Once Upon a Time in Westland Thirteen

This unforgettable 20-day cross-country journey across the American West Coast began with a long-haul international flight. I flew from Beijing Capital International Airport, transferred at Seoul Incheon International Airport, and finally landed in Los Angeles, kicking off my grand road trip across California, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.

I started my West Coast adventure in Bakersfield and headed straight into the heart of Yosemite National Park. I stood beneath the towering El Capitan, admired the flowing Yosemite Falls, and wandered through the serene Yosemite Valley, witnessing the raw and primitive beauty of nature’s craftsmanship.

Next, I explored San Francisco's classic charm. I drove the scenic 17-Mile Drive, gazed at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, roamed the elegant Palace of Fine Arts, rode the historic city cable car, visited the winding Lombard Street, and strolled the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf, experiencing the diverse coastal vibes of Northern California.

Traveling northward, I walked through the ancient forests of Drive-Thru Tree Park and Redwood National Park, surrounded by towering ancient redwoods that felt incredibly healing. I continued to Crater Lake National Park, where the crystal-blue crater lake presented a pure and stunning natural landscape. I also stopped by Woodburn Premium Outlets, enjoying casual shopping moments along the journey.

I reached Seattle, the city of romance. I visited the International Rose Test Garden, explored the vast Olympic National Park, admired the futuristic Amazon Spheres, overlooked the city scenery from Kerry Park, wandered the lively Pike Place Market and the famous Gum Wall, and checked out the original Seattle Starbucks. I also made a trip to Mount Rainier National Park, where the snow-capped Mount Rainier stood majestically under the clear sky, leaving a breathtaking impression.

Crossing vast stretches of wilderness, I passed through Spokane Riverfront Park, the tranquil Coeur d’Alene Lake, and the unique Lincoln's 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar, feeling the laid-back rural western style of the United States.
The highlight of this trip was undoubtedly Yellowstone National Park. I spent two days exploring every classic spot of this world-famous geothermal park. I visited the steaming Mammoth Hot Springs, the dynamic Norris Geyser Basin, the magnificent Grand Canyon of Yellowstone with its stunning Artist Point and Upper Falls, the unique Fountain Paint Pot, the breathtaking Grand Prismatic Spring, the legendary Old Faithful Geyser, the peaceful Yellowstone Lake, the mysterious West Thumb Basin, the smouldering Mud Volcano, and the dreamy Morning Glory Pool, fully immersing myself in the magical power of nature.

Leaving Yellowstone, I arrived at Grand Teton National Park. I enjoyed the panoramic view from the South Boundary Viewpoint, wandered the quiet Jackson Lake, stopped at Teton Point Turnout, and explored the distinctive Jackson Town with its Antler Arch Park and classic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. I then traveled to Salt Lake City, visiting the grand State Capitol and the solemn Temple Square and Utah Temple, feeling the city’s unique cultural and architectural charm.

I continued my journey through the magnificent Utah desert landscapes. I overlooked the vast canyon scenery at Canyonlands National Park’s Grand View Point, and explored a series of stunning natural arches in Arches National Park, including Balanced Rock, Double Arch, North Window Arch, South Window Arch, and the overlook of the famous Delicate Arch.

Driving further southwest, I stopped at the classic Forrest Gump Point, witnessed the grand desert valley of Monument Valley, explored the dreamlike layered red rocks of Antelope Canyon, and stood by the stunning Horseshoe Bend, marveling at the uncanny workmanship of desert nature. I also visited Glen Canyon Dam and experienced horseback riding at Ruby's Horseback Adventures, admired the unique terrain of Bryce Canyon National Park from Inspiration Point, and hiked the quiet Timber Creek Trail in Zion National Park.

I then arrived at the world-famous Grand Canyon National Park, viewing the endless grand canyon landscape from the Desert View Watchtower and the South Entrance. Passing through the historic Route 66 in Kingman, I stepped into the bustling city of Las Vegas. I experienced the lively Fremont Street Experience, watched the gorgeous Bellagio Fountain show, took photos with the miniature Paris Eiffel Tower, and visited the futuristic MSG Sphere, the luxurious Venetian and the classic Flamingo Las Vegas, feeling the extravagant and bustling nightlife of Sin City.

Leaving the bustling city, I returned to the wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park, wandering the desolate and beautiful Hidden Valley and the unique Cholla Cactus Garden, enjoying the quiet and wild desert scenery.

My trip finally returned to Southern California’s San Diego and Los Angeles, where I saved my most delicate travel memories. I took the Amtrak coastal train from San Clemente, sitting in the scenic carriage facing the endless Pacific Ocean breeze. In San Diego’s Old Town, I felt the lively pre-Día de los Muertos Mexican festive atmosphere and kept the warm belief that remembering elders means they never truly leave. I explored the century-old Spanish-style Balboa Park, strolled the quiet Tuna Harbor Park, visited the retired aircraft carrier USS Midway Museum to learn naval stories, stood beside the iconic Embracing Peace statue symbolising postwar peace, and cruised the bay to witness real American aircraft carriers and warships up close.

In Los Angeles, I visited the vintage Union Station and the modern Crypto.com Arena. I wandered the Hollywood Walk of Fame, successfully finding Bruce Lee’s star while missing Jackie Chan’s. Accidentally mistaken for media staff with my camera, I got a special chance to visit the TCL Chinese Theatre, and also checked in at the iconic Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars. I overlooked the entire Los Angeles cityscape from the hilltop Griffith Observatory.

This journey held my most precious birthday surprise. I originally planned to taste delicacies at The Original Farmers Market, but chose to chase my long-awaited iPhone 18 Pro. I barely completed the purchase in an extremely tight time, and this hard-won device became the best birthday gift for myself. Later, at Santa Monica Beach and Pier, I enjoyed delicious, non-greasy Wendy’s burgers and redeemed free Starbucks coffee, yet missed the famous pier sunset, leaving a gentle and perfect little regret for the whole trip.

After 20 days of crossing mountains, seas, deserts, forests, canyons and cities, I ended this West Coast journey with a return flight from Los Angeles back to Seoul and finally Beijing. This trip was filled with stunning natural landscapes, profound historical scenery, unexpected lucky encounters, deliberate choices, and trivial regrets. Every mile of the road, every breeze, every sunset, and every stop has woven the most free, passionate and unforgettable American West Coast travel memory in my life.

Route

1. Day 1: Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 2, Beijing, Incheon International Airport Terminal 2, Incheon, Los Angeles International Airport Terminal B, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Bakersfield Central
2. Day 2: Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Bakersfield Central, Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park, Comfort Inn Marina on the Monterey Bay
3. Day 3: Comfort Inn Marina on the Monterey Bay, 17 Mile Drive, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Palace of Fine Arts, Cable Car, San Francisco, Lombard Street, San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, Holiday Inn Dublin-Pleasanton by IHG
4. Day 4: Holiday Inn Dublin-Pleasanton by IHG, Drive-Thru Tree Park, Leggett, Redwood National and State Parks, Best Western Crater Lake Highway White City/Medford
5. Day 5: Best Western Crater Lake Highway White City/Medford, Crater Lake National Park, Woodburn Premium Outlets, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Portland Hillsboro
6. Day 6: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Portland Hillsboro, International Rose Test Garden, Portland, Olympic National Park, Bainbridge Island Ferry, Courtyard by Marriott Seattle SeaTac Airport
7. Day 7: Courtyard by Marriott Seattle SeaTac Airport, The Spheres (Amazon), Seattle, Kerry Park, Seattle, Pike Place Market, Seattle, The Gum Wall, Seattle, Starbucks Coffee Company, Seattle, Trail of The Shadows, Longmire, Mount Rainier National Park, Paradise Valley, Ashford, Mount Rainier National Park, Best Western Plus Lake Front Hotel
8. Day 8: Best Western Plus Lake Front Hotel, Moses Lake, Riverfront Park, Spokane, Coeur d'Alene Lake, Lincoln's 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar, Haugan, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Missoula Airport
9. Day 9: Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Missoula Airport, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Artist Point, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, Upper Falls View, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, Fountain Paint Pots, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, CROSSWINDS INN West Yellowstone MT
10. Day 10: CROSSWINDS INN West Yellowstone MT, Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Mud Volcano, Yellowstone National Park, Morning Glory Pool, Yellowstone National Park, Best Western Plus CottonTree Inn
11. Day 11: Best Western Plus CottonTree Inn, South Boundary Viewpoint, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Teton Point Turnout, Grand Teton National Park, Antler Arch Park, Jackson Town, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, Jackson Town, Utah State Capitol, Salt Lake City, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah Temple, Salt Lake City, Chinatown, Salt Lake City, Hampton Inn Salt Lake City/Sandy
12. Day 12: Hampton Inn Salt Lake City/Sandy, Grand View Point, Canyonlands National Park, Balanced Rock, Arches National Park, Double Arch, Arches National Park, North Window Arch, Arches National Park, South Window Arch, Arches National Park, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, Arches National Park, Quality Suites Moab near Arches National Park
13. Day 13: Quality Suites Moab near Arches National Park, Forrest Gump Point, Monument Valley, Monument Valley Tribal Tours (incl. John Ford's Point), Lower Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Page, Best Western Plus at Lake Powell
14. Day 14: Best Western Plus at Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, Page, Ruby's Horseback Adventures, Inspiration Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, Zion National Park, Timber Creek Trail, Zion National Park, Best Western Plus at Lake Powell
15. Day 15: Best Western Plus at Lake Powell, Desert View Watchtower, Grand Canyon National Park (East Entrance), South Entrance, Grand Canyon National Park, U.S. Route 66, Kingman, Fremont Street Experience, Las Vegas, Eiffel Tower, Paris, Las Vegas, Fountains of Bellagio, Las Vegas, High Roller, Las Vegas, MSG Sphere, Las Vegas, The Venetian, Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas
16. Day 16: Flamingo Las Vegas, MSG Sphere, Las Vegas, Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, Cholla Cactus Garden, Joshua Tree National Park, Desert Hills Premium Outlets, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Los Angeles West Covina
17. Day 17: Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Los Angeles West Covina, Amtrak Coastal Train, San Clemente, Old Town, San Diego, Balboa Park, San Diego, Tuna Harbor Park, San Diego, USS Midway Museum, San Diego, Public Art "Embracing Peace", San Diego, San Diego Harbor Cruises, San Diego, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Los Angeles West Covina
18. Day 18: Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Los Angeles West Covina, Green Health, Union Station, Los Angeles, Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles, TCL Chinese Theatre, Los Angeles, Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles, The Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, Santa Monica Beach, Los Angeles, Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport Terminal B, Los Angeles
19. Day 19: Incheon International Airport Terminal 2, Incheon, Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 2, Beijing

Photos

A trip by Garoph Wei on Troven.