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Scenic 10-Day Road Trip from Vinton, Iowa to Mission Viejo, California via Colorado Springs and Bryce Canyon

Viewed by 88 travelers

Day 1: Start journey

Vinton, Iowa to Omaha, Nebraska on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Spanky’s Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty home-style breakfast with classic American options to fuel your drive.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Vinton to Omaha

Begin your drive westward covering about 230 miles (~3.5 hours), heading towards Omaha for the overnight stop.
USD0, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dante’s Pizza & Pasta

Savor Italian-American dishes in a casual setting, perfect after the morning's drive.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Old Market District

Walk around this historic neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, boutiques, and galleries.
USD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in at hotel in Omaha

Relax and refresh before dinner at a local favorite.
USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Boiler Room

Enjoy a prix-fixe menu highlighting local ingredients and fine flavors to conclude the travel day.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Vinton

Day 2: Omaha to Colorado Springs

Omaha, Nebraska to Colorado Springs, Colorado on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Waffle House

Grab a quick and classic breakfast to start your longer driving stretch.
USD10, 30m

7:30am

Drive Omaha to Colorado Springs

Long drive covering roughly 600 miles (~9 hours), pass through scenic plains and foothills.
USD0, 9h

12:00pm

Lunch stop in Hays, Kansas - Big Creek Coffee

A quick lunch and coffee break to recharge during your drive.
USD15, 1h

5:30pm

Arrive Colorado Springs and hotel check-in

Rest and freshen up after the day’s drive to prepare for the next day’s outdoor adventures.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Rabbit Hole

Try a vibrant, subterranean dining experience with eclectic American cuisine.
USD35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Omaha

Day 3: Explore Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Urban Steam

Enjoy fresh pastries and quality coffee to start your day of sightseeing.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Garden of the Gods

Explore the stunning red rock formations and easy walking trails; open daily from 5am to 10pm and free to enter.
USD0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Adam’s Mountain Cafe

Savor organic and vegetarian-friendly options in a cozy setting.
USD18, 1h

2:00pm

Pikes Peak Scenic Drive or Cog Railway

Choose between a drive up Pikes Peak or the scenic Cog Railway (railway tickets approx USD60), to capture breathtaking mountain views.
USD0-60, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Shuga’s

Enjoy a creative menu with global influences in a quirky and colorful atmosphere.
USD30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Colorado Springs

Day 4: Colorado Springs to Bryce Canyon

Colorado Springs, Colorado to Bryce Canyon, Utah on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at First Watch

Healthy breakfast options focused on fresh ingredients to prepare for a day's travel and adventure.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Bryce Canyon

Drive about 340 miles (~6 hours) through scenic southwestern landscapes into Utah to reach Bryce Canyon National Park.
USD0, 6h

2:00pm

Check-in Bryce Canyon nearby lodge or hotel

Settle in close to the park to maximize your time exploring the next day.
USD0, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Bryce Canyon Visitor Center and Rim Trail

Get maps and insights at the Visitor Center (open 8am-6pm), then enjoy a leisurely walk along part of the Rim Trail to watch hoodoos at sunset.
USD35 park entrance fee per vehicle, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bryce Canyon Lodge Dining Room

Dine within the park offering rustic American cuisine with scenic views of the canyon.
USD35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Colorado Springs

Day 5: Bryce Canyon to Las Vegas

Bryce Canyon, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Start your day with breakfast surrounded by nature inside the park.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Optional morning hike - Navajo Loop Trail

Experience Bryce Canyon up close on this 1.3-mile trail highlighting hoodoos and scenic views; allow 1.5 hours.
USD0, 1h30m

10:00am

Drive to Las Vegas

Head out for a 4-hour drive (~270 miles) to Las Vegas for a rest stop before final destination.
USD0, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch at The Buffet at Bellagio

Indulge in world-class buffet offerings in a luxurious setting right on the Strip.
USD50, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore the Strip or Rest

Optional strolling along Las Vegas Boulevard to see the fountains and entertainment or rest at the hotel.
USD0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mon Ami Gabi

French bistro dining with a view of the Bellagio fountains, perfect to end the day.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Bryce Canyon
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