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Driving Coast to Coast: 10 US States in a Family Road Trip

Reflections from our 20,000 km North American road trip across California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Virginia.

This story is part of The 20,000 km North America Road Trip, the master account of the wider journey.

Driving across North America with my family was a deeply rewarding experience. Covering over 20,000 kilometers, we traveled from the mountains of Alberta into the diverse highways and regions of the United States.

The Route Across 10 States

Our journey took us through 10 distinct states:

  • California: Driving the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) along coastal ocean cliffs.
  • Nevada & Arizona: Mojave Desert expanses and Grand Canyon vistas.
  • Utah & Colorado: Zion, Bryce Canyon, and mountain passes in the Rockies.
  • New Mexico, Texas & Missouri: Open southern horizons and heartland riverways.
  • Tennessee & Virginia: Historic landmarks, battlefields, and lush green countryside.

Observations From the Road

Long hours behind the wheel across varied landscapes offer quiet space to reflect on work, patience, and family. Sharing these places with my family created memories and global perspective that no textbook could replace.