Road Trip from Blanchard, OK to Eureka, CA: Exploring the West Coast
Are you feeling adventurous and yearning to explore the stunning landscapes of the West Coast? If so, driving from Blanchard, Oklahoma to Eureka, California can be an exciting road trip. The journey takes you through scenic country roads, mountain ranges, and picturesque coastal towns. With so many options to choose from, here are some of the best routes you can take and the estimated time to get there.
Route 1: The Panhandle and I-40
The first and most direct option is to take I-40 West to Amarillo, Texas, and merge onto US-87 North towards Dalhart. Continue on US-385 North towards Hartley, and then onto US-54 West towards Tucumcari, New Mexico. From Tucumcari, hop on I-40 West, and drive through Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Kingman before arriving at Barstow, California. Finally, join CA-58 West, which merges into US-395 North to Eureka.
Total distance: 2,295 miles Estimated travel time: 38 hours
Route 2: The Southern Scenic Route
This option will take you through picturesque desert towns and amazing rock formations. From Blanchard, take I-35 South towards Dallas. In Fort Worth, turn on to I-20 West, and travel through the smaller towns of Big Spring and Pecos, Texas. Once in New Mexico, take US-285 North towards Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and then continue on to Roswell. From there, take US-70 West to Las Cruces and enter Arizona on I-10 West. You can stop and explore the beauty of Sedona, AZ, then travel through Prescott National Forest before reaching the Mojave Desert and Barstow, California. Finally, join CA-58 West, which merges into US-395 North to Eureka.
Total distance: 2,416 miles Estimated travel time: 44 hours
Route 3: The Rocky Mountain Route
For those seeking a more scenic adventure, taking this route is an excellent choice. Begin by driving north on US-81 to Wichita, Kansas, and then join I-70. You will drive by scenic landmarks such as the Eisenhower Tunnel in the Rockies, Glenwood Springs in Colorado, and the iconic Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. Continue on I-70 past Salt Lake City, then merge onto I-84 West in Echo, Utah, and drive through scenic mountains and green forests before arriving at Eureka through US-395.
Total distance: 2,439 miles Estimated travel time: 42 hours
Best Places to Visit
Taking a road trip is a great way to enjoy some of the best scenery this country has to offer. Along the way, you can make pit stops to experience the charm of some of the unique towns and places you pass by. Here are some of the best places to visit
- Visit Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
- Explore Roswell, New Mexico, home to the famous UFO crash in 1947
- Drive to Meteor Crater in Arizona
- Take a dip in the Colorado River or explore Arches National Park in Moab, Utah
- Take a scenic steam train ride in Durango, Colorado
- Head to the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, and explore nature hikes
Final Thoughts
A road trip from Blanchard, Oklahoma, to Eureka, California, gives you access to some of the best landscapes, coastal towns, and natural landmarks in the West Coast. With the right stops along the way, you can make this trip an unforgettable experience. Always check the weather conditions along the route and road conditions. Don't forget to take enough breaks and stay hydrated throughout your journey. Happy travels!