Morning: Depart La Plata and merge onto I‑70 W, cruising through the rolling farmlands of Pennsylvania and Ohio. After roughly 3 hours you’ll pass the scenic **Scioto River** in Columbus, a pleasant spot for a quick stretch and photo.
Afternoon: Continue west into Indiana, where the highway hugs the **Wabash River** and offers a tranquil view of the water’s glimmer. Crossing into Illinois, a brief detour to **Shawnee National Forest** provides a lush, forested break before re‑entering Missouri.
Evening: As the day winds down, the route follows the **Mark Twain National Forest** corridor, delivering cool mountain air and pine‑scented vistas. Arrive at your overnight address, 1012 Pinehurst Lane, Union, MO, where you can relax and recharge for the next leg.
Find HotelsMorning: Leave Union and head west on I‑70 toward Kansas City, catching a glimpse of the **Missouri River** skyline as you cross the state line. Shortly after, the highway climbs into the **Ozark Plateau**, offering sweeping ridgelines and open sky.
Afternoon: The drive continues across Colorado, where you’ll catch distant views of the **Rocky Mountain foothills** without entering the park itself, keeping the route fast and historic‑site free. Crossing into Utah, I‑84 brings you past the striking **Great Salt Lake’s western shoreline**, a unique natural landmark.
Evening: Enter California via I‑5 S, winding through the **Sierra Nevada foothills** as the sun sets behind the mountains. Arrive at 12801 Fair Oaks Blvd, where you can unwind after a smooth, efficient journey.
Find HotelsTo shorten the trip, consider skipping the Ozark and Rocky Mountain scenic stops and push the daily drive to about 12 hours, arriving in California on the same day you leave Union. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, add a second overnight stay in Colorado or Utah, allowing extra time for short hikes or a quick meal in a local town without extending the overall route.