The full article first appeared in Travel Awaits.
Most people
want to take backroads because they are more scenic. They say freeways are boring
being the most direct routes, even bypassing landmarks we may want to see. They
are constructed for the sake of speed and efficiency. They are the shortest practical
distance between two points. I-15,
however, is not like that.
Whoever designed
this freeway may have been thinking of me. I often visit family in California and
from there go on to visit a daughter in Canada. I-15 traces that route,
crossing the border at Sweet Grass, Montana. This route is such an endearing 20-hour
route, driving three days. If you add a day or two, it will give you bucket
list items to tick off. Here are your great options for stops.
Las Vegas, Nevada
If you are
one of the few who has been to Las Vegas, this is the no-brainer first stop, only
five hours from Los Angeles or six hours from San Diego. Have a great lunch at one
of the inexpensive buffet options combined with a comfortable overnight stay using
one of the many promos always available in Sin City. You can even try your luck
at the penny machines before dinner. And roam The Strip, experience High Roller, or see a new show after dinner.
If you have
a full day to spare, you can explore the awesome Hoover Dam and the Lake Mead recreational
area. If you have been there, opt for the natural side of Vegas: Red Rock Canyon (20 minutes from the Strip), Valley of Fire (45 minutes), and Mt. Charleston (45 minutes). They are near each other so do them all in one
day; have lunch at Mt. Charleston.
Salt Lake City, Utah
The logical
next stop is Salt Lake City, only five and a half hours from Las Vegas. Touring
Temple Square, including the Tabernacle and Mormon
Temple, is the best use of your time. There is a massive renovation going on so
some of the buildings may not be open. Ask if the Tabernacle Choir rehearsals are
already open to the public. It is very relaxing
to visit the lovely hallowed grounds and admire the architecture of the
buildings, especially in spring and early summer. Great restaurants surround
the area, too.
There are some
wonderful day trips from the city if you can add a day or two. Go up the
mountains and visit Snowbird, Utah if it is summer. If not, stay down in
the valley and tour Antelope Island in the middle of the Great Salt Lake.
There is a lot to see on the island and so many opportunities to photograph
wildlife.
Helena, Montana
Seven hours
from Salt Lake City is the third stop, Helena, Montana, the state capital
(population, 31,000, only three hours from the Sweet Grass at the Canadian
border (Calgary is just three and a half hours from there). Dine at one of the
good restaurants at the Last Chance Gulch Walking Mall, right in the heart of downtown
Helena. We were unlucky that Lucca’s, the best Italian restaurant, was fully
booked. Walk the mall after dinner; it’s lighted just like San Diego’s Gas Lamp
district. There are many pieces of art but the best w.as the Bullwhacker Statue As written on the statue: “Driven
by noise, the oxen responded to the crack of the whip over their heads and the
constant curses of the bullwhacker.”
Idaho Falls or Lava Hot
Springs, Idaho
On the way
back, you don’t have to stop at these same three places. I-15 gives you many
options. My suggestion is that you consider Idaho Falls, Idaho, six hours and
forty-five minutes from the Sweet Grass border. You may want to pay a visit to
the Idaho Potato Museum to find out why Idaho potatoes are the best.
Otherwise, go
farther to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, two more hours away, and stay the night if
you have a day to spare. I have previously written about it in this Travel Awaits article. The town of 500 has numerous hot
springs that are great for bathing and a mildly turbulent river perfect for
tubing. Lots of large yellow tubes, so radiantly bright run all over town for a
bright sight.
St. George or Cedar
City, Utah
If you are
coming from Lava Hot Springs, your next stop can be St. George, Utah, six hours and 15 minutes away. It is like
Sedona, Arizona, with beautiful red rocks surrounding it. It is the closest
town to the hoo-doo wonderland of Bryce Canyon National Park and the adventure hiking trails of Zion National Park.
If you are
coming from Idaho Falls, Cedar City, Utah is the other option, just six
and a half hours away. Cedar Breaks National Monument is 30 minutes from downtown. It may
be smaller than Bryce Canyon National Park, but the hoodoos were much bigger. Actually,
we go back to this area in July this year! We want to explore the city and its Shakespeare
Theater, the Festival Grounds, and the Mormon Temple on a hillside.
From St.
George, it’s only six hours and 45 minutes to Santa Monica. From Cedar City,
it’s seven hours and 15 minutes. Both are doable drives so there is no need to
stop in Las Vegas unless you haven’t gotten enough of it. I know, a great buffet
lunch and a restful, comfy sleep overnight are hard to resist, especially if
they are both inexpensive!
And there
you are! There is a real smorgasbord of options for stops on a drive from
California to Montana or back all on I-15. In summer, it makes so much sense to
go from the sizzling to the cool climes. And the reverse is true in winter!
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