Road Trip Chronicles: Solo Adventure from Walnut Creek to Colorado Springs
June 2023
The road stretched ahead, beckoning me to embark on a solo journey filled with anticipation and excitement. My destination: Colorado Springs, a place close to my heart. This solo road trip was not just about reaching a location; it was a personal test, a chance to connect with the open road and discover the depths of my mental and physical endurance. Its important to note, growing up we took endless road trips. We drove everywhere. Multiple cross-country trips.
Waking up at 4am and the suburban would already be loaded up. Tuna sandwiches at rest stops. My sister with a book, my mom riding shotgun and dad at the wheel. I’d entertain myself with a car magazine, my Gameboy, music or sleep. I also found myself always just looking out into the empty landscape of North America. Now that I’m older, I get to do my own road trips. Follow along as I take you on a trip from our house in the bay area, to my parents house in Colorado.
Day 1 Walnut Creek to Winnemucca, Nevada
As I left Walnut Creek behind, the scenic beauty of Highway 80 through Tahoe unfolded before me. The majestic mountains, crystal-clear waters, and fresh mountain air set the perfect tone for my adventure. My Spotify playlist wasn’t disappointing me and the jams where in full swing. It was a breathtaking start to a journey that would test my self-reliance and resilience. My first stop on this journey was just across the Nevada border. A small town called Winnnemucca. I should also share, my parents didn’t know I was coming out. While highly unlikely, I wanted to make it a surprise.
Pulling into camp 1, I was excited, not really tired but more just soaking up this small town which is dubbed, the friendliest town in Nevada.
Night 1 - New Frontier RV Park
I choose a small RV park on the east side of town. My goal is simple. Get in, eat, sleep and hit the road again knowing I had a BIG day two.
The RV park didn’t disappoint. I found my site, parked and cracked a cold one. With camp set, I went for a walk. The RV park offered everything you’d want. Full hook-ups (which I didn’t need), clean bathroom w/ shower, laundry and a small general store. What I really loved about night 1 was the people that I met.
Its important to call out, there is a certain culture that you find in RV Parks, KOA’s and campsites in general. A certain code that everyone lives by. A credo. A way of life. As I settled into my evening, IPA in hand I found myself checking out a site behind me. A fully built Transit. A nice couple with their dogs outside. I was intrigued to learn more about their build. Long story short, we met, we talked and exchanged van stories. Thats pretty much sums up my evening.
360 Miles Driven
Day 2 - Winnemucca to Grand Junction
Dawn broke early as I hit the road again, leaving Nevada behind. The vastness of the salt flats mesmerized me, a surreal and unique sight that reinforced the solitude of the solo traveler. Hours stretched into one another as I covered miles of highway, stopping periodically to top off my diesel, grab snacks, and stretch my legs. This part of the trip was truly magical.
When I look back at this part of the trip, I’d probably do it different. Mostly because it ended up being 9.5 hours of driving. I probably should have left earlier on Day 1 and got deeper into Nevada. Live and Learn.
Night 2 - Grand Junction, CO KOA
10 hours on the road and I was just about to my exit for this leg of the trip. While I was tired and ready to call it, I figured I’d top off the tank so I' could hit the road in the morning. After topping off on fuel, I pulled into the KOA. This KOA was located just south on hwy 70. It was, as you’d expect, a typical KOA. Well organized, clean, and welcoming. I was lucky to have a corner spot, seen above. As I parked, cracked a cold one and walked the area, I’m once again reminded of the beauty of traveling and meeting new people. I met a lovely couple from North Dakota, another couple from Florida and a random local who told me to buy jerky from Steve at 7-11. For the record, I didn’t do this though I wonder how good his jerky was.
As I settled in for the night, I started to hear fireworks. Early celecbration for 4th of July. As a wrap up night two, our mileage for today was approx 636 miles and we’re just under 1,000 miles for the trip. Feeling good.
Day 3 - Grand Junction to Colorado Springs:
Today's journey took me through the high roads of Colorado. The landscapes were nothing short of spectacular, with rugged terrain and changing weather adding to the thrill. The miles on the odometer grew, and I marveled at the sheer distance I had covered.
Plan A had me staying on Hwy 70 which would take me up through the Rockies into Denver, down 25 to my parents. I choose a route (Plan B) I’d never driven before. I choose to divert slightly and take Hwy 50 > 285 > 24. This was longer but it took me through parts of Colorado I’d never seen before. I was most excited that this route took me up Monarch Pass at an elevation of just over 11,000ft.
I could probably write a whole blog on this part of the trip. I pretty much saw it all. For me, the best part was the big thunder clouds and rain as I came down Monarch Pass and knowing I was only about 2 hours from my parents hours. The part that i didn’t account for… rush hour in Sprints. Thats life and I made it to my parents and all is well.
Approx. 302 miles driven on this leg and we’re clocking approx. 1,300 total miles so far.
The Trip Home:
The journey home offered a slightly different route, taking me northward while still embracing the familiar comfort of Highway 80. I’d never really explored Wyoming so that was the goal here. Destination for the first night was a small town called Lyman, Wyoming. A KOA that had great reviews. Each mile revealing a different aspect of the landscape as I started this next chapter of my road home.
Night 1 - Lyman, Wyoming. KOA Campground
My first night on the way back brought me to Lyman, Wyoming. Just before a looming storm, I set up camp, enjoying a drink and a home-cooked dinner. The miles from Colorado Springs to Lyman, Wyoming clocked in at just about 470 miles. That would bring my total miles so far just under 1,800 (1,769 for those keeping accurate track).
This evening also added a nice atmospheric opportunity. A lovely storm headed my way. Of course I had to pull out the camera and snap a few images.
Day 2 - Lyman to Winnemucca
Once again, we’re on the road again. This day had me very excited. It had a small detour that I just knew would be epic. That destination… Salt Flats in Utah. As I pulled into the rest stop at the flats, I saw vehicles driving out on to the salt flats. This was all the validation I needed and I found the entrance and drove on out. I drove about 30 minutes north to escape all the groups and people. I stopped, got out and just embraced the beauty around me. I felt like I was on another plant. The ground, covered in salt flakes was hard and flaky. I truly felt like I was on another planet.
I’d never taken photos in such an unique environment. Never in a million years would I imagine they’d come out the way they did and then to top it off, Mercedes Van USA IG reached out and wanted to debut a photo on their IG & X Page.
Now off to the last stop of the night… a familiar locations… Winnemucca Nevada.
Night 2 - Winnemucca (Again)
My return journey led me back to Winnemucca, where I found comfort in a familiar setting. While not dwelling too much on this stop, it was a reminder of the places I had visited and the experiences I had gathered. Dinner was a simple Mac-N-Cheese, a ham sandwich and a cold IPA.
Miles driven today had me just under 470 miles and a total of 2,270.
Day 3 - Drive Home:
The final day of my road trip was bittersweet. As I headed home, I couldn't help but reflect on the miles I had covered, the sights I had seen, and the lessons I had learned. Below are my big takeaways.
Max driving time to ~6 hours per day
With more time on the road, explore more
Bring your fly rod and rish on the road
Create some big playlists
Have fun
In Closing:
In the end, as I tallied up the total miles driven — 2366 —, I realized that this solo road trip had been more than just a physical journey. It was a testament to my spirit of adventure and self-discovery. The road and I had become one, and this journey had shown me the depths of my mental and physical endurance. As I shared my big takeaways and lessons learned, I hoped to inspire others to embrace solo adventures and discover the profound connection that can be forged between a traveler and the open road. The photos I had taken along the way would forever capture the beauty and solitude of my solo road trip from Walnut Creek to Colorado Springs.
