Road Trips

Buffalo to the Bay Area through the Great Plains

0 mi13 days25 stopsMay 21, 2026Jun 2, 2026

Freya and I decided to drive to California instead of flying. Summer was just setting in - perfect time to explore the Great Plains.

Route

  1. Buffalo

    Buffalo, NY

  2. Sheepy Acres

    LaGrange, IL· 3 days

    We camped in a sheep ranch. This was Freya's first time camping. It was a little too windy for our comfort but we survived.

    2 nights

  3. Chicago

    Chicago, IL

    Lou Milnati's

    We walked around the city. Saw the bean and admired the architecture. Deep dish pizza still tastes gross.

  4. World's Largest Truckstop

    Walcott, IA

  5. Iowa City

    Iowa City, IA· 2 days

    1 night · Airbnb

  6. Scenic Overlook Tower (Loveland Overlook)

    Honeycreek, IA

    Spent some time in nature, cooked Maggi and worked.

  7. New Victorian Inn & Suites

    Sioux City, IA

    1 night

  8. Sioux Falls

    Sioux Falls, SD

  9. Badlands National Park

    Badlands Na, SD· 3 days

    2 nights · Cedar Pass Campground

  10. Keystone

    Keystone, SD

    1 night · # Rushmore Express Inn & Family Suites

  11. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

    Keystone, SD

  12. Upton Wyoming Farmer's Market

    Upton, WY

    Ice-cream at a farmer's market

    A quick stop to get some local ice-cream. We were close to the devil's tower monument but were short on time to visit.

  13. Wyoming Nature Stop #1

    Pleasantdale, WY· 20 minutes

    Freya stopped to make friends with the local deer.

  14. Wyoming Nature #1

    Gilette, WY· 20 minutes

    We pulled over gain because Wyoming is beautiful

  15. Pinedale

    Pinedale, WY

    1 night · Sundance Motel

  16. Grand Teton National Park

    Grand Teton National Park, WY· 1 day

    We hiked to the inspiration point and stopped by a few scenic points. Possibly the most beautiful national park we've seen.

  17. Yellowstone National Park

    Yellowstone National Park, WY· 2 days

    We went wildlife spotting - spotted some bears, wolves, foxes, pronghorns, mountain goats and bison. We also stopped to check out the geysers.

    2 nights · West Yellowstone (Brandin' Iron Inn), Wander Campground

  18. Pocatello

    Pocatello, ID

    1 night · Super 8 by Wyndham Hotel

  19. American Falls Dam

    American Falls, ID

  20. Twin Falls

    Twin Falls, ID

    We stopped to check out Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls and had amazing Mexican food at Don Juan's.

  21. Wells

    Wells, NV

    Sher E Punjab Dhabba Indian Restaurant

    Aloo Paranthas at the Indian restaurant were awesome.

    1 night · SureStay by Best Western Hills

  22. Winemucca

    Winnemucca, NV

    Sid's Restaurant, Starbucks

  23. Reno

    Reno, NV

    Quick stop to get Namit some clothes

  24. Sacremento

    Sacremento, CA

    Kebabs

  25. Sunnyvale

    Sunnyvale, CA

This was our fourth road trip together and by far the longest. Twelve days, coast to coast, more time in the car than we've ever done. The national parks were the highlight, but honestly some of the best moments were the random uncrowded lookout points in between where we had all of it to ourselves.