Cross‑Country Road Trip: Missouri to Citrus Heights, CA

Day 1: Departure & Union, MO Overnight

Morning: Depart from 6085 Manor Lane and head west, stopping briefly in St. Louis, MO for fuel and a quick coffee. The highway offers steady traffic, allowing a comfortable start to the journey.

Afternoon: Continue through the outskirts of Kansas City, MO, where you can stretch your legs at a rest area before crossing into Kansas. The drive remains scenic yet uneventful, keeping the focus on progress.

Evening: Arrive in Union, MO and settle in for the night at 1012 Pinehurst Lane. After checking in, enjoy a relaxed dinner and a good night’s rest.

Day 2: Kansas Heartland to Central Colorado

Morning: Leave Union and head west toward Topeka, KS, passing through rolling farmlands. A short stop in Topeka provides a chance to refuel and grab a snack.

Afternoon: Drive onward to Salina, KS, where you can stretch at a local park and refill the tank. The route stays on I‑70, ensuring a smooth ride across the plains.

Evening: Cross the state line into Colorado, reaching Colorado Springs, CO for dinner before checking into a modest motel. The evening sky over the Rockies adds a quiet backdrop to your stop.

Day 3: Colorado to Utah

Morning: Depart Colorado Springs and travel west toward Grand Junction, CO, enjoying the gradual rise of the Rocky Mountain foothills. A quick coffee break keeps energy levels up.

Afternoon: Continue on I‑70 into Green River, UT, a practical midway point before the final stretch. Refuel and replenish supplies at the local travel center.

Evening: Drive a short distance to Salt Lake City, UT for a relaxed dinner, then settle in for the night at a budget‑friendly hotel. The city’s convenient amenities make for a comfortable stay.

Day 4: Utah to Citrus Heights, CA

Morning: Leave Salt Lake City and head north on I‑84 toward Boise, ID, crossing the scenic Snake River plain. A brief stop in Boise allows for breakfast and fuel top‑off.

Afternoon: Travel west through Idaho into Oregon, arriving in Redding, CA for a late lunch. The route avoids Nevada entirely, staying on I‑5 through the northern corridor.

Evening: Complete the final leg to 12801 Fair Oaks Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA, arriving in time for a celebratory dinner. Unpack and unwind after a successful four‑day drive.

Time and Cost Estimates

• St. Louis, MO – 1 hour – $12 (fuel & coffee)
• Kansas City, MO – 0.5 hour – $8 (snack)
• Union, MO – 0.5 hour – $20 (overnight lodging)
• Topeka, KS – 1 hour – $10 (fuel)
• Salina, KS – 1 hour – $15 (meal & fuel)
• Colorado Springs, CO – 1 hour – $25 (overnight lodging & dinner)
• Grand Junction, CO – 0.5 hour – $10 (fuel)
• Green River, UT – 0.5 hour – $12 (fuel)
• Salt Lake City, UT – 1 hour – $30 (overnight lodging & dinner)
• Boise, ID – 1 hour – $15 (breakfast & fuel)
• Redding, CA – 1 hour – $20 (lunch & fuel)
• Citrus Heights, CA – 0.5 hour – $0 (arrival)
• Total Estimated Cost: $187

Tips

If you’d like to shorten the trip, consider extending daily driving to 12‑13 hours and finish in three days, skipping the Boise overnight. To extend the adventure, add an extra day in Utah to explore nearby national parks (while still avoiding Nevada) or spend a night in the scenic Willamette Valley of Oregon before heading south to California.