Alliance to Orderville: A Road Trip Through the American West

This 750-mile drive begins at the site of Carhenge, a quirky tribute to Stonehenge made from vintage cars, and ends near the towering Navajo sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park. The route crosses the Continental Divide at 7,275 feet near Rawlins, Wyoming, and passes through four states: Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah.

You'll traverse the High Plains, the Medicine Bow Mountains, and the Colorado Plateau, a journey that spans significant altitude changes and ecosystems. The drive typically takes 11.5 hours of pure driving time, but plan for at least two full days to appreciate the diverse landscapes and attractions along the way.

Major highways guide you for the majority of the trip: U.S. Route 385 from Alliance to Cheyenne, then Interstate 80 west through Wyoming, and finally U.S. Route 89 south in Utah. These roads are well-maintained, but winter driving can be hazardous in Wyoming due to snow and ice.

• Fuel stops are abundant along I-80, with prices slightly lower in Wyoming as of 2023.
• Alliance is the last sizable town in Nebraska; fill up before leaving if possible.
• Plan your fuel stops in advance, as some stretches in Utah have limited services.

Culinary options range from truck-stop fast food to local diners, but the menu narrows in remote areas. For a memorable meal, try a steakhouse in Cheyenne or a family-owned Mexican restaurant in Rock Springs. Don't expect gourmet fare, but you'll find solid regional cooking.

Camping and lodging are plentiful at state parks and national forests, especially near Flaming Gorge and Bryce Canyon. Booking ahead is wise during peak summer months.

Road quality is generally excellent, but watch for wildlife, especially at dusk and dawn. Many rest areas are clean and offer playgrounds, making them ideal for families. For kid-friendly breaks, visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis or the Temple Square in Salt Lake City, a short detour off I-80.

Pets are welcome at most rest stops and national parks, but keep them leashed and never leave them alone in a vehicle due to extreme temperatures.

To combat fatigue, the Wyoming Highway Patrol recommends taking a 15-minute break every two hours. Hidden off-route gems like the Fossil Butte National Monument in Wyoming offer a quiet picnic spot and a chance to stretch your legs without the crowds.

For planning your stops along the way, consider using how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. Remember that the best stops on the Alliance to Orderville route are often the ones you discover by chance.

The route showcases remarkable geological diversity: from the flat, grassy prairies of the Nebraska Sandhills to the red-rock canyons of southern Utah. Highlights include Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska, the Rocky Mountains near Laramie, and the otherworldly badlands of the Red Desert in Wyoming.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are not directly on the route, but a worthwhile detour leads to Dinosaur National Monument, which is part of the U.S. National Park System and is on the tentative list.

Local commerce thrives in small towns like Lusk, Wyoming, where you can find handmade crafts and cowboy memorabilia. In Utah, the town of Escalante supports artisans and outfitters who cater to outdoor enthusiasts. These stops offer a glimpse into the region's ranching and pioneer heritage, distinct from the more touristy hubs.