Final answer:
Bryson selects a route that encompasses train travel, backroads, and older highways, leading him through significant and remote American landscapes, including the Spine of the Continent Wildway and the Great Salt Lake Desert.
Step-by-step explanation:
The route Bryson selects for his trip is one that immerses him in the diverse landscapes and iconic locations of America. He prefers train travel, backroads, and older US highways over other routes. It's a journey that leads him to remote areas such as Utah, allowing him to experience transformative landmarks like Robert Smithson's earthwork. Additionally, Bryson engages with the Spine of the Continent Wildway, a route extending from Alaska through the Rocky Mountains to Mexico. His travels also take him across the Great Salt Lake Desert, signifying his thrill for exploring unique and less-traveled paths.