As Halloween approaches, consider taking on an exciting road trip visiting the places of alleged spooky happenings and otherworldly sightings across the Western states. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or not, using some of these strange destinations as your map pins is a great way of seeing the amazing landscapes the west has to offer, and who knows, you might even spot something strange yourself. Here’s our guide to your paranormal road trip this spooky season.
Picking Your Route
Phoenix Arizona is quite the ideal starting point for an adventure such as this. Living here, you’ll likely have heard of the eery “Phoenix Lights” which appeared over the city 21 years ago now. Leaving Phoenix, you’ll want to head west to Los Angeles, then on to Las Vegas to tackle the Extraterrestrial Highway. Changing things up, it’s time to head up through northern California, Washington and Oregon to visit some of the towns that are synonymous with Bigfoot sightings. The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking sights such as the redwood forests of California and the stunning views of Washington’s Reflection Lake. Afterwards, make your way south through the gorgeous landscape of Idaho, Utah’s Salt Lake City, and then head down to finish your trip off at the famous Roswell, New Mexico, sight of the alleged UFO crash of 1947.
Choosing Your Ride
Road trips are a great opportunity to invest in a new set of wheels. Depending on how many people will be traveling with you, you’ll want to find something suitable for you and your passengers, and all of your gear. A sturdy truck is ideal for the rocky roads and treacherous mountain trails, and you’ll have plenty of space for camping equipment and luggage. Find the right car for you at EchoPark, a used car dealership in Phoenix before you leave. Due to the long distances of the trip, it’s important you choose the right vehicle for you and of course, anyone that will be taking a turn driving. Comfort and reliability are essential here so spend plenty of time making your choice.
Packing Essential Gear
Even if you’ve booked all of your overnight stops, there is always the chance of booking cancellations or missed check-ins. Having a backup option such as tents and blankets is a great idea. As well as this, the route you’ll be taking is likely to be very rural and wild, so ensure you bring plenty of food supplies and entertainment. No matter how many destinations you plan to visit, there will be some stretches of the journey that could get tedious, so keep spirits high with some music or podcasts.
Safety Tips
No journey is complete without a well-stocked medical kit and safety procedures. You’ll want to always keep your phone fully charged via a large power bank so that you can both contact emergency services when required, and this will also help you to avoid getting lost in the wilderness far out of cell tower range. Luckily, your phone should still be able to receive satellite data providing you with GPS guidance. In the event that phones run out of power, it’s worth having a backup map and compass, just in case.