Summer is rapidly approaching, and with it comes the sunshine and warm weather that we all look forward to all winter long. Another thing it brings: the itch to travel somewhere new!
With Idaho’s convenient Pacific Northwest location, we have access to some pretty amazing places; nothing says “summer” quite like a road trip! Use a little bit of your reverse mortgage payout, and embrace the wanderlust that accompanies the seasonal shift. Here are some famous road trips with amazing views for retirees to enjoy along the way!
San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway
If you thrive in the heat and sun, head on down to drive the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway in Colorado. With ancient cliff dwellings, railroad communities, and old mining towns, the history is palpable at every stop along this adventure. Complete with mountains, lakes, rivers, and desert views, this trip gives a taste of many of the ecosystems that make up the great Wild West of old legends. Make a pit stop in Salt Lake City along the way and spend a little time in one of Boise’s friendliest “neighbor” cities!
Pacific Coast Highway 101
Kicking off at Port Townsend (a little south of Seattle), this is the gem of the west coast! With the rocky cliffs and rolling surf of the Pacific Ocean visible for a lot of the journey, follow Highway 101 south as far as San Diego and enjoy all of the little stops along the way. Go whale watching along the Oregon Coast, take a trolley ride and make the ferry ride out to Alcatraz in San Francisco, and eat your way along the coastline experiencing some of the best seafood the United States has to offer. Whether you have a love of old lighthouses or just feel the call of the sea, this is a road trip you don’t want to miss!
Grand Teton, Yellowstone, & Glacier National Parks
One of the biggest benefits of living in Idaho? Our proximity to some of the most amazing national parks! Whether you start your loop by driving up through Wallace, Idaho, and over to Glacier National Park, or choose to start in Southern Idaho and hop over to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to start your adventure, this loop will take you through some of our nation’s greatest natural wonders. With wildlife galore and plenty to see right outside your window, this is a great trip regardless of accessibility needs. Are you looking for something to keep you active? The trails and boardwalks available at these parks range in difficulty level, so you can find just the right activity level for you! Make a pit stop between Yellowstone and Glacier when you reach Bozeman, and explore all that the city has to offer. Better yet, take a little trip off the beaten path to one of the gem mines that are still active and pick up a bag of gravel along the way; it will give you hours of fun when you reach home, picking through the bits to find the hidden gems!
British Columbia
Looking for a journey to our northern neighbors? A drive through beautiful British Columbia might be just what you need! With all the beauty that nature has to offer, this trip comes complete with breathtaking forest and waterfall views. Follow the Idaho panhandle north through Bonner’s Ferry, and make your first Canadian destination the Kootenay Rockies a little north of Cranbrook. Work your way west and see the wonders of Vancouver, and make a loop to find your way home! If you’d like, drop down from Vancouver towards Seattle and spend a day in one of the roaring hubs of the Pacific Northwest.
Route 66
Get your kicks on Route 66! It may be a bit farther from home than our other road trip selections, but when you’re looking for the quintessential U.S. road trip, this is it! An old school fan favorite that will remind you of the good ol’ days, make the drive from LA to Chicago, and enjoy perhaps the most famous drive in the country. Spanning eight states and 2448 miles, filled with vintage gas stations and diners, and loaded with tourist attractions, monuments, and museums, Route 66 is the way to go!
Ready to hit the road? Check out these resources to see if a reverse mortgage is right for you, and plan for your bucket list!
