Denver To San Francisco Road Trip: Top 22 Tips

Traveling from Denver to San Francisco is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 1,249 miles of the road trip from Denver to San Francisco takes around 18 hours and 39 mins of driving without stops.

This article includes the 22 top tips that turn your San Francisco trip into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Denver to San Francisco, keep reading!

8 Best Hotels On The Way From Denver To San Francisco

On the way from Denver to San Francisco, you may want to stay at some points on the way. Here are the top eight hotels on the Denver – San Francisco route!

1. Hilton Garden Inn Laramie: Hilton Garden Inn Laramie is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the road trip from Denver to San Francisco. Driving from Denver to Hilton Garden Inn Laramie might take around 2 hours and 17 mins. The Hilton Garden Inn Laramie hotel is located in a convenient location, just two hours from Denver and 30 minutes from the Snowy Mountains. The public areas are spotless and well maintained, and the room has modern amenities and more excellent decor than we expected. The parking is easy to find, and the staff is friendly and safe.Check the Hilton Garden Inn Laramie, one of the best hotels in Laramie, Wyoming, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
2. Hampton Inn Rawlins: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to San Francisco from Denver is Hampton Inn Rawlins. Located in Rawlins, Wyoming, the hotel is 226 miles away from Denver, and it would take 3 hours and 37 mins to drive. The Hampton Inn Rawlins hotel features 78 rooms with an indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness room, business center, and laundry facilities. Each room has a coffee maker, hair dryer, 32-LCD HDTV (with cable), and an iron and ironing board. The hotel was spotless and inviting. The room was spacious and comfortable. The breakfast had a nice variety of hot and cold food items. All staff was friendly and courteous.If you want to learn more about the Hampton Inn Rawlins, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
3. Best Western Dunmar Inn: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Best Western Dunmar Inn. Best Western Dunmar Inn is located in Evanston, Wyoming, and it’s 437 miles away from Denver. You can arrive there with 6 hours 40 mins of non-stop driving. The hotel has great character and a beautiful curb appeal. It also features breakfast in the restaurant instead of a lobby/breakfast room, which is fantastic. The staff is accommodating and clean, making for a great stay. There is also a water fountain in front, which adds to the pleasant atmosphere.Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Best Western Dunmar Inn for more information.
4. Grand America Hotel: If you are taking the road trip from Denver to San Francisco, Salt Lake City is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Grand America Hotel is one of the best hotels in town. It is Grand America Hotel, 518 miles from Denver, and it would take 7 and 55 mins to drive. Grand America Hotel is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Salt Lake City, boasting an impressive decor that makes you feel like you are inside a European Castle. The Coffee place, Bonne Vie, is fabulous, and Laurel restaurant is also excellent. Gibson Bar has a very English style, and the Spa is one of the best I have ever been to – service, services, and premises are all top-notch. Finally, the rooms were decorated in an 1800s style, with plenty of space remaining comfortable for Grandma to live in!If you need more info about the price and availability of the Grand America Hotel, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
5. Esquire Inn: Our next hotel is Esquire Inn, Elko, Nevada. It will take 14 hours 46 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Denver. Esquire Inn is an excellent option for travelers visiting Elko, boasting a budget-friendly environment and many helpful amenities to enhance your stay. Free wifi is offered to guests, and rooms at Esquire Inn come equipped with a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, and air conditioning. Additionally, guests of Esquire Inn are welcome to enjoy complimentary breakfast on site. Cute historic motel – spotless and updated! Easy to find – front desk was very helpful in finding local places to eat. Check the Esquire Inn on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Esquire Inn for reviews, prices, and availability.
6. Best Western Plus Gold Country Inn: Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Denver to San Francisco is Best Western Plus Gold Country Inn. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel in Winnemucca, Nevada, within 12 hours and 54 mins drive from Denver. The accommodations were comfortable, the room was well soundproofed, and the breakfast offerings were decent. I especially appreciated that my well-behaved dog was welcome. The front desk staff was great. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
7. Grand Sierra Resort and Casino: Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. It’s located in Reno, Nevada, and is 1,030 miles from Denver. You can arrive there within 15 hours and 12 mins of car drive. Grand Sierra Resort and Casino is located in the heart of Reno/Tahoe, and its employees are a joy to deal with. Every employee, from the Head of Security to Housekeepers, is dedicated to making your stay as enjoyable as possible. This is the best place to stay in Reno, hands down. If you need further information, you can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Grand Sierra Resort and Casino.
8. Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo: Located in Sacramento, California, Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo is another hotel where you can stay on the Denver to San Francisco road trip. Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo is 1,159 miles from Denver and will take 17 hours and 12 mins of non-stop driving. This Courtyard hotel is well-maintained and has comfortable beds, thick towels, a decent TV, good spaciousness, and nice extras like a mini fridge, good coffee, and quality mini toiletries. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo for more information.

In this part, we explained eight different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Denver to San Francisco. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people who will take the same Denver to San Francisco route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Denver to San Francisco. We have eight restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

8 Best Restaurants On The Way To San Francisco From Denver

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Denver to San Francisco road trip. In this section, we list the eight different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Denver to San Francisco. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Sweet Melissa Cafe: We want to start our restaurant recommendation list on the road trip from Denver to San Francisco with Sweet Melissa Cafe. Sweet Melissa Cafe is located in Laramie, Wyoming, 2,003 miles from Denver. So it would take 2 hours and 14 mins to drive. The food was excellent. There was a great variety of dishes to choose from, and the service was polite and cheerful. I had the lentil loaf and mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, both of which were very flavourful. For more information about Sweet Melissa Cafe, visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Sweet Melissa Cafe.
2. Buck’s Sports Grill: Buck’s Sports Grill is another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to San Francisco from Denver. Located in Rawlins, Wyoming, Buck’s Sports Grill is 228 miles from Denver and would take 3 hours and 41 mins of driving. The drink and food menus were unique, with great pizza. The lettuce was fresh, and the fries were cooked well. Get their secret sauce, and it’s perfect. The atmosphere was great, with fun decor and friendly service. If you want to learn more about Buck’s Sports Grill, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
3. Jody’s Diner: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Jody’s Diner. It will take 6 hours 38 mins of car drive to take 434 miles from Denver to Jody’s Diner, Evanston, Wyoming. So if you’re looking for a delicious meal and quick service in Evanston, this is the place. The fast and affordable food makes it an excellent choice for those on the go. You can check Jody’s Diner on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.
4. Log Haven, Mill Creek: Log Haven, Mill Creek deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Salt Lake City. Log Haven is located in a historic log mansion in the Wasatch National Forest, minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. The log cabin with the fire burning and piano playing provides a cozy atmosphere, and the food is fantastic. I started with the nachos – they were delicious homemade chips. Then, I had salmon for my main course, which was a large portion and cooked perfectly. Log Haven, Mill Creek is 515 miles away from Denver, and it would take 7 hours and 56 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Log Haven, Mill Creek, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
5. Coffee Mug, Elko: If you enjoy dining, Coffee Mug, Elko, would be an excellent choice in Elko, Nevada. It’s 742 miles from Denver and would take 11 hours of car driving. The diner offers excellent breakfast options, such as a prime rib, turkey sandwich, and soup. The all-American menu is casual and homey, with excellent food generous in portions. If you want to learn more about the Coffee Mug, Elko, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
6. Chihuahua’s Grill & Cantina, Winnemucca: Another restaurant we recommend you to visit on the road trip from Denver to San Francisco is Chihuahua’s Grill & Cantina, Winnemucca, Winnemucca, Nevada. It will take 12 hours and 53 mins of driving to reach Chihuahua’s Grill & Cantina, Winnemucca, from Denver. The food was delicious. I especially loved the carnitas, and the service was friendly. The menu is extensive, and the quality is at its highest level. For more information about Chihuahua’s Grill & Cantina, Winnemucca, you can check the restaurant’s TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages.
7. Atlantis Steakhouse, Reno: Ranked seventh on our list, Atlantis Steakhouse, Reno appeals to those who want to turn their San Francisco vacation into a memorable experience. Located in Reno, Nevada, 1,033 miles away from Denver, and it’ll take 15 hours and 15 mins to drive. We had a great time at Atlantis Steakhouse. The pork belly appetizers were excellent, and the food was delicious. The waitstaff was attentive and made us feel special. If you want to learn more about Atlantis Steakhouse, Reno, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
8. The Waterboy, Sacramento: Coffee Mug, Elko is an excellent restaurant that is 1,162 miles away from Denver. Coffee Mug, Elko is located in Elko, Nevada, and you can reach there after 17 hours and 18 mins of car driving. This seafood restaurant is located in a residential area, with an outside sidewalk and the main room. The oysters are some of the best I’ve had, and I can confidently say that the duck is also delicious. Besides seafood, the pork belly here is my favorite dish – it’s a bit more expensive, but that’s part of what I enjoy. If you want to discover the menu and more information about The Waterboy, Sacramento, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

This section lists our eight restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your road trip from Denver to San Francisco. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 1,249 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a San Francisco road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Denver to San Francisco. Keep reading.

6 Places To Visit On The Way From Denver To San Francisco

A unique experience awaits you in San Francisco. However, there are also some unique destinations like Laramie, Wyoming, on your road trip. We want to explain the top six destinations we recommend on the San Francisco route.

• Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site: Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Denver to San Francisco road trip. Located in Laramie, Wyoming, Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site is 130 miles away from Denver, and it would take 2 hours and 15 mins to drive. The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site has a rich history of over 180 years. It served as a federal (territorial) and state prison from 1872 to 1903 and then became the Agricultural Experiment Station for the University of Wyoming after it relocated to Rawlins. The site is now operated as a Historic Site by the State of Wyoming, and its 90-minute tour was very informative. However, it did not cover everything, so we read more of the displays, especially the one on Butch Cassidy. If you want to learn more about the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Bear River State Park: Bear River State Park, Evanston, Wyoming, is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on the Denver to San Francisco route. It’s 435 miles from Denver, and it’ll take about 6 hours and 40 mins of driving. The park is beautiful and allows for biking or walking through it every day. Unfortunately, the visitors center is not worth the time, but there are some great views of the animals from the outside. If you want to learn more about Bear River State Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
• Big Cottonwood Canyon: One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Denver to San Francisco in Salt Lake City. And if you visit Salt Lake City, we suggest you visit Big Cottonwood Canyon. You can arrive at Big Cottonwood Canyon after 8 hours and 9 mins of driving. The views from the Mt Wolverine Cirque were stunning! The hike was challenging and very rewarding, except for a few areas around Lake Mary and Catherine Pass. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Big Cottonwood Canyon for more information.
• California Trail Historic Interpretive Center, Elko: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit California Trail Historic Interpretive Center, Elko, Elko, Nevada, on the road trip from Denver to San Francisco. California Trail Historic Interpretive Center, Elko, is 742 miles from Denver, and you can arrive there after the 11 hours 8 mins of drive. The California Trail Interpretive Center offers visitors a hands-on experience of Western history by immersing themselves in the experiences of emigrants and Native Americans during the United States period of Western Expansion. The museum is about 12 years old but looks brand new and well-preserved. There are superb murals, excellent wagon area replicas, accurate dioramas, and other well-presented information about the arduous crossing of America in search of gold in California from 1841 – 1969. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of the California Trail Historic Interpretive Center, Elko, before going there.
• National Automobile Museum: Located in Reno, Nevada, the National Automobile Museum ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the San Francisco road trip. You must take 15 hours 12 mins of driving to arrive at the National Automobile Museum. The National Automobile Museum is a top Reno attraction with a “Wow!” factor that you won’t want to miss. The museum has more than 225 rare, one-of-a-kind antique and collector cars with authentic street scenes and sounds that bring displays to life. A collection of cars that tells the story of the automobile from the late 1800s onward is fascinating for anyone interested in automotive history. If you want to learn more about National Automobile Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Old Sacramento: Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Denver to San Francisco is Old Sacramento, Sacramento, California. Old Sacramento is 1,165 miles from Denver, and it would take 17 hours and 18 mins to drive. Old Sacramento, located on the Sacramento River waterfront, is a historic area that houses shops and restaurants. The restored buildings and museums make Old Sacramento an exciting place to visit. There are also boat rides available on the river and train rides that take you through the district. For more information about Old Sacramento, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Denver to San Francisco

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Denver to San Francisco drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Denver To San Francisco?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the road trip takes approximately 18 hours and 39 mins to drive. The distance between Denver to San Francisco is 1,249 miles.
• If you want to make the Denver to San Francisco road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be four days and 9 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Denver-San Francisco route, you will have to walk for 16 days and 10 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Denver To San Francisco?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to San Francisco. Here we list six of them. For more information about the best places on the Denver to San Francisco journey, you can check the 6 Best Places To Visit On The Way From Denver To San Francisco part.

1. Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site: 130 miles / 2 hours 15 mins to drive from Denver | 1,120 miles / 16 hours 29 mins of driving to San Francisco.
2. Bear River State Park: 435 miles / 6 hours 40 mins to drive from Denver | 815 miles / 12 hours 5 mins of driving to San Francisco.
3. Big Cottonwood Canyon: 526 miles / 8 hours 9 mins to drive from Denver | 757 miles / 11 hours 18 mins of driving to San Francisco.
4. California Trail Historic Interpretive Center, Elko: 742 miles / 11 hours 8 mins to drive from Denver | 507 miles / 7 hours 39 mins of driving to San Francisco.
5. National Automobile Museum: 1,031 miles / 15 hours 12 mins to drive from Denver | 220 miles / 3 hours 36 mins of driving to San Francisco.
6. Old Sacramento: 1,165 miles / 17 hours 18 mins to drive from Denver | 87.0 miles / 1 hour 28 mins of driving to San Francisco.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Denver To San Francisco?

There are many excellent hotels during your Denver to San Francisco road trip. We have selected eight hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 8 Best Hotels On The Way To San Francisco From Denver section.

• Hilton Garden Inn Laramie: 130 miles / 2 hours 17 mins to drive from Denver | 1,122 miles / 16 hours 35 mins of driving to San Francisco.
• Hampton Inn Rawlins: 226 miles / 3 hours 37 mins to drive from Denver | 1,023 miles / 15 hours of driving to San Francisco.
• Best Western Dunmar Inn: 437 miles / 6 hours 40 mins to drive from Denver | 812 miles / 12 hours of driving to San Francisco.
• Grand America Hotel: 518 miles / 7 hours 55 mins to drive from Denver | 736 miles / 10 hours 52 mins of driving to San Francisco.
• Esquire Inn: 1,014 miles / 14 hours 46 mins to drive from Denver | 2,214 miles / day 9 hours of driving to San Francisco.
• Best Western Plus Gold Country Inn: 867 miles / 12 hours 54 mins to drive from Denver | 382 miles / 5 hours 50 mins of driving to San Francisco.
• Grand Sierra Resort and Casino: 1,030 miles / 15 hours 12 mins to drive from Denver | 222 miles / 3 hours 37 mins of driving to San Francisco.
• Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo: 1,159 miles / 17 hours 12 mins to drive from Denver | 91.6 miles / 1 hour 31 mins of driving to San Francisco.

Where To Eat Between Denver to San Francisco?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Denver to San Francisco journey, you can consider the eight restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 8 Best Restaurants On The Way From Denver To San Francisco.

1. Sweet Melissa Cafe: 129 miles / 2 hours 14 mins to drive from Denver | 1,120 miles / 16 hours 33 mins of driving to San Francisco.
2. Buck’s Sports Grill: 228 miles / 3 hours 41 mins to drive from Denver | 1,021 miles / 15 hours 5 mins of driving to San Francisco.
3. Jody’s Diner: 434 miles / 6 hours 38 mins to drive from Denver | 815 miles / 12 hours of driving to San Francisco.
4. Log Haven, Mill Creek: 515 miles / 7 hours 56 mins to drive from Denver | 745 miles / 11 hours of driving to San Francisco.
5. Coffee Mug, Elko: 742 miles / 11 hours 9 mins to drive from Denver | 507 miles / 7 hours 41 mins of driving to San Francisco.
6. Chihuahua’s Grill & Cantina, Winnemucca: 866 miles / 12 hours 53 mins to drive from Denver | 383 miles / 5 hours 52 mins of driving to San Francisco.
7. Atlantis Steakhouse, Reno: 1,033 miles / 15 hours 15 mins to drive from Denver | 224 miles / 3 hours 40 mins of driving to San Francisco.
8. The Waterboy, Sacramento: 1,162 miles / 17 hours 18 mins to drive from Denver | 88.2 miles / 1 hour 32 mins of driving to San Francisco.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Denver to San Francisco. We have listed eight hotels, eight restaurants, and six places to visit on the way. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Denver to San Francisco as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken a road trip from Denver to San Francisco? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Denver to San Francisco and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.