top of page

ROAD TRIP: ATLANTA to SEATTLE

  • chrissihuf
  • Jun 3
  • 5 min read



Brief History/Information

Driving from Atlanta to Seattle is one of the classic American cross-country road trips—it takes you across nearly the entire width of the United States, through multiple climates, cultures, and landscapes.

  • Driving distance: about 2,600–2,800 miles

  • Driving time: roughly 37–45 hours of wheel time (usually spread over 4–7 days)

  • You cross 6–10 states, depending on the route


There isn’t just one way to drive—it depends on weather and what you want to see.

  1. Central/Rockies route (most popular) - this is the route we took

    1. Typical path: Atlanta → Tennessee → Missouri → Kansas → Colorado → Wyoming → Idaho → Washington

We chose this route because of the best mix of efficiency + scenery and it passes through the Rocky Mountains

  1. Northern route

    1. Leans toward Midwest and northern states (e.g., South Dakota, Montana), Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park

  2. Southern/Southwest route

    1. Atlanta → Texas → New Mexico → Utah → Idaho → Washington. Avoids snow in winter, features deserts and canyon landscapes


What we did

Our cross-country trip was conceptualized because, our daughter moved to Seattle, Washington but the movers didn’t take her plants, so we said we’d bring them to her. We’ve never done a trip like this, so we started planning for our end of May road trip in the winter. There’s one problem with this… while planning and looking at places to go and see, some roads were closed due to winter, so we had diversions planned but never used them; by the time we took off on our trip, the weather cleared and the roads were improved. We planned to drive 7-8 hours a day and make sure we stop and smell the roses and see the sights along the way. Things we like to see when we travel are: historical places, beautiful scenery, and things we don’t think we’ll ever see again. The beauty of driving from East to West is the time zone changes actually help you out! In order to make the drive more interesting, I found this website with road side oddities: https://www.roadsideamerica.com/location/ks. We mapped out our entire route and booked hotels in advance (we’re not a ‘surprise’ kind of people).



Day 1: Atlanta, Georgia to St. Louis, Missouri

Day 1:

This drive is just a means to an end and why not stop in St. Louis? Our neighbor is from St. Louis and she always had this cheese (Provel) that you can only get there. Provel is a processed white cheese, a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. We stayed at Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis West County. We went to Imo's Pizza (there are a few), this pizza place uses the Provel cheese, but you can also buy it in the grocery store. Then it was time to go to the St. Louis Gateway Arch Gateway Arch. We purchased a National Park Pass package that included: North Tram America the Beautiful Pass Tram, Monument to the Dream Adult Documentary Movie, and a Riverfront Cruise. We’re so happy we purchased the whole package! It was an incredible visit.



Day 2: St. Louis, Missouri to Hays, Kansas

Day 2:

We left early to start or drive to Hays, Kansas. Why Hays?, well it’s a 7 1/2 hour drive from St. Louis, and there’s so much history right there! On our drive in to Hays, we stopped at The Hays House Historic Restaurant and Tavern it is the oldest continuously-operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. The Santa Fe trail ran right through this town. This place was incredible and the food was delicious. From the roadside oddities, we also got to see the Famous Fish-Within-A-Fish Fossil, Boot Hill: Man with a Hat, and 'Monarch of the Plains' Bison Statue. We stayed at the Hays Fairfield Inn. Once checked in, we went to Fort Hays Historic Park and learned so much history and imagined being there in a covered wagon.



Days 3-5: Hays, Kansas to Estes Park, Colorado.


Days 3-5:

We left Hays, Kansas early in order to get to Colorado in time, and decided to make a quick stop to see The World's Largest Van Gogh Easel in Goodland, Kansas (not out of the way at all). We made a second stop in Golden, Colorado where the Buffalo Rose is located, which is the oldest bar in Colorado.

Once in Estes Park, we checked into our hotel, Murphy’s River Lodge (1 ½ hr from Golden). What a fabulous lodge! It’s walking distance from the downtown Estes area and the people and scenery is so amazing.

We had two full days to explore Estes and hike the Rocky Mountains (we should have stayed longer).

Things to do in Estes:

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

There are so many things to do at this amazing National Park! We had two full days to hike and explore, which is not enough time. Take your time and immerse yourself in this beautiful land. Lots of hiking and animal viewing.



Days 6-7: Estes Park, Colorado to Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming


Days 6-7: Estes Park, Colorado to Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

We woke up early to start our drive from Estes Park, Colorado to Grand Tetons, Wyoming. The drive was much longer than you’d expect (about 8 hours), and the road to get it can get very crowded… even the end of May like we did. We stayed at Wyndham Jackson Hole, it was a fine place for what we needed… Jackson Hole can be fairly pricy. This National Park is amazing, so much to see, do, and hike.


Hiking and Things to see in Grand Teton National Park:

  1. Inner Park Loop Road. Travel for 20 unforgettable miles through Grand Teton National Park underneath the watchful eyes of the towering Tetons.

  2. Kelly Loop. The Kelly herd of bison comes out and plays in force just before sunset on this 16-mile loop that starts and ends at Gros Ventre Junction. Other sights include Mormon Row, Mouton Barn and Shadow Mountain.

  3. Teton Pass. This high mountain pass starts in Wilson and connects the valleys of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Teton Valley, Idaho.

  4. Jenny Lake Hike:  Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls

  5. Taggart Lake       

  6. Lake Creek-Woodland Trail Loop              

  7. Phelps Lake Overlook

  8. Lunch Tree Hill

  9. Heron Pond - Swan Lake Loop Trail


Things to do in Jackson Hole:



Days 7-8: Grand Tetons, Wyoming to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (UNESCO World Heritage Site)


Days 7-8: Grand Tetons, Wyoming to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming


We woke up early again to leave Grand Tetons (2 1/2 hr drive) and get to Yellowstone National Park. We actually stayed on property here at The Old Faithful Inn. What a beautiful property and the walkability around there is just incredible. This park is truly magical and jaw-dropping.



Day 9: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming to Spirit Lake, Idaho


Day 9:  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming to Spirit Lake, Idaho

Again, we woke up early for our drive out of Yellowstone to Spirit Lake, Idaho.

Why Spirit Lake? The answer is simple… we were doing a cross country drive to Seattle. We were going to drive our usual 7-8 hours and stop in Spokane, Washington, but noticed that it was right next to the great state of Idaho (which we’ve never been to). We looked to see where the oldest bar in Idaho was and it was only an hour away, so that’s how we made it to one of the greatest bars ever The White Horse Saloon! It’s not only the oldest bar in Idaho, but it’s also where we slept for the night. The rooms were huge and very inexpensive and the bar was extremely friendly and fun!



Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet
Add a rating
bottom of page