake River RoastingRestaurantJackson Hole, United States
- PersephoneRestaurantJackson Hole, United States
- LOMARestaurantPark City, United States
- Canyon OverlookSightOrderville, United States