Road‑Trip Itinerary: Happy Valley, OR ➜ Blue Mountain Lake, NY (Dec 4‑Dec 11)

Day 1: Happy Valley → Reno (≈ 360 mi)

Morning: Depart Happy Valley early, head south on I‑5 and merge onto I‑84 east toward Ontario, OR. Stop at the pet‑friendly Ontario Lake Park for a quick walk before fueling up.

Afternoon: Continue on I‑84 to Crater Lake National Park (view from the rim drive; pets are allowed on paved viewpoints). Enjoy a short picnic and stretch the pugs’ legs.

Evening: Arrive in Reno, check into the pet‑friendly Motel 6 Reno‑Sparks. Grab a budget dinner at Reno’s Downtown Food Court and relax.

Day 2: Reno → Salt Lake City (≈ 520 mi)

Morning: Leave Reno via US‑395 south, cross into Nevada’s high desert and stop at the Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook for sunrise views (pets welcome on the parking lot).

Afternoon: Drive through Ely and into Utah, passing the Great Basin National Park entrance (no pet access inside, but the visitor center has a pet‑friendly patio). Refuel in Cedar City.

Evening: Reach Salt Lake City, settle into the pet‑friendly La Quinta Inn Salt Lake City Downtown. Take a brief stroll around Temple Square (pets on leash allowed in the plaza).

Day 3: Salt Lake City → Grand Junction (≈ 285 mi)

Morning: Explore the Antelope Island State Park (leashed pets allowed) for a sunrise wildlife walk.

Afternoon: Travel east on I‑70, crossing the Colorado River at Grand Junction. Stop at the pet‑friendly Colorado Riverfront Park for a picnic.

Evening: Check into the budget‑friendly Red Lion Hotels Grand Junction. Dinner at a local diner with a pet‑friendly patio.

Day 4: Grand Junction → Kansas City (≈ 740 mi)

Morning: Depart early, drive through the high plains of Colorado. Quick stop at Royal Gorge Bridge (view from outside, pets welcome on the overlook).

Afternoon: Continue across the plains of Kansas, stretching legs at the Monument Rocks (pet‑friendly viewpoint).

Evening: Arrive in Kansas City, stay at the pet‑friendly Days Inn & Suites Kansas City. Enjoy a budget dinner at the Power & Light District (many outdoor seating options).

Day 5: Kansas City → Louisville (≈ 500 mi)

Morning: Head east on I‑70, stop at the historic St. Louis Arch Plaza (pets allowed on the grounds). Quick coffee break.

Afternoon: Cross the Mississippi River and continue through Indiana, pausing at the pet‑friendly Falls of the Ohio State Park for a riverside walk.

Evening: Arrive in Louisville, check into the Holiday Inn Express Louisville‑Downtown (pet‑friendly). Dine at Old Rogers with outdoor seating.

Day 6: Louisville → Roanoke (≈ 430 mi)

Morning: Explore Louisville’s Waterfront Park (leashed pets welcome) before departing.

Afternoon: Drive through the scenic Appalachian foothills of Virginia, stopping at the pet‑friendly Natural Bridge State Park (outside areas only).

Evening: Check into the budget‑friendly Quality Inn Roanoke. Grab dinner at a pet‑friendly brewery downtown.

Day 7: Roanoke → Blue Mountain Lake (≈ 380 mi)

Morning: Depart Roanoke, take a short detour to the historic Mount Moriah Cemetery (pet‑friendly walking trails).

Afternoon: Continue east on I‑81, cross into New York State, and stop at the pet‑friendly Watkins Glen State Park for a brief hike.

Evening: Arrive at Blue Mountain Lake. Check into the pet‑friendly Lakeside Lodge & Cabins. Unwind with a lakeside stroll and enjoy a simple dinner at the lodge’s patio.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Ontario Lake Park – 0.5 hr – $0
• Crater Lake Rim Drive (viewpoint) – 1 hr – $0
• Motel 6 Reno‑Sparks – Overnight – $55
• Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook – 0.5 hr – $0
• Great Basin Visitor Center – 0.5 hr – $0
• La Quinta Inn Salt Lake City – Overnight – $80
• Antelope Island State Park – 2 hr – $5 (vehicle fee)
• Colorado Riverfront Park – 1 hr – $0
• Red Lion Hotels Grand Junction – Overnight – $70
• Royal Gorge Bridge (view) – 0.5 hr – $0
• Monument Rocks – 0.5 hr – $0
• Days Inn Kansas City – Overnight – $65
• St. Louis Arch Plaza – 1 hr – $0
• Falls of the Ohio State Park – 1 hr – $5 (vehicle fee)
• Holiday Inn Express Louisville‑Downtown – Overnight – $85
• Waterfront Park, Louisville – 1 hr – $0
• Natural Bridge State Park (outside) – 1 hr – $5 (vehicle fee)
• Quality Inn Roanoke – Overnight – $70
• Mount Moriah Cemetery Trails – 1 hr – $0
• Watkins Glen State Park (outside) – 1 hr – $5 (vehicle fee)
• Lakeside Lodge & Cabins Blue Mountain Lake – Overnight – $90
• Gas & Meals (estimate) – 7 days – $350
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,155

Tips

If you need extra time, add a day in Colorado to explore pet‑friendly trails in the San Juan Mountains, or spend an additional night in the Catskills before reaching Blue Mountain Lake. To shorten the trip, combine Days 4 and 5 by taking a more direct route through Indianapolis and skipping the extended stop at Louisville; just ensure you book pet‑friendly accommodations in advance, as availability can fill quickly during holiday travel.