Journey Along the Stunning Route Connecting San Francisco and Bend, Oregon by Car
Scenic Road Trip from San Francisco to Colorado: A Journey Through National Parks and Forests
A road trip from San Francisco to Colorado offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful natural sites in the western United States. Here's a recommended itinerary that combines iconic national parks, forests, and scenic byways:
Starting Point: San Francisco, CA
- Northern California — Shasta-Trinity National Forest Heading north from San Francisco via I-5 and CA-299, you'll reach the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This vast forest offers mountainous landscapes, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Make stops at Lake Shasta and McCloud Falls for iconic views and outdoor activities.
- Oregon – Crater Lake National Park Continue north into southern Oregon via I-5, then take OR-138 (North Umpqua Highway) or OR-62 towards Crater Lake National Park. Famed for its deep blue lake formed in a volcanic caldera, Crater Lake offers rim drives, hiking, and boat tours. Allow at least a full day to explore the scenic viewpoints and hiking paths here.
- Oregon – Cascade Lakes/Deschutes National Forest From Crater Lake, travel north to the Cascade Lakes region near Bend, Oregon, in the Deschutes National Forest. This area hosts a series of picturesque lakes along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway with opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and forest exploration. Bend is also a great base for dining and lodging.
- Idaho – Eastern Route through Boise Proceed east from Central Oregon into Idaho. A scenic option is to drive through Boise, with potential detours for nature sites like the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This area provides mountain scenery, alpine lakes, and wilderness hiking.
- Utah – Approaching Colorado through Canyonlands and Arches (if time allows) Enter Utah from Idaho via I-84 and I-15 and consider a detour through southern Utah’s famous red rock scenery near Moab—Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. This adds spectacular desert landscapes before crossing into Colorado.
- Colorado – Final Leg Cross into Colorado and continue to your destination. On the approach, Rocky Mountain National Park and other scenic byways offer alpine mountain vistas, wildlife watching, and hiking.
Key Stops and Highlights
| State | Key Area | Highlights | |----------------|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | California | Shasta-Trinity National Forest | Lake Shasta, McCloud Falls, hiking | | Oregon | Crater Lake National Park | Volcanic caldera, lake views, rim drives | | Oregon | Cascade Lakes / Deschutes NF | Lakes, forest drives, outdoor recreation | | Idaho | Boise and Sawtooth Area | Mountain scenery, alpine lakes | | Utah | Canyonlands & Arches NP (optional)| Red rock landscapes, desert hiking | | Colorado | Rocky Mountain National Park area | Alpine mountain vistas, wildlife |
This route covers the major requested areas with a strong focus on natural beauty, forested areas, and national parks. It can be tailored to different trip lengths but generally spans over 10-14 days to allow ample time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Starting in San Francisco, the loop travels north through well-known wilderness and park areas, then turns east into Idaho and Utah before reaching Colorado.
For driving routes, consider combining major highways (I-5, US-97, US-20/26 in Oregon, I-84, and I-70 in Utah/Colorado) with secondary scenic byways like the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and Rim Drive in Crater Lake for the best views. Lodging and food options are good near Bend, OR and regional towns along the way.
This itinerary offers diverse landscapes from California’s mountain forests, Oregon’s volcanic lakes, Idaho’s rugged mountains, to Utah’s red rock deserts and Colorado’s alpine range. It's ideal for travelers seeking immersive nature and varied scenery on a west-to-mountain road trip.
- Embarking on a road trip from San Francisco, the journey offers an adventure through the broad landscapes of Shasta-Trinity National Forest, which is one of the numerous outdoor sites to explore during the travel.
- The itinerary recommends a visit to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, where the unique deep blue lake in a volcanic caldera provides a perfect backdrop for scenic viewpoints and hiking paths, making it a significant part of the camping and exploration lifestyle.
- Encamped along the Cascade Lakes region in Deschutes National Forest, travelers can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and forest exploration, heightening the sense of adventure during the road trip.
- As the trip continues east towards Colorado, the road passes through national parks and forests, showcasing diverse landscapes representing different regions - from the rugged mountains of Idaho to Utah's striking red rock deserts - embodying the ideals of a compelling travel lifestyle.
