Road Trip Itinerary: Missouri to California (4 Days)

Day 1: Union, MO – Arrival & Local Exploration

Morning: Depart from 6085 Manor Lane and head west on I‑70, stopping at the historic Gateway Arch in St. Louis for a quick photo op and riverfront stroll.

Afternoon: Continue through the rolling hills of the Ozarks, enjoying a scenic drive to the charming town of Hermann for a brief wine tasting and lunch.

Evening: Arrive at 1012 Pinehurst Lane, Union, MO for check‑in, then unwind with a sunset walk along the nearby Union City Park before dinner.

Day 2: Kansas City to Wichita – Plains Adventure

Morning: Leave Union and cross into Kansas, visiting the iconic National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City for a quick cultural immersion.

Afternoon: Drive west on I‑35 to Dodge City, where you can explore the Boot Hill Museum and relive the Old West for a couple of hours.

Evening: Reach Wichita, KS, settle into your accommodation, and enjoy a stroll through the vibrant Old Town District with dinner at a local eatery.

Day 3: Colorado Springs – Mountains & Sand Dunes

Morning: Depart Wichita on I‑70 West, crossing the plains into Colorado; make a brief stop at the historic Rocky Mountain National Historic Trail viewpoint.

Afternoon: Arrive in Colorado Springs and explore the stunning Pikes Peak via the scenic highway, allocating time for a short hike at the summit.

Evening: Head south to the Great Sand Dunes National Park for a sunset sand‑boarding session, then camp nearby under the stars.

Day 4: New Mexico & Arizona to Citrus Heights, CA – Final Leg

Morning: Drive through the high desert of New Mexico, stopping at the artistic enclave of Santa Fe to wander the historic Plaza and sip a coffee.

Afternoon: Continue on I‑10 West into Arizona, visiting the breathtaking Grand Canyon’s West Rim (access via U.S. 89) for a quick viewpoint photo stop.

Evening: Cross into California via I‑10, cruising through the Mojave Desert and arriving at 12801 Fair Oaks Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA just before nightfall.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Gateway Arch (St. Louis) – 1 hour – $16 (adult ticket)
• Hermann Winery – 1.5 hours – $12 (tasting)
• National WWI Museum (Kansas City) – 2 hours – $14
• Boot Hill Museum (Dodge City) – 1.5 hours – $10
• Old Town District (Wichita) – 2 hours – Free (dinner $25)
• Pikes Peak Scenic Highway – 3 hours – $15 (toll)
• Great Sand Dunes National Park – 2 hours – $25 (vehicle entry)
• Santa Fe Plaza – 2 hours – Free (coffee $8)
• Grand Canyon West Rim Viewpoint – 1 hour – $35 (parking & shuttle)
• Fuel (approx. 1,800 miles) – 40 hours total drive – $250
• Accommodations (3 nights) – 3 x $120 – $360
• Meals (average $30/day) – 4 days – $120
• Miscellaneous (souvenirs, tolls) – $50
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,045

Tips

If you’d like to extend the adventure, consider adding an extra day in Colorado to explore Rocky Mountain National Park or spending a night in Flagstaff, AZ for a deeper look at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Santa Fe stop and drive straight from the Great Sand Dunes to the California border, reducing the itinerary to three full driving days while still enjoying the key mountain and desert highlights.