In 2015, a clever climatologist routed a 70-degree Road Trip map that steers you through 69-71 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. Brian B.’s map has been shared over 10 million times over various platforms.
He updated the routes in 2023 to make them more interesting. You can now choose a Coastal Route, Interior Route, or United States and Canada Route.
I’ve already written about the Coastal Route and in this article, I will focus on the Interior Route. Stay tuned for the third route next week.
Route 2: The Interior Expedition
At 7,064 miles, this route is only a few hundred miles shorter than the coastal route but it takes you through the heart of America. It showcases an array of natural wonders, picturesque landscapes, and unique cultural experiences.
This incredible route starts in Brownsville, Texas, and weaves its way northwards along the country’s interior. You ultimately make your way back down to the same final leg as the Coast Route through Phoenix to San Diego.
Keep in mind you don’t have to drive this entire route. It can serve as a guide to plan trips using segments at different times of the year. But if you have the time and resources, it sure would be an incredible journey to do the entire route.
I will walk you through this epic road trip and link to related articles to help you plan your trip.
January
Begin your journey in Brownsville, Texas where you can embrace the vibrant Tex-Mex culture in the Rio Grande Valley before setting out north to Corpus Christi, a coastal city famous for its stunning beaches and enticing attractions.
Mileage: 140 miles
- Rio Grande Valley: Birds, Birds, and More Birds
- Birds, Birds, and More Birds: Estero Llano Grande State Park
- Texas BBQ: By Meat Alone
- Corpus Christi: City by the Sea
- Corpus Christi: Sparkling City by the Bay
- Padre Island National Seashore: World’s Longest Stretch of Undeveloped Barrier Island
- The Ultimate Guide to Padre Island National Seashore
- Oceans of Fun: Port Aransas and Mustang Island
February
Follow the enchanting Texas coastal bend to Galveston and Houston indulging in a thriving urban scene, visiting impressive museums, and sampling diverse culinary delights.
Mileage: 197 miles
- Discover Why Rockport is the Charm of the Texas Coast
- Life by the Bay: Goose Island State Park
- Barrier Islands Hopping
- Where the Journey Is the Destination: Texas State Highway 35
- I Still Dream of Galveston
- Absolutely Best Road Trips from Houston
March
Drive northward from Houston stopping by the bustling city of Dallas before continuing to Oklahoma City. Along the way, immerse yourself in the distinctive combination of Texan and Oklahoman lifestyles.
Mileage: 408 miles
- Halfway to Everywhere: Schulenburg
- Spring Road Trip: The Kolache Trail
- “Howdy, y’all” to these Small Texas Towns
- Historical Painted Churches of Central Texas
- Czech Out La Grange
April
Venture farther north from Oklahoma City through Kansas and arrive at Kansas City, Missouri. Savor the city’s renowned BBQ culture, see its famous fountains, and enjoy its jazz heritage.
Mileage: 343 miles
May
Continue your northward trek to Des Moines, Iowa, via I-35. Then journey east to Rockford, Illinois, and north through Wisconsin before reaching vibrant Minneapolis, Minnesota. Discover the cultural and culinary treasures that await you at each destination.
Mileage: 765 miles
- 10 Amazing Places to RV in May 2023
- The Best National Parks to Visit in May
June
Embark on an early June sprint northward to Duluth, Minnesota, and head west through North Dakota towards central Montana. This leg traverses a total of 1,062 miles of awe-inspiring landscapes and remarkable wilderness areas.
Mileage: 1,062 miles
- North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park: A Plains-state Paradise
- The Best National Parks to Visit in June
- 4 Wild Dakotas Destinations to Explore this Summer
July
Explore the winding route from Montana’s picturesque high country to Yellowstone National Park. Continue through Montana, northwestern Colorado, and back into south-central Wyoming. This circuitous route keeps you in the cool temperatures of the high country.
Mileage: 1,255 miles
- Mesa Verde: A Home in the Cliffs
- The Ultimate Guide to Mesa Verde National Park
- Imagine Life in a Hovenweep Village
- The Best National Parks to Visit in July
August
Mosey north through Wyoming and back to extreme southern Montana. Taking this circuitous route since July keeps you in the high country.
Mileage: 384 miles
September
Head due east until reaching southwestern North Dakota. Then turn south, traveling towards the Nebraska border. Enrich your experience by exploring the region’s natural and historical wonders.
Mileage: 533 miles
- The Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary
- South Dakota—Naturally
- South Dakota: Fly Over State? Not a Chance!
- Into the Hills: Can’t Miss Spots for Your Black Hills Tour
October
Continue nearly due south through West Kansas and the Texas panhandle before turning southwest towards Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Revel in the rich culture, landscapes, and outdoor adventures the Southwest has to offer.
Mileage: 1,047 miles
- Adventure is Just around the (Four) Corners
- Wake Up In New Mexico
- Spotlight on New Mexico: Most Beautiful Places to Visit
- 4 Things to Know Before Visiting New Mexico
- A Monumental Road Trip through New Mexico’s National Monuments
- The Mind-Blowing Enchantment of New Mexico: San Antonio & Bosque del Apache
- Top 9 Things to See and Do in Santa Fe
November
Make your way from Cloudcroft to Phoenix by navigating nearly due east on state and U.S. highways, immersing yourself in the stark beauty of the desert landscape.
Mileage: 399 miles
- New Mexico’s Land of Fire & Ice: Hike through Volcanic Rock and Ice Caves at This National Monument
- Kaleidoscope Colors and Serene Landscape Shine in Petrified Forest
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument: People Still Live Here & I Can See Why
- The Ultimate Guide to Grand Canyon National Park
- The Most Beautiful Places in Arizona (That Aren’t the Grand Canyon)
- Absolutely Best Road Trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon
- Explore Phoenix Naturally
- Amazing Places to Discover in Phoenix’s East Valley
- 15 Amazing Places to Discover in Phoenix
- Top 10 Day Trips From Phoenix
- Verde Valley: Ruins to Riches
- There Is No Winter like a Desert Winter in the Valley of the Sun
- The Seducing Magic of Sedona: 20 Ways to Fall in Love
December
Complete your 70-degree road trip by driving from Phoenix to Los Angeles and then to San Diego. Relax and unwind on the sun-kissed beaches of Southern California while basking in the accomplishments of your extraordinary journey.
Mileage: 531 miles
- Absolutely Best Road Trip from LA to the Grand Canyon
- The Real Story of Nomadland (aka Quartzsite, Arizona)
- The 10 Best Day Trips in Southern California
- Out and About In Southern California
- Palm Springs: Like No Place Else
- California’s Timeless Getaway: Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley
- The Amazing Story of Palms to Pines Scenic Byway
- Temecula Valley: Historic Old Town, Wine Country and More
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Badlands, Canyons, Mountain Peaks and More
Worth Pondering…
Shoot for the moon, Even if you miss it you will land among the stars.
—Les Brown