When Mark and Rachel first met online 14 years ago, they spent hours talking about their passion for travel, and particularly the classic American road trip.
Years later, when the time was finally right, they booked a trip that would take them from North Yorkshire to the open highways of America on Rust 2 Rome’s bold new Rust 2 Vegas rally. What followed was an American road trip taking in 2,000 miles of mountain passes, iconic views, history and pure, untamed adventure.
Getting Our Kicks on route 66
Our long-awaited American road trip was finally happening — though, not quite as planned. Mark was booked for a shoot in Lithuania, returning a day before our flight.
So, preparation turned into a blur of lists, logistics, and last-minute packing. Still, some adventures are better unscripted.
We landed in Las Vegas at dusk — that electric hour when the city begins to glow and buzz — and were greeted by Marko Fleming, founder of Rust 2 Rome. Meeting him felt oddly familiar. We’d followed his own journey online for years — his concept is simple: buy a car for around £1,000, make it roadworthy, and join a convoy of like-minded adventurers on a unique journey across continents.
Jeep Wrangler, hired from Turo (left). Marko’s 1959 Cadillac (right).
This trip is slightly different as you book a rental car to suit your needs. We wanted something comfortable, capable and reliable so we went for a Jeep Wrangler from Turo which is like Air BnB for cars. The booking process simple – choose your dates, location and view the cars available; you can arrange to pick up the car on arrival at the airport or have the car delivered to your hotel or other suitable location. Manage your booking through the Turo app, communicate directly with the vehicle owner to make any changes easily.
Day 1 to 4: Las Vegas to Williams on Route 66
Las Vegas is a sensory overload — lights, music, energy that never quits. But once we left the skyline behind, the endless stretches of the open road were intoxicating.
Our first stop was the Hoover Dam. This iconic structure, constructed between 1931 and 1936 to control the Colorado River, created Lake Mead the largest reservoir in the US. The dam prevents flooding, provides irrigation, and generates hydroelectric power for Nevada, Arizona and California – make sure you book the tour for the full experience.
https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam
The Hoover Dam – An incredible feat of engineering
On our way to Williams AZ, we drove on through the Kaibab National Forest, 1.6million expanse surrounding the Grand Canyon; a rich diversity of nature and wildlife, ideal for hiking, camping and other outdoor recreation.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/kaibab
Williams is the last town on the historic Route 66, known as the Mother Road, thriving on tourism catering to road-trippers, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
We loved it here, such a welcoming and friendly town – the locals really go out of their way to make you feel at home; it’s a real taste of Americana with a historic railroad, western shops and motels.
A cold beer at The Canyon Club (karaoke included) was a perfect end to the day; dinner at The Red Raven confirmed Williams’ place in our hearts, booking recommended.
“Williams feels like a living time capsule — where the road, the music and the people all hum to the same tune.”
Williams, Arizona on Route 66
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/travelroute66/index.htm
https://www.redravenrestaurant.com
https://experiencewilliams.com
Day 5 to 9: Williams to The Grand Canyon and Salt Lake City
We stood at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon – its vastness impossible to describe, the colours are beautiful, deep reds, oranges, purples and greys, changing all the time as the sun creeps across the landscape.
There is a deep cultural and spiritual Native American presence, being the original home to several tribes including the Hopi and Navajo peoples. Driving through this incredible landscape, you envisage Indians on horseback, tending the land, corralling wild horses and bison; understanding how they lived with respect for the land.
Further north, Monument Valley unfurled before us, the iconic sandstone buttes rising from the valley floor. Orange dust enveloped us as we drove along an unmade road before arriving at our checkpoint – Linda’s Fry Bread shack, selling snacks and fried bread, delicious with garlic and herbs. The view from this vantage point is astonishing, it’s one of those almost spiritual places where you feel so insignificant as you take in your surroundings.
The Grand Canyon & Monument Valley – Breathtaking otherworldly landscapes
After days of driving, Salt Lake City offered a welcome break – leafy streets, mountain backdrops and a sense of calm.
The next day brought us to the Bonneville Salt Flats, an expanse of vast and dazzling white brilliance disappearing into the horizon. Driving over the salt was a moment of pure, exhilarating freedom. And huge fun.
The Bonneville Salt Flats – part road, part mirage
Day 10 to 13: Salt Lake City to Death Valley and Las Vegas
From Utah, we followed the old mining trails into Nevada. Tonopah, once a bustling silver mining town, now rests quietly under wide blue skies. Nearby Goldfield, once home to 20,000 residents, has dwindled to a few hundred, yet its weathered facades still whisper stories of boom and bust.
Wandering their empty streets feels like travelling through America’s own memory – haunting and oddly beautiful.
Goldfield, Arizona – The boom-and-bust ghost town
Our final day led us through Death Valley, the hottest and most surreal landscape on earth. Badwater Basin, Furnace Creek – names that warn and seduce in equal measure. The heat haze rippled across the asphalt as we wound through gold and ochre hills; the views provided a fitting end to our journey.
Death Valley – the hottest place on earth
We rolled back into Vegas in the late afternoon sunshine, the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen from our specially curated Americana playlist still ringing in our ears.
Back in Sin City we raised a glass to the roads that had carried us over 2000 miles and to the freedom that only travel can bring.
What a ride.
Mark and Rachel Peru are both in their 50’s but have no intention of retiring or slowing down now. They are ready to explore more cultural, meaningful and adventurous experiences.
“We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us”
The American Road Trip Details
Trip: Rust 2 Vegas
Organiser: Rust 2 Rome
Duration: 13 days / approx. 2,000 miles
Ideal For: Adventurous couples, car enthusiasts, and travellers who prefer dust to decadence
When to Go: Spring or autumn for cooler desert temperatures
Don’t Miss: Hoover Dam • Grand Canyon • Monument Valley • Bonneville Salt Flats • Death Valley • Route 66 • American Motels • Salt Lake City Cathedral
Words & Photography by Mark & Rachel Peru (@rachelperu1 and @markperu1)
With additional photography by Marko Fleming
