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Scenic Road Trip from Monee, IL to Los Angeles, CA via Denver

Viewed by 102 travelers

Day 1: Start Journey

Monee, IL to Des Moines, IA on June 1, 2025

5:00am

Departure from Monee

Start early at sunrise to maximize driving time while avoiding heavy traffic. Ensure car is fully fueled before departure.
USD0, 0h30m

8:00am

Breakfast at Louisa's Cafe, Moline, IL

A cozy spot serving hearty American breakfast to fuel your journey ahead. Open from 7am.
USD15, 1h

12:00pm

Fuel and rest stop near Iowa City, IA

Refuel Prius and take a 30-minute break to stretch and relax.
USD40, 0h40m

4:30pm

Arrive in Des Moines, IA and check-in

Check into a hotel and relax after a long day of efficient driving.
USD120, overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Django

Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner featuring local ingredients, perfect for winding down after your first travel day.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Monee

Day 2: Iowa to Nebraska

Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE on June 2, 2025

5:30am

Departure from Des Moines

Early start after a good night's rest to cover more ground towards Omaha.
USD0, 0h30m

7:00am

Breakfast at Early Bird, Council Bluffs, IA

Popular breakfast spot known for friendly service and great coffee, open from 6am.
USD15, 1h

11:00am

Fuel and quick rest in Omaha, NE

Refuel and take a quick break prior to city exploration.
USD40, 0h30m

11:30am

Visit Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Spend about 3 hours at one of the world's top zoos, known for its impressive indoor habitats and conservation efforts. Open 9am-6pm.
USD26, 3h

3:00pm

Drive to Omaha hotel and check-in

Prepare for next day's longer drive by relaxing and packing at the hotel.
USD110, overnight

6:00pm

Dinner at Block 16

Enjoy innovative farm-to-table dining with sandwiches and salads, ideal for a relaxed evening.
USD35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Des Moines

Day 3: Omaha to Denver

Omaha, NE to Denver, CO on June 3, 2025

5:00am

Departure from Omaha

Begin the longest leg of the trip early to cover 540 miles to Denver.
USD0, 0h30m

8:30am

Breakfast in Kearney, NE at Main Street Eatery

Relax with a classic American breakfast, open from 7am, ideal midway through long drive.
USD15, 1h

12:30pm

Fuel and rest stop near North Platte, NE

Refuel and take a 30-minute break to stretch after several hours on the road.
USD40, 0h40m

5:00pm

Fuel and quick rest near Limon, CO

Final fuel stop before the stretch into Denver, refresh yourself.
USD40, 0h30m

7:30pm

Arrive in Denver and check-in

Check into hotel to rest and prepare for a rest day tomorrow.
USD130, overnight

8:30pm

Dinner at Sam’s No. 3

Enjoy an iconic Denver diner experience with large portions, perfect after a long drive.
USD30, 1h
Find Hotels in Omaha

Day 4: Rest Day Denver

Denver, CO on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Start your rest day with creative breakfast dishes, open from 6:30am.
USD20, 1h

10:00am

Explore Denver Botanic Gardens

A peaceful 24-acre garden showcasing native plants and themed gardens, open 9am-7pm in June.
USD15, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Denver Central Market

Sample a variety of gourmet foods from different vendors in a lively market setting.
USD25, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Hike or admire the stunning sandstone formations and open-air amphitheater, visit until sunset.
USD0, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Root Down

Upscale farm-fresh dining in a converted gas station offering eclectic and flavorful dishes.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Denver

Day 5: Denver to Grand Junction

Denver, CO to Grand Junction, CO on June 5, 2025

5:30am

Departure from Denver

Start early to enjoy scenic drive along I-70 west through the Rocky Mountains.
USD0, 0h30m

7:30am

Breakfast in Idaho Springs, CO at Beau Jo's

Try their famous Colorado-style mountain pies, open from 7am.
USD20, 1h

11:00am

Fuel and rest stop near Glenwood Springs, CO

Refuel, quick rest, or enjoy a short walk in a small town known for hot springs.
USD40, 0h30m

2:00pm

Arrive at Grand Junction, CO and check-in

Check into hotel and relax after drive through stunning landscapes.
USD110, overnight

5:00pm

Visit Colorado National Monument

Drive or hike to view dramatic red rock canyons and scenic vistas, park open until sunset.
USD15, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at 626 on Rood

Casual restaurant featuring American fare with locally sourced ingredients.
USD35, 1h
Find Hotels in Denver

Day 6: Grand Junction to Las Vegas

Grand Junction, CO to Las Vegas, NV on June 6, 2025

5:00am

Departure from Grand Junction

Early start to cover over 500 miles to Las Vegas, crossing into Nevada.
USD0, 0h30m

8:00am

Breakfast at City Cafe, Green River, UT

Popular local cafe known for large breakfast portions, convenient stop on route, open from 6am.
USD15, 1h

12:00pm

Fuel and rest stop in St. George, UT

Refuel your vehicle and take a 30-minute rest to recharge.
USD40, 0h40m

4:30pm

Fuel stop and quick rest near Mesquite, NV

Final fuel stop before reaching Las Vegas.
USD40, 0h30m

6:00pm

Arrive in Las Vegas and check-in

Get settled and enjoy a brief walk on the Strip for sights and lights.
USD150, overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Mon Ami Gabi

Enjoy French bistro dining with views of the Bellagio fountains to cap your day.
USD50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Grand Junction

Day 7: Final Leg

Las Vegas, NV to Los Angeles, CA on June 7, 2025

6:00am

Early departure from Las Vegas

Drive west to Los Angeles to reach your destination by 1pm, about 4.5 hours drive.
USD0, 0h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at The Original Sunrise Cafe, Barstow, CA

A welcoming diner offering hearty breakfasts before final stretch to Los Angeles.
USD15, 1h

12:30pm

Arrive in Los Angeles

Complete your trip on time and enjoy your destination with plenty of daylight left for exploration.
USD0, end
Find Hotels in Las Vegas
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