I'm driving thousands of miles in a Miata, for an epic 5 week roadtrip with a friend. 

Kinja'd!!! by "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
Published 04/12/2017 at 22:16

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AMA. Also, Where should we go? He’s flying to Seattle and has never been away from the east coast, and I haven’t gone south of Oregon since I got my license. Our very rough outline is above, but I guess I forgot to put LA in there so.... Also LA! Help

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Leaving Seattle this weekend, either the 15th or the 16th. Would love to do some track days or autocross, car shows etc. But I don’t know when/where or if the budget will allow it quite yet. Hopefully! So, car things, good driving roads, touristy spots, absolutely breathtaking national parks, restaurants, roadside attractions.... Gimme it all!

Also if anyone on the route would like to meet up for anything, let’s grab a beer or something and I’ll give you a tour of the Mega-Miata.

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Also also, if you’re in the Bay area or around LA and know of a safe place I could park for a night or two....

Also also also! (last one, I swear) should I be worried about getting ticketed for no front plate if I’m from out of state?


Replies (51)

Kinja'd!!! "HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
04/12/2017 at 22:24, STARS: 0

I still don’t have a front plate on my wife’s car...I don’t even know where it is

Kinja'd!!! "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
04/12/2017 at 22:27, STARS: 1

Utah right? I wish the weather allowed for a salt flats adventure...

I know in Washington we’re SUPPOSED to have one but I’ve never been hassled over it. Less sure about other states

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
04/12/2017 at 22:29, STARS: 3

If your state doesn’t require a front plate, don’t worry about it.

I think you’re crazy, and I envy you.

Kinja'd!!! "HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
04/12/2017 at 22:30, STARS: 1

Si Utah. You should consider more time coming through Utah...It would be worth the detour. Google highway 12 for example. The route you have through Utah now is not the greatest.

Kinja'd!!! "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
04/12/2017 at 22:33, STARS: 0

Highway 12, will do! Any specific places? The return trip from Denver is unplanned so far, cutting across the northern part of Utah would not be difficult

Kinja'd!!! "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
04/12/2017 at 22:36, STARS: 1

Ha... About that. I may just Ziptie the front plate on. If I can find it.

I’ll be sharing the trip here!

Kinja'd!!! "HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
04/12/2017 at 22:38, STARS: 0

Bear lake is a nice scenic drive by up north

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
04/12/2017 at 22:39, STARS: 0

And I’ll be reading!

Kinja'd!!! "HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
04/12/2017 at 22:51, STARS: 2

If i were planning the route coming from grand canyon village it would look something like this

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yes, there is some back tracking, but you’ve got 5 weeks and these roads are worth the time. you could also tie in Zion, arches and canyonlands while you were in the area if you wanted.

Kinja'd!!! "PatBateman" (PatBateman)
04/12/2017 at 23:00, STARS: 1

It appears that you’re accidentally bypassing one of the greatest car monuments in the history of mankind.

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Kinja'd!!! "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
04/12/2017 at 23:03, STARS: 0

Is this...... Nevada?

Kinja'd!!! "PatBateman" (PatBateman)
04/12/2017 at 23:04, STARS: 0

Negative. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo.

Kinja'd!!! "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
04/12/2017 at 23:06, STARS: 0

Thank you, this is exactly what I was looking for. One thing though, Is snow still a possibility mid to late April through southern Utah?

Kinja'd!!! "HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
04/12/2017 at 23:08, STARS: 1

southern? unlikely but highway 12 does take you up pretty high. to be fair though, there are places it could snow on you coming out of grand canyon. its just going to be up to the weather no matter how you slice it.

Kinja'd!!! "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
04/12/2017 at 23:08, STARS: 0

I’m hoping to do a week or two in Texas and New Mexico late November, unfortunately a bit out of the way this time

Kinja'd!!! "PatBateman" (PatBateman)
04/12/2017 at 23:13, STARS: 2

Out of the way, yes. But by going to this tribute to Americana, you get to drive to Denver by going through Raton Pass. Sir, there is no better way.

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Kinja'd!!! "Chuckles" (chucklesw37)
04/12/2017 at 23:17, STARS: 0

Good luck! I’m looking forward to reading about your adventures. The longest trip I’ve taken in my Miata so far was about 750 miles over 2 days. Hopefully that will change this summer.

Kinja'd!!! "DanZman" (DanielHarpel)
04/12/2017 at 23:19, STARS: 2

This looks like an awesome trip! I did a cross country in my vette with my dog last year and it was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had in a car. I’m in Phoenix and reall want to do a run down PCH. I’m actually kinda jealous of the time you will be spending on that road.

Something that you must do is between the Grand Canyon and Denver. You need to hit up Monument Valley and more importantly, Castle Valley. Monument valley is the famous long strait road that people love to take pictures of their car in front of. Just google “Monument Valley” and you will see what I mean. But better than that is Castle Valley. It’s much lesser known, way less crowded, more scenic and actually has some great twistys! As a bonus this route will take you through Moab too.

These pictures are from Castle Valley.

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Kinja'd!!! "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
04/12/2017 at 23:30, STARS: 1

I dream of someday having a dog and doing something like that.

Castle Valley is added to the list! Whoo!

Kinja'd!!! "DanZman" (DanielHarpel)
04/12/2017 at 23:37, STARS: 3

I look forward to following along. Also, this is the pretty lady that I shared the drive with.

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Kinja'd!!! "Shamoononon drives like a farmer" (shamoononon)
04/12/2017 at 23:44, STARS: 1

I’ve always wanted to do that! Not in a Miata and not on your route but always wanted a super long road trip. My daughter can’t sit still though for 5 minutes. Enjoy!

Kinja'd!!! "MyJeepGetsStuckInTheSnow" (myjeepgetsstuckinthesnow)
04/12/2017 at 23:45, STARS: 1

Seriously you don’t need a front plate if you are out of state. I have been driving 40k miles a year for 4 years for work with no issues.

Kinja'd!!! "Shamoononon drives like a farmer" (shamoononon)
04/12/2017 at 23:45, STARS: 1

Are you missing your passenger seat? Cute girl, confusing picture.

Kinja'd!!! "MyJeepGetsStuckInTheSnow" (myjeepgetsstuckinthesnow)
04/12/2017 at 23:46, STARS: 2

Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods in Colorado are definitely worth the detour.

Kinja'd!!! "Shamoononon drives like a farmer" (shamoononon)
04/12/2017 at 23:46, STARS: 0

Never mind, dog hair blanket!

Kinja'd!!! "DanZman" (DanielHarpel)
04/12/2017 at 23:47, STARS: 1

Both, the seat was removed and several Harbor freight moving blankets were put down.

Kinja'd!!! "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
04/12/2017 at 23:49, STARS: 0

Pikes peak was on the possibilities list, haven’t heard of garden of the gods! Will look into that!

Kinja'd!!! "Spaceball-Two" (spaceball-two)
04/12/2017 at 23:50, STARS: 0

Stop at the Goonies house on the OR coast then cut across to Bend.

Kinja'd!!! "Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
04/12/2017 at 23:51, STARS: 1

It’s a good looking trip. Crater lake will have snow still I think, so you’ll need to enter on the south end, check out the redwoods on your way from crater lake to the Bay Area.

Im in Eugene, feel free to hit me up at five four one, 22two-9928 if you want to grab a beer or food here.

Kinja'd!!! "Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
04/12/2017 at 23:52, STARS: 0

Also, lots of people here don’t run front plates but it is required but I don’t think you’d get hassled for that with your out of state plates.

Kinja'd!!! "MyJeepGetsStuckInTheSnow" (myjeepgetsstuckinthesnow)
04/12/2017 at 23:54, STARS: 1

Also if you can catch a concern at Red Rocks Ampitheater while you are there it is one of the coolest outdoor venues I have ever seen.

Kinja'd!!! "Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
04/13/2017 at 00:01, STARS: 3

What’s it like having friends?

Asking for a frie--.... :(

Kinja'd!!! "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
04/13/2017 at 00:05, STARS: 0

Aw. Buy a cheap Celica, come down to CA, sell it there and fly back! Let’s start a convey. With blackjack. And hookers.

Oh and I may not be qualified to answer that after he finds out we’re taking the Miata and not my Outback. Hope he packed light...

Kinja'd!!! "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
04/13/2017 at 00:15, STARS: 0

Thanks for the tip, I need to avoid snow if at all possible (summer tires). Oregon is the one place I may have access to a buddies Jeep though so we’ll see... Crater Lake has been on my list for awhile. I screenshotted your info, I’ll try not to pull a David Tracey and call at 3am with a blown engine or something!

Kinja'd!!! "Danger" (dangerray)
04/13/2017 at 02:16, STARS: 0

I’m on the fun way to go Southwest from Denver. Salida on US 285. Round of beers on me if I’m around.

Kinja'd!!! "TheStraightSixKid" (thestraightsixkid)
04/13/2017 at 02:38, STARS: 0

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

Kinja'd!!! "TheStraightSixKid" (thestraightsixkid)
04/13/2017 at 02:40, STARS: 0

JUST DO IT

Kinja'd!!! "AMGtech - now with more recalls!" (amgtech)
04/13/2017 at 04:21, STARS: 1

Denver is only a day’s drive from mt. rushmore and the black hills, which is kind of neat if you haven’t seen it. Better yet, in that area, is highway 16a. Awesome.

Make time for the redwoods in norcal.

Estes park and rocky mountain national park in CO.

Devil’s tower.

Kinja'd!!! "Nibbles" (nibbles)
04/13/2017 at 10:56, STARS: 0

Wolf Creek Pass is better

Kinja'd!!! "Nibbles" (nibbles)
04/13/2017 at 10:58, STARS: 0

When you get to Denver hit me up for that whole beer thing

Kinja'd!!! "davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
04/13/2017 at 11:08, STARS: 0

Jealous! Have a great trip and post lots of photos!

Kinja'd!!! "Elumerere" (elumerere)
04/13/2017 at 11:25, STARS: 0

Yeah, second on Utah. It’s a gorgeous place, worthy to do a loop-around.

Kinja'd!!! "Elumerere" (elumerere)
04/13/2017 at 11:37, STARS: 1

Just a little tip:

Check on scenicbyways.info for great twisties, wherever you are heading to. It helped us discover some fantastic roads on our 7k roadtrip last year (in a 911 no less).

Kinja'd!!! "CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
04/13/2017 at 13:35, STARS: 0

Do not take CA1 between SF and SLO, it is closed. Other than that if you are coming down the 5 or the 101 and get to the 166 during the day, I would highly suggest taking that to the 33 into Ojai. It is a beautiful drive through the hills and a national forest. Ojai isn’t bad either as a nice pit stop between central CA and LA.

That trip looks absolutely spectacular. Have fun and be safe.

ALso don’t worry about the front plate. Just like your driver’s licence being valid in other states, other states can’t hassle you about their state requirements and have no jurisdiction to complain that you don’t have the WA required front plate

Kinja'd!!! "CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
04/13/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 1

Damn I am jealous of that Z06. I want to do a road trip like that in my GTO someday

Kinja'd!!! "DanZman" (DanielHarpel)
04/13/2017 at 13:50, STARS: 1

Haha, thank you. You should really just make the time and do it. My gas was way cheaper than flying and I had no stress. Plus I already had a car when I got there.

I’ve had one for a long time, but you might be surprised how affordable c6z’s have become.

Kinja'd!!! "CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
04/13/2017 at 13:54, STARS: 0

I know they are getting real affordable, even for a nice one.

I prefer driving anyway and need to go to SD, but time and money are always in short supply these days. Hopefully someday soon though.

Kinja'd!!! "DanZman" (DanielHarpel)
04/13/2017 at 14:04, STARS: 1

Hit me up if you pass through Phoenix. I go to SD a few times a year and wouldn’t mind tagging along for a while.

Kinja'd!!! "CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
04/13/2017 at 14:13, STARS: 0

Sure, I totally will. I am sure I will post about it as trip planning on here

Kinja'd!!! "feather-throttle-not-hair" (feather-throttle-not-hair)
04/13/2017 at 15:32, STARS: 1

When you’re cutting over from I5 to 101, i HIGHLY suggest not taking the obvious (and much shorter) 199. Its been maybe 10 years but I believe its 96 that offers some of the best driving you’ll ever come across. I drove it once in college on a road trip to visit some friends in Arcata and it was so epic i vowed to go back there in something more fun to drive. A few years later when i got my Z, i made the trip all the way down from Seattle and made sure to hit it up. It did not disappoint. There are some incredible driving roads down there, you’re in a miata. Dont waste it.

Kinja'd!!! " The Compromiser" (charger)
04/13/2017 at 18:48, STARS: 0

Go to Astoria. Pretend you’re on the xfiles or in goonies, kindergarten cop or another movie I can’t remember that they shot there.