3-Day Road Trip: Minneapolis to Palm Springs (Nov 13‑15, 2025)

Day 1: Minneapolis → North Platte

Morning: Depart Minneapolis around noon and head west on I‑90. Enjoy the rolling prairies of western Minnesota and cross into South Dakota, stopping for a quick stretch at the historic **Soo Locks** viewpoint.

Afternoon: Continue through the Badlands and arrive at **Chimney Rock National Historic Site** in Nebraska for a short hike and photo stop. Afterward, drive to North Platte, where you’ll treat yourself at the **Gluten‑Free Bakery: The Healthy Bread Co.** for a fresh sandwich and coffee.

Evening: Check into a comfortable motel in North Platte, then stroll along the **North Platte Riverwalk** before dinner at a local steakhouse.

Day 2: North Platte → Grand Junction

Morning: After breakfast, head west on I‑80, crossing the Rocky Mountains. Make a scenic detour to **Colorado National Monument** for breathtaking red rock canyons and panoramic vistas.

Afternoon: Continue south on US‑6 into Grand Junction, Colorado. Stop at the **Gluten‑Free Bakery: The Daily Bread** for a light lunch of gluten‑free pastries and a smoothie.

Evening: Explore downtown Grand Junction, visit the **Grand Mesa** overlook, and enjoy dinner at a farm‑to‑table restaurant before settling into your hotel for the night.

Day 3: Grand Junction → Palm Springs

Morning: Depart early and drive through the high desert of Utah and Nevada, crossing **Mojave National Preserve** for a brief sunrise walk among Joshua trees.

Afternoon: Stop in Barstow, California, at the **Gluten‑Free Bakery: Desert Gluten‑Free Delights** for a quick snack and refuel. Continue the final leg on I‑15 toward Palm Springs.

Evening: Arrive in Palm Springs in the early evening, check into your resort, and unwind with a stroll through the vibrant **Palm Canyon Drive** area, ending with dinner at a local eatery.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Chimney Rock National Historic Site: 1.5 hours, $12
• Gluten‑Free Bakery: The Healthy Bread Co. (North Platte): 0.5 hour, $15
• Colorado National Monument: 2 hours, $15
• Gluten‑Free Bakery: The Daily Bread (Grand Junction): 0.5 hour, $15
• Mojave National Preserve: 1 hour, $15
• Gluten‑Free Bakery: Desert Gluten‑Free Delights (Barstow): 0.5 hour, $15
• Palm Springs Hotel (2 nights): 48 hours, $200
• Fuel (estimated 1,800 mi): —, $240
• Total Estimated Cost: $527

Tips

If you’d like to extend the trip, consider adding a day to explore the **Joshua Tree National Park** area before reaching Palm Springs, or spend an extra night in Palm Springs to enjoy the spas and golf courses. To shorten the journey, you could skip the Colorado National Monument detour and push a bit farther each day, though keep the 10‑hour driving limit in mind for safety.