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Road Trip USA: 28 Amazing Photos to Inspire You

Often when we talk to our friends back home they ask us what our favorite countries are in the world. And they are generally surprised when the good ‘ol US of A makes our top 10 list. Sometimes we get so caught up in the hype of international travel we forget how incredible and diverse the scenery is in our own backyard.

That is why in the fall of 2016 we decided to pack up our lives and embark on a 6-month road trip from Portland, Oregon to Key West, Florida, and back again. With plenty of meandering along the way, we managed to rack up over 22,000 miles on our 1994 Ford Bronco. We spent ~150 nights camping under the stars in the spectacular National Parks and public lands of the United States.

During our road trip in the USA, we explored iconic US destinations like Havasu Falls , New Orleans , and Gatlinburg, TN . We soaked in secluded hot springs , hiked in the Great Smoky Mountains , and even won the lottery for The Wave in Northern Arizona (one of the most difficult places to visit in the USA).

Here are a few of our favorite pictures we took along the way. We hope they inspire you to take your own road trip across this beautiful country!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

28 Road Trip Photos from the USA

1. buckskin gulch, utah.

Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the US and is one of our favorite places in the country. While its colors are not as bright as Antelope Canyon and it doesn’t have the rushing water of The Narrows in Zion National Park, it does offer a very similar setting with almost complete solitude. Buckskin Gulch is located in a remote part of Southern Utah near the town of Kanab.

It is also located just a short distance from the famous ‘Wave’ in Northern Arizona . You can hike the entire 24-miles of the canyon or just journey in a short distance and return the way you came. Prepare to be awed by the towering sandstone walls of the narrow canyon!

2. Antelope Island, Utah

Antelope Island State Park , located just north of Salt Lake City, is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake. There, you’ll have 42 square miles of protected land to explore. However, the most amazing part feature of this island is the free-roaming heard of over 500 American bison.

In Spring 2017, this state park was designated an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. They work to protect night skies and avoid light pollution. It makes Antelope Island State Park a great place to stargaze and do a little bit of astrophotography.

3. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the least visited parks in the United States National Park System. That’s likely because it is located 70 miles off the southern tip of Florida and is mostly open water with just seven small islands.

But there are plenty of reasons to visit this national park. In addition to beautiful coral reefs and crystal clear water, the largest island is home to the historic Fort Jefferson. This massive fortress was built during the 19th century to protect the shipping channel between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Today, you can wander freely through the long-abandoned fortress taking in the sweeping views of the turquoise ocean and white sand beaches. There are no accommodations in the park. Camping is allowed, but you’ll need to make reservations months in advance to secure one of the eight campsites for a night.

The park is only accessible by boat or seaplane. There is a daily ferry that runs between Dry Tortugas National Park and Key West.

4. Havasu Falls, Arizona

When people ask us where our favorite place is in the USA, we enthusiastically respond with Havasu Falls! The setting of a lush valley in the middle of the desert with a turquoise river flowing through it over a series of increasingly beautiful waterfalls is just something out of a fairy tale.

Getting a permit for Havasu Falls requires a bit of planning and a bit of luck, but it’s absolutely worth it! If you’re thinking about visiting, make sure you check out our Havasu Falls Packing List !

5. Desert View Watchtower, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring sights during your road trip in the USA. Standing at its edge is on many a traveler’s bucket list.

If you just have one day at the Grand Canyon , then hike the South Kaibab Trail or the Rim Trail to check out all of the epic viewpoints. Desert View Watchtower, Hopi Point, and Mather Point are a few of the best viewpoints in Grand Canyon National Park .

If you have more time, there are lots of other cool ways to explore the Grand Canyon – hike the bright angel trail to the floor of the canyon, raft the Colorado River, or take a helicopter tour from Las Vegas!

While the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is more accessible, you’ll find that the North Rim is much quieter, yet equally as beautiful.

6. Oak Alley Plantation, Louisiana

Oak Alley is one of the beautiful plantations along the River Road located on the outskirts of New Orleans . If you’re heading to the Big Easy, you should definitely take a day off drinking and go visit this well-preserved piece of Southen history.

Get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds so you can explore the massive landscape and the 28 live oak trees before you head inside the big house for a tour. Photos don’t do the place justice, but photographers from all levels can submit their photos, including landscape, architecture, still life, and photographic art, for the Oak Alley Photography Contest.

7. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Spanning the continental divide of North America and encompassing one of the most stunning portions of the Rocky Mountains, this national park can’t be missed if you’re driving across Colorado . It’s packed with visitors in the summer, but if you visit during the winter months, you’ll find it easy to find a bit of solitude among the epic snowy landscapes.

The Rocky Mountains National Park is located 90 minutes from Denver and it’s roughly 415 square miles boasting 77 peaks and 156 lakes. You can spend your days doing a little bit of camping, hiking, and fishing in the summer, or go skiing near Grand Lake in the winter!

8. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Located in the desert of southern California, Joshua Tree National Park offers some experiences that shouldn’t be missed! There are many trails open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and there are even opportunities for rock climbing. 

The park spans about 794,000 acres and has four visitor centers – Joshua Tree, Oasis, Cottonwood, and Black Rock. The park offers three entry points, including Yucca Valley in the west, Twentynine Palms in the north, and Cottonwood Springs in the south. 

We recommend visiting during the spring and the fall, as temperatures are more manageable. However, the park is open all year. Go and gaze at the rugged rock formations, the funky Joshua trees, and the stunning desert landscapes. Don’t forget your camera because you’ll want to take endless photos!

9. White Pocket, Arizona

White Pocket, Arizona is one of the most picturesque places in the United States. The marbled orange and white sandstone have been eroded into incredible formations that just don’t seem real until you see them with your own eyes.

White Pocket isn’t visited as much due to its remoteness – you’ll certainly need a 4WD vehicle to access the area! The drive itself is a great adventure. When you start exploring on your two feet, you’ll be astonished at all of the colors, shapes, and textures in the area. Just be cautious as it is a fragile environment, so tread lightly and enjoy the sights of the beautiful stones.

10. Racetrack Playa, California

Death Valley is one of the most barren and remote National Parks . It is full of unworldly landscapes, including huge sand dunes, expansive salt flats, and the mysterious Racetrack Playa.

The Racetrack is nestled between the Cottonwood and Last Chance Ranges. The roads leading to it are rough. Make sure you have good tires and spares since there’s no cellphone coverage in the area.

The best part of Racetrack Play was a mystery for many years. Large stones drift across the dried-up lake bed on thin sheets of ice that form when weather conditions align perfectly. You can see the trails of the dragged stones across the ground leaving trails showing their journey.

11. Christine Falls, Washington

Mount Ranier National Park is often overlooked by people during a road trip in the USA. But, if you’re planning a west coast road trip , then this national park should definitely be a part of it.

The park is full of stunning waterfalls that are easily accessible from the road – make sure you check out Myrtle Falls and Christine Falls. Christine Falls is framed by a historic arching bridge with a 60-foot waterfall. Visit in the summer as the skyline trail offers some of the most photogenic vistas in the entire USA!

12. Sequoia National Park, California

Sequoia National Park in California is home to the world’s largest trees. Wandering through a grove of giant sequoia trees is a surreal experience that should be on everyone’s USA bucket list .

The largest of these trees (and the largest living tree in the world) is the General Sherman Tree. It has a circumference of 102.6 feet at its base. The Sequoia trees are some of the largest and oldest trees in the world. They can live for over 3,000 years due to a chemical in the bark – it protects them against rot and fire!

The park also has over 800 miles of trails. If you’re there during the hiking season – July to September – hike by the trees, sheer cliffs, and river canyons to your heart’s content.

13. Crater Lake, Oregon

Crater Lake has to be seen to be believed! At 1,949 feet, it is the deepest lake in the United States. It fills the massive caldera that was created when Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed over 700 years ago.

You can visit in the summer if you want to swim in the crystal clear waters. You can also come in the winter to enjoy the spectacular scenery by snowshoe or cross country skis. It’s definitely a must-visit for any Pacific Northwest road trip ! Read more about visiting Crater Lake here.

14. Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands National Park is located in southeastern Utah. Known for its desert landscape, it definitely deserves a place on your road trip in the USA bucket list! 

There are endless canyons, mesas, fins, arches, and spires to explore. It’s divided into four districts – Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Green and Colorado rivers. Head to the Island in the Sky as it is more accessible and offers views along the paved scenic drive.

If it’s backcountry experiences that you’re searching for, then the Needles is the place. You can explore by hiking or driving a 4×4 around the area. You can also embark on some flatwater trips on the rivers, including canoeing or kayaking. 

There’s something for everyone to enjoy in Canyonlands National Park. Make sure you don’t miss it!

15. Monument Valley, Arizona

Monument Valley in Arizona houses some of the tallest (up to 1,000 feet!) and most impressive sandstone rock formations in the US. You may recognize them from Hollywood movies and TV shows – from Forrest Gump and 2001: A Space Odyssey to Westworld and The Man in the High Castle .

You can head to the visitor center to explore the museum and attend a guided tour by either car or horseback. There’s also a Navajo archaeology exhibit and a collection of arts and crafts to peruse. Another option is to do a self-guided drive to check out the unique rock formations. 

Make sure you don’t miss this natural wonder of the world!

16. Anza-Borrego Desert, California

The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is located within the Colorado Desert in southern California. Named after Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza, it is the largest state park in California.

The parks span around 600,000 acres with 110 miles worth of hiking trails. It’s best to visit during the winter and spring to avoid the desert heat during your hiking trips. Plus, the spring season covers multiple areas with amazing wildflowers. 

Start your day at the underground visitor center to learn about the park and finish it laying on a blanket and gazing at the star-speckled sky!

17. Point Reyes, California

Just 30-miles Northwest of San Francisco, Point Reyes Peninsula is a wild and beautiful place to explore. You can explore miles of hiking trails and epic sea kayaking along the rugged coastline.

Visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse built in the 1800s to help sea travel from San Francisco north. There’s also the Inverness Shipwreck located on a sandbar in Tomales Bay. Make sure you don’t miss walking through an incredibly photogenic tunnel of massive old cyprus trees!

18. Ramona Falls, Oregon

The hike to Ramona Falls is a 7.1-mile loop trail near Rhododendron, Oregon. With an elevation of over 1,000 feet, it might be a challenge for some and takes roughly three hours to complete. If you’re not up for the trek, you can also complete the trail on a fun horseback ride! 

Whether you opt to hike or go on horseback, it’s a worthy adventure to check out the 120-foot-tall waterfall. Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to be in awe at this amazing waterfall!

19. Big Sur, California

The Bixby Bridge in Big Sur is one of the most iconic stops along a  Pacific Coast Highway road trip . It’s just 18 miles south of Monterey. The drive offers spectacular coastal views as the road winds its way along the sea cliffs high above the Pacific Ocean.

The bridge is made of reinforced concrete with an impressive arch. It’s also popular among photographers and one of the most photographed bridges in California!

20. White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

Miles of white gypsum sand dunes make White Sand National Monument in New Mexico one of the most strikingly beautiful places in the United States. It contains only 10 designated campsite and visitors without a camping permit must exit the park before 9 pm.

Camping under the stars in this vast white desert made White Sands was one of our favorite experiences on our road trip in the USA. It is also one of our top alternatives to the country’s busier National Parks .

21. Penny Hot Springs, Colorado

Penny Hot Springs is an inviting little off-the-beaten-path hot spring located just outside of Carbondale, Colorado on the banks of the Crystal River. The landscape is particularly stunning in the winter when the riverbanks are covered in snow!

If you visit during the winter, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking or skiing. The boiling water seeps up from the ground with a few pools sectioned off right alongside the river. The water gets hot! However, if the tide is right, cool water from the river can flow in making it the perfect temperature.

22. The Wave, Arizona

The Wave is famous for its orange and white swirls of sandstone that come together to form – you guessed it – a perfect wave.

We spent a week in Kanab, Utah attempting to obtain a permit for The Wave . It’s one of the most difficult pieces of public land in the USA to visit. It is also one of the most stunning.

If you want to try your luck at obtaining one of the daily permits to hike through Coyote Buttes North, make sure you check out our ultimate guide to visiting The Wave .

23. Druid Arch, Utah

The Druid Arch Trail is a challenging hiking trail. But rest assured, it is well worth it to take in the views of the 150-foot-tall arch! Located within the Needles District of the Canyonlands National Park, its Druid name comes from its resemblance to the Stonehenge monument.

You can start your hike to the arch at the Elephant Hill trailhead. It’s about a 10.8-mile distance, so it takes an average of 4-5 hours to complete. Keep going to enjoy epic vistas of the canyons and the towering “needles” until you reach Druid Arch.

This hike is so spectacular it will be the highlight of your road trip in the USA!

24. Temple of the Sun, Utah

The Temple of the Sun and The Temple of the Moon are stunning! You’ll find them in the remote Cathedral Valley section of Capitol Reef National Park. You’ll need some patience to get out there as it’s 15 miles down a rough dirt road. However, it’s definitely a worthy adventure!

The Temple is a large, freestanding rock formation composed of Entrada Sandstone formed by deposition of sand and slit. If you have time for some hiking, there are a few round-trip hiking routes you can take. There’s the Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock route, which roughly takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

If it’s a bird’s eye view of the Temples that you’re searching for, take the Lower Cathedral Valley Overlooks route. The path is faint, so keep that in mind, but the hike roughly takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Make sure to add this location to your road trip in the USA bucket list!

PS. Capital Reef is one of the more underrated National Parks in the US . Y ou should absolutely visit if you can!

25. Angels Landing, Utah

Angels Landing is one of our favorite hikes we did during our road trip in the USA and a highlight of everyone’s Zion National Park itinerary . It offers sweeping views of Zion Canyon. However, it’s not a hiking trail for the faint of heart or for hikers with a fear of heights. 

You’ll begin the hike by ascending a set of 21 steep switchbacks (known as “Walter’s Wiggles”). It will test your endurance! You’ll end it by scrambling along rock ledges while holding onto metal chains 1,400′ above the canyon floor!

Angels Landing is one of the most popular  Zion National Park hikes . As such, it’s best to hike it early in the morning or midweek. On busy weekends, you’ll almost certainly have to wait in line for your turns using the chains at the end of the hike.

26. Goblin Valley, Utah

Goblin Valley is as close as you will get to visiting Mars (that is until it is actually possible to travel to Mars!). This state park is full of unique mushroom-shaped rock formations referred to as goblins. It was also featured in films like Galaxy Quest , City Slickers II , and The Tree of Life due to its otherworldly scenery.

Not for the faint of heart, adventure-seekers can rappel into Goblin’s Lair – a 70-foot sandstone cave on the east side of the valley. Backcountry permits are required for this adventure, and you can also rappel with a guide. For something a bit more mellow, there are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and stargazing.

We recommend a visit during the spring and fall seasons as it can get very hot during the summer. Winter is a good time to visit too, but the nights get very cold (sometimes they reach 0°F!). Nothing a good cuddle won’t fix!

27. Zapata Falls, Colorado

Zapata Falls – a 25-foot secluded waterfall hidden by rocks – is a Colorado hidden gem worthy of a visit during your road trip in the USA!

Even from the parking lot, you can appreciate the views of the Great Sand Dunes and the San Juan Mountains. Make sure you arrive early, so you don’t miss the sunrise against the landscape. It is breathtaking!

The trip to Zapata Falls will make you work for it as you hike through chilly waters and slippery rocks. But don’t worry, it’s only about a half-mile from the parking lot, and it’s well worth the effort.

 28. Alvord Desert, Oregon

Located in Harney County in Oregon, the Alvord Desert is an 84-square-mile dry lake bed set in the shadows of Steens Mountain. It’s the perfect place to go driving around in your 4×4 during the day and stargazing at night.

You can hike up the dunes at the far end of the playa or pick out any spot of the desert to set up camp for the night. There’s also the privately owned Alvord Hot Springs. Head out there for a relaxing soak. You can also stock up on groceries and firewood if you’re camping out.

Preparing for a road trip in the USA? Check out our favorite resources!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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2 thoughts on “road trip usa: 28 amazing photos to inspire you”.

Hey what a great list! I’ve spent years road tripping the USA and haven’t seen most of these. LOL – What the heck was I doing???

My amazing grands! My armchair travels through you!

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Nostalgic Images of US Road Trips From Every Decade

Posted: April 26, 2023 | Last updated: November 30, 2023

The open road

1910s: a family poses by their car

Although the first car was invented in 1886 , it wasn’t until a couple of decades later that automobiles became more popular and widespread in America. This was thanks to a game-changing invention: Henry Ford’s Model T, which launched in 1908. It ran on gasoline, which made it cheaper and meant it could travel further distances than the electric vehicles that had previously been used. In this photograph from the 1910s, a family poses by their brand new Model T.

1910s: the first-ever RV

You might be surprised to learn that the world’s first recreational vehicle, or RV, was invented back in 1915. The 25-foot (7.6m) long automobile was created by Roland Conklin’s Gas-Electric Motor Bus Company and dubbed the Gypsy Van. It was kitted out with a kitchen, sleeping berths, folding tables, various small appliances, a generator and lighting. It was used by the Conklin family to travel from Huntington, New York to San Francisco, California on a journey that captured the attention of national media. 

Now discover the fascinating history of RV-ing in America

1910s: touring the national parks

Since the first national parks were signed into law in the late 1800s, Americans began to gain a greater appreciation for the natural beauty in their backyard. Then the arrival of cars made it easier to access them – although it was still a privilege available to the wealthy few who were lucky enough to own one. Pictured here is a group of visitors on a guided “Two National Parks in Two Weeks” tour that swept through Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

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1920s: birth of Tin Can Tourism

1920s: an unusual attraction in Yosemite

1920s: a legendary cross-country race

While road trips may have been a way to unwind for many, motorcyclist and car racer Erwin Baker turned these cross-country journeys up a notch – by driving as fast as he could. In fact, he even earned the name “Cannonball”, after a newspaper compared him to a Cannonball Express train during one of his famous cross-country races. Shown here in 1923, in his Oldsmobile 30A surrounded by fans, the racer had just completed a trip from New York to Los Angeles by motocycle in a record-breaking 12-and-a-half days. 

1930s: road trippers check their directions

1930s: boots allow people to pack luggage

1930s: the first Airstream arrives

1940s: car drives through Badlands National Park

The striated peaks of the Badlands, South Dakota are just as striking in this rudimentary colour photograph as they are today. The national park (then a national monument) was located close to US Highways 14 and 6, so when roads were built through it during the 1930s and 1940s there was a significant uptick in visitor numbers.

Next, check out these vintage photographs of world-famous destinations

1940s: automobile ownership on the rise

1940s: car drives through Yellowstone National Park

1950s: road-tripping increases in popularity

By the 1950s, the road trip had become an undeniable fixture of American culture. The postwar years saw a continued boom in car ownership across the country and road conditions had improved a great deal too. In 1959, an engineer at Volvo developed the three-point seatbelt (the kind we're familiar with today) which also made hitting the road a whole lot safer. Pictured here, a road-tripping couple check their map.

1950s: famous stars take to the road

Jack Kerouac's 1957 novel On The Road helped cement the dream of travelling through America’s highways and byways in the collective imagination. Celebrities also helped to give road-tripping a glamorous image. Pictured here is Marilyn Monroe and her husband at the time, playwright Arthur Miller (centre, with box), with their friend Milton Green (right), a photographer. Captured in New York in 1956, the trio are about to take a trip to Connecticut in a Thunderbird convertible.

1950s: motels and diners spring up everywhere

Now that more Americans were taking to the road during their vacation time, they needed a place to stay. So the neon signs of motels and diners became an increasingly common sight along the country’s highways. A classic “mom-and-pop” motel would offer affordable lodgings, a place to park up for the night, and often a diner serving home-style food.

Find out which is your state's best motel

1960s: Route 66 gains notoriety

The first all-weather road between the Midwest and the Pacific Coast, Route 66 revolutionised the road trip. It shaved some 200 miles (322km) off the journey between Chicago and Los Angeles, making it easier for people in the rural west to get to cities in the midwest and northeast. In 1960, Route 66 , an American TV series that followed the escapades of a pair of young men travelling the route, aired on CBS. As the so-called Mother Road continued to crop up in popular culture, America's fascination with her grew.

1960s: Aristocrat is the top trailer maker

1960s: camper vans make waves

1970s: VWs dominate the hippie trail

1970s: more campsites spring up

1970s: trailers experience a fall from grace

1980s: motels shut their doors on Route 66

1980s: NASCAR fans gather at Daytona International Speedway

1980s: RVs become more advanced

After a lag in the 1970s due to the oil crisis, the RV industry boomed during the 1980s. Popular movies including National Lampoon's Vacation and The Blues Brothers, whose storylines heavily featured the motorhomes, helped to cement RVs’ place in popular culture. The iconic RV of the decade was the Fleetwood Bounder, released in 1985, which was the first of its kind to include basement storage – now a common fixture in these vehicles.

1990s: tourists take in Alaskan scenery

1990s: old-school trailers are back

1990s: Big Sur maintains its magic

Made popular by the Beat Generation in the 1950s and the hippies of the 1960s, central California’s Big Sur is one of the most popular road trips in the country. Highway 1 is the iconic route which takes travellers along this rugged coastline, with the most visited stretch running between Santa Barbara and Monterey. Here, a classic 1990s compact car drives alongside the sun-splashed cliffs. 

Now check out America's most scenic coastal drives

2000s: the most popular RV

2000s: drive-thru in Maryland

2000s: remnants of Route 66

By the 2000s, the historic Route 66 had become a tourist attraction in its own right, with plenty of motels, diners and even a museum profiting off its storied past. At this section near Prewitt, New Mexico, photographed in 2003, the road runs parallel to Interstate 40. It seems a fitting visual metaphor, given the road was ultimately surpassed by the high-speed interstate highway system.

2010s: navigation gets an upgrade

2010s: camper vans powered by solar

2010s: road tripping goes electric

Until very recently, long-distance travel in an electric vehicle has felt like a distant dream. But thanks to the rapid improvements in EVs themselves, which mean they can travel for longer distances, as well as the installation of new charging points across the States, electric-powered road trips look like an increasingly viable option. And  a new cross-country network of EV charging points , running from Los Angeles, California to Washington DC, is making it easier than ever to refuel. Pictured is a motorway sign for a charging point along southern California’s Pacific Coast Highway.

2020s: a pandemic causes problems

The start of the 2020s saw a curveball thrown at the travel industry: the COVID-19 pandemic. Popular destinations, such as Las Vegas (pictured), had their income from tourism almost completely slashed overnight, as lockdowns took hold and flights were cancelled. However, when Americans were allowed to travel within the USA again, road trips experienced a renaissance: a survey for Vacationer magazine estimated that 80% of Americans planned to take a road trip in 2022. Many were keen to avoid airports and flying for fear of contracting the virus, and the open road offered a safer way to satisfy the wanderlust.

2020s: remote working on the road

Another unexpected twist from the pandemic was the rise in remote working, which made long-term 'workations' a genuinely feasible option for many: one 2022 survey of RV owners revealed that over half had worked while on the road that year. Looking into the future, an increased awareness of the impact of flying on our planet means travellers will be looking for a different kind of trip, and driving through dramatic landscapes with the ability to stop anywhere certainly presents a more ecological and enriching alternative. It seems the freedom of the road will always beckon.

Next, discover the amazing experiences you can only have in the US

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The whole family is driving for the weekend. Mom and Dad with their daughter and a Labrador dog are sitting in the car. Leisure, travel, tourism.

Summer Road Trip. Happy Black Family Of Three Riding Car And Singing Having Fun Traveling By Automobile. Parents And Daughter Enjoying Auto Ride Together On Weekend. Panorama, Selective Focus

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EZRA centers on comedian Max co-parenting autistic son Ezra with ex-wife Jenna. Faced with crucial decisions about Ezra's future, Max and Ezra go on a life-changing cross-country road trip. EZRA centers on comedian Max co-parenting autistic son Ezra with ex-wife Jenna. Faced with crucial decisions about Ezra's future, Max and Ezra go on a life-changing cross-country road trip. EZRA centers on comedian Max co-parenting autistic son Ezra with ex-wife Jenna. Faced with crucial decisions about Ezra's future, Max and Ezra go on a life-changing cross-country road trip.

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Five Mexican restaurants on Redwood Road worth dining at

The tribune’s food reporter aims to visit and eat at every local restaurant on redwood road in 2024..

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Tacos Lopez Mexican restaurant on Redwood Road, on Monday, April 1, 2024.

Editor’s note • This is the first in an occasional series, the Redwood Road Challenge.

In January, I set out to complete an ambitious task: To eat at every locally owned restaurant on Redwood Road in 2024.

Three months into that project, I’m reporting back with some recommendations for noteworthy Mexican restaurants and taquerias along that west-side state highway.

These are the parameters I set in January for the Redwood Road Challenge: I’ll stick to the stretch of Redwood that goes through Salt Lake County, and all local spots count — they just have to have “Redwood Road” in their address.

These five Mexican restaurants aren’t listed in any particular order, and I can’t say whether they’re the best on Redwood because I’m still exploring. But they’re all places that made me sit up and notice their food for one reason or another.

Most of the time, the Mexican restaurants I’ve visited on Redwood are homey and unassuming. Redwood can be traffic-filled and exhaust-choked, and it was nice to be able to duck into a place where I felt welcome. These eateries — with their Mexican music, saint cards on the walls and soccer matches on TV — were my respite from rumbling semis and honking cars.

If you have a Mexican restaurant on Redwood you’d like to recommend to me, let me know by emailing me at [email protected].

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) La Hacienda, Mexican restaurant on Redwood Road, on Monday, April 1, 2024.

(Kolbie Peterson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Four asada tacos, photographed at Hacienda Mexican Restaurant on Jan. 30, 2024.

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant • 1248 S. Redwood Road, Salt Lake City; 801-973-0738 • When I started this Redwood Road project, I was fairly new to street-style tacos, so this restaurant set the precedent for me that all tacos must come with chopped white onions and cilantro on top, and fresh lime wedges on the side.

I got four asada tacos that day in January, with a piña agua fresca on the side. The food was warm and fresh, and the meat was seasoned well. The tacos were served with green and red salsa, and everything was so flavorful.

One thing I liked about this place is it was decorated like someone’s house, with little knickknacks like ceramic elephants and pottery placed all around. Numerous plants in the window contributed to the feeling of eating in someone’s home kitchen. It was a busy spot for lunch.

(Kolbie Peterson | The Salt Lake Tribune) The tacos al pastor combo at Chunga's, photographed on Feb. 15, 2024.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Chunga's, Mexican restaurant on Redwood Road, on Monday, April 1, 2024.

Chunga’s • 1895 S. Redwood Road, Salt Lake City; 801-973-6904; ChungasSLC.com • Chunga’s is known for their tacos al pastor, which features thin slices of marinated pork usually grilled on a spit. I couldn’t not get their signature tacos, so I got the tacos al pastor combo, which came with rice and beans with queso fresco on top.

Chunga’s serves their tacos al pastor sprinkled with chopped white onions, cilantro and (delightfully) bits of pineapple, which combined with the meat for a bite that was savory, smoky, sweet and tangy. Al pastor and I are best friends now, and I make sure to get something with al pastor on it at every Mexican restaurant I get to visit.

The word is out about Chunga’s, by the way; as soon as it opened, people start streaming inside. If the Redwood location isn’t convenient, there’s a second Chunga’s in the Fairpark neighborhood, at 180 S. 900 West, Salt Lake City.

(Kolbie Peterson | The Salt Lake Tribune) An al pastor burrito with fries and beans, photographed at La Villita on March 11, 2024.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) La Villita Mexican restaurant on Redwood Road, on Monday, April 1, 2024.

La Villita • 2711 S. Redwood Road, West Valley City; 385-549-1902; LaVillitaRestaurant.com • Another homey spot in a building that literally looks like a little orange house. Its name means “the little village,” and this tiny restaurant — with its yellow interior walls and little stained-glass lamps — just exudes a vibe that’s warm and welcoming.

I got the al pastor burrito and a mandarin Jarritos to go with it, and I loved that burrito. The meat inside was combined with creamy pinto beans and melted Monterey Jack cheese, and it made for a burrito that was satisfying and filling. This was comfort food to the max.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Taco Plate at Taqueria El Ray De Oros Mexican restaurant on Redwood Road, on Monday, April 1, 2024.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Taqueria El Ray De Oros Mexican restaurant on Redwood Road, on Monday, April 1, 2024.

Taqueria el Rey de Oros • 7096 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan; 801-255-9641; TaqueriaElReyDeOros.com • When driving to this restaurant, I missed it and had to double back — that’s how tucked away it is in a strip mall. But the food makes the search so worth it.

I ordered three tacos: asada, carnitas and al pastor (just give me all the al pastor), and everything was popping with flavor, especially the carnitas. The plate was also really colorful, with slices of fresh radishes, plus pickled carrots and pickled red onions that are made in-house. And, of course, there was plenty of chopped white onions, cilantro and lime. On the side, I got a tall cup of fresh horchata, which they also make in-house.

I was the only customer here for lunch. Don’t sleep on this hidden treasure.

(Kolbie Peterson | The Salt Lake Tribune) An al pastor vampiro (left), with al pastor and asada tacos, photographed at Tacos Lopez on March 25, 2024.

Tacos Lopez • 3609 S. Redwood Road, West Valley City; 385-420-4732; TacosLopezWestValley.com • This place was loud and bustling in the best way: Cooks announcing orders were ready from the open kitchen, people chatting as they ate their food, multiple TVs going, and one man deciding to stand up to play guitar and sing.

I encountered my first vampiro at this restaurant, something I’d never seen on a menu before. I discovered that a vampiro is something like a taco sandwich, made with two grilled corn tortillas that have lots of melted cheese and meat inside. Loved it!

I also got an asada taco and an al pastor taco, because now I get very real taco cravings. There’s a salsa bar at the center of the main room, but all the tacos already come with mild green salsa on them. So instead of salsa, I grabbed some of the freshest radishes and limes I’ve seen so far. Then I got to the serious business of eating.

El Calor Taqueria • 2875 S. Redwood Road, Salt Lake City; 801-973-0377; OrderElCalorTaqueria.com .

El Jaripeo Tacos • 1259 S. Redwood Road (taco truck), Salt Lake City; 801-949-4257; ELJaripeoGrill.com .

Rancherito’s • 1860 S. Redwood Road; 801-972-2610; Multiple locations; RancheritosMexicanFood.com .

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O.J. Simpson, NFL star whose murder trial gripped the nation, dies of cancer at 76

O.J. Simpson , the former NFL star who was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife and her friend in a televised trial that gripped the nation, has died of cancer, according to his family.

"He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren," the family said in a statement posted on X . "During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace."

Reports circulated in February that Simpson had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was in hospice care as he underwent chemotherapy. He denied that he was in hospice in a video posted on X, but did not address whether he'd been diagnosed with cancer.

“Hospice? Hospice? You talking ‘bout hospice?” he said in the video with a laugh, adding that he doesn’t know who started the rumors. 

Orenthal James Simpson played 11 seasons in the National Football League and was known as "The Juice" to his fans, but his sports legacy was tarnished forever in the 1990s after his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman were killed.

Brown Simpson, 35, and Goldman, 25, were found stabbed to death outside her Los Angeles home in 1994.

On June 13, 1994, Goldman was returning sunglasses that the mother of Brown Simpson had left at a restaurant where he worked. The two were stabbed and slashed dozens of times, and their bodies were found the next day.

When Los Angeles police officers went to Simpson's home to speak to him about the slayings, Simpson did not answer the door but officers noticed a trail of blood leading to his car, as well as blood on his car.

Once a revered athlete, Simpson went from a Hall of Fame icon to a murder suspect.

Days later, officials charged Simpson with the murders and he attempted to evade arrest, resulting in an infamous hourslong police chase along Southern California's highways in his white Ford Bronco .

Simpson's case went to trial in 1995 and was broadcast to millions of viewers across the nation. The court case was dubbed the "trial of the century" as it dragged on for months and transformed into a public spectacle.

Feelings over the trial have remained mixed over the years, with many accusing the Los Angeles Police Department of racism in its handling of the case. Others believe that Simpson's ability to retain high-powered attorneys allowed him to get away with murder.

The trial made prosecutors Christopher Darden and Marcia Clark household names, in addition to Simpson's defense attorneys Johnnie Cochran, Alan Dershowitz and Robert Kardashian.

He was acquitted of both murders in a controversial verdict. Two years later, he was found civilly liable for wrongful death in the double homicide case.

Despite his acquittal in the criminal trial, many still believed Simpson was guilty, a belief bolstered by a jury ordering him to pay $33 million to Goldman's family in the civil case — damages that were never paid in full.

Goldman's father, Fred Goldman, spoke to NBC News by phone Thursday and described Simpson's death as "no great loss."

“The only thing I have to say is it’s just further reminder of Ron being gone all these years," he said. "It’s no great loss to the world. It’s a further reminder of Ron’s being gone.”

Bob Costas, the sports broadcaster who worked with Simpson for years at NBC Sports covering the NFL, said Simpson leaves behind “a complicated legacy, to put it mildly.”

“I can’t think of anyone historical or someone that we may have known where the first chapter and the second chapter of their lives are such a stark contrast … revered and then reviled,” Costas said on NBC’s “TODAY” show Friday.

In 2007, Simpson led an armed robbery attempt of a sports memorabilia dealer in Las Vegas. He argued in court that he was recovering his own stolen items, but his defense failed to sway the jury.

He was convicted and sentenced to 33 years in prison, of which he served only nine before he was released on parole .

Simpson spoke to The Associated Press by phone in 2019 , telling them that he was healthy and happy living in Las Vegas. He maintained that he believed his robbery conviction was unfair, but said: “I believe in the legal system and I honored it. I served my time.”

The Simpson murder trial was re-enacted and relitigated decades later in FX’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson,” an installment of the network’s popular “American Crime Story” series in 2016. Released that same year was the Academy Award-winning documentary "O.J.: Made in America," detailing Simpson's rise and fall.

Simpson was born in San Francisco and raised in public housing, going to a local community college before transferring to the University of Southern California. He was part of the school's national championship in 1967 and earned the Heisman Trophy the next year.

He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1969 as a No. 1 overall pick.

According to NBC Sports , Simpson was the first player in the league to rush for 2,000 or more yards in a season and is considered the best running back of his era.

Simpson had three children from his first marriage to Marguerite Whitley, one of whom died in a drowning accident as a toddler.

He also shared two children with Brown Simpson.

Following her murder and his acquittal, Simpson won custody of their shared children and moved to Miami with them. His custody fight with his former-in-laws also drew headlines as the children's grandparents took him to court in a bitter legal battle.

Doha Madani is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Pronouns: she/her.