Fun Facts About the West
Alaska is the largest state in the U.S., covering over 663,000 square miles—that’s bigger than Texas, California, and Montana combined, with room left over.
California has more people than the entire country of Canada, and produces most of America’s wine, almonds, and movies about the end of the world.
Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway (State Route 375) is the official home of Area 51 and more alien conspiracy theories than actual residents.
Wyoming has the lowest population of any state—fewer than 600,000 people—but more elk, antelope, and Yellowstone tourists than humans.
Hawaii is the only U.S. state made entirely of islands, grows coffee commercially, and is moving toward Japan at about 4 inches per year (see you in a few million years, Tokyo).
The West has some of the most creative roadside attractions in the country—giant concrete dinosaurs, UFO museums, 134-foot thermometers, and mystery spots where physics supposedly doesn’t work. Desert highways are perfect for the kind of attractions that make road trips memorable. Everything’s supersized out west, including the weirdness. People spent decades covering mountains in paint, building alien landing pads, and creating gravity-defying houses out of pure obsession and zero regard for practicality.
West Roadside Attractions by State
Alaska
The Last Frontier—glaciers, bears, Northern Lights, and quirky roadside stops along the Alaska Highway.
California
Mystery Spot, World’s Biggest Dinosaurs (Cabazon), Hollywood sign, Salvation Mountain, and endless roadside kitsch.
Colorado
Garden of the Gods, Mesa Verde cliff dwellings, Stanley Hotel (The Shining), and quirky mountain town oddities.
Hawaii
Volcanoes, tiki culture, Spam museum vibes, and island roadside Americana with a tropical twist.
Idaho
Craters of the Moon, potato museum pride, Shoshone Ice Caves, and quirky small-town Idaho stops.
Montana
Big Sky Country—Glacier National Park, roadside dinosaur statues, and quirky Western towns.
Nevada
Extraterrestrial Highway (Area 51), giant neon cowboys, Las Vegas everything, and alien-themed diners.
Oregon
Voodoo Doughnut, Crater Lake, quirky Portland oddities, and the Oregon Vortex mystery spot.
Utah
Mighty Five National Parks, Salt Flats speed records, and roadside dinosaur museums.
Washington
Space Needle, Pike Place Market gum wall, Fremont Troll, and quirky Pacific Northwest weirdness.
Wyoming
Yellowstone, Devil’s Tower, cowboy culture, and wide-open spaces with roadside character.
Want more regional weird? Check out our complete roadside attractions guide covering all the quirky stops across America, get tips for traveling with pets, or browse our Homepage for road trip resources.
Have a little out-of-the-ordinary West spot you’d like to share? Feel free to comment or message us!