There’s nothing quite like hitting the road in your VW Bus and exploring the open highway. You get a certain taste of freedom that you can’t find any other way. That’s why we Buslifers put so much time into our buses. When you’re trying to escape the stress and strain of city life, nothing beats a road trip. You can bring your loved one with you, or even venture solo with your loyal hound. But when you really want to escape, you’ll want to find the most remote places on Earth to take your bus.
Things to keep in mind
No matter how much you’re dying to get out into the great unknown, you need to keep a few things in mind. When you travel to remote locations like these, cell service is spotty, and other drivers are rare. You want to make sure your bus is in good condition, and that someone knows where you’re going. The odds are you’ll be fine, but a flat tire in the middle of the desert can be quite an ordeal. Also keep in mind the ground clearance on your bus, since some of these places have big bumps and rocks to pass. With that in mind, you’re ready to go.
8 of the most remote places to take your VW Bus
We’re going to take a look at 8 of the most remote highways and destinations that you can get a bus. Most of these locations are in the continental US, but there are a few spots from the rest of the world. Each of these promises a truly breathtaking and memorable experience whether you’re driving solo or taking the whole family.
1. The Lost Coast of California
California’s Highway 1 gently hugs the coastline from the border of Oregon to the border of Mexico, except for a single stretch. This 60-mile portion of the highway is so mountainous and rugged that no paved roads can reach the coast. But if you can handle a little offroading, you can take your bus right up to the Pacific. It’s so hard to get to that you’ll likely be the only visitor. It’s a great place for some scenic camping.
2. Mount Washington
Mount Washington, located in the beautiful deciduous forests of New England, isn’t quite as lonely as the Lost Coast. However, the summit is truly breathtaking and fully paved, letting you drive right up to the top.
3. Pikes Peak
Colorado has the highest average elevation of any US state, housing 53 mountains that are taller than 14,000 feet. Pikes Peak is one of the most famous summits in the country, and you can drive all the way to the top. You’ll be treated to a windy pass with a stunning view of the Rockies all the way up.
4. Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Pikes Peak is remote, but not as remote as the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Also located in Colorado, this is the highest paved road in the US. This trail is much more isolated and is a fantastic route to explore with your bus.
5. US Route 50 of Nevada
You can’t talk about the classic American road trip without picturing lonely highways slicing through the vast deserts of the midwest. US Route 50 travels from California to Maryland, but the Nevada stretch is one of the loneliest roads in the world. There are few places in the world where you can drive hundreds of miles without seeing a single car or town. You can easily pull over to the side of the road and park overnight if you run out of steam. The desert makes for a fantastic sunrise.
6. Stelvio Pass, Italy
Let’s move away from the US and talk about some of the most remote places in other parts of the world. The Stelvio Pass is a classic, with beautiful vistas through the Italian Alps. It’s for experts only, with incredibly sharp turns and corners.
7. Nockalm Road, Austria
Nockalm Road is one of the most breathtaking routes in the world. It winds through Austria’s countryside, treating you to stunning views of rolling green pastures and hills. It runs right through a UNESCO site in the Carinthian hills. It’s filled with banks and turns, but your bus can easily handle this road.
8. The Pamir Highway, Former USSR
The last item on our list was originally a supply road for the Soviet military. Today, it’s a public highway that runs through several countries from the former USSR. The Pamir Highway is hundreds of miles long and reaches an altitude of over 15,000 feet. Much of the route is in disarray, but if you’re looking for a truly lonely road to travel, you can’t beat this one.
Exploring the world’s most remote places
These are just a handful of the most remote places you can drive. There are countless roads, mountains, and forest roads that are truly remote, and you can explore them all with your bus. There’s nothing like an isolated road trip to unwind and recharge, and your VW Bus lets you get out there and see the unknown.
What is the most remote place you have ever traveled? Let us know in the comments!
