national park road trip east to west

18 National Parks to Visit on a Cross-Country Road Trip

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A few summers ago, I was lucky enough to embark on a three-month-long, 13,000-mile cross-country drive on my motorcycle. After using a few bungees to strap a fly rod, camping gear and a bag full of clothes and tools to the back of the bike, I set off to explore the nation's backroads and stunning parks.

Fortunately, you don't have to own a motorcycle to complete a similar journey. With just a few weeks of vacation time and careful planning, anyone can tackle a road trip to explore the vast network of US national and state parks and forests.

Planning your national park road trip

Before you leave, consider whether or not you want to make this a round-trip drive, or if you'd prefer to fly back. If you opt for the latter, consider a repositioning rental and make sure to rent your vehicle with a credit card that offers primary car rental insurance (such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and United Explorer Card).

Drivers making a one-way trip will need to book a return flight home. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), located just a few minutes from the Grand Teton National Park, is serviced by United, Delta, American and Frontier. If you end the trip at North Cascades National Park, however, you'll be just 120 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

When you're driving up to 13 hours a day, it's smart to bring along a good credit card for earning points on gas purchases . With the Citi Premier® Card, for example, you'll earn 3x points when you fill up, along with 3x points on many travel purchases, 2x points on dining and entertainment and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Another tip? Make sure to buy a national park pass to save money on entrance fees. An annual pass can be purchased from the National Park Service for just $80, and is valid at any National Park for 12 months. Current US military members are eligible for a free annual pass, while seniors ages 62 or older can opt for the $20 annual or $80 lifetime pass.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Located on the coast of Maine, Acadia is the Northeast's only national park. Here, a mountainous landscape converges with the Atlantic Ocean, creating a rugged and rocky shoreline, reminiscent of what you might find out west. Spend a night or two in Bar Harbor's newest property, the Inn on Mount Desert . And while you're in the area, be sure to drive the loop road around the park, stopping at classic destinations such as Otter Cliffs and Jordan Pond. Head to the Schoodic Peninsula during busier times if you need a break from lingering summer crowds. During fall, the summer tourists retreat, and the foliage serves as the perfect backdrop to the rocky cliffs and coastline.

When you're ready to officially embark on your national park road trip, head south for about 13 hours until reaching Shenandoah National Park. Break up the drive with a stop in either Boston or New York City. Distance : 780 miles.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah extends along the ridge of Virginia's section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and offers 200,000 acres of protected lands and over 500 miles of hiking trails. Rolling hills reach down into green valleys and farmland, offering views that are easily accessible from points along Skyline Drive, the main road that cuts through the center of the park. Stay at the Residence Inn or Fairfield Inn & Suites , in the city of Harrisonburg, for 17,500 Marriott points per night. If you are up for a strenuous and technical hike, don't miss Old Rag — but be sure to reach the trailhead early to avoid crowds.

Then, drive south for about five and a half hours to the Pisgah National Forest. Distance : 330 miles.

Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

Home to some of the tallest mountains on the East Coast, North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest is filled with grassy balds (treeless summits covered only by native grasses and shrubs) affording hikers uninterrupted views and an "alpine" feel that is rare in climates such as this. The nearby mountain town of Asheville has a number of accommodation options, ranging from a Hyatt Place Asheville Downtown ($198 or 12,00 World of Hyatt points per night) to The Omni Grove Park Inn (from $239). Head into town to sample classic North Carolina barbecue at the 12 Bones Smokehouse.

The drive to the next destination, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, is just over two hours away, which leaves plenty of time to explore both areas. Distance : 100 miles .

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

In 2017, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was the most visited in the country — and for good reason. With more than 800 miles of hiking trails meandering around some of the oldest mountains on Earth, coupled with the area's distinct southern hospitality, the Smokies are a highlight any time of year. But the mountainscape is especially lovely in autumn, when the fall foliage transforms the park. Spend the night at the The Park Vista, a DoubleTree by Hilton in nearby Gatlinburg, Tennessee for $104 or 31,000 Hilton Honors points per night. Travelers can also retire to a rustic lodge or cabin rental in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Be sure to hike or drive to the top of Clingman's Dome — the highest peak in Tennessee — for 360-degree views of the iconic mist-covered mountains.

The drive to the next destination, the Ozarks National Forest, will take approximately 11 hours. Luckily, the most direct route will bring you through Nashville and Memphis, both of which are great options for splitting up the drive. Distance : 750 miles.

Ozarks National Forest, Arkansas

Arkansas is home to deep valleys and rolling mountaintops blanketed in the wild Ozarks National Forest. Hike to the 209-foot Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls, which is the tallest waterfall between the Appalachians and the Rockies; explore the nearby town of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and spend the night at The Chancellor Hotel . If you want to do some leaf-peeping this autumn, venture over to the Sylamore District of the Ozarks. The nearby Mountain View area hosts a handful of fall festivals and bluegrass concerts.

The next drive to the Great Sand Dunes National Park will be another long one: just over 12 hours. Get it all out of the way in one shot, or spend a night in Oklahoma City. Distance : 760 miles.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

Discover towering sand dunes, similar to what you might expect to find in the Sahara Desert, in the middle of Colorado — along with snow-covered mountains and prairie-like grasslands. These are just a few of the diverse ecosystems you'll find in Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park. Although there are no towns immediately near the park, Zapata Ranch offers overnight lodging and vacation packages for road trippers who'd prefer not to camp. Don't forget to try your hand at sand boarding or sand sledding before heading to the next destination.

After the last long stretch, you'll be delighted to find that the drive to Rocky Mountain National Park is only five hours north of the Dunes. Distance : 300 miles.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Glacial basins, towering ridges and alpine terrain, accessible by more than 300 miles of hiking trails and two scenic roads (one of which is the highest paved road in the US), make Rocky Mountain National Park one of the most beautiful places in the country. Enjoy the diverse wildlife and hikes suitable for all experience levels before bedding down at The Ridgeline Hotel , located in Estes Park. The property boasts modern amenities in a casual mountain-inspired space (expect lots of blonde wood and ensuite fireplaces). When you're finished in the park, head over to Elkins Distilling Company, one of only a handful of high-altitude distilleries in the nation.

The next destination — Utah's Arches and Canyonlands National Parks — are five and a half hours southwest. During the drive, you will see the landscape morph from snow-capped peaks to red sandstone cliffs. Distance : 400 miles.

Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Utah

Located just outside of Moab the Arches and Canyonlands parks offer an impressive introduction to the vast and dramatic desert landscape that makes up much of Utah. Arches National Park is filled with spectacular, natural sandstone (you guessed it) arches, formed by erosion. Many of these arches are easily reached from the road or with short walks, and because Arches is the more accessible of the two parks, it is often the most crowded. Canyonlands is the less-popular neighbor. Though the landscape is similar, it's a much larger park — and somewhat more stark and wild. The town of Moab offers a handful of lodging options and restaurants, including a Holiday Inn Express & Suites ($180 or 40,000 IHG points).

After a restful night in Moab, begin the drive to the Grand Canyon. This will take between five to seven hours, depending on which part of the park you decide to visit first. Distance : 300 miles.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

This bucket-list destination is home to the deepest and most spectacular canyon in the country, and cracks open millions of years of geologic history. While many choose to view the canyon from the park's numerous pull-outs and viewpoints, one of the best ways to get a sense of perspective is by embarking on one of the many hiking trails that trace the canyon's rim and even descend into its depths. The Grand Hotel at Grand Canyon , located just one mile from the entrance to the South Rim, is the only three-diamond hotel in the region. If you are looking for a more extreme and off-the-beaten-path adventure, try the 3,200-foot-long zip line at Grand Canyon West; or take the 20-mile round trip hike to the emerald-blue waters of Havasupai Falls. Camping permits for Havasupai must be acquired in advance, and can be difficult to claim.

Once you're ready to move on, head north back over the Utah border — a drive that can take between two and four hours — to Zion National Park. Distance : 100 miles.

Zion National Park, Utah

Located in southwestern Utah, Zion National Park encompasses nearly 230-square-miles of red and pink sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons and the prominent Zion Canyon, which spans more than 15 miles and cuts up to a half-mile deep. Spend the night at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Springdale ($175 or 39,000 Hilton Honors points per night) to take advantage of the free breakfast, before starting one of the most popular hikes in the park, called The Narrows. Hikers will move through the most tapered section of Zion Canyon, and the trail requires wading in the Virgin River. Depending on the route you choose, a permit may be required to complete this hike.

After Zion, head west for about eight hours until reaching Yosemite National Park. Enter from the east side of the park, from the town of Lee Vining, California. Distance: 47 0 miles.

Yosemite National Park, California

Famous for its sheer granite cliff faces, spectacular waterfalls and glacier-carved valleys, Yosemite has been a mecca for rock climbers and mountaineers for nearly two centuries. But that doesn't mean non-climbers will enjoy the park any less. Yosemite has a well-maintained network of auto roads and 750 miles of trails. Located in June Lake, the Double Eagle Resort and Spa is a four-season resort perfect for travelers who want a relaxing place to unwind after a long day driving. And the resort is just 12 miles from the park entrance. One of the best ways to experience Yosemite is by hiking and backpacking. For road-trippers who'd rather not venture into the backcountry without a guide, REI Adventures offers a variety of trips that cater to hikers of all experience levels, ranging from four to seven-day outings, depending on your schedule. After Labor Day, the crowds thin significantly, and the foliage on the oaks, maples and dogwoods begins to transform into a riot of hues.

After spending time in Yosemite, the route shifts north, with an eight-hour drive to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. Distance: 450 miles.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Formed by a violent volcanic eruption some 7,700 years ago, Crater Lake is the deepest in the United States and arguably the most pristine in the world, making it worthy of the creation of Oregon's singular national park. From the loop road, visitors can admire the deep sapphire blue waters and imposing silhouette of the Cascade Mountains. There are also excellent hiking trails that lead to the multiple summits framing the lake. Garfield Peak, for example, is accessible via a 3.4-mile out and back trail. The hike can get very crowded, however, and is strenuous at times. Built in 1915, Crater Lake Lodge , which has a rustic northwest vibe, is the perfect place to rest a road (and trail) weary head.

Next, continue north for about seven hours to Olympic National Park. The cities of Portland and Seattle are great destinations to visit if you are looking for a break from nature (read: better food and coffee). Distance : 400 miles.

Olympic National Park, Washington

One of the most unique national parks in the country, Olympic is home to several different ecosystems scattered across its almost one million acres. Visitors will find glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rainforests and ragged coastline. Due to its vastness, the best way to explore this park is to leave the car behind and head out on foot. Hurricane Ridge is a great year-round attraction, offering hikes in the summer and lift-access skiing and snowboarding during the winter. The Lake Crescent Lodge is located within park boundaries, and it's a tranquil retreat with a mix of rooms and cabins. If you decide instead to stay in Seattle, book a room at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel with The Platinum Card® from American Express. As it's a member of Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, you'll get an upgrade upon arrival (depending on availability), a $100 food and beverage credit and complimentary breakfast for two, along with other perks.

You can spend a long time in Olympic National Park and its surrounding cities. But when you're ready to move on, head north again for about four hours to the North Cascades National Park. The most direct route from the northern part of the park requires a ride on the Port Townsend-Coupeville Ferry. Distance : 170 miles.

North Cascades National Park, Washington

Located just a few hours from Seattle, the North Cascades National Park is a pristine alpine escape. There are two properties in the national park, including a lake resort and the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin. For something more casual, consider an Airbnb (and put it on your Chase Sapphire Reserve for 3x points). Anglers will be happy to know that the park is home to a variety of salmon and steelhead trout and other species. Try your luck in the Skagit River, one of Washington's major watersheds. Grab a drink (after you're done driving for the day, of course) in the town of Bellingham at the new Twin Sisters Brewing Company.

At this point in the trip, you can make the decision to fly back east, or head eastbound by road, stopping at a few more major national parks. Distance : 500 miles.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Straddling the continental divide, Glacier National Park is home to headwaters that feed the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Hudson Bay. Over a thousand different plant species, along with hundreds of animal species, can be found in the park's mountainous alpine terrain, making it a great place to search for wildlife. While in the park, be sure to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, enjoying its many viewpoints along the way. Whitefish is a fun town to check out, and it's filled with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants. Book a room at a historic lodge or inn, such as the Lodge at Whitefish Lake or the upscale Grouse Mountain Lodge .

Fill up your vehicle in town, and press on about six more hours to see Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. Distance : 400 miles.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is a geologically unique landscape: of mountains, bubbling geysers and steaming hot springs. The adjacent Grand Teton National Park, on the other hand, offers some of the most rugged and rocky mountains in the country — with a fraction of the crowds. Spend a night at the 385-room Jackson Lake Lodge (a mix of suites, cottages and rooms), located in the Tetons, where guests can admire the view from 60-foot floor-to-ceiling windows. While in the area, be sure to visit the iconic Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone, easily accessible via a paved walkway. Once you make your way south toward the Tetons, spend an evening wandering around the western mountain town of Jackson, and grab a meal at the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse.

Alternate routes

If you decide to drive back instead of catching a flight, spend the next two or three days pressing eastward, stopping to visit a few more nation parks and forests. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest in West Virginia, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area on the Pennsylvania/New Jersey border, for example, are great options.

And while the suggested route starts in the Northeast, there are endless variations of this trip, depending on where you live. For travelers based on the West Coast, consider beginning at Olympic National Park and working your way to Glacier, Yellowstone and the Tetons before heading east.

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The Perfect Road Trip to See Every U.S. National Park

by US Park Pass | Mar 9, 2020

6 Epic National Park Road Trip Ideas [Maps Included]

Natural beauty at every turn, epic scenic drives , a plethora of outdoor activities , unbelievable wildlife viewing . You can get all of this and so much more on a National Park Road trip !

A National Park Road Trip can take you to the mountains, the unique landscape of Utah, the west coast, the northeast, the east coast or down through Floria. Whichever you choose a National Park is the perfect place to connect with nature and awaken your sense of adventure!

Table of Contents

What are the best National Parks to visit on a road trip?

You can visit almost all the National Parks on a road trip. Minus a few that are on water (Dry Tortugas and Isle Royale National Park) and those that are in Alaska that can only be accessed via plane or boat. Beyond that you can access all of the National Parks via a road trip/car.

Our top picks for the Ultimate National Park road trip are in order based on our favorite choices. Keep in mind this could be different for you based on what kind of trip you are looking for. Be sure to keep reading the post and research each National Park to see which one speaks to you!

#1: Mountains National Park Road Trip: Grand Tetons National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park.

#2: Utah National Park Road Trip: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

#3: California National Park Road Trip: Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park and Redwoods National Park.

#4: Pacific Northwest National Park Road Trip: Crater National Park, Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Park.

#5: Florida National Park Road Trip: Everglades and Dry Tortugas

#6: East Coast National Park Road Trip: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Congaree National Park, Mammoth Caves National Park and (bonus if you can take a long drive: Acadia National Park.

Now if you are wondering which National Parks are most suitable for a road trip based on accessibility, scenic drives, hiking opportunities and unique experiences it is really going to depend on what you are looking for and how many National Parks you want to see on your trip.

How Many National Parks Do You Want To See?

If you are looking to hit a lot of National Parks in a short amount of driving you will want to look at visiting the 5 Utah National Parks.

If you are OK with further distances between parks California has a lot of great National Parks but you will be covering a larger distance between all of the parks.

Which National Park Has The Best Scenic Drive?

This is a no brainer for us as we feel The-Going-To-The-Sun-Road is the best scenic drive in not only the National Parks but all of the US! You can find this road in Glacier National Park.

What National Parks Have The Best Hiking?

We have hiked 100’s probably 1000’s of miles with our family and these are our 3 top National Parks for hiking:

Glacier National Park – You don’t want to miss the Grinnell Glacier hike when you visit Glacier National Park! There are a lot of other great hikes but this one ranks up at the top for us. Check out all the other Best Hikes in Glacier National Park here.

Utah National Parks – There are a lot of great hikes in Utah but one of our favorites isn’t in an actual National Park but instead a National Site: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It is the Peek-a-boo Canyon Hike!

The Utah National Parks also have some great hikes including the famous Angels Landing in Zion National Park.

Acadia National Park – We weren’t aware Acadia had 2 of the most epic and challenging hikes with the Precipice and Beehive trail. But once we did them we knew they would stay at the top of our list. If you are looking for a challenging adventurous hike these are perfect for you.

Alaska – Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords come in as some of our top picks as well. The Healy Mountain Hike in Denali and the Harding Ice field trail are epic hikes you don’t want to miss.

Which National Parks Have The Most Unique Experiences?

It is hard to compete with the Alaska National Parks. When you can walk on a Glacier in Kenai Fjords – with a guide. Or go to the face of a glacier on a boat.

North Cascades National Park one you may not consider is North Cascades National Park where you can do a hike to the bottom of a Glacier!

Acadia National Park also offers a restaurant on site where you have to try their pop-overs.

Hot Springs National Park where you can visit the only Brewery in a National Park.

Capitol Reef National Park where you can go apple picking in a National Park.

Practical tips and essentials for a National Park road trip

Entry Requirements: It is always important to check the National Park’s website that you are planning to visit. A good amount now require timed entry tickets (not all of them) and for those you may have to buy them months in advance.

Camping/Lodging: We always recommend staying at a lodge or campground in the National Park. BUT this can sometimes require you to plan you trip 12 months in advance as a lot of these campgrounds and lodges fill up a year or more in advance.

Safety Considerations: It is always important to understand what you are getting yourself into when you visit a National Park. Usually animals are one of the biggest concerns and they should be! Always keep your distance from wild animals and NEVER touch them or feed them. If you plan to hike in places with large wild animals carry bear spray. ALWAYS check in with the National Park visitor center and ask the rangers to give you all of the details and safety tips on the animals in the area.

Packing: Packing for a National Park trip can include some additional items that you wouldn’t normally pack for a trip. Things like walkie talkies and bear spray. For other items always check the weather, wear layers and bring good walking/hiking shoes.

National Park Road Trip Itineraries

We have taken all of these trips. Some of them multiple times. It would be hard to rank these in order since all of them are amazing trips and have something different and unique to offer.

We will cover the Utah National Park road trip , the Mountain National Park road trip that covers Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park . California and all the amazing National Parks there. The Pacific Northwest, Florida and the East Coast National Parks.

What’s the recommended route or itinerary for a National Park road trip?

Below we share specific itineraries for some of the National Parks along with 6 different National Park Road Trip Itineraries. These itineraries are made to help you have the most efficient and effective National Park Road Trip.

Itineraries For Your Trip

Here are some extensive itineraries we have put together for a few of the National Parks that we discuss.

• Glacier National Park Itinerary – 1, 3 and 7 day itineraries to help you plan your trip!
• Yellowstone National Park Itinerary – 1, 3 and 7 day itineraries to have an awesome trip in Yellowstone!
• Arches National Park Itinerary – 1 day itinerary and some extra things to do when you visit!
• Utah National Park – 10 Day Guide – 10 day guide/itinerary for your Utah Road Trip.
• Acadia National Park – 1, 2, 3 day itineraries for your trip to Acadia National Park.

We provide hotel and VRBO options along with RV/campgrounds to go camping at. A National Park trip is awesome in an RV! If you don’t have one, rent one! Click here to learn more about renting an RV: 9 RV Rental Tips You Will Want To Read [Discount Included] .

Here are our tips on planning your RV trip !

We traveled full time for 8 years with our 4 kids around North America so it gave us lots of time to explore all of these National Parks. No matter what trip you pick you are going to love our US National Parks!!

Pacific Northwest National Park Road Trip

The Pacific Northwest is a fun place to explore. The variety with the coastline and beaches, rainforest and the mountains it is well worth a visit! It is another location that is great to do with an RV. Click here to rent an RV .

Crater Lake National Park

You won’t believe the color of the water when you walk up to Crater Lake . It is such a bright blue!! The park itself won’t take you long to explore, but seeing the lake is something you won’t forget!

Oregon only has 1 National Park, but when you are in Washington if you want to extend your trip be sure to check out all of the cool things that Oregon has to offer (including a lot of National Forest area):

• 26 Oregon Coast Road Trip Stops You Don’t Want To Miss
• The 10 Best Stops On The Hood River Fruit Loop
• How To Spend 3 Amazing Days At Mckenzie River National Recreation Area
• Your Guide To The Best Places For Oregon Coast Camping

Olympic National Park

The National Park covers a good portion of northern Washington State. You have the coastline to explore with sea stacks sticking out of the water and driftwood everywhere to play on. Then slightly inland you have the Hoh Rainforest which is so unique to the US. Then further in you hit the mountains and waterfalls.

If you want to book a small group tour , check out this option that also includes pick-up and drop-off at area hotels!

Learn More: 12 Amazing Things To Do In Olympic National Park [Itinerary Included!]

Check out our videos on our time here:

Mount Rainier

Full disclosure . . . we never saw Mount Rainier :(. We went and tried, but that day it was so foggy we couldn’t even see the mountain! Well we saw the base, but couldn’t see beyond that.

We kept hoping the clouds would clear and it would appear, but sadly that was not the case.

Learn more: Since we didn’t get a good visit in here we want to share a post from our friend Rob at 2 Travel Dads: Best Hikes In Mount Rainier and these posts from Park Ranger John on Tipsoo Lake and Paradise Mt. Rainier . If you want a day-long guided tour, check out this small group tour nature walk !

Note – There is a small window of time to visit here as there is a lot of snow up here in winter and it takes a while to melt! And you may not get to see it on the day you go. . . plan accordingly.

North Cascades

I am so glad we took the time to visit North Cascades National Park. It is a less visited National Park, but I don’t know why! It was beautiful and is filled with glaciers (one you can even hike to and walk on!).

Gorgeous views and awesome hikes. Plus that amazing glacier colored water!

Learn more: 17 Amazing Things To Do In North Cascades National Park

Crater Lake National Park – 1 night Olympic National Park – 5 nights Mount Rainier National Park – 1 night North Cascades National Park – 3 nights

Utah National Park Road Trip

If you want to see a lot of National Parks in a short traveling distance, then Utah is the perfect state to visit! With 5 Utah National Parks all within a day’s drive from each other, you can cover a lot of ground.

This is a great trip to do in an RV! Click here to rent an RV by Utah !

The first place to stop would be Moab, Utah. The town itself is really cool, plus you can visit 2 National Parks from here.

If you want to stay in Moab check out our post: 21 Fun And Exciting Things To Do In Moab

Arches National Park

Arches is one of those National Parks you drive into and you think you are driving on a different planet. All of these beautiful and unique structures pop up on the landscape just waiting for you to explore! Try a 4×4 Driving Tour to see this landscape from a different view!

Learn more about Arches: 7 Arches National Park Hikes You Don’t Want To Miss

There are some great hikes to do in Arches:

Canyonlands National Park

This is my least favorite of the Utah National Parks, but if you are on a National Park road trip you may as well check it out! Located away from the hustle and bustle of Moab – the city where Arches is located is Canyonlands.

Canyonlands has 3 different parks: Island In The Sky, The Needles and The Maze. The views from Islands In The Sky are amazing.

In my opinion you can just head to Island In The Sky for the day from Arches and you are good. Another 4×4 Driving Tour is available here !

Learn more about Canyonlands: Best Hikes In Canyonlands National Park

Where To Stay

You can stay in Moab to visit both Arches and Canyonlands.

Capitol Reef National Park

This is our favorite National Park in Utah. Located in the middle of nowhere yet brings so much beauty and awe-inspiring moments. We loved that this park was less busy than the other Utah National Parks.

There are amazing hikes and they have a store on-site that sells delicious pastries!

Learn more here: 8 Of The Best Hikes In Capitol Reef National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

This is what is so cool about a Utah National Parks Road Trip – the variety! You would think they all make look alike, but that is so far from the truth. Bryce has its own unique look with the hoodoos and pink-colored rock formations.

From amazing lookouts to strenuous, but beautiful hikes, Bryce has a lot to offer. Check out this 3-hour Sightseeing Tour ! Or if you’re staying in the Las Vegas area, check out this tour that includes both Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park!

Learn more: Top 11 Awesome Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Zion National Park

We know that a lot of people say Zion was their favorite Utah National Park. That was not the case for us. It felt the most like Disneyland of the 5 parks since it can be so busy and you have to take the shuttle bus to most locations in the park.

Once we got out and explored it was, of course, spectacular. And the green lawn at the visitor center in the middle of the park was the perfect place to hang out after a hike! We also loved the Narrows hike which had us hiking through knee-deep water.

If you’re in the Las Vegas area, check out this tour that includes both Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park !

Learn More: 15 Awesome Things To Do In Zion National Park [Plus Where To Stay]

3 Days in Moab to visit Arches and Canyonlands Capitol Reef – 2 Days Bryce – 2 Days Zion – 2 Days

Click here for our Utah Road Trip Post or check out our 10 day Utah Guide!

There are a few other awesome places to check out in Utah if you have time! Monument Valley, Grand Escalante and Goblin Valley State Park.

Planning to take a National Park road trip with the Grandparents? Check out these great National Park Vacations to do with the Grandparents. 

Click here to see a US list of National Parks and if you are looking for free days be sure to check out this post on Free National Park Days.

Mountains National Park Trip

The Rocky Mountain area of the US brings so much beauty to the area and is also our top 1 and 2 favorite National Parks! A National Park trip is a great vacation for teens too.

Glacier National Park

Our favorite National Park in the US! Glacier National Park is in the northern part of Montana on the Canadian border and it is gorgeous. The color of the water looks like someone put dye in it and the fresh air and views never get old.

Plus the wildlife and hiking are amazing and the Going-To-The-Sun Road is one of our favorite roads to drive in the US! You also won’t want to miss Polebridge Mercantile and Bowman Lake , Many Glacier and the best hikes in Glacier National Park .

Want to soak in the views from Flathead River? Check out this Scenic Raft Trip !

Ultimate Guide to Glacier

Planning a trip to Glacier? We put together a series of digital guides that take the guesswork out of planning. Stop-by-stop itineraries for making the most of 1, 3 or 7 days in Glacier National Park including where to stay, where to eat, what hikes to take and the best driving routes.

We’ve even included links for you to book your stays and buy your park passes, including your timed entry to the Going-To-The-Sun Road . Everything you need in one convenient digital guide. Just download and go!

Check out your video Playlist on our time in Glacier:

Make note that one of the highlights of Glacier is the Going-To-The-Sun Road. Both for driving the road and for the hikes you can get to from the road. You need a timed entry pass to drive the road which you need to buy ahead of time . The road usually opens in early July – but can vary year by year.

For this reason we recommend going in August or early September to make sure the road is open. We can’t guarantee it will be open, but history shows it normally is open during this time.

If you want helping planning your trip check out our Glacier National Park Itinerary .

Yellowstone

#2 in our top 3 favorite National Parks is Yellowstone! The variety of wildlife, landscapes and color you see in the park is pretty unbelievable. From thermal features to grizzly bears to mountain ranges and geysers Yellowstone has something new to offer at every turn.

You won’t want to miss the Old Faithful area, Mammoth Hot Springs , Fishing Bridge , Tower Roosevelt and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone .

Yellowstone is huge! You could spend weeks here exploring. If possible we recommend staying at least 1 week and staying in multiple places around the park so you can really explore it. You can book a tour too, check out this Full Day Lower Loop Tour .

If you want to plan your own trip and also include some of the fun cities around Yellowstone including West Yellowstone , Bozeman , Gardiner , Red Lodge and Livingston check our our 12 day Yellowstone Vacation post. Plus all the great things to do near Yellowstone .

Planning a trip to Yellowstone is a must for any National Park fan! To help we have put together a Yellowstone Packing List and our guides below.

Ultimate Guide to Yellowstone

We have spent months exploring our 2nd favorite (after Glacier) National Park. We have figured out the ins and outs of exploring Yellowstone in a way that minimizes stress and maximizes your time. Whether you plan to stop for 1 day on your road trip or spend 3 or 7 days exploring this HUGE National Park, we have an itinerary for you!

If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone, be sure to check out this ultimate guide. We planned everything for you!

Check out our videos on our time in Yellowstone and the surrounding area!

My sister recently visited Yellowstone in Winter and said it was amazing too!

Grand Tetons

The Grand Tetons National Park hosts the beautiful Teton Range. When driving up it is quite a sight to see these mountains on the horizon. There are also great hikes, boat rides and lots to do within Grand Tetons National Park and the surrounding area.

Want to check out the wildlife? Book this 4-hour Wildlife Safari Adventure !

And here is ours on things to do around the Tetons – it is an awesome area!

We have spent a lot of time in Montana around Yellowstone – if you have more time we recommend adding in these stops to your trip too: A Guide To The Best Yellowstone Vacation and Beyond

California National Park Trip

California is a HUGE state. If you really want to do the state justice you will want to spend months exploring. If you don’t have that amount of time you can do and see a lot in a short amount of time but be ready to go – go – go! There are a lot of National Parks in California !

Joshua Tree

Located in southern California – whenever I think of Joshua Tree I think of the Truffula trees in Dr Seuss’ The Lorax. Filled with these unique Joshua Trees (yes that is what they are called) plus beautiful rock structures and cacti fields Joshua Tree National Park is a unique experience.

Check out this Jeep or SUV Tour for a unique, remote adventure!

Learn More: 10 Unbelievable Things To Do In Joshua Tree National Park

Death Valley

The name may make this place sound like it wouldn’t be much, but that is just not the case! Death Valley is a unique place filled with sand dunes, salt flats, mountains and tons of hiking opportunities.

Staying near Las Vegas ? Check out this Full Day Tour and escape the craziness of Vegas!

Post: 14 Awesome Things To Do In Death Valley National Park [And Where To Stay]

When to visit:

There is limited time to visit Death Valley since it gets SOOOO hot in the summer. Like hot enough to cook an egg on the sidewalk! For this reason you would want to visit from late fall to early spring, with winter being the best time.

Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park

Usually overlooked due to its close proximity to Yosemite – Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park are well worth a visit all on their own! Home to some of the biggest trees in the world along with rushing rivers, mountains and fantastic views.

Learn more: 19+ Unforgettable Things To Do In Sequoia National Park

Video of our time in Sequoia:

Video of our time in Kings Canyon:

Yosemite ranks up there with our top 3 favorite National Parks. The Valley area is the most visited part of the park and for good reason – the rushing waterfalls in the spring and high granite summits it is a gorgeous place.

The good thing is the rest of the park has lots to offer too from sequoia trees to waterfall hikes and historical locations to visit. Want to try an audio guided tour? Check out this walk that combines Yosemite and the Giant Sequoia Walk .

Learn More: 21 Epic Things To Do In Yosemite National Park With Kids

Check out our Yosemite playlist for all the cool things to do in Yosemite:

The Redwoods are a magical place. That is really the best way to describe them. The trees are massive and surround you as you explore the park. Along with so much green.

If you haven’t visited the Redwoods, you should.  The whole park stretches across 100 miles up the coast of Northern CA and includes the National Park and 3 State Parks.

When visiting you could stop for 1 night in each park and take in the beauty that each has to offer!

Check out our videos on our time in the Redwoods:

Check our post:  21 Magical Things To Do In Redwood National Park for details on this. With the park being so large where you stay will depend on how much time you have to spend in the different parts of the park.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

This less visited National Park is located in the middle of northern California. When here you can see 4 different kinds of volcanoes along with taking an amazing drive and potentially finding snow even in the summer!

Learn more: Lassen Volcanic National Park 

As you can see California has a lot to offer! If possible plan for 2 weeks and explore these National Parks like this:

Joshua Tree – 2 nights Death Valley – 2 nights Kings Canyon and Sequoia – 2 nights Yosemite – 2 nights Redwoods – 2 nights Lassen – 2 nights

Or you could spend 3-7 days at each of these places and make it a month-long road trip!

More insights on a North California road trip from our friends at Live Camp Work :

“We fell in love with the California Redwoods after one  Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip ! One word… magical, easily describes a trip through the Redwoods National & State Parks in a car or an RV! And with so many options for  camping in the redwoods , each road trip can be different from the last, delivering new adventures and memories to cherish years later!”

If you are looking for more check out this great post: Best Places To Visit In The US .

Florida National Park Road Trip

Florida is more known for its beaches, but it also has some really cool National Parks!

Everglades National Park

If you have never seen an alligator in the wild then head to Everglade National Park and you will see hundreds of them! Shark Valley – a 15 mile bike ride between swamps filled with alligators was one of our favorite things we did here.

Check out this Airboat Tour and Wildlife Show and enjoy excitement, adventure, and education all in one tour!

Learn more: 7 Things To Do In Miami With Kids

Dry Tortugas

AMAZING. That is all I can say about the Dry Tortugas National Park. Ok I can say more :). This beautiful island located 70 miles off the coast of Key West is breathtaking.

The boat ride out there is an adventure and then once you reach the island the beauty just takes your breath away.

Learn more: DON’T go to the Dry Tortugas without these 3 helpful tips.

Everglades National Park – 3 nights Dry Tortugas National Park – 2 nights

East Coast National Park Road Trip

The east coast has a hard time competing with out west, but still has a few gems to offer!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

There are so many awesome things to do in Smoky Mountains National Park . Plus it has some beautiful scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway and hikes for all different skill levels. Plus the surrounding area has some fun touristy towns with plenty of things to do and food to eat.

Learn more: Family fun in Gatlinburg and the Smokey’s

Located in Virginia. The Skyline Drive runs through the park and is a beautiful drive. There are also multiple places you can stop to get out to take pictures or to go for a hike.

Learn more: Hike and Climb with kids in Shenandoah National Park

Sorry east coast you can’t quite compare to the west – but if you are looking for a trip closer to the east coast it is still well worth it!

Mammoth Cave National Park

Cave exploring is always cool and Mammoth Cave has a lot to explore! There are a variety of different cave tours you can do. Plus there is a lot of great hiking outside the caves.

Learn more: 5 Things To Do With Your Kids When Visiting Mammoth Cave Kentucky

Congaree National Park

We have never been here . . . but it was close to the other 3 so figured it was worth adding if you wanted to take a longer trip! We still haven’t been but had a fellow travel writer who did visit put an article together for us: Top 10 Fun Things To Do In Congaree National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 4 nights Mammoth Cave National Park – 2 nights Shenandoah National Park – 1 night Congaree National Park – 1 night

Additional National Parks To Visit

There were some National Parks that did not make our National Park road trip post. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit them!

That includes the following National Parks

18 Amazing Things To Do In Big Bend National Park

Hot Springs National Park

Mount Rushmore and Badlands on a South Dakota Road Trip

Washington DC 2 Day Itinerary

Maine National Park : Acadia National Park and Acadia Itinerary

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

National Park Trip Round Up

The National Park Service does an amazing job with their National Parks and National Monuments, Forests and more through the United States. Before your trip be sure to grab your National Park Passport book!

Researching an East Coast National Park vacation? Check out  11 East Coast National Parks You Want To Visit This Year .

If you want to see all of them on one trip be sure to check out Randy Olson and his road trip map where you can hit all of the National Parks. However – we don’t recommend this unless you have a full year! You don’t want to rush these National Parks but instead want to spend plenty of time in each especially since there are so many National Parks hikes to do.

We also didn’t name all of the parks in the National Parks System. There is the Grand Canyon (the south rim is pretty cool) and Rocky Mountain National Park to name a few! All of these are awesome trips to take in an RV! Click here to rent an RV today! If you do rent an RV you may be interested in our post on: 21 RV Apps That Are Super Helpful For Your RV Trip

Also check out this awesome road trip bingo post to help keep everyone happy on the road and this great list of 27 road trip essentials to pack for 2020 !

Looking for more awesome trips to take with your family? Check out these summer mountain vacations for families or these east coast family trip ideas ! And another of our favorite places: Stanley, Idaho.  Learn about Things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park .

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Map Shows the Ultimate U.S. National Park Road Trip

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If exploring the breathtaking beauty of our National Park System in one road trip is something on your bucket list, this may be the perfect map for you. Back in 2016, for the 100 th anniversary of the National Park Service, blogger Randy Olson devised an optimal route to see the most epic national parks across the nation.

The U.S. National Park System technically consists of 59 parks, but 12 of them are in Alaska, Hawaii and other U.S. territories. This road trip is focused solely on those you can reach by car in one trip within the Continental 48.

Even with the reduction of the parks outside the Lower 48, Olson included 47 others along his route that stop in 23 different states. If you've never been to the Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains , Joshua Tree, or any of the other great National Parks, this may be the best way to see them in one shot.

Those determined to finish the trip full of scenic drives can do so in approximately two months! The route covers 14,498 miles. Olson starts his trip at the Grand Canyon, but he designed the route as a loop, so you could begin anywhere on the map and travel in whichever direction you'd like.

Here's the full list of national parks in order and a visual of the route:

Randy Olson/Google Maps

The Ultimate U.S. National Park Road Trip

• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
• Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
• Saguaro National Park, Arizona
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
• Big Bend National Park, Texas
• Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
• Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
• Everglades National Park, Florida
• Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
• Biscayne National Park, Florida
• Congaree National Park, South Carolina
• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
• Acadia National Park, Maine
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
• Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
• Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
• Badlands National Park, South Dakota
• Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
• Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
• Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
• Canyonlands National Park, Utah
• Arches National Park, Utah
• Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
• Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
• Zion National Park, Utah
• Great Basin National Park, Nevada
• Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
• Glacier National Park, Montana
• North Cascades National Park, Washington
• Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
• Olympic National Park, Washington
• Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
• Redwood National and State Parks, California
• Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
• Yosemite National Park, California
• Kings Canyon National Park, California
• Sequoia National Park, California
• Pinnacles National Park, California
• Channel Islands National Park, California
• Joshua Tree National Park, California
• Death Valley National Park, California

This post was originally published on June 16, 2017. It was updated on March 9, 2022. 

READ MORE:  Map Shows the Most Efficient Cross-Country U.S. Road Trip

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Ultimate National Parks Road Trip Itinerary: 5 Epic Routes

With 63 national parks and over 420 national park sites including monuments, lakeshores, and recreation areas — to name just a few! — it can be overwhelming just deciding where to visit first. After all, each one has something unique to offer !

Well, good news: there’s a wonderful way to see several parks in one shot, and that’s planning the ultimate national park road trip. 

Regardless of which corner of the country you plan to visit or how much time you have, there are epic routes everywhere. Here, we’re highlighting our top five. Which national parks road trip itinerary will you tackle first?

Tips for Planning the Ultimate National Park Road Trip

In addition to planning out your actual national parks road trip itinerary, there are a few things that will help you get the most out of your trip. 

Buy an America the Beautiful Pass , AKA an annual national parks pass. The $80-per-year pass pays for itself in just three park visits.

Keep in mind that several parks now require advance reservations, completely separate from having an annual pass. For example, in 2021, Glacier started accepting reservations for the summer back in April. 

Dedicate at least one full day to each national park. For larger parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone, set aside 2-3 days if at all possible. 

National parks tend to be surrounded by spectacular national forests and other accessible public land. Consider bringing camping gear to save money on accommodations (and create some awesome memories!).

If your budget allows, rent a campervan for the ultimate national park road trip. Although it’s more pricey upfront, it combines the cost of your vehicle and accommodations. Some campervan rental companies, like Moterra , specialize exclusively in national park destinations.

National Parks Road Trip Itinerary, 5 Ways

1. east coast.

National parks included: Congaree, Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, New River Gorge, and Shenandoah

The Eastern Seaboard offers up some major bang for your buck when it comes to a national parks road trip itinerary. Five stunning parks are close enough to visit them all and different enough that you’ll want to do exactly that. 

From scenic drives and water activities like fishing and kayaking to hiking and exploring the longest cave system in the entire world, this ultimate national park road trip on the east coast has a little something for everyone.

Oh, one more thing — take our word for it and visit in the fall if possible. The leaf-peeping in this section of the country is outstanding in late September and most of October . 

Highlights for your east coast national parks road trip itinerary: 

Hike iconic Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smokies

Drive the incredibly scenic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah

Tour Mammoth Caves (get tickets in advance; they sell out!)

Raised wooden boardwalk trails in Congaree

The catwalk of the New River Gorge Bridge

2. Utah’s Mighty Five

National parks included: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion

Utah is kind of the ultimate national park road trip destination in and of itself, with five heavy-hitting parks all within easy driving distance of one another. 

Start in either the southwest corner of the state near Zion or over in Moab, then work your way across to hit all five parks, situated in a near-perfect line.

Zion and Bryce Canyon are close to each other at one end of the “line,” as are Arches and Canyonlands at the opposite end. Capitol Reef is almost dead-center, two hours from both Arches and Bryce Canyon.

Hiking is the main event on this particular national parks road trip itinerary, so you’ll definitely want to have a sturdy pair of boots, a good hiking backpack, and plenty of trail snacks. 

Highlights for your Utah national parks road trip planner: 

Delicate Arch hike in Arches at sunset

Canyonlands’ Mesa Arch at sunrise

Navajo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon

Picking fruit from the public orchards in Capitol Reef

Zion’s Angels Landing ...for those without a fear of heights!

3. Pacific Northwest

National parks included: Crater Lake, Mount Rainier, North Cascades, Olympic, Redwood

If you’re looking for a national parks road trip itinerary that includes dramatic coastline, old-growth forests, snow-capped mountains, and actual rainforest, look no further than the PNW. 

Regardless of whether you want to visit all five parks or just a couple, your best bet if you’re not driving your own vehicle is to fly into Seattle and rent a car. From Seattle, make a loop and visit the three Washington parks (Olympic, North Cascades, and Mount Rainier), then head south to Oregon. 

In Oregon, head to Crater Lake National Park, home of the deepest lake in the U.S. If time allows, cross the border into California and visit Redwoods National and State Parks to gawk at some of the world’s largest trees. 

Depending on your travel arrangements, consider cruising back up the Oregon coast and flying home out of Portland. The beaches and scenic drives here are unmatched and worthy of a road trip all on their own!

Highlights for your PNW ultimate national park road trip:

Walk through a real-life fairytale in Olympic’s magical Hoh Rainforest

Drive the scenic North Cascades Highway

Myrtle Falls in Mount Rainier

Drive or bicycle Rim Drive, completely encircling Crater Lake

Redwoods’ Fern Canyon and Stout Grove

4. Colorado

National parks included: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, Rocky Mountain

Colorado is easily one of the most magnificent and diverse U.S. states. It’s got all those 14ers (a whopping 58, to be exact), beautiful mild weather, and gorgeous scenery ranging from the famous Rocky Mountains to steep red rock canyons and even sand dunes.

Best of all, you can experience a little of everything Colorado has to offer with a national parks road trip itinerary hitting its four major parks. 

If you aren’t driving yourself, fly into either Denver or Durango. From either city, it’s easy to make one big loop and visit as many (or as few!) parks as you want.

Note that while you technically can take this Colorado ultimate national park road trip any time of year, it’s best to plan for summer or early fall to avoid seasonal road closures.

Highlights for your Colorado national parks road trip itinerary:

RMNP’s Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in America

Oak Flat Loop Trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Try sandboarding in Great Sand Dunes

Tour Mesa Verde’s Cliff Palace

5. Northern Rockies

National parks included: Glacier, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone

You “only” hit three parks on this particular national parks road trip itinerary, but trust us, each one packs a tremendous punch. In all reality, you probably won’t have enough time to see and do everything you want to!

The hiking and backpacking are, of course, epic in all three parks, but so are the water activities, mountain biking, and — something a bit more unique to this part of the country — wildlife viewing. Seriously, don’t forget to pack a pair of binoculars...and bear spray. 

Of all the ultimate national park road trips we’ve discussed, this one has arguably the most spectacular scenery along the entire route. It also has some of the most easily accessible public land, which means the camping opportunities are epic. If there’s one trip to splurge on a campervan for, this is it.

Highlights for your Montana and Wyoming ultimate national park road trip:

Hike the loop around Jenny Lake and take a short detour to Hidden Falls

Lamar Valley in Yellowstone for wildlife watching

Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier

Also in Glacier, get a huckleberry bear claw from the Polebridge Mercantile (get there early!), then check out Bowman Lake

As you hammer out the details of your national parks road trip itinerary, don’t forget to commemorate it in a special way. 

The Wander Club’s U.S. National Park Tokens help you highlight all the stops on your road trip, plus they make excellent gifts. We have tokens for every national park, plus you can have them engraved with the date you visited. Happy road tripping!

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Home » Blog » See Every US National Park on this EPIC Cross-Country Road Trip

See Every US National Park on this EPIC Cross-Country Road Trip

In 2017 I traveled to every single US national park with my husband. During the planning stages we very quickly realized there wasn’t much online to help us plan our itinerary. Of course there were blog posts listing all the national parks and plenty of people saying how they would hypothetically road trip to all of them… but we couldn’t find any maps or itineraries from someone who had firsthand taken a United States national park road trip to ALL of them in one consecutive trip .

Keep reading to find out how we came up with our itinerary , whether or not the trip was a success, and if in retrospect we would make any changes. I will also do my best to share all the insiders secrets on how you can see every US national park in one life-changing road trip!

Disclaimer : This blog post may feature some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for my readers. Learn more about my affiliate policy  here . Thank you for the support!

US National Park Road Trip

Road trip to visit all the national parks.

There are currently 63 national parks in America, 51 in the lower 48 states, 8 in Alaska, 2 in Hawaii, and 2 in American territories (US Virgin Islands, American Samoa). In this blog post, I will share an itinerary to visit EVERY national park, not just those in the 48 contiguous states. 

Note: In 2017 there were 59 national parks and 4 more have been added since our road trip. So I have gone ahead and included them in this US national parks road trip itinerary in the order we would have visited them. *besides New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia .

I put together a checklist of all the national parks , so you can mark each off as you visit them! In addition, it’s free to download via my travel resource library ! Click the image below.

Best National Park Road Trip Itinerary

I frequently get asked what the ultimate national park road trip would be. I don’t have all the answers, but I do know a lot about our own itinerary to see all the national parks and looking back I think it was almost perfect!

Planning such an extensive trip

So how did we decide on our optimal US national parks road trip? Let me tell you, it was A LOT of work to logistically map out such an extensive trip. We spent many hours (who am I kidding… we spent DAYS) researching, plotting directions into Google Maps, and also making spreadsheets. Our goal was to see every US national park with minimal backtracking and to arrive in each park during an ideal season. 

Our cross country national park road trip started on April 1st and finished on October 31st, spanning 7 months total. That included traveling to all the national parks in the contiguous United States, plus the other 12.

We ended up driving over 25,000 miles, taking 26 flights, and visiting 39 states + 2 US territories. We skipped out on winter conditions in most parks and visited many of the tropical parks before peak summer temperatures hit. I think we timed it perfectly to visit many of the most beautiful parks during the height of hiking season. 

Would we do it differently?

Overall we were happy with the itinerary we created to see the US national parks on one road trip. We wouldn’t make any major changes but these are some things we may have adjusted in hindsight:

• If it had of been an option to start earlier in the year then we may have chosen to visit the Florida parks and USVI during winter. 
• Rocky Mountain National Park is best experienced during summer, so we may have opted to include that before or after Grand Teton National Park if we had the time for extra driving.

I do want to mention that it looks like we went FAR out of the way to visit Great Basin National Park . Well that’s because we did 😂, it really is in the middle of nowhere! We could have technically visited between our Zion and Bryce Canyon stops (adding about 5 hours of driving), but visiting during April wasn’t an option for us. We knew the park can get very snowy in winter and spring and some sections are closed to visitors. Instead we visited in early October and the fall conditions were beautiful!

Keep in mind that the best national park road trip route for your family may look different to ours. You could technically hop on the route at whatever point was closest to your own… you’ll see what I mean when you view the map below!

Map to visit every national park

Here is our exact itinerary to see all the US national parks, plus the inclusion of the 3 newly added parks. If you’re viewing on desktop and want to see this US national parks map in more detail then click here for a full page version .

This interactive map of our national parks road trip shows the order we visited each park, our “as the crow flies” route, plus links to detailed guides for each national park . I will also link to these guides further down the blog post.

*best viewed on desktop

You can zoom in and see the route closer or if you’re on desktop I recommend clicking here for a full page version .

How long would it take to visit all the national parks?

I briefly mentioned earlier that our national parks trip took us 7 months (April – November) . In saying that, I don’t want you to think that this is the only time frame to see all the US national parks. In fact, taking 10-12 months would be even better if you had the time and finances.

You also need to consider that we didn’t visit White Sands, Gateway Arch, New River Gorge, and Indiana Dunes during that 7 month trip (because they weren’t designated national parks at the time). I would also say these 3 parks would have added on around 1.5 weeks to our national parks road trip itinerary.

How long to spend in each national park?

We never felt overly rushed during our 7 month national park road trip, but we did have many long driving days . For instance, our itinerary typically included 1-2 days in the smaller parks. 3-4 days in the larger and more popular parks, and also a week or more in some of the super remote Alaskan parks. 

For example, we spent 1 day exploring Carlsbad Caverns, 2 days exploring Joshua Tree, 3 days exploring Grand Canyon, 4 days exploring Great Smoky Mountain, 5 days exploring Yosemite, and 9 days exploring Gates of the Arctic. Parks that we planned to extensively hike or backpack in were allotted more days compared to parks that are known for their drive-up lookouts and easy to access views.

Planning a national parks road trip itinerary will also be different for everyone . We met some travelers who were on a mission to visit every national park but were spreading the journey out over multiple years. We have also heard of people doing the same style trip but in only a few months.

You can make your national park road trip as carefree or as adventurous as you like. We personally opted for somewhere in the middle – slow enough to get a good feel of the parks. But fast enough to finish our trip before winter started. Whether you plan to hike or backpack in the national parks will also help decide what length and style of trip you plan.

What are the best national parks?

Did you know I have a blog post that features every national park ranked from best to worst? My husband and I used a rating system that factored in beauty, trails, accessibility, transport, crowds, facilities, and overall how photogenic they were.

Here’s a summary of the parks we found to be the best and worst!

Best national parks

These were the 10 best US national parks based on our ranking system:

• Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
• Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska
• Denali National Park, Alaska
• Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
• Yosemite National Park, California
• Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
• Glacier National Park, Montana
• Katmai National Park, Alaska
• Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

Worst national parks

These were the 10 worst US national parks based on our ranking system. But keep in mind that all the parks are amazing and I am not saying these aren’t worth visiting. They just don’t have the same “wow” factor. Also keep in mind that the 4 new national parks were not considered when making this list (Gateway Arch, New River Gorge, White Sands, Indiana Dunes):

• Congaree National Park, South Carolina
• Biscayne National Park, Florida
• Pinnacles National Park, California
• Channel Islands National Park, California
• Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
• Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
• Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
• Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Planning your national parks trip

I have an entire blog post about how to best plan your national park visits . It goes into detail on when to start planning, how to write out an itinerary, how to create your own map, what to pack, how to buy a national park pass, and more! Check it out here .

PIN to refer to later!

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10 comments

Just curious how much a trip like this cost. Did you stay in annRV, hotels, or Air BNB’s

Hello, wow this will be such a great resource to plan my journey to the parks! I’m starting with American Samoa and I’m on my way there now. I’d be grateful if you could send me your impressions on that park. I’m on a very slow internet connection and couldn’t open all the links in your blog. Thanks so much! Susanne

I disagree with your best and worst list. We’ve only been to around 30 so far, but Yosemite was so crowded I’d put it on the worst list. Joshua Tree we found anti climactic and would put on the worst list also. Voyager however was one of our favorites. We rented a canoe and camped out on an island there. I also think Black Canyon of the Gunnison should not be on the worst list.

I agree with Yosemite being crowded, but how beautiful the scenery and the hikes kinda makes up for it…. kinda. Living nearby, I never go unless it’s for hiking Half Dome or something specific.

I would not put Pinnacles in the worst list. One full day there is enough, though, and the weather is oh-so-important. It’s blazing hot a lot of the time, but if timed right (like directly after a rain) and if hiking is important in the ranking, then Pinnacles is definitely better than the worst. There is a cave to hike through with water running down the rocks, a long hiking loop to explore with steps carved into the rock to walk up/down, super scenic photo ops, California Condors to see, rock climbers to watch sometimes, electrical sites in the campground, and there aren’t many people 🙂

That is some walkabout. You are living the dream while you’re still young. Outstanding.

I bought your Roaming America book and love it! I’m using it for inspiration as I create a similar book for America’s Great Loop. Thank you for sharing your epic journey to all of the US National Parks with us!

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is among the worst national parks? You got to be kidding

hi there I amApril 2023 How do I sign up to get tips ?Cheers

Could you share what this trip cost you guys?

WOW so much helpful planning info in this blogpost. Thanks Renee for generously sharing your journey, maps, ideas and recommendations.

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Visit Every US National Park on this Epic Road Trip

This post may contain affiliate links. This just means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you for helping them promote their product or service. I don’t endorse any services I don’t personally use or recommend.

Visiting every single National Park in the United States is no small task. Currently, there are 63 recognized National Parks including American Samoa & the Virgin Islands. Even if you only look at the contiguous U.S., there are 48 National Parks spread across the country. For this National Park road trip, we will be focusing on the parks you can reach overland without hopping a plane, boat, or crossing a border.

When we were planning our ultimate national park road trip we were surprised to find very little route information when you’re looking at exploring the entire United States. Most National park guides instead focus on a single region of the U.S.

But with vanlife surging in popularity, more travelers than ever will be exploring the United States on long term cross country trips . There really is no wrong way to reach the parks, but this is the optimal route we decided on when planning our road trip to every national park.

How to Plan a National Park Road Trip

How do you plan a road trip of this magnitude? One state at a time.

We converted a 1994 Dodge Ram Van before hitting the road. So for us, it was important to keep the mileage as low as possible. This old tank isn’t gonna last forever. We didn’t want to have to double back or go way out of our way if at all possible.

First, we made a map of all the national parks across the United States. Including a few that sit on small islands just offshore (like Key Biscayne & the Channel Islands).

Then we played connect the dots.

& the zig-zag map we provided below was born.

But now you have to ask yourself… when do you plan on leaving? Well, it all depends on where you’re starting.

I’ll cover this more in-depth at the end of the blog post but in general, you’ll want to avoid harsh winter weather during your national park road trip.

Best Way to see the National Parks? Van Life.

Okay. I might be biased. But van life has changed the road trip game. It’s made it cheaper. More comfortable & helped me to travel more off-the-beaten-path. & that’s just a few benefits of the van life . But van life isn’t always as glamorous as it’s made out to be. & if you’re on the fence you should test out van/RV travel before you invest in your own rig.

My favorite RV rental company is RVShare. They have rentals all over the U.S. & are a very affordable option. Another perk…they are locally owned RVs which means they are cozier than a generic rental and you’re supporting small businesses.

If you’re looking for more of an adventure van experience I would check out Travellers Autobarn (my favorite van rental company) or Escape van rentals.

Before you hit the road make sure you’re well-stocked with all the vanlife essentials that make living in your vehicle a piece of cake.

Ultimate USA National Park Road Trip Map

Here’s our google map with rough driving routes to every single national park in the United States included.

Disclaimer: These are the routes recommended by Google. We took slightly different driving routes to add small towns we were interested in stopping in. I would recommend creating your own driving route to add things that may interest you along the way.

Complete National Park Road Trip Itinerary

Because Google Maps can be a bit hard to read sometimes, let’s break it down.

Here is a USA National Park road trip map that starts & ends in Washington State. As you can see the route is a circle, which means you can start anywhere that is convenient for you.

Here’s a list of all the National Parks in order by this route.

• North Cascades National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Wind Cave National Park
• Badlands National Park
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park
• Voyageurs National Park
• Isle Royale National Park
• Indiana Dunes National Park
• Cuyahoga National Park
• Acadia National Park
• Shenandoah National Park
• New River Gorge National Park
• Mammoth Cave National Park
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Congaree National Park
• Everglades National Park
• Hot Springs National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park
• White Sands National Park
• Saguaro National Park
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Zion National Park
• Great Basin National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Sequoia National Park
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Pinnacles National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Redwoods National Park
• Crater Lake National Park
• Mount Rainier National Park
• Olympic National Park

How Long Would it Take to Visit All the National Parks?

In-depth? Years.

But obviously, most travelers don’t have that kind of time. Our road trip lasted about 3 and a half months . I wouldn’t recommend any less than this amount of time. If you plan on visiting just national parks in the US 3-4 months is ample time to see the highlights. But if you’re planning on enjoying the other sights and cities that America has to offer ( & you should ) I would recommend 6 months to a year.

Side Note: As you can see from our many maps there are a few national parks that are way out of the way. Like Great Basin National Park in Nevada . Or the Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri . We kept Great Basin on the route but decided NOT to include Gateway Arch as it’s really more of a national monument. Who decided that got to be a National Park anyways??

If you wanted to include Gateway Arch I would recommend adding it after Isle Royale and before you hit the Indiana Dunes National Park.

If you’re willing to charter a boat you can also add in Key Biscayne, Dry Tortugas, & the Channel Islands without changing the route drastically.

What about Alaska & Hawaii? Virgin Islands? American Samoa?

This is where the additional 12 National Parks come in. Alaska has a whopping 8 National Parks that you absolutely should visit in the Spring . Hawaii has two & there is one on both the Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

I did not include them here because it’s unlikely they will be included on a cross-country road trip.

Best Time to Start Your National Park Road Trip

We’ve covered the where but what about when? It’s time to look at the best time to start your cross-country road trip.

The truth is there really is no perfect route. You’ll have to make sacrifices with temperature and crowds along the way. Some parks will have to be visited off-season. It’s just the way it is. The United States is such a diverse and vast country that it’s impossible to get “perfect” conditions in every state along the way.

Weather to Consider on Your Road Trip

Northern U.S. : The Northern U.S. gets winter. Cold, snowy, horrible winter. Unless you’re an avid skier and experienced snow driver you’ll probably be wanting to avoid the North during the Late Nov-Feb months.

Southern U.S .: National Parks like Death Valley reach temps of over 130 degrees in the summer months. While states like Florida have a hurricane season that stretches from summer to fall.

Our Ideal Weather Route

Knowing we wanted to see the changing of the colors in New England in the fall we decided to begin in Washington State in late summer. If you have an entire year I would spend August-Oct crossing from Washington to Maine. Oct-Nov down the East Coast. Dec-Jan crossing the South to Arizona. Feb-April zig-zagging across the southwest to Death Valley & then enjoy a lovely summertime on the West coast from May onward.

For those with less time, I would just make sure to check national parks where extreme weather is common. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado , Glacier National Park in Montana, Voygeaurs & Isle Royale in the North . & of course the desert National Parks like Death Valley in California and the parks in Utah.

Our Top 5 Can’t-Miss National Parks

In no particular order, these are the parks that we LOVED and you absolutely shouldn’t miss on your cross-country road trip.

• Yosemite National Park . This is my favorite national park. Climbing, hiking, dramatic landscapes, stargazing, I’ll go back to Yosemite again & again.
• Glacier National Park . With tons of hiking over varied terrain and rugged Montana landscapes, it landed easily in my top 3.
• Death Valley National Park . Who would have thought a massive empty dust bowl could be so pretty? Some of the best sunsets, sunrises, & stargazing you’ll find anywhere.
• Yellowstone National Park . Wildlife, geysers, and mars-like landscape. It lives up to the hype.
• Acadia National Park . Stunning fall foliage, beautiful coastline, and truly unique hikes. I recommend the Iron wrung trails.

Our 5 Least Favorite National Parks

These parks on the other hand…if you want to cut them out you won’t be missing much.

• Indiana Dunes National Park. There are far better dunes in the United States.
• Cuyahoga National Park. Essentially it’s one small hike with some neatly stacked rocks.
• Congaree National Park. Again. Just a flooded walkway and only a few trails.
• Wind Cave National Park. The least impressive of the caverns.
• Hot Springs National Park. You can’t even soak in the outdoor springs. Big disappointment.

Cross Country Road Trip Stops to Add

If you’re embarking on this adventure you’ll likely want to stop at more than JUST National Parks. We thoroughly explored each state we visited. We drove through the Black Hills of South Dakota , ate our way through cities like Chicago & NYC, and enjoyed a few weeks on the beaches of Florida .

I compiled a massive 400+ stop Google Map of all our destinations across the United States for truly the biggest & most epic USA road trip of all time. It includes state parks, hiking trailheads, budget-friendly food stops, & more. Everywhere you could possibly want to see on a cross-country road trip is included.

Join our E-Mail list below & I’ll send you my monster Google map with all our USA road trip destinations .

No planning necessary, all you’ll need to do is hit the road.

I promise I won’t spam you with emails or try to sell you anything. Currently, I send at most 1-2 emails a month. & if that’s too much for your inbox you can always unsubscribe. Thanks in advance for supporting my blog.

Alternative National Park Road Trips

Don’t have 4 months to a year to roam about? Here are some smaller National Park road trips that can be done in a month or less.

Pacific Northwest National Park Road Trip Map

Home sweet home. Being from Washington State I’ve got a soft spot for the mountains. This circuit is packed with wildlife, hiking, and dramatic landscapes. You could see it all in as little as 2 weeks, but I would avoid the cold winter months. This is a late spring-early fall road trip .

West Coast National Park Road Trip Map

If you’ve got a little longer you can take a trip down the West coast . These are some of the most impressive national parks in the United States and the climate will be diverse. This road trip will take you from the lush Olympic mountains to the tallest redwood forests to the jaw-dropping mountains of Yosemite to the arid deserts of Joshua Tree all in one go.

Southwest National Parks Road Trip

The Southwest is such a unique region of the U.S. The landscape is warm wide-open deserts marked with orange otherworldly rock formations , deep underground caverns, and stunning Colorado peaks . It’s a weird chunk of the United States and worth a short getaway.

Trying to Pick Which National Park to Visit?

Just planning a short trip? I wrote a blog post for each season in the United States to help you choose where to go when.

How to Spend the Perfect Day in Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles is one of the most underrated national parks on the west coast. Here’s…

12 Stunning National Parks to Visit in the Summer

Looking to beat the heat & the crowds this summer? Plan a road trip…

12 Outstanding US National Parks to Visit in Spring

The last glistening drifts of snow have melted and the wildflowers begin to bloom.…

National Parks Road Trip Resources

A road trip of this size can’t be done on a whim (unless you sign-up for my complete Google map route). It takes some careful planning and research. Here are some resources we found useful on our cross-country road trip to every National Park.

America the Beautiful Pass

Most National Parks charge a fee to enter. It ranges from $10-$30 for a week-long pass. Or if you’re planning on visiting multiple parks the America the Beautiful Pass is $80 and gives you unlimited access to National Parks & Monuments for a year.

We used our pass to access all 47 National Parks above as well as Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower National Monument, and more. You can buy them online through the link above or at the entrance station to any National Park.

AAA Membership

Even if you’re not driving a 30-year old self converted van across the country it’s important to have a backup plan. Especially when you’ll be spending time out in the wilderness. You don’t want to break down in Death Valley & end up paying hundreds of dollars for a tow.

Road Trip Essentials Packing List

Here are a few things you might find yourself needing on the road. Visiting National Parks involves a lot of outdoor exploring.

• Lifestraw Water Bottle .
• Hiking Boots.
• Rain Jacket & Heavy Coat for unexpected weather.
• Comfy hiking pack.
• Thick socks.
• Mosquito repellant.

For a full list of road, trip gear be sure to check out my van life essentials blog post. It covers everything you could possibly need on your cross-country National Park road trip.

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Great info. Please send me your map. Thank you.

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This National Park Road Trip Covers 12 of America's Best Parks in One 5,600-mile Route

Here's what you need to know to drive the route yourself.

In the early 1900s, U.S. national parks were largely playgrounds for the wealthy. Visitation often numbered in the tens of thousands, with itineraries fulfilled via expensive rail tickets, stagecoach tours, and horseback rides.

When automobiles arrived on the scene, the average American had a chance to hit the open road and see the country like never before. But in this case, the “open road” was a muddy path or dusty trail, if it existed at all. And our national parks were still wild expanses barely fit for mules.

So, in 1920, 12 Americans — representing groups like the National Park-to-Park Highway Association and AAA — set out from Denver, Colorado, for a 5,600-mile road trip, lassoing 12 national parks into one massive loop. Their goal? To draw publicity and tourism to the country’s public lands and to push for drivable roads that connect them.

Rocky Mountain National Park museum collections

Thus the great national park road trip was born. Today, the scenic tour through seven states remains one of the best ways to see our public lands.

The 12 stops on the national park road trip are:

Rocky Mountain National Park

Yellowstone national park, glacier national park, mount rainier national park, crater lake national park, lassen volcanic national park.

• Yosemite National Park
• Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Zion National Park

Grand canyon national park.

• Petrified Forest National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park

From Denver, the first stop on the national park road trip is Rocky Mountain National Park. Today’s visitors can take Trail Ridge Road across its alpine expanse. In 1920, the gang’s only option was Old Fall River Road, the park’s original auto route at nearly 12,000 feet. One hundred years later, it’s still an 11-mile stretch of dirt, typically open from July through early October.

National Park Service

The route then heads north up Interstate 25 through Cheyenne, Wyoming , bending eastward on Highway 14 through Cody and to Yellowstone National Park. To follow in the group’s footsteps, stay at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel , and give the nation’s first national park a solid four days.

Then, it’s off on the Yellowstone-Glacier Bee Line Highway through White Sulphur Springs, Great Falls, Browning, and to Glacier National Park in Montana. In 1920, the group could count 60 glaciers and zero real roads; today, there are around two dozen glaciers in the park, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the country’s most scenic drives .

Heading west on Montana’s Highway 2, from Kalispell toward Libby and the Idaho border, national forests abound in every direction into Spokane, Washington. Highway 2 runs out in Seattle, where the route turns south for Mount Rainier National Park. Be sure to visit Paradise on the south slope of the mountain — and be grateful you’re not traveling via mule team.

Robert J. Lillie / National Park Service

It’s a straight shot south through Olympia, Portland, and Eugene, ultimately reaching Crater Lake National Park, one of the best national parks in Oregon . Little has changed since 1920: The group stayed at the still-picturesque Crater Lake Lodge and completed the 33-mile Rim Drive, built just a year before their trip.

From here, it’s California or bust, aiming for Redding and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen has all four types of volcanoes, though the group never saw them, as the park had no roads in 1920.

Yosemite National Park and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Some 300 miles further south, the granite vistas of Yosemite National Park take over, followed by a vertical wilderness of giants at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (the latter was known as General Grant National Park until 1940).

Once in Los Angeles, the route shoots eastward on the National Old Trails Road, a.k.a. Route 66. From Barstow, take a detour up to Zion National Park — a 500-mile ask the group skipped to make time.

Xanterra Travel Collection

Then, head back south through Kingman, Williams, and to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, where the group spent three days at the now-historic El Tovar Hotel.

Petrified Forest National Park and Mesa Verde National Park

Depart for what’s now Petrified Forest National Park, Gallup, Durango, and Mesa Verde National Park, the group’s last stop on their national park road trip. They drove the narrow yet scenic Knife Edge Road, which closed in 1957 due to maintenance issues associated with the instability of the soil. Today, you can enjoy the same views while walking the two-mile Knife Edge Trail, which follows a portion of the historic road.

From Mesa Verde, it’s on to Salida and up Colorado’s spine via Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and finally, back to Denver. To sum up the trip, Stephen Mather — the NPS’ first director and a supporter of the route — put it best: “Each park will be found to be highly individual. The whole will be a revelation.”

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One Epic National Park Road Trip Across the USA

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Have you ever dreamed about leaving everything behind and setting out on the ultimate National Park road trip across the entire United States? I know I have! While I’ve set off on a number of epic road trips, including a massive west coast National Park road trip (twice, actually), and another cross-country road trip, and yet I’ve only managed to visit a total of 32 of the 63 National Parks. That means I’ve still got a lot of ground to cover, especially those parks that lay east of the Rockies.

And don’t miss my top national park road trip planning resources at the bottom of this article!

In this article, we are going to be talking about how to link together the vast majority of those parks, including basically all of them within the Lower 48 (aka the Contiguous USA) as well as an option for including the newest national parks that were added to the system in the past couple years. Combining together a bunch of national parks is the very definition of a great American road trip , in my eyes.

Ready? Let’s get planning and hit the road!

Planning an Epic National Park Road Trip

Within the continental United States (aka Lower 48) there are a total of 51 National Parks — there are 2 in Hawaii , 8 in Alaska , and 2 in the territories, making a total of 63.

But of those 51 National Parks in the Continental USA, there are another four parks that are not accessible by vehicle due to the fact that they are maritime-based National Parks.

While driving the Pan American Highway , I started dreaming about once again returning to those incredible protected areas back in my homeland. So I started to imagine what a massive national park road trip in the USA would look like.

I jumped on Google Maps and connected the route in the most logical way I could, taking into account the many miles and many parks I have already visited as well.

This Epic National Park Road Trip covers terrain in at least 39 of the 50 states, across more than 16,950 miles (27,277 km), and visits 45 of the 51 National Parks located in the Continental USA, but does not specifically include the four island-based National Parks (although you get pretty close and could organize boat transport to reach them), nor the two Midwest national parks.

Back in 2019, three national parks were added to the system: Indiana Dunes National Park, Gateway Arch National Park, and White Sands National Park. I’ve added an option to the route which would include these new two Midwest parks, but the addition of Gateway Arch makes it difficult to make a nice, clean route…

Honestly, I’m not really sure why Gateway Arch is a National Park when it is more of a historical monument. That’s one park I would probably skip if your focus is on nature. Indiana Dunes, on the other hand, would be easy to include and is a nature area. White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is included on the main route and is definitely not to be missed! And at the end of 2020, the New River Gorge in West Virginia was designated as a National Park.

I’ve also deliberately tried to route the map to visit a number of incredible scenic areas that aren’t necessarily national parks, like Monument Valley or Grand-Staircase Escalante , for instance.

I also made the route go through a number of exciting cities or landmarks, like the Golden Gate Bridge, Las Vegas, or even places like New York City, since an epic American Road Trip would seem almost incomplete without at least passing through some of these places. Furthermore, in areas where there aren’t national parks, I tried to route the trip through areas of interest, like the Mississippi Delta for a Blues and Americana trip in order to connect parks or regions.

Interactive National Park Road Trip Map

Be sure to zoom in and explore the interactive road trip map above, you will find additional notes and details about the trip planning process to better help guide your decision-making process. The map also includes park hiking trails and campgrounds to help you plan!

National Park Road Trip Itinerary

At a minimum, you wouldn’t want to take less than three months, in my opinion, to do a trip of this magnitude, as you shouldn’t have to rush through something like this.

For this hypothetical, albeit still rushed timeline, I would consider starting this national park road trip in the Northeast (since that’s where the largest population centers are clustered) and visiting Acadia National Park in Maine as the first stop in mid-July.

This allows you to cover the northern half of the US National Parks during summer in places like Glacier National Park, Mount Rainier, etc.

Then you will head south into the national parks of California by the end of August, and spend the beginning of fall exploring the multitude of parks in the American Southwest before heading once again across the country to reach the chain of east coast national parks (hopefully) in time for the changing of the leaves and fall colors.

This is a rushed and not ideal trip, of course. I would consider more time to be crucial!

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An ideal road trip of this length and geographic range would last at least six months to a year… Considering the weather, it might be best to start in the American Southwest in late winter or early spring, then head clockwise, through the Pacific Northwest and northern half of the country in summer, down the East Coast (fall colors!) in Autumn, and across the southern half in the winter.

Read More: National Parks to Visit in Spring

But anyone who was the chance to undertake this journey will have a different starting point, starting time of year, and length of time to complete it. You will need to customize it as you see fit and most likely have to make compromises along the way (visiting out of season, for instance). Either way, you’ll be able to hit the highlights of the park system as well as the most underrated national parks that don’t get as much attention.

Here is the order of National Parks visited on this road trip itinerary. Those with an asterisk (*) are the island parks that aren’t accessible by car. Those with a tilde (~) are the two Midwest parks which could be included with a detour of the current route. I also included a checkmark (✓) next to those national parks that I’ve visited personally.

Acadia National Park Cuyahoga Valley National Park ~ Indiana Dunes National Park ~ Gateway Arch National Park * Isle Royale National Park Voyageurs National Park Theodore Roosevelt National Park ✓ Badlands National Park Wind Cave National Park ✓ Grand Teton National Park ✓ Yellowstone National Park ✓ Glacier National Park ✓ North Cascades National Park ✓ Olympic National Park ✓ Mount Rainier National Park ✓ Crater Lake National Park ✓ Redwood National Park Lassen Volcanic National Park Pinnacles National Park ✓ Sequoia National Park ✓ Kings Canyon National Park ✓ Yosemite National Park ✓ Death Valley National Park * Channel Islands National Park ✓ Joshua Tree National Park ✓ Saguaro National Park ✓ Petrified Forest National Park ✓ Grand Canyon National Park ✓ Zion National Park ✓ Great Basin National Park ✓ Bryce Canyon National Park ✓ Capitol Reef National Park ✓ Arches National Park ✓ Canyonlands National Park ✓ Mesa Verde National Park ✓ Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park ✓ Rocky Mountain National Park ✓ Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve ✓ White Sands National Park Carlsbad Caverns National Park Guadalupe Mountains National Park Big Bend National Park Hot Springs National Park Everglades National Park * Biscayne National Park * Dry Tortugas National Park ✓ Congaree National Park ✓ Great Smoky Mountains National Park Mammoth Cave National Park ✓ New River Gorge National Park ✓ Shenandoah National Park

Best National Parks Resources

• America the Beautiful Pass : The annual pass is a MUST purchase if you plan to visit approximately four or more national parks in one year and it will save you a ton of money! The annual past is just $80 (even cheaper for seniors) and will grant you unlimited access to all parks, even those that normally cost like $30 each!
• Ken Burns’ National Parks Documentary : If you haven’t seen it yet, this six-part documentary series is an incredible introduction to the history of America’s National Parks system and all the challenges and triumphs faced. MUST WATCH! It will give you a whole new appreciation.
• Moon USA National Parks Guide : This is the most complete resource you’ll find about virtually all the parks (doesn’t include the two newest ones) with itineraries, suggested things to see and do, road trip planning and so much more. 
• AAA Insurance : If you’re going to be doing a monster road trip like this, be sure to have AAA insurance which will protect you in the event of a roadside breakdown. I’d recommend the more complete package which includes up to a 200-mile tow (I had to use that distance once when I broke down outside of Bryce Canyon!). Hopefully, you don’t need it, but it is a lifesaver if you do.

Looking for more road trip inspiration? Don’t miss my post about the most scenic drives in the USA , the best road trip books , or all of these amazing places to visit on a West Coast road trip .

If you need more concrete stuff beyond inspiration, you may want to check out my 21 favorite apps for a road trip , or my favorite podcasts to listen to while on the road .

I hope this post has filled you up with National Park road trip ideas, I know it has for me! I’m itching to get back on the road as I write this.

Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to Road Trip Planning

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Comments 24

Love this! How many miles do you estimate this is as it stands, without modification? Were there parks that you just did the Griswalds and drove in, drove around and left? Just curious.

Thanks for all this work and sharing!

It is at least 17,000 miles or so as the trip stands. There were a few times where it was basically just a drive through and go type of situation, but I’ve also been able to visit some of these parks multiple times, so I almost always try to at least get in a day hike. Some that I just drove through that I recall at this moment were Saguaro NP and Petrified Forest. Hopefully I will get a chance to visit Arizona again soon and explore more.

Hey Ryan, My daughter and I are planning a trip like this, but could you tell me how many days your trip will take, roughly. What I have planned so far for our trip is about 60 days, but would like to do yours if it runs about the same amount of time. Thank you for putting it together and out there for us to follow/use. Chris

I can’t believe the route is so close to Pensacola FL and does not include a stop at the amazingly beautiful Gulf Islands National Seashore! You are truly missing out on a fantastic place – with camping at Ft Pickens – if you leave this off the list.

Hey Shawn, that’s only because the route is targeted toward designated national parks, but yes, there are countless amazing places that can and should be added to this route all across the country. There are tons of incredible Federal and state lands to check out.

For the families with a 4th grader they could get a free pass to all national parks. Check out https://everykidoutdoors.gov/pass.htm . We have 2 years, until our oldest is in 4th grade to plan and try to cram them all in!

I would add in a route that takes you to Mt. Hood in Oregon. Dense forests with a huge snow capped peak. Plenty of camping in the area. Summer at the Mt Hood Ski resort has many outdoor activities for all ages.

Definitely love Mt Hood and always try and head that way when I’m in the Columbia River Gorge.

Loved the road trip , and would like to plan one like it in the near future. Keep up the great work. You may e-mail me an update if you so desire. Thanks, Robert

Ahhhh this is so epic! I will have to do this at some point – I really hope I get the time! I’ve only ever done three weeks at a time before and that’s insanely fun, but something longer would be amazing to try. Thanks for the article!

Very nice article. I’m looking forward to doing this some day, when I’m finished with Hawaii. By the way, I don’t know when you wrote this, but there are more than two National Parks in Hawaii.

As far as I know, there are only two national parks (Haleakalā and Hawai’i Volcanoes), this article isn’t addressing national memorials, historic sites, historical parks, or historic trails… Doing so would definitely balloon the number of places (from 61 national parks to 419 different units administered by the NPS).

My husband and I went to Alaska a few years ago if you love nature Denali is the ultimate park to visit. We also took aside trip up to Barrow and was able to get the picture of a lifetime, Mt. Denali surrounded by clouds at 36,000 feet.

Have been to Mt. Rushmore, Assateague Island National Seashore, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is almost in my back yard so we visit it alot. Going to Everglades National Park next spring with my sister.I

Many more places to visit in the future. Happy travels!!!

Oh yeah, I couldn’t agree more! Been to Denali as well, but it was a bit beyond the scope of this article about a national park road trip in the Lower 48… You’d almost need a lifetime just to explore the parks up in Alaska.

Damn, you weren’t kidding when you called it an “epic” road trip! I love traveling and everything but I think a trip that long would be overly exhausting for me.

My husband and I have been to Dry Tortugas National Park. We took a day trip over from Key West a few years ago. It was incredible. The jellyfish were in earlier in the season than normal and they were beautiful. Some were the size of dinner platters and vibrant purple. There were so many different types of fish. I was unable to get in the water due to being allergic to jellyfish stings but I still enjoyed walking the perimeter of the fort and getting some fantastic pictures of all the sea life. I hope you make it there some day.

That sounds amazing! I’d definitely like to experience that at some point… Not sure about getting in the water and the prospect of jellyfish stings though, haha.

Make sure to stop at Meow Wolf in Santa Fe.

Looks like a pretty wild place!

I have one month from middle of Aug to middle of Sept. this summer Leaving northern Calif to New York what route do you suggest? Want to see as much as I can I will be in my Coach House Van

My family and I are thinking about taking a road trip from northeastern Illinois to Mount Rushmore. Is there anything we must see and do when planning this outing?

Stop at the nearby national parks, that’s my only rec. Enjoy!

I have been in the process of planning just this very road trip. I am so eager to see as many of the national parks as possible. Thank you, you have saved me hours of routing.

Toni, that’s awesome to hear! You’ll have to update us all on how it goes for you… Best of luck!

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8 U.S. National Park Road Trips to Take in Your Lifetime

Why the united states is the best country for road trips..

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A 25-45 mph speed limit and winding roads insist that the Blue Ridge Parkway is best taken slow.

Photo by Ashley Knedler/Unsplash

It wasn’t until I high-tailed it out of my home in North Carolina and lived out of my well-loved Honda CR-V for a few months in 2021 that I came to appreciate the sheer diversity and beauty of U.S. national parks . After spending the peak work-from-home era glued to my computer screen, seeing screensaver-worthy sights like the Grand Tetons in real life brought actual tears to my eyes.

I’m by no means a unique case: The awe-inspiring destinations of the national parks system drew more than 300 million visits last year, with so much anticipated demand that several parks are enforcing a reservation system to keep up with summer crowds. For those joining the ranks of travelers eager to visit one of the country’s 63 national parks, taking a scenic drive can showcase the deserts, mountains, beaches, and other U.S. landscapes at their most beautiful.

So put on a podcast , buckle up, and get ready for some adventures on these eight national park road trips.

1. The Blue Ridge Parkway

• National parks visited: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Shenandoah National Park
• Start: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee / North Carolina
• End: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
• Distance: 469 miles
• Recommended time: 5 days

This is one of best road trips for the fall, when some sourwood, oak, and other trees in the Southeast turn red, orange, and yellow. The drive starts in the approximately 800-square-mile Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the southern portion of Appalachia in Tennessee and North Carolina and winds north to Virginia. Along the way, stop for a hike up to Clingmans Dome to take in vistas from the park’s—and Tennessee’s—highest point, revealing hilly peaks formed by 300 million years of erosion and weathering. Shenandoah National Park bookends the northern portion of this road trip, offering plenty of overlooks along its 105-mile Skyline Drive . It also has its share of worthwhile hikes that will give legs a well-deserved stretch. The most famous one is Old Rag Mountain , a 3,284-foot peak that’s a six or seven workout for those up for the challenge.

The route that connects these two parks is the carefully constructed roadway known as the Blue Ridge Parkway . Named after the blue color of the atmosphere surrounding the Appalachian Mountains, the parkway snakes across 469 miles to connect Great Smoky Mountains with Shenandoah and connects travelers to more than 369 miles of hiking trails . The parkway is also accessible to some of Appalachia’s major towns and cities—including Asheville, North Carolina, and Roanoke, Virginia—providing insight into both the people and natural sights of the region.

Where to stay

• Book now: The Foundry

If you’re making a stop in downtown Asheville, check out the city’s revitalization movement at the Foundry Hotel . The 87-room property, a former steel factory, today offers guests a modern industrial stay, blending wood floors and furniture with exposed brick interiors.

In the words of AFAR writer Anna Fiorentino, Wyoming “offers an endless natural playground for paddling, fishing, hiking, spotting wild mustangs, studying ancient fossils, and soaking in hot springs.”

Photo by Jesse Collins/Unsplash

2. Wyoming’s Best Hits

• National parks visited: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park
• Start: Cheyenne, Wyoming
• End: Cody, Wyoming
• Distance: 800 miles
• Recommended time: 10 days

Road trippers headed to Wyoming: Don’t feel the need to make a beeline for Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks in the northwestern corner of the state. While those parks are famous for a reason, there are plenty more that merit a slow journey across the state.

A 10-day drive will unlock the variety on offer, from paddling, fishing, and hiking to spotting wild animals, ancient fossils, and Old Faithful. Start in the city of Cheyenne for some history about cowboys and railroads, then wind through Medicine Bow National Forest for rock climbing or a hike among the 70 million–year-old igneous rock formations of Vedauwoo. Stop to soak in the mineral hot springs of Saratoga, then settle into the town of Jackson as a base for hiking the waterfalls and lakes in Grand Teton before finishing up at Yellowstone ‘s geysers. Finally, take a hike in Shoshone National Forest before indulging in a slow-cooked supper at Cody, Wyoming’s Cody Cattle Company.

Itinerary: National Parks, Hot Springs, and the Great American Frontier: The Ultimate Wyoming Road Trip

• Book now: The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection

Wyoming’s Jackson is a popular stop for those visiting to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. It’s worth spending some time to explore the square dancing venues, art galleries and other places the the town has to offer , especially with its myriad accommodation options ranging from renovated motor lodges to wellness-focused stays. The 100-room Cloudveil, Autograph Collection offers the comfort of a boutique hotel (private fireplaces, custom wood furnishings, and plush sitting areas) with easy access to downtown and the surrounding mountains and parks.

3. Beyond California’s Coast

• National parks visited: Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park
• Start: Yosemite National Park
• End: Sequoia National Park
• Distance: 150 miles

California is home to endless road trip itineraries . This particular one opts for dense, deciduous forests and the eastern Sierras in the state’s interior. Starting in Yosemite National Park , travelers can ogle famed splendors like the vertical rock formation El Capitan and Horsetail Fall. (For a short time during the winter, the waterfall gives the illusion of being on fire.) Afterward, a drive along CA-41 and CA-180 brings road-trippers to Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks , which are home to some of the largest and oldest trees in the world . Bask under the 250- to 300-foot-high trees and maybe try forest bathing (no, it’s not showering among the trees) or hike the paved Congress Trail to get to General Sherman Tree —the largest tree on Earth by volume .

Given this relatively low-mileage itinerary, there’s room for flexibility on either side of the trip. Head upstate and a vast network of forests and national parks await (including Tahoe National Forest and Lassen Volcanic National Park ), while the south is home to the dry lands of Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park . And if you’re eager for some ocean, consider one of the Golden State’s other legendary drives, the California’s Pacific Highway .

Timing is everything in a road trip, and it’s especially important in a large state with differing climates. Snowfall in the Sierra Nevada region closes some roads in the wintertime (like Tioga and Glacier Point roads in Yosemite), while scorching temperatures in Death Valley (like, more than 120°F ) make the summer excursion a sweaty challenge. Come to Sequoia National Park in the fall, and witness evergreens contrasting with the reds and yellows of a fall foliage display .

• Book now: The Ahwahnee Hotel

The Ahwahnee Hotel , in Yosemite National Park, opened in 1927 and has a long history of hosting celebrity guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, John F. Kennedy, I Love Lucy actress Lucille Ball, and Brad Pitt. The property features 97 hotel rooms, parlors, and suites in addition to 24 cottages on its grounds, with Half Dome, Glacier Point, and other park sights in view.

Capitol Reef National Park is one of five national parks in Utah.

Photo by Lisha Riabinina/Unsplash

4. Utah’s Mighty Five

• National parks visited: Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park
• Start: Arches National Park
• End: Zion National Park
• Distance: 380 miles
• Recommended time: 7 days

Bryce Canyon , Zion , Arches , Canyonlands , and Capitol Reef form Utah’s “Mighty Five” network of national parks. Their linear placement across the state spans more than 380 miles, making for a relatively easy and immensely rewarding road trip through canyon country . Starting among the orange spires, vaults, and canyons of Arches National Park and passing through with the Colorado River–carved buttes of Canyonlands , this journey feels like a visit to Mars. The otherworldly scenery continues with the Navajo Sandstone domes of Capitol Reef and the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, where multi-colored rock layers (known as the “Grand Staircase”) stretch through to Zion .

Summer is often a popular time for visiting this area, but a winter road trip has surprising perks worth considering: Zion gets 70 percent of its visitors between April and September, but only 2–3 percent in each winter month of December, January, and February. The lack of crowds isn’t the only plus. Colder weather brings seasonal opportunities—like skiing in Bryce Canyon; its high elevation makes it one of the few places in Utah’s Mighty Five with consistent snow.

Book now : Lodge at Bryce Canyon

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon first opened in 1925, designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood (the architect who also designed the Old Faithful Lodge at Yellowstone and the Ahwahnee at Yosemite). One of the biggest draws for the 114-room property (which includes lodge suites, motel rooms, and cabins) is its location: It is the only accommodation inside the park. Amenities in the area include restaurants, a general store, and a laundry facility, and many natural excursions are accessible by foot—it’s only a five-minute walk to the 5.5-mile Rim Trail .

5. West Virginia’s Wonders

• National park visited: New River Gorge National Park
• Start: Blackwater Falls State Park
• End: New River Gorge National Park
• Distance: 200 miles
• Recommended time: 3 days

In 2020, the U.S. designated a national park in West Virginia: New River Gorge . Despite the name, the river is not new: It’s estimated to be between 10 million and 360 million years old , making it the oldest river in North America. While locals have long known about all the state has to offer, a three-day adventure is enough to prime visitors on other points of interest. Hikers can climb steps to a 57-foot cascade in Blackwater Falls State Park or tackle a trail up Seneca Rocks , a formation that rises 900 feet above the New River.

Can’t get enough excitement from the hairpin turns it takes to get to New River Gorge National Park ? Then don’t miss the opportunity to do some whitewater rafting on the New River, which offers class II–IV rapids depending on the stretch. It’s a great place to try out the activity as a beginner, but experienced rafters should keep their calendar open for when “Gauley Season” comes around (the six weeks or so following Labor Day).

Don’t sweat it if high-intensity waters aren’t in the plans. Hiking is always available as a tried-and-true way to get a lay of the land. If you have the time for one hike, AFAR’s own Jessie Beck recommends the 2.2-mile Endless Wall Trail: “It’s especially magical at sunrise, when fog and mist drift in and out the canyon.”

Itinerary: Travel to the Newest U.S. National Park and Other West Virginia Wonders on This Road Trip of a Lifetime

• Book now: Adventures on the Gorge

Travelers can get their excursions and nightly stay handled in one place with Adventures on the Gorge , which offers whitewater rafting , ziplining , and other trips, as well as accommodations. A stay at its Lansing location, about a mile away from New River Gorge National Park, immerses visitors in the rustic beauty of nature: Think wooden cabins with fine stargazing opportunities (some cabins have the elevated touch of a private porch and hot tub).

6. Florida Keys

• National parks visited: Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park
• Start: Everglades National Park
• End: Dry Tortugas National Park

While many Florida road trips start and end with its gorgeous beaches, drive to its southern border for some of the most memorable marine ecosystems and underrated national parks in the nation.

Florida’s Everglades are the starting point for the trip and introduce travelers to the “ river of grass ” Marjory Stoneman Douglas fought to conserve. (Her book The Everglades: River of Grass was published in 1947, the same year the Everglades became a national park.) From the Everglades it’s about a 35-mile drive south on FL-997 to get to Homestead Bayfront, where travelers can take a boat out to Biscayne National Park. The park is 95 percent water and its land spots are only accessible by boat, so the most convenient option is to explore via guided tour .

After coming back to the mainland, hop on Florida’s Highway 1 for another 135 miles—stopping for the occasional seafood dish, of course—before ending at Key West . The car stops here because Dry Tortugas National Park is 70 miles west and can only be reached via boat or plane . Spend the day in a national park that’s 99 percent water and explore the 30 species of coral found in its reefs , and hop on that 1 percent of land to explore the historical Fort Jefferson .

• Book now: Ocean Key Resort & Spa

While there are plenty of stays along the stretch of the Florida Keys, Key West is a practical base for those taking a day trip to Dry Tortugas. The 100-room Ocean Key Resort & Spa is one stay to consider for sunset views and Caribbean cuisine . With a calendar full of live music and nightly events, the resort provides a much-needed dance break after a day of travel.

Big Bend National park covers more than 800,000 acres, making it larger than Joshua Tree National Park and Yosemite National Park.

Photo by freddie marriage/Unsplash

7. New Mexico to Texas

• National parks visited: White Sands National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Big Bend National Park
• Start: White Sands National Park
• End: Big Bend National Park, Texas
• Distance: 450-500 miles

It’s difficult to encompass every national park in the Southwest on one road trip—this particular route focuses on New Mexico’s and Texas’s offerings. This journey starts in White Sands National Park, where visitors can take the eight-mile Dunes Drive into the world’s largest gypsum (a mineral found in drywall and toothpaste) dune field. New Mexico’s other national park on the itinerary, Carlsbad Caverns, contrasts the hot desert experience by plunging visitors into the depths of more than 119 limestone caves .

It’s only about 35 miles to Texas’s Guadalupe Mountains National Park from the caves, where hiking to Guadalupe Peak is enough to debunk the idea that all of Texas is flat. Fuel up, because it’s about 235 miles to get to the next park, Big Bend, located near the border of Mexico. But while the trip may be long, it’s worth the effort: Big Bend is a stargazer’s dream, as it’s the least light-polluted national park in the lower 48.

There’s a lot to cover in this trip—after loading up on barbecue and snacks from beloved Texan gas station chain Buc-ee’s , maybe consider another road trip in the Lone Star State.

• Book now: Big Bend National Park campgrounds

With such great stargazing opportunities, Big Bend National Park’s campgrounds are a must. The park offers three campgrounds and one RV park; reservations are required for camping.

Hurricane Ridge Road is a great drive for views of Olympic National Park.

Photo by Georg Eiermann/Unsplash

8. Olympic Peninsula Loop

• National park visited: Olympic National Park
• Start and end: Olympia, Washington
• Distance: 335 miles

Explore the Pacific Northwest in all its lush glory on this Olympic Peninsula road trip in Washington State, which mostly traces U.S.-101 before following U.S.-12 and 8 at the southern portion to loop back to the state capital of Olympia. Some of the notable stops on this route include Sequim, which draws visitors in the summer for its lavender fields, and Forks , a small town made famous by the Twilight series , that serves a good base for checking out the Pacific coastline.

Deeper in the peninsula is the nearly 1-million-acre Olympic National Park, which packs in views characteristic of Pacific Northwest mountains in addition to its own unique geographical features. Hikes abound here, like the 2.5-mile trail to the Olympic Hot Springs. (Be aware the NPS advises against soaking in the springs because they aren’t maintained and instead suggests driving 1.5 hours west to Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort for a dip.) But arguably the most popular destination in the park is the Hoh Rain Forest—one of four rain forests in the state —a mossy, temperate ecosystem home to Sitka spruce, black bears, river otters, and even the endangered northern spotted owl.

The best time to take this road trip is in the summer, when the daytime temperatures are between 65 and 80 degrees, and festivals like Bluegrass From the Forest , Lavender Festival , and Centrum Jazz Festival ensure there’s always something to see in the peninsula’s towns.

• Book now: Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic National Park

Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic National Park , 35 miles southwest of Forks, is an ideal overnight for exploring the Pacific Coast. The waters by the property are part of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary , a more than 3,000-square-mile area home to at least 300 species of fish and 29 species of marine mammals , including orca and humpback whales. From the wood-paneled lodge and cabins, guests can take in uninterrupted sights and sounds of the ocean waves that are especially magnificent come sunset.

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Western US National Park Road Trips

Road trips to the best national parks in the west.

Stuart Thornton

Amy Balfour

• In this guide
• Rocky Mountain road trip
• Utah's national parks
• Grand Canyon loop
• California road trips
• Skyline & Blue Ridge Parkway
• Western North Carolina
• West Virginia To Shenandoah NP
• Great Smoky Mountains
• NC's Outer Banks
• White Mountains & Falls
• Coastal Maine's Route-1
• Fall foliage
• Lakes Michigan & Superior
• South Dakota
• Chicago to the Ozarks
• Renting an RV
• West coast national parks road trip

Grand Canyon to Rocky Mountains road trip

Western national parks driving loop.

Combining the awe-inspiring national parks of the Western USA into a single road trip makes for a true Americana adventure.

From the Grand Canyon to the Rocky Mountains, here are a few spectacular long-distance routes.

Larger than life in Yosemite National Park

West coast national park road trip route

Take in the magnificence of the western United States mountains, while also walking among some of the world’s biggest trees and get sprayed by a few of North America’s largest waterfalls on this route. This inland tour of the best mountainous parks in Washington, Oregon, and California includes crowd favourites Olympic National Park, Crater Lake National Park and Yosemite National Park.

Approx. distance: 1,700 miles

Duration: 14 days

Suggested route: Seattle, Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Los Angeles.

Just three hours from the northwest city of Seattle – including a ferry ride – is Olympic National Park, which is home to glacier topped mountains, rainforests and a wild and rugged coastline.

Another three-hour drive takes visitors from Olympic National Park to the year-round splendour of Mount Rainier National Park. The route heads south of Puget Sound and its tributaries.

Getting from Mount Rainier National Park in Washington down to Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon is a more involved 6 ½-hour drive. Luckily, the route passes through both Portland and Eugene, where you can stop for a few hours or overnight.

From Crater Lake National Park to northern California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park is a four-hour drive. Detour to Lava Beds National Monument to explore one of the preserved area’s 800 caves.

During summer, take US 395 alongside the eastern portion of California from Lassen Volcanic National Park to Yosemite National Park. It takes 5 ½ hours and passes through Reno in the state of Nevada, which is a perfect place for a stop or an overnight stay.

Less than three hours from Yosemite are the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which is less busy than Yosemite but almost as beautiful. The adjacent parks are about four hours from both San Francisco and Los Angeles.

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What to see

Olympic National Park

With nearly a million acres, Olympic National Park offers a variety of experiences including hiking, soaking in hot springs (Sol Duc Hot Springs and Olympic Hot Springs), and sliding down a snowy peak at the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area. Port Angeles is the biggest city on the Olympic Peninsula and a great place to plan your trip into the park.

Mount Rainier National Park

While its namesake 14,410-foot-high (4,392m) peak dominates the scenery, Mount Rainier National Park also has worthwhile hiking in the Tatoosh Range and waterfalls in the Carbon River area. In springtime, the park has a profusion of blooming wildflowers and rushing waterfalls.

Try a day hike along the 5.5 mile-long Skyline Trail, which butts up against Mount Rainier. Check out the views at Panorama Point. Alternatively, take alpine lakes, mountain peaks and stunning views on the Snow Lake Trail, which is a much easier 2.5-mile round trip.

Mount Rainier National Park is well-known for its many waterfalls, but perhaps the easiest one to see is the 176ft high Narada Falls. It’s a short hike from the car park of the same name to the bottom of the waterfall.

Sierra Nevada mountain range

Crater Lake National Park

Oregon’s dazzling blue Crater Lake, a remnant of a volcano, is worth spending some time staring at. To see the water up close, take one of the park’s many boat tours. Another option is to do the 33-mile long (53km) Rim Drive for views down into the lake from different vantage points. Roads are generally open in the Crater Lake National Park between July and October. If you come in winter, the park’s North Entrance Road is excellent for snowmobiling, while some trails become passable for cross-country skiing.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

A hotbed of geothermal activity, Lassen Volcanic National Park has mud pots, boiling pools and fumaroles (an opening near a volcano which releases gas). There’s boating, kayaking, and fishing in the park, but hiking through a lava tube at Lassen is one of the park’s singular experiences. Try the wincingly-named Bumpass Hell Trail – so named for Kendall Bumpass who fell into scalding water here – for views of boiling mudpots, turquoise pools and Brokeoff Volcano. Alternatively, try the 4.2 mile Devil’s Kitchen Trail for steaming streams and alpine lakes.

Lassen is one of the best places in California to go star-gazing. Park rangers lead astronomy tours during the summer, and the annual Dark Sky Festival, held in August, offers nightly stargazing tours and talks by professional astronomers.

Bubbling sulphur pool, Lassen Volcanic National Park

Yosemite National Park

The most popular national park in California, Yosemite includes the world-renowned Yosemite Valley, which is beneath notable granite peaks including Half Dome and El Capitan – famous among rock climbers for their stunning views and difficult climbs. Head to the 7,214ft Glacier Point for views over Yosemite Valley, or head inside the granite Geology Hut for vistas of Half Dome. Come at sunrise or sunset, when the giant granite peaks turn a rosy pink. There’s more than just towering peaks in Yosemite. Mariposa Grove showcases giant sequoia trees, while Yosemite Falls is North America’s highest waterfall at 2,425 feet (739 metres). It is possible to hike up to the upper fall’s crest, but be aware that the water’s spray can be very cold.

Such is the diversity of activities in Yosemite National Park, that you can do anything from fishing and gold panning to spas and shopping.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

The adjacent parks of Sequoia and Kings Canyon are a fine place to take in the splendour of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the towering sequoia trees, and geologic formations like Moro Rock. Sequoia is where you can find legendary trees including the General Sherman Tree (allegedly the largest tree on earth) and the General Grant Tree.

Spring and summer bring wildflower blooms to both parks and bears are plentiful. This is a great stop for those looking for wilderness away from the busier Yosemite National Park.

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Horseshoe Bend, Colorado River in the Grand Canyon

Experience the dizzying peaks and deep canyons of the American southwest on this route. The drive includes the alpine scenery of the Rocky Mountain National Park and the mile-deep Grand Canyon, as well as stops to visit the tallest sand dunes in the United States (Great Sand Dunes National Park) and North America's oldest archaeological site (Mesa Verde National Park).

Approx. distance: 1,400 miles

Duration: 10 days

Suggested route: Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Grand Canyon, Phoenix.

Start your journey in Denver, Colorado, before driving an hour and a half to Estes Park, at the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. After a couple of days hiking and marvelling at the Rocky Mountains, it is a five-hour drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Consider detouring into the pleasant city of Colorado Springs and visiting Garden of the Gods, where you can walk around fanciful sandstone rock formations.

It’s a four-hour drive across southern Colorado to reach Mesa Verde National park from Great Sand Dunes National Park. Just 40 minutes from the park, Durango is a pleasant city at 1,981 metres with a historic downtown.

The drive to the Grand Canyon from Mesa Verde takes four hours with much of it passing through the Navajo Nation. Fans of western movies should detour off US Route 160 onto US Route 163 at Kayenta, Arizona to make the 45-minute drive to Monument Valley, a butte-studded desert featured in many western movies.

From the Grand Canyon, it’s an hour and a half to Flagstaff, a pleasant college town, and a four-hour drive to Phoenix, where there is a major airport.

Dream Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountains National Park

One of the highest national parks in the United States, the Rocky Mountain National Park includes the 14,258-foot-high Longs Peak (4,345 metres) and 300 miles of hiking trails. Much of the park can only be accessed during the summer months, with winter snows closing mountain roads. During peak season of mid-June to Labor Day, consider spending time in the less crowded western side of the park. In that area are opportunities to hike, picnic, and visit the Holzwarth Historic Site, a homestead from the early 1900s.

Be aware that altitude sickness can be an issue in the Rocky Mountains, even when driving. For example, Trail Ridge Road is more than 3,500m above sea level, so go slow, drink plenty of water and pay attention to the signs of altitude sickness, such as headaches and shortness of breath.

A couple of hiking trails to consider are an easy two-mile hike through Dream, Nymph and Emerald Lakes (extend to Lake Haiyaha for an alpine lake surrounded by boulders and ancient trees), or a waterfall hike to Alberta Falls near Glacier Gorge Junction. Before starting any hike, it's worth heading to the Park's visitor centre to get maps, find out about road and trail closures and to speak to rangers.

Be aware of wildlife while hiking on more remote trails. The Rocky Mountain National Park is home to elk, deer, mountain lions and bears, and you are likely to encounter wildlife on your trip. If you see a bear, stand still and stay calm, giving the bear the opportunity to leave. If it doesn't leave, make yourself look as big as possible and throw small rocks to try to scare it away. If the bear charges, the advice from the US National Park Service is to fight back.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

One of Colorado's lesser-visited parks, Great Sand Dunes National Park has 30 square miles of dunes including one that is 750 feet tall (228 metres). You can hike up the towering dunes (it is a five hour round trip to the summit), or even better, ride down them on a sleigh, even in the summer. Also, the park is a great place to take in the Milky Way stretching across the night sky, with the park open all day and night.

Mesa Verde National Park

The reason to visit Mesa Verde National Park is to see one of its ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Ranger-guided tours of the unique structures including Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, are offered in the park.

The park also has hiking trails including the 7.8-mile round-trip (12.5km) Prater Ridge Trail and the 2.4-mile round-trip (3.8km) Petroglyph Point Trail that goes to a petroglyph (rock carving) panel.

Grand Canyon National Park

Once in Grand Canyon National Park, there’s much more to do than stare into the amazing chasm. The Rim Trail offers different views from the top of the canyon on a mostly paved path. Though it’s 13 miles long (21km), hikers can utilize the park’s shuttle bus system in place of doing the whole hike. The Bright Angel Trail (12 miles round-trip, 19km) is one of the US national park system’s best-known trails. It heads to the bottom of the canyon, a marvellous experience for those with plenty of water and stamina. It is recommended that hikers do just a portion of the hike down Bright Angel and back up to the rim as there are many rescues each year for underprepared hikers who overestimate their abilities.

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California's Death Valley National Park

California has more national parks (nine) than any other state in the US The Golden State is diverse, and its national parks reflect that diversity with national parkland that preserves offshore islands, starkly beautiful deserts, and temperate rainforests with redwood trees. This route is designed to hit all nine national parks in a loop around the state.

Approx. distance: 2,000 miles

Duration: 18 days

Suggested route: San Francisco, Redwood National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Death Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, Channel Islands National Park, Pinnacles National Park, San Francisco.

Start in San Francisco and make the drive six hours north to Redwood National and State Parks. Make sure to detour off US 101 just north of Garberville for a drive along the Avenue of the Giants, a roadway amongst redwood forest along the Eel River. The North Coast towns of Arcata and Trinidad are worth a stop on your drive too. Arcata, 45 minutes south of Redwood National Park, is a great place to stock up on groceries, especially at Wildberries Marketplace.

The drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park from Redwood National Park heads east for four hours and passes through miles of national forest land. Stop in Redding, an hour out from Lassen, for supplies.

In the summer, it’s a 5 ½ -hour drive from Lassen Volcanic Park to Yosemite National Park. Stop in Reno, Nevada for some gambling or a night’s stay.

Three hours from Yosemite is Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The drive dips into California’s Central Valley and passes through the city of Fresno.

Driving from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to Death Valley National Park involves a 5 ½ -hour route around the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The route passes through Bakersfield, where country music fans should stop into Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

To reach California’s other desert park, Joshua Tree National Park, from Death Valley, it’s a four-hour drive through the Mojave Desert.

For a wildly different experience, drive four hours from Joshua Tree National Park to Ventura Harbor, where you can reserve a ride on a boat run by the concession Island Packers out to one of the Channel Island National Park’s five islands.

From Ventura Harbor, it’s a four-hour drive to Pinnacles National Park in the Salinas Valley. If possible, stop in the pleasant California coastal cities of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara for a meal or to view some worthwhile sites including the historic Santa Barbara Mission.

To close the loop, drive from Pinnacles National Park 2 ½ -hours to San Francisco.

Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks are home to the world’s tallest trees, which grow more than 350 feet tall. See them from the national park’s Lady Bird Johnson Trail or within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park on Cal-Barrel Road or the Cathedral Trees Trail. Head out of the redwoods for a hike in Prairie Creek State Park’s Fern Canyon for a different kind of hike: a walk through a gorge with fern-draped walls that was the backdrop for scenes in Jurassic Park 2 .

Once you’ve worked up a thirst, head to Lost Coast Brewery for drinks and dinner.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a wonderland of volcanic activity including bubbling pots and lava tubes. Hikers should attempt to hike up 10,457-foot high (3,187 meters) Lassen Peak. A different way to experience the park is to kayak or stand-up paddleboard around Manzanita Lake.

It’s well worth seeing the world-famous Yosemite Valley. Some of the valley’s best hikes include the 2.4 miles (3.9 km) hike up Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Fall or the mile hike up to Columbia Rock for superb valley views. Head to the park’s Hetch Hetchy region or Tuolumne Meadows off Tioga Road for more solitude.

For a self-guided tour, hire bicycles at Curry Village and take a two-mile ride to Mirror Lake, or hire them at Yosemite Valley Lodge for a more strenuous 5-mile ride to Half Dome Village.

As ever, the climbing hotspots of El Capitan and Half Dome offer stunning walls of granite, which are best viewed at sunset or sunrise.

Giant Redwood tree in Redwood State Park

Sequoia National Park has forests of giant sequoia trees including the world’s largest, the General Sherman Tree. In addition to hiking through giant sequoia trees, visitors can go horseback riding or rock climbing in the park.

Death Valley National Park

In Death Valley, you will be in the largest national park in the continental United States. Take a scenic drive along Badwater Road to Badwater Basin, located 282 feet below sea level, or take a tour of the Star Wars filming locations within the park.

For hiking, take on the moderate two-mile Golden Canyon trail, or for something longer, head to Dante’s View for lookouts across the Valley to Telescope Peak and Badwater Basin below.

Death Valley’s arid climate and range of elevations mean it is home to lots of different animals, including roadrunners, lizards, coyotes and even bobcats. Visitors in spring to Salt Creek can see the pupfish – the only landlocked fish in the United States.

Joshua Tree National Park

Named for a unique looking desert plant, Joshua Tree National Park offers hiking, birding, and horseback riding along with climbing, bouldering, highlining, and slacklining on its many rock formations. Take the short Indian Cove walking trail for the best views of the eponymous Joshua tree, or head to Keys View – the highest point in the park – for views across the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs and peaks as far as Mexico. Come at sunset for orange and red hues that spread out across the desert.

Be sure to visit the nearby Pioneertown, a hip community built around a 1940s movie set, or cut short your California National Park loop by heading to Los Angeles, a two and half hour drive west.

Sunset at Joshua Tree National Park

Channel Islands National Park

Whether you visit the tiny Channel Islands National Park’s Anacapa Island or Santa Cruz Island, you’ll experience a California coastal landscape devoid of development. Recreational opportunities abound from hiking to sea kayaking to snorkelling and scuba diving.

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park was formed from the eroded sections of an old volcano. Its unique scenery includes rock spires and talus caves. One recommended hike from the park’s western entrance is the 4.3-mile Juniper Canyon Loop, which includes a section of trail with stairs cut into a ridge of rock. Look out for the endangered California condor flying overhead. The condor is the largest land bird in North America.

Best times for Western US road trips

Climate, seasons, and how to avoid the crowds.

The seasons greatly affect travel in the national parks of the western United States. During the summer months between May and September, temperatures in desert parks like Death Valley can soar to 110 degrees and higher. These months are also the busiest times for visitors to national parks like Yosemite National Park and Crater Lake National Park.

Meanwhile, winter snowfall in mountainous parks (Yosemite National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park) results in facility closures and limited access, particularly between November and March. Destinations including Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows and Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road are closed during this time of year.

January and February are ideal times to visit Death Valley National Park. Daytime temperatures in the park hover around 60 degrees (15.5 Celsius), while nighttime brings cool but not freezing temperatures around 40 degrees (4.5 Celsius). February is when the desert’s many wildflowers begin to bloom, painting the park with colour.

Nearby Joshua Tree National Park is prime for visiting in March due to that month’s mild temperatures and wildflower displays. It’s also the best time to go hiking or rock climbing on the park’s granite rock formations.

With snow on the peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains melting, April and May is when Yosemite’s famed waterfalls roar to life. Though the park’s higher elevation areas will still be closed, visitors are treated to Yosemite Falls and Vernal Falls at their grandest along with blooming wildflowers and smaller crowds.

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the country and ranges from 7,680 feet (2,396 metres) to 14,259 feet (4,346 metres) in elevation. The park’s popular Trail Ridge Road, which gives visitors access to alpine tundra, is only open from June to September. Likewise, the summer months of July and August are the best times to visit Olympic National Park due to less rainfall in the region and the park offering more activities to the public.

September and October are prime visiting times for Grand Canyon National Park, when there’s both cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. The autumn months also offer a window to visit rugged Channel Islands National Park off the coast of California. Before the winter rains come, the islands are warm and dry.

November and December bring cooler temperatures out west and snow at high elevations. For the unique experience of ice skating in a national park, head to Yosemite to glide around on the Curry Village Ice Skating Rink. Or, wait until mid-December to enjoy skiing or tubing at Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area.

Festivals and events

In the summer months, western US national parks have a full schedule of guided hikes, talks, campfire presentations and more. The offseason find the parks hosting more specialised annual festivals and events meant to draw people into the parks during less busy times.

Spanning six sessions in January, Chef’s Holidays brings world-renowned chefs to Yosemite National Park’s Majestic Yosemite Hotel for cooking demos and multi-course meals. In February, Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park puts on a Winterfest, where visitors can explore the park in moonlight while being warmed up by hot chocolate and hot cider.

At the height of summer, Grand Canyon National Park throws the Grand Canyon Star Party in June, one of the best times of the year to see the night sky in all of its glory. Throughout the park, volunteer astronomers set up telescopes to bring stars, planets, and more into focus for visitors.

Celebrate the old, wild west at the Death Valley 49ers Encampment and Western Music Festival at Death Valley National Park in early November. Expect music, scenic horseback rides, blacksmithing, and gold panning at Furnace Creek inside the park.

Step back in time for the holiday season at Yosemite National Park’s Bracebridge Dinner, which has been going on since 1928. The December festivities in The Majestic Yosemite Hotel are meant to evoke Christmas Day in England in 1718 with song and a seven-course feast.

The Best East Coast USA Road Trips

About the authors.

Stuart is a California-based travel writer and guidebook author. His books include Moon California Road Trip , Moon Coastal California and the forthcoming Moon Northern California Road Trips . For more about Stuart and his books, visit his website.

Amy has authored or co-authored 26 books on the USA for Lonely Planet. Her articles and essays have appeared in Backpacker, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Houston Chronicle, Redbook, Southern Living, Women’s Health, Vegetarian Times, the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post.

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The Ultimate Western National Parks Road Trip

Western national parks like Yellowstone, Zion, and Joshua Tree are among our most iconic, but it’s the journeys road-tripping in between them that provide the greatest opportunities for adventure. From Montana to Southern California, here’s how to make the most of this itinerary and avoid the crowds.

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From Yellowstone in Montana to Joshua Tree in Southern California, this road trip tags seven national parks, covers 1,270 miles, and offers epic adventures all along the way. We’ve come up with a fun-packed plan that includes hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and stargazing detours—but not in the places you might think. Because our national parks get so crowded come summer, this itinerary celebrates all the spectacular terrain in between the parks, the places to see as you’re road-tripping from one to another.

Do the whole drive, or pick off one portion of it and save the rest for another time.

Route: Big Sky, Montana, to Jackson, Wyoming

Park: yellowstone.

Yellowstone is best known for its valley-level sights—roaming wildlife and hydrothermal features—but the park’s mountains, which rise to 11,000 feet, are just as astounding. Many of the tallest lack established trails to the top, but 10,574-foot Avalanche Peak, on the quieter eastern border, is an exception. A 2.1-mile trail affords views of the Absaroka Range, Yellowstone Lake, and even the Grand Teton. You will likely have those views to yourself, but you’ll have to work for them, as the route ascends more than 2,000 feet. Need to know: You can climb Avalanche Peak without a permit.

Adventure: Teton Pass

Highway 22 connects the towns of Jackson and Victor, Idaho, and tops out at Teton Pass, where crews built a world-class mountain-bike trail system that traverses the roadway into Bridger-Teton National Forest. It’s a 12-mile pedal from either town, or you can hire a shuttle, then connect Fuzzy Bunny, Powerline, and Parallel for a downhill route that promises tight, rocky singletrack, epic scenery, and too many jumps to count.

Stay: Montage Big Sky

The Spanish Peaks provide the backdrop for this new alpine lodge, which opened in December with 139 rooms and suites, a worthy addition to Big Sky Resort’s 5,850-acre property. In winter that means ski-in, ski-out access; in summer you get lift-assisted hiking and mountain biking. Bonus:  The resort is within striking distance of five blue-ribbon trout streams. From $1,399

Eat and Drink: The Riverhouse

The food at this homey joint in Gallatin, Montana, is exactly what you need after a big day in the mountains: authentic Texas barbecue, with a menu full of brisket, smoked sausage, and mac and cheese (which you can load with fried chicken, bacon, and broccoli, if you’re into that).

Detour: St. Anthony Sand Dunes

Dip into eastern Idaho to check out this otherworldly landscape: 10,600 acres of fine white quartz ridges, some of which are 400 feet high. Rent a dirt bike or an off-road vehicle in the town of St. Anthony to explore the site, most of it accessible from April to January.

Route: Jackson, Wyoming, to Moab, Utah

Park: grand teton.

This park is all about the skyline—dominated by 13,000-foot peaks—but there are also a hundred stunning bodies of water within its boundaries, ten of which are open for boating. Bring a fly rod and an inflatable paddleboard and hike 2.5 miles to Taggart and Bradley Lakes, a pair of small, glacier-fed ponds that offer some of the most incredible views of the Tetons. Need to know: A $17 permit lets you take a boat onto any of the park’s waters, and with a Wyoming fishing license you can keep up to six lake trout per day.

Adventure: Evo’s Campus in Salt Lake

Outfitter, hotel, climbing gym, bike shop, art gallery—the gear retailer’s new Salt Lake City complex is all these things, which makes it the perfect base for exploring the nearby outdoor scene. Stock up on road-trip supplies, get your bike tuned, send lines in the 26,000-square-foot climbing area, and wind down in one of 50 artsy rooms (from $175).

Stay: The Virginian Lodge

The motor lodge is back in all the best ways, and they’re on full display at this renovated sixties-era hotel. Most rooms surround a heated pool, but there are also eight-person bunk rooms and an RV resort. The property revived Billy’s Burgers, an old-school Jackson staple, and boasts its own saloon—so you can stumble in after a packed day and never leave. From $139

Eat and Drink: The Bistro

At this yummy spot in Jackson, located within the new Cloudveil Hotel facing the town square, you’ll find elevated French fare without the pretension. There’s a great raw bar, but save room for hearty entrées like the bison tenderloin with huckleberry sauce.

Detour: The Plunge

Moab has long been the epicenter of desert mountain biking, but the newly built Palisades Plunge is drawing riders some 120 miles east to shred 32 miles’ worth of epic technical singletrack. The route, reached by shuttle, begins at the edge of 10,700-foot Grand Mesa and unravels in an undulating ribbon interspersed with plenty of slickrock, hairpin switchbacks, and the occasional stretch of nerve-racking exposure, and ends in downtown Palisade, where breweries and dispensaries abound.

Route: Moab, Utah, to Bryce, Utah

Park: canyonlands.

Want to get deeper into this backcountry paradise and ditch the crowds? You’ll need a boat. The 52-mile Stillwater Canyon section of the Green River is mellow, breathtaking, and canoe-friendly. Plan for at least four days, during which you’ll be flanked by red sandstone cliffs and camp on sandy beaches or slickrock ledges, depending on the water level. Organize a jet-boat shuttle with Tex’s Waterways to bring you from the take-out at Spanish Bottom back to Moab (from $60). Need to know: Book a flatwater overnight permit ($36), sold on a first-come, first-served basis, at least two days in advance.

Park: Arches

This park has gotten so packed in recent years that it adopted timed entry to spread visitors out. You can help by heading to the northern section, home to the Tower Arch. To get to the 92-foot-long formation, drive the gravel Salt Valley Road, then hike the Tower Arch Trail (2.5 miles out and back). Along the way, admire views of the Klondike Cliffs, a collection of towers known as the Marching Men, and the smaller Parallel Arch, all seldom-seen treasures. Need to know: Reserve a time slot at least three months before your trip.

Adventure: Capitol Reef National Park

It would be silly to drive past Capitol Reef and not drop in. The park protects the bizarre Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth’s crust. Unless you’re toting technical climbing gear, focus on slot-canyon hikes like Sheets Gulch. This remote, nine-mile out-and-back trek winds through narrow Navajo sandstone walls before opening up at a wide wash surrounded by Douglas fir.

Stay: The Moab Resort

It’s hard to beat the location of this new property, which is only a few miles south of Arches National Park. But the digs are just as scenic: adobe buildings that blend in perfectly with the surrounding red-rock canyon. You have your choice of a standard hotel room or a three-bedroom condominium with a kitchen. From $368

Eat and Drink: 98 Center

The happy side effect of Moab becoming an adventure epicenter? The food just keeps getting better. Case in point: this hot spot of Vietnamese fusion serves inventive dishes like kimchi deviled eggs and banh mi nachos.

Detour: The Rocky Mountaineer

This luxury train company, which got its start running multiday routes in the Canadian Rockies, recently debuted its first U.S. itinerary: the Rockies to Red Rocks. The two-day journey, which connects Moab with Denver, has you overnighting in Glenwood Springs. You’ll take in dramatic panoramas of canyons that carve up the Continental Divide (some of which can only be seen from a train car or a boat) and enjoy three-course meals and sweeping views from glass-domed coach cars. From $1,375 for two people

Route: Bryce, Utah, to Joshua Tree, California

Park: bryce canyon.

Bryce is known for its high-desert landscape, with towering hoodoos that rise like exclamation points from the amphitheater-like canyon. The park is blessed with a relative abundance of water and a rain-catchment system, which yields an interior full of fir, spruce, and aspen forests. Backpack the 23-mile (one-way) Under the Rim Trail through surprisingly lush meadows, which burst into blue from columbine flowers in late summer. Need to know: Secure a $10 backcountry permit at the visitor center, camp in one of seven designated sites, and arrange a shuttle. There are springs along the trail, but check with the ranger station about water availability before you set out.

Stay: Under Canvas

Perched on 750 acres of high plains, the newest property from this glamping operator is just 15 minutes from the park and located at 7,600 feet of elevation (which means summer temperatures in the seventies and eighties). Each tent has a bathroom, a king-size bed, a wood-burning stove, and views of John’s Valley. From $329

Detour: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

This underappreciated preserve on the Arizona-Utah border features Zion-quality slot canyons without the throngs. The site’s signature adventure—backpacking Paria Canyon—guarantees solitude: only 20 permits are granted each day. The 38-mile, nontechnical hike follows a riverbed deep into the canyon, delivering you to narrows where rock walls rise 200 feet. You’ll need a four-wheel-drive rig with high clearance to really explore.

This sandstone stunner is a road cyclist’s dream, starting with the main thoroughfare, Zion Scenic Drive, which is closed to all vehicles except shuttle buses. The real gem is Kolob Terrace Road, a remote two-lane blacktop that traverses the park’s western edge for 25 miles, gaining 5,000 feet of elevation. If you have a gravel bike, you can add on Smith Mesa Road, a hardpack dirt track that forms a 25-mile loop around Smith Mesa. Need to know: Reserve a spot on the park’s free shuttle to explore Zion Scenic Drive.

Adventure: Lake Mohave

You’ve been in the desert for a stretch, and you’re heading into more of it, so a dip in a lake is mandatory. While Lake Mead is the busy backyard pool of Las Vegas, the lesser-known Lake Mohave, farther down the Colorado River, is ideally suited to paddlers. Launch at Willow Beach and head upriver along the Black Canyon National Water Trail to look for quiet coves that reveal hot springs, waterfalls, and caves. If you can, plan your trip for a Sunday or Monday, when motorboats aren’t allowed in certain stretches.

Stay: Zion Spirit

This wilderness retreat, recently opened on 1,100 acres in the Clear Creek Mountains, is just a mile from Zion’s eastern border. It’s outfitted with 40 suites and small cabins, all of which focus on sustainability—think solar-paneled roofs shaped like leaves—and each cabin has a wellness studio and wraparound terrace. Other amenities include a restaurant, a pool, and an aquaponics greenhouse. From $3,000

Eat and Drink: River Rock Roasting Company

This café in the tiny town of La Verkin might have the best coffee and most enviable views in southern Utah. Seek out a spot on the patio—it overlooks a basalt canyon carved by the Virgin River—and enjoy a morning breakfast burrito, then come back at night for a pint and a kale and sausage pizza.

Park: Joshua Tree

There are plenty of remote stretches you can reach by foot in this nearly 800,000-acre park, but triple-digit temperatures in the summer make any big adventure foolish at best, deadly at worst. The solution? Go underground and check out a handful of small caves and rock shelters that few visitors know about. Most dramatic is a quarter-mile passageway called Chasm of Doom. Technical climbing gear isn’t required, but you’ll be scrambling into cathedral-like rooms and squeezing through narrow corridors, so come mentally prepared. Need to know: Even if you’re hanging out in a cave, heat is no joke. Bring lots of water and, for the dark, a headlamp.

Stay: The Bungalows

Embrace the desert landscape at these new digs on the 152-acre campus of the Joshua Tree Retreat Center , designed by the late architect Lloyd Wright (who was almost as accomplished as his dad, Frank). The 14 rooms are decked out in mid-century modern furnishings, and the grounds feature hiking trails, a pool, and enough wellness activities to satisfy your inner yogi. It’s all just three miles from Joshua Tree’s entrance and village. From $250

Eat and Drink: Sam’s Indian Food and Pizza

The gateway town of Joshua Tree buzzes with an eclectic dining and cocktail scene, thanks to its proximity to Los Angeles. A Sam’s, you can get authentic chicken tikka masala and a curry pizza. After dinner, head to the Restaurant at 29 Palms Inn, where you can drink prickly pear margaritas by the pool.

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West Coast National Parks Road Trip – Your Itinerary (2023)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article. 

 West Coast National Parks road trip is the ultimate adventure that so many travelers dream about.

From steaming geysers to towering mountains, incredible sequoia trees to red buttes, mesas, and glaciers, National Parks along the West Coast are full of diverse scenery that will leave you in awe. 

The U.S. National Parks System has 63 parks and 41 of them are in the west.

Given the fact that they are spread out across 11 western states, it’s hard to choose a few and let alone one national park. This article provides a complete overview of best national parks to help you map out the best stops along your road trip.

BEST WEST COAST NATIONAL PARKS: OVERVIEW

For example, if you decide to stay in Moab , a gateway to the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, you can spend up to a weak hiking, rafting along the Colorado River and exploring some of the most stunning backcountry in the United States.

✅ Arrive in Moab via Salt Lake City International Airport where you can rent a car and quickly get on the road.

Utah National Parks

Utah is home to five national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Zion and Bryce Canyon that attract millions of visitors and are often referred to as “ The Mighty Five .”

Utah’s red rock country boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes with incredible red mesas, towering buttes, arches and spires that have been carved out by wind and erosion over millions of years.

Utah national parks take time and effort to explore. If you have limited time, consider joining one of guided tours of Utah national parks to get the most out of your trip.

Best guided tours of Utah national parks

PRO TIP: To plan your adventure around Utah National Parks, check my complete to the “Mighty Five.”

Arches National Park

Where to stay:  Expedition Lodge

Famous for more than 2,000 sandstone arches, Arches National Park is a must stop on your itinerary. 

The image of the gorgeous Delicate Arch, the crown jewel of this national park, can be found on many things from Utah’s license plates and road signs to tourism brochures. It’s hardly a surprise to see this park packed with tourists from all over the world, especially during summer. 

GOOD TO KNOW: Check my complete guide to best hikes in Arches National Park

You can also hike the Devil’s Garden Trail, a full-day adventure that will take you through the stunning Fin Canyon. If you want to do easier hikes, you can opt for the Park Avenue lookout or Skylight Arch. 

PRO TIP: If you visit Arches in summer, bring a hat and sunscreen and carry plenty of water because temperatures often reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Plan your hikes for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and excessive heat.

Top things to do:  Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, Devil’s Garden, Double Arch, Park Avenue Viewpoint, Landscape Arch, Sand Dunes Arch 

Canyonlands National Park

Where to stay: Inca Inn Motel

A close neighbor of the Arches, Canyonlands National Park boasts a spectacular landscape dotted with flat mesas, steep canyons and sharp cliffs – similar to Grand Canyon in Arizona, but not as crowded.

Nestled by the Colorado River, Canyonlands offers access to some of the best rafting in the Southwest. The most famous feature of this national park is Mesa Arch that attracts many photographers during sunrise and sunset when the sun is peering out from the red buttes in the distance creating a gorgeous sight. 

Canyonlands is a huge park that is divided in several areas: the Maze, the Rivers, the Needles and the Island in the Sky – the most popular area of the park due to its easy access.

Top things to do:  Grand View Point, Mesa Arch, Buck Canyon Overlook, Aztec Butte.

Monument Valley

Where to stay: Goulding Lodge 

After spending a few days in Moab, many travelers head south to Monument Valley, an amazing red-sand area along the Utah-Arizona that is known for its towering buttes.

 Monument Valley is one of the symbols of the American Southwest. However, Monument Valley is NOT a national park, and it is not covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. If you want to drive along Monument Valley’s scenic loop and do some hiking, you will have to pay a $20 cash fee. 

Capitol Reef National Park

Where to stay: Capitol Reef Resort 

The least visited of all Utah national parks, Capital Reef is a true treasure that stretches for over 60 miles along the red-rock backcountry. 

Located away from the major travel route, Capitol Reef is Utah’s hidden gem. It requires more time and effort to reach, but when you get here, you will be treated to truly remarkable landscapes!

Best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park

This national park is dominated by arches, and gigantic sandstone walls above the Fremont River. One of the highlights of the park is Capitol Reef Scenic Drive where you can find many overlooks and trailheads.

PRO TIP: To learn about the best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park, check my complete guide to best hiking trails and overlooks in Capitol Reef that will help you to plan your trip.

Spend at least two days in Capitol Reef to explore some of its highlights like Cathedral Valley, a variety of spectacular hikes where you very well might be the only hiker!

Top things to do:  Sunset Point, Rim Overlook Trail, Capitol Gorge Trail, Grand Wash Trail and Cassidy Arch. 

Bryce Canyon National Park

Where to stay: Bryce Canyon Resort

 If you have a limited amount of time and not sure what national parks in Utah you should visit, head to Bryce Canyon National Park. You can reach Bryce Canyon from Capitol Reef National Park, via Utah Scenic Byway 12, a 122-mile road that is considered one of the most spectacular roads in the United States.

Famous for its collection of bright orange spires called hoodoos, Bryce Canyon is a sight to behold.

Bryce Canyon is more compact and remote than Zion, and while it doesn’t see as many visitors as Zion, summers here can get busy. The best thing about Bryce is that you can check out most of its overlooks and major hiking trails in just a day, making it a perfect stop along your road trip. 

Use my guide to plan your adventure in Bryce Canyon.

Top things to do:  Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Scenic Drive, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point.

Zion National Park

Where to stay: Cable Mountain Lodge  

One of the most visited national parks in the United States, Zion is a small but breathtaking national park in the heart of Utah’s desert roughly 3 hours away from Las Vegas.

Although this park tends to get busy during summer, mid-to-late fall sees less traffic and winter is the most quiet time as temperatures drop and the park gets dusted with snow.

Best tours of Zion National Park from Las Vegas

The most popular hike in Zion is the Angel’s Landing, a challenging trail that leads to a panoramic overlook of the park, but requires a permit If want to explore easier trails in Zion, check out Emerald Pool Trail, Weeping Rock and Riverside Walk. 

Thrill seekers should head to the Narrows , one of the most famous hikes in Zion that requires trekking through the river. Another option is the Subway , a remote portion of the National Park where you will need canyoneering skills. Both of these places require a permit that you need to obtain ahead of your visit.

Top things to do : Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Angel’s Landing, Riverside Walk.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Where to stay: Peak to Peak Lodge

Located in the heart of Colorado’s Rockies, Rocky Mountain National Park (or RMNP shortly) has become one of the busiest national parks in the United States. RMNP makes a great addition to your road trip, if you have extra time.

Rocky Mountain National Park is under 2 hours away from Denver , and it offers a perfect escape from the city with its gorgeous trails, snow-capped mountains and wildlife like elks, marmots and bighorn sheep.

Best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Parks

Hiking is the main activity at Rocky Mountain National Park, so get ready to hit the trail! From easy hikes like Bear Lake to more advanced Mount Ida, Chasm Lake and Longs Peak, the only “fourteener” within RMNP, there’s a trail for every level. 

PRO TIP: Check my complete guide to Rocky Mountain National Park to learn about best hikes, overlooks and campsites.

One of the top highlights of Rocky Mountain National Park is Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous highway by elevation in United States that reaches 12,183 feet. 

The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is from June through September when most trails and roads are open to traffic. If you visit in winter, you will see significantly fewer people, however, many trails and some of the roads also will be closed during this time.

Top things to do:  Emerald Lake Trail, Bear Lake, Trail Ridge Road, Alberta Falls, Chasm Lake, Sky Pond 

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Where to stay: The Sunset Inn

Great Sand Dunes is Colorado’s newest national park that was designated in 2003. Located at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, Great Sand Dunes National Park spans for 30 miles.

It is also home to the tallest sand in North America that reaches 750 feet! 

This national park is a perfect stop along your Colorado road trip, as it is about 4 hours away from Denver.

Best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Some of the most popular activities here are hiking alone the sand dunes and sand boarding. You can rent a sand board in Alamosa, the closest town to the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Great Sand Dunes is located in southern Colorado against the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, and temperatures here can vary. October often sees the first snow, and April can have chilly temperatures. If you want to spend time outside, plan your visit for September when crowds begin to dwindle. 

Top things to do: Hiking, sand boarding, camping, swimming in Medano Creek.

Yellowstone National Park

Where to stay: Yellowstone West Gate Hotel

The oldest national park within U.S. National Parks System, Yellowstone spans whopping 2.2 million acres – more than U.S. states of Delaware and Rhode Island combined! Home to half of the world’s active geysers, Yellowstone is easily one of the most famous national parks in the United States. 

Yellowstone is located in the western state of Wyoming, so it’s not along the West Coast. I decided to include Yellowstone in my guide because of its impressive geothermal features like hot springs, geysers and mud bubbles. 

PRO TIP: Since Yellowstone is huge, consider joining a guided tour to see the park’s highlights and learn some history of this impressive national park without having to drive all day long.

Best guided tours of Yellowstone

Yellowstone is huge and exploring it takes time, that’s why you should spend at least 3 days here. Make sure your Yellowstone itinerary includes Old Faithful, West Thumb, Norris Geyser Basin, and Lamar Valley where you can watch wildlife and of course, Grand Prismatic Spring. 

Check my suggested Yellowstone itineraries for your trip. 

Top things to do: Grand Prismatic Spring, West Thumb, Old Faithful, Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, Biscuit Basin, Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Grand Teton National Park

Where to stay: The Alpine House 

Yellowstone’s neighbor to the south, Grand Teton National Park is best known for its iconic mountain peaks. This compact but mighty national park is perfect for nature lovers because it has plenty of hikes from easy to more technical ones that require good navigation skills. 

Best things to do in Grand Teton National Park

You can explore the highlights of Grand Teton in a day, although I recommend at least two days in Grand Teton. If you are short on time, take a ride along the park’s 42-mile scenic loop that offers a number of overlooks including Oxbow Bend Turnout , Snake River Overlook and Schwabacher Landing .

And if you want to visit the famous Mormon Row and take photos of the barn, make sure to begin your trip early morning, because that’s when you will have the best light for your photos. 

PRO TIP: It takes about 30-40 minutes from Grand Teton to the south entrance of Yellowstone, and many visitors combine these national parks into one trip.

Top things to do: Jenny Lake, Inspiration Point, Hidden Falls, Taggart Lake, Elk Island.

Glacier National Park

Where to stay: Glacier Park Lodge 

Glacier is a remote national park in northwestern Montana not far from the border with Canada. 

Glacier is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country , and once you get here, you will understand why: its stunning alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls and gorgeous meadows create a superb scenery.

Best things to do in Glacier National Park

Besides driving along the famous “Going-to-the-Sun” road from where you can see many highlights of the park, you should also take time and hike at least a couple of trails. One of the most famous hikes within the park is the Highline Trail that brings you to the cool glacier.

Glacier National Park is also home to an incredible array of biodiversity. Here you can spot marmots, big horn sheep, elk and bears.

Top things to do:  Logan Pass, Hidden Lake, Highline Trail, Many Glacier, Grinner Glacier, Iceberg Lake

Grand Canyon National Park

Where to stay: Comfort Inn Lucky Lane  

 Grand Canyon’s National Park is a major bucket item for travelers from all over the world, so your trip through Arizona isn’t complete without stopping here.

Spend at least 3 days in Grand Canyon, so you could see more than just a bunch of overlooks. Grand Canyon is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, and it offers amazing opportunities for hiking, rafting and camping year-round. 

PRO TIP: If time is short, take a helicopter tour of Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. The tour lasts about 4 hours and includes several stops along the North and West Rim of Grand Canyon.

Best tours of Grand Canyon from Las Vegas

Top things to do: Havasupai Falls, Yavapai Point and Maricopa Point.

Make a quick stop in Las Vegas

Las Vegas might be known as a party city, but it’s also a great starting point for the road trips to many national parks . After touring national parks in Utah and Arizona, make a stop in Las Vegas to take a quick break from the road and have some fun. 

Whether you want to party or not, try to explore Las Vegas beyond the Strip. 

✅ Learn about the best national parks near Las Vegas

Great Basin National Park

Where to stay: Stargazer Inn Nevada

Nevada’s best kept-secret, Great Basin is one of the least visited national parks in the United States. Situated in the eastern part of the state near Utah’s border, Great Basin National Parks takes time and effort to get to, and its remote location keeps crowds at bay.

Unlike some of the most popular national parks that attract millions of visitors per year, Great Basin has had under 100,000 visitors as of recently. 

GOOD TO KNOW: If you want to spend a couple of days in Las Vegas, learn about best places near Las Vegas that you can visit by car.

Best things to do in Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park boasts several peaks that are great for hiking. The highest mountain in the park, Wheeler Peak is 13,063 feet tall. Great Basin is also home to a cool system of caves with stunning formations that is worth a stop.

And, if you like stargazing, you might want to know that this national park is home to some of the most clear dark skies in the United States. Designated as the Dark Sky Park , it has a signature Great Basin’s Night Sky Program that offers ranger-led astronomy talks, full-moon hikes and telescope view events.

Top things to do: Wheeler Peak Hike, Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, Bristlecone Pines, the oldest trees in the world.

Best national parks in California

After spending a few days in Las Vegas, it’s time to head to California that boasts nine national parks, the most of any state in America!

While you can spend weeks or even months trying to visit all of California’s national parks, I’m going to highlight the most scenic ones that you can easily fit into your itinerary. 

Death Valley National Park

Where to stay: Amargosa Opera House and Hotel

Death Valley , is the largest national parks in the lower 48 states that covers over 3 million acres. It is also the hottest, the driest and the lowest place in North America.

What makes Death Valley worth a visit?

It has some of the highest temperatures in North America that reach up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit! It’s also full of incredible geological features, gorgeous vistas and wonderful history that goes back to the days of California Gold Rush. 

GOOD TO KNOW: You can reach Death Valley in less than two hours from Las Vegas, which makes it a perfect starting point for exploring California national parks. You can also visit Death Valley National Park with a guided tour from Las Vegas which will save you a lot of time on the road.

Best tours of Death Valley from Las Vegas

Death Valley is a huge national park with scare cell phone coverage, big distances and limited amenities. Check my guide to stay safe in Death Valley , especially if you visit in spring or summer.

While some people stop in Death Valley only to take a few photos with a giant thermometer near the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, spend at least a day here, because Death Valley has so much to offer!

Top things to do: Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Mesquite Sand Dunes, Dante’s View.

PRO TIP: It takes about 2 hours to drive through the whole Death Valley National Park toward Lone Pine , a town near the western entrance of the park. From Lone Pine, it’s about 1,5 hour drive north on State Route 395 toward Mammoth Lakes, a popular place to stay the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park .

Joshua Tree National Park

Where to stay: El Rancho Dolores 

Joshua Tree is a popular national park under two hours from Los Angeles. 

With landscapes that look like they were taken out of Dr. Seuss books, it’s no surprise that Joshua Tree has become the most popular national park in Southern California.

Why visit Joshua Tree National Park

Home to quirky Joshua Trees that reach up to 10 feet and bizarre-looking boulders,   this park covers 800,000 acres of prime desert habitat . This national park offers spectacular landscapes and wildlife thanks to the two deserts that meet here: the Mojave and Colorado . 

Although visiting Joshua Tree is more convenient if you plan to continue your adventures in Southern California, you should spend a couple of days in Joshua Tree, because of its scenery and clear dark skies.

Top things to do : Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Rock Climbing, Stargazing, 49 Palms Oasis Trail, Hidden Valley, Barker Dam. 

Channel Islands National Park

Where to stay: The Shores Inn

Nicknamed “the Galapagos of North America,” Channel Islands are separated from the mainland by the Santa Barbara Channel and can be reached by boat from Ventura. 

About 2,000 species call these islands home, and because they had to adapt to this unique, isolated environment, many of them exist nowhere else in the world.

✅ Check my guide to the best things to do in Santa Barbara

Best things to do in Channel Islands National Park

Some of the most popular things to do in Channel Islands are kayaking, hiking and wildlife watching. This national park is an adventurer’s paradise as it offers plenty of solitude and incredible untouched landscapes. If you plan to spend a night here, you have to bring your own camping equipment and food.  

Channel Islands boast the rugged beauty and offer a quiet atmosphere with fewer crowds compared to California’s most popular national parks like Joshua Tree and Yosemite.  

Top things to do:  Whale watching, hiking, camping, kayaking and snorkeling.

Make a stop in Lone Pine

To continue your national park road trip from Death Valley, get on the U.S. Route 395 north , aka Eastern Sierra Highway that will bring you all the way to the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park

To crash for the night, stop at Lone Pine, a cute mountain town that looks like a set of a Western movie. But besides having a rugged charm, Lone Pine is also a gateway to adventure in the Eastern Sierras!

Lone Pine sits at the foothills Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. Although you need a permit to climb Mount Whitney, you can take a 5-mile hike to the gorgeous Lone Pine Lake trail that starts at Whitney Portal. 

Alabama Hills

If you don’t feel like hiking, make a stop at Alabama Hills, a group of hills and rock formations on the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada just outside of Lone Pine. Alabama Hills is a popular stop for travelers making their way across California.

A number of movies have been filmed in the area, and you can find a sign at the turnout that will tell you what movies were filmed here. 

You can learn all about them at the Museum of Western Film History at 701 S. Main Street.

After stopping at Alabama Hills head to Bishop along US 395. This town in the Eastern Sierras has become a resort location thanks to a big number of outdoors options.

The largest city in the Owens Valley, Bishop has the most stores and amenities, so it’s a good place place to stock up on food and other essentials before continuing your West Coast National Park road trip.

Here, you can camp, check out Bishop Pass Trail, a popular day hiking trail and rent a boat at Lake Sabrina Boat Landing. 

Mammoth Lakes

Your last stop before the entrance to Yosemite National Parks, Mammoth Lakes is a beautiful mountain town. In winter, it’s a popular location for skiers and snowboarders because of June Mountain and Mammoth Mountain ski resorts. In summer, it’s a great place to hike and camp. 

Many travelers who visit Yosemite National Park overlook a real gem next to it – Mono Lake!

 Located 13 miles east of Yosemite, Mono Lake contains saline soda that accumulates in high quantities because of the lack of an outlet. The combination of snow-capped Sierras around it and the rock formations make for a truly remarkable scenery. 

The Sierras can have snow all the way through early June, which often affects road conditions. The eastern entrance of the Yosemite National Park near the Tioga Pass is closed when the road gets covered by snow. The pass typically remains closed well into June because of the snow. 

Yosemite National Park

Where to stay: Yosemite Valley Lodge

Yosemite is a real gem that can take you weeks to explore. Don’t think that you can spend a day here and check it off your list. Instead, plan to spend three to five days in this national park, especially if you are visiting it for the first time.

When is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite is stunning at any time of the year, but summer is the busiest time with thousands of visitors flocking to the park. Early fall is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park thanks to mild temperatures and thinner crowds.

The area sees the first snow between October and November, which often leads to road closures and limited hiking opportunities.

One of the major downsides of visiting Yosemite National Park in fall is that you will not see the gorgeous waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley. Because of the snowmelt coming down the mountains, May and June are the best months to see waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley such as Yosemite Falls and Nevada Falls. 

If you plan to visit Yosemite in winter, you will need a high clearance vehicle or chains on your tires. 

A number of events take place during the winter season in Yosemite Valley. The biggest of them happens in February when thousands of visitors come to Yosemite Valley to watch the Yosemite Firefall, an amazing natural phenomenon during which creates an illusion of a hot lava flowing down the cliff. 

Top things to do: Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, Mariposa Grove, Mist Trail, Taft Point and Sentinel Dome, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Tenaya Lake. 

Check my guide to Yosemite to help you plan your adventure!

Sequoia National Park

Where to stay: Stony Creek Lodge 

On the other side of the Sierra Nevada mountains you will Sequoia National Park. 

Sequoias reach up to 275 feet and although they are not as tall as redwood tress that you can find at Redwood National Park in Northern California, they are considered the largest trees in the world! There are many sections of the park where you can walk among them.

Sequoia National Park is home to General Sherman , the tallest tree in the world located in the Giant Forest.

Another popular spot at Sequoia National Park is Moro Rock. 

After climbing 400 stairs, you will be treated to a spectacular view of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Don’t forget to bring the camera to capture the stunning views along the way.

Kings Canyon National Park

One of the least crowded national parks in California, Kings Canyon National Park MUST be on your list if you plan to explore one of the best California national parks.

This national park is home to spectacular valleys carved by glaciers over thousands of years – somewhat similar to those in Yosemite, except nowhere near as busy! It boasts one of the deepest canyons in the United States and General Grant Tree – the second largest tree in the world.

Best things to do in Kings Canyon National Park

One of the best hikes at Kings Canyon is Zumwalt Meadow , a stunning vista surrounded by sheer granite walls. The trail to Zumwalt Meadows is just 1.5 miles but it offers superb views with meadows dotted with spectacular wildflowers, a gurgling river, and giant sequoia trees.

Kings Canyon is home to several impressive waterfalls such as Grizzly Falls and Mist Falls . You can easily spend a few days roaming around this national park without noticing how quickly time goes by.

Things to do: Zumwalt Meadow, Grizzly Falls, Mist Falls, General Grant, Grant Grove

Optional stop in San Francisco

The largest city in Northern California, San Francisco is a must-stop on your California national parks’ itinerary.

From San Francisco, you can take flights to many cities within the United States and overseas. San Francisco is home to a thriving food scene, amazing scenery and plenty of world-class museums – a perfect combo to end your trip on a great note!

The drive from Sequoia to San Francisco is about 4,5 hours, but you will not get bored because driving along some of the most scenic areas in the entire United States. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Where to stay: Comfort Suites Redding – Shasta Lake 

Lassen Volcanic is one of the most underrated national parks.

Located east of Redding and about 3.5 hours away from Sacramento, it boasts stunning hikes, wonderful geothermal activity and tons of wildlife.

Since this national park is pretty remote, it’s a perfect stop if you are driving from California to Oregon.

The coolest thing about this national are it’s untouched landscapes and less-discovered trails that take you to unspoiled backcountry.

While you can stay in one of accommodations nearby, camping at Lassen Volcanic National Park is a surreal experience because the entire area has incredible dark skies. There are several campgrounds throughout the park where you can find spots for tents and RVs.

Many trails and some roads at Lassen Volcanic National Park tend to close in winter because of heavy snowstorm. May through early September is the perfect time to plan your trip.

Things to do: Bumpas Hell, Manzanita Lake, Lake Helen, stargazing, hiking up Cinder Cone.

Crater Lake National Park

Where to stay: Golden West Motel

The only national park in Oregon and home to the deepest lake in the United States (1,943 feet deep), Crater Lake National Park is another less visited west coast national park.

The cobalt-blue Crater Lake was created about 7,700 years ago by the eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama. Over time, the volcano’s basin was filled with water and turned into a lake.

Since there are no inlets into the lake, the water in the lake remains crystal clear and maintains its amazing color. There are several designated areas for swimming throughout the area, however the water here is very cold.

Best things to do in Crater Lake National Park

One of the top activities at the park is driving long the scenic Rim Road that has over 30 overlooks of the lake as well as scenic areas like Videa Falls, Pinnacles Overlook and Pumice Castle Overlook . Crater Lake National Park is covered by snow for about 8 months out of the year, as the area gets about 43 feet of snow per year.

It’s common to see snow at this national park as late as June and even July.

Top things to do: Rim Drive, Wizard Island, hiking up Garfield Peak, hiking Mount Scott, camping at Mazama Campground.

Wizard Island, the top of the dormant volcano sits in the middle of the lake and is home to ancient trees. To see it, you can get a boat tour of Crater Lake.

Mount Rainier National Park

Where to stay: Mountain Meadows Inn

One of the most famous peaks in North America, Mount Rainier towers 14,410 feet above sea level. It can be seen from many parts of Seattle and sits within the namesake national park that is revered by many travelers for its jaw-dropping landscapes.

A favorite spot of John Muir, Mount Rainier National Park is a must stop if you make your way to the Pacific Northwest. Located about 75 miles away from Seattle, it makes for a perfect getaway from the city.

Best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park

It’s one of those national parks that’s best visited in summer because it’s the time when you can see dozens of incredible wildflowers dotting the green hills around Mount Rainier. You can hike to glaciers and enjoy gurgling waterfalls around the park.

FUN FACT : This national park is also home to one of the most popular mountaineering routes: As a “fourteener,” Mount Rainier requires a combination of hiking and mountaineering skills, and many mountain climbers come here to summit the mountain.

Top things to do: Camp Muir Hike, Comet Falls Hike, grove of Patriarchs, Sunrise Point, The Wonderland Trail, The Paradise Region.

Where to start your road trip

There’s no right or wrong way to create your West Coast National Park road trip, with most western states in America having at least one national park.

Start your itinerary in Utah, home to the big five national parks . You can spend weeks roaming around Utah’s red-rock country, kayaking on the Colorado River, and camping under the clear dark skies.

From Utah, you can go north to Wyoming, Montana or continue your trip south to Arizona before arriving in California and finishing your adventure in Oregon or Washington.

If you have more time, you can also start your West Coast National Parks road trip in Colorado, home to three national parks: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dune and Black Canyon of the Gunnison and make your way to Utah from there.

West Coast National Parks suggested itinerary

• Begin your trip in Utah – This way you could visit either one or several of Utah national parks or spend a few weeks exploring them.
• Proceed to Nevada via Arizona – After exploring Utah, make a stop in Grand Canyon National Park, where you should spend at least a few days.
• Make a stop in Las Vegas – Las Vegas makes a great stop thanks to its proximity to many national parks in the region and natural areas like Red Rock Canyon and Cathedral Gorge State Park. Read my guide about best road trips from Las Vegas
• Continue to California – You can spend a while exploring the best national parks in California , but if time is short, I recommend Death Valley, Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks as some of the musts!
• Proceed toward Oregon and Washington – If time allows, continue driving north to Oregon where you can visit Crater Lake National Park and further to Washington, home to Mount Rainer National Park and North Cascades National Park.

Tips for visiting

• Fill up your tank – Only a fraction of West Coast National Parks have gas stations, and gas prices there tend to be higher than normal. If you plan to spend a day exploring one of national parks, fill up your tank ahead of your visit.
• Don’t rely on your cellphone – Cell phone coverage is sporadic in many national parks, that’s why you should always bring a paper map or download an offline map. For example, many parts of Yosemite have no cell phone coverage, and you should have a paper map especially if you plan to hike.
• Leave no trace – This is self-explanatory, but I want to restate it: Leave these national parks exactly as you found them: Pristine and beautiful . Pack all your trash, stay on trails and do not leave any marks (or graffiti) on rocks, trees and other objects.
• You might need a bear spray – Bear spray is a necessity in places like Yosemite and Glacier. Whether you are hiking or camping, carrying a bear spray is a good idea in case you come across a bear and need to quickly get to safety.
• Amenities could be limited – Many national parks have limited services which means food and gas might not be available before you get outside the park. Some popular national parks like Zion and Yosemite have small convenience stores and restaurants, but prices there tend be higher than in regular stores. Stock up on food and water before visiting the park to avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Skip weekends – Avoid weekends and big holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day. Many popular national parks get really crowded on these days, and it can be tough to enjoy the trails and all the scenery simply because there’s too much traffic.
• Book your hotels in advance – Hotel near many national parks can be pricey . Book your hotels at least a few weeks in advance, especially if you are traveling during summer. Agoda is the best website for booking budget-friendly stays and Hotels has many great deals.
• Get good gear – Whether it’t the coast, mountains or deserts, proper gear is a must for your West Coast National Parks road trip. REI is one of the best stores whether you can get hiking shoes, a new tent for your camping trip or rock climbing gear.
• Don’t forget to rent a vehicle – Whether you decide to rent an RV or a regular car depends on your plans. If you are looking for an RV, check out  RVshare , a website with a great selection of all sorts of RV’s, and if you are looking for a regular car, check out DiscoverCars , one of my favorite websites for car rentals with good prices and big inventory.
• America the Beautiful Pass Is Your Best Friend – If you plan to visit multiple national parks, consider  buying the annual America The Beautiful Pass.  For only $80 you will be able to get into any national park in the United States for one year. An entrance to the national park costs $35 on average, and you can save you a good chunk of money if you plan to hop around.

More resources for planning your trip

Agoda.com  – a great website for budget accommodations near may national parks.

WorldNomads  – Great service for insurance coverage that will keep you safe on the road.

Safety Wing  – Excellent insurance plan for long-term travelers that offers competitive rates is you are planning to stay on the road several weeks in a row. 

GetYourGuide  – Some national parks like Yellowstone or Grand Canyon are really big, and if you are limited on time, Get Your Guide is a great platform that offers awesome tours and top-notch guides.

DiscoverCars  – There’s nothing like exploring some of the best national parks at your own pace. Consider renting a car at Discover Cars , if you want more freedom.

CheapoAir.com  – One of the best platforms for saving money on flights within United States.

Booking.com  – a popular website with tons and tons of options for accommodations.

A West Coast National Parks road trip is the ultimate adventure. It’s the best way to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States and see many regional differences. I recommend no less than two weeks for your adventure if you want to visit some of the best national parks along the West Coast and have time for some extra stops along the way.

West Coast National Park Road Trip

By: Author Robyn Robledo

Posted on Last updated: March 3, 2024

This West Coast National Park Road Trip starts at Yosemite National Park and heads north to Crater Lake National Park and then finishes up in North Cascades National Park. This itinerary centers around hiking, rock climbing, and camping. Besides the West Coast National Parks, we also included stopping to check out beautiful waterfalls near Redding, exploring Bend, Oregon, and epic adventures near Leavenworth, Washington.

We did this trip in 4 weeks. I felt like it was enough time to take in all 3 national parks but we really could’ve spent even more time than we did in each of the national parks.

About 600 miles.

About 625 miles.

Our West Coast National Park 4-week Itinerary

In the summer of 2017, we set off on a 5,000-mile, summer-long adventure road trip through the Western U.S. and Canada.  Our goal was to lose ourselves in the mountains, connect as a family, and find incredible hikes and rock climbing destinations along the way.

The U.S. and Canada have some pretty amazing mountain ranges to explore. Whether we were hiking, rock climbing, or mountain biking, it seemed like we were always trying to reach the summit of some glorious peak, see another alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, follow a trail through rows of Aspen trees, or scale a rock wall to see expansive views of more mountains.

We had done a similar trip the previous year in Europe where we did a different adventure every day for 162 days !

This blog just highlights the first 4 weeks of that summer road trip. If you’re looking to extend this road trip, check out these blogs:

• Sea To Sky Highway
• Canada National Parks Road Trip
• Idaho Road Trip
• Yellowstone

Rent an RV through Outdoorsy for your next Adventure Road Trip

Yosemite National Park to Crater Lake National Park

Day 1: We chose to camp at Summerdale Campground in Fish Creek, which is 45 minutes from Yosemite.

Day 2: Explore Tuolumne Meadows .

On Day 3 : We hiked the 13-mile Panorama Trail in Yosemite . This is a great spring hike and the amount of water coming off the waterfalls this year was incredible!

Day 4 : We drove to Redding and then headed east and slept at a pullout right before Burney Limestone where we planned on rock climbing the next day.

Pro Tip: Save a ton of money by signing up for Harvest Hosts ! Back in 2015, it was hard to find free camping spots. Now RVers and Van Lifers can park at wineries, breweries, golf courses, and even people’s driveways with Harvest Hosts . For less than $100, you can camp at 7000+ unique locations.

Day 5: Rock climbing at Burney Limestone .  We liked that this climbing area had a short approach from the side of the road and that the area around the crag was pretty, however, a few of the climbs were a bit sandbagged .   

In the afternoon, we drove a short distance to play in the water at Hatchet Falls .  

That night we camped at Burney Falls , which I highly recommend.  It is a beautiful campground with nice roads for the kids to ride bikes on and the one-mile hike to the lake is pleasant.  Plus, of course, there is a beautiful waterfall to take photos of and it is a state park so we finally got showers!  

Related Blog: Best Campgrounds California

Day 6 & 7: We love seeking out new adventures, but some days it’s nice to just chill by your campsite. For three whole days, we stayed in this campground (that’s a lot for us) relaxing in our hammock, riding bikes, and hiking to the lake to swim in —and got in trouble for jumping off the dock :/ 

Related Blog : 3 Amazing Northern California Waterfall Hikes

Day 8: We got in a quick workout and headed towards Oregon.  On the way, we stopped to hike Middle McCloud Falls and cliff jump into the pools. 

This was a nice short hike from the campground, which I do recommend spending a night at if you have the chance. There are no showers here, but plenty of trees and trails.

Related Blog : Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Destinations You Can’t Miss

Day 9: We made it to Crater Lake . Unfortunately, there was a lot of snow on the ground so we could only hike part of the Garfield Peak Trail but the part we did hike was incredibly beautiful.  I had been reluctant to stop here and I’m so glad we got to see how blue the water in Crater Lake is and my kids loved all the snow. 

Instead, we camped at McKay Crossing near La Pine, Oregon.  This campground only has a pit toilet but it’s in the middle of the forest and I loved that this campground was right next to the trail we wanted to do the next day.  

Crater Lake National Park to North Cascades National Park

Day 10: We just started mountain biking on this trip and started the day by biking the challenging Peter Skene Ogden Trail . Then, we hiked up just a mile on the same trail to the natural rock waterslide in the creek.

In the evening, we drove the Cascade Highway and camped at Lava Lake Campground . There are many campgrounds along this highway to choose from. Just make sure you bring some form of mosquito repellant. We use essential oils and add extra garlic to our meals to help keep the mosquitos away.

Related Blog : Guide to Hiking & Camping Along the Cascade Highway near Bend, Oregon

Day 11: Today we did two cool hikes– up to Lucky Lake and then around Sparks Lake .  After, we drove to Bend to get Gelato at Bonta.  Camped on a fire access road near Phil’s Trailhead in Bend.

Day 12 : Biked at Phil’s Trailhead .  This place has such great single-track trails and an awesome pump track that is great for kids and adults.  

We then drove to Steelhead Falls and hiked to go cliff jumping at the falls.  That night we camped at the free BLM campground at the trailhead. 

Day 13: Rock Climbed at Smith Rock and climbed the famous 5-gallon buckets and the Northwest Wall. Then rinsed off by cliff jumping at Steelhead Falls and camping at the free BLM here.

Related Blog : 10 Adventures To Do On A Summer Road Trip Through Bend

Day 14: Rest day.  We took care of all the normal chores like cleaning, laundry , grocery shopping, and sitting in a Starbucks to get wifi.  Then we slept outside of Skull Hollow Campground so we could get up early to climb again. 

Day 15: Gabi and I started off the day with an epic multi-pitch climb at Smith Rock— Wherever I May Roam . Then, we drove on to Yakima and camped at Yakima Sportsman State Park (not one of our favorite campgrounds, but the Walmart was too loud and we were tired so we had to camp here). 

Day 16-18: Leavenworth had been one of the places we had been wanting to get to for a long time and while the town is a bit too touristy for us, we loved the area called Icicle Creek which is just fifteen minutes from here. 

We spent almost a week in this area and developed quite a comfortable routine here.

There is a huge pull off about ten miles up Icicle Creek Road that allows RVs to park at overnight for free.  There are also great campgrounds nearby that are inexpensive. 

We started each day by rock climbing along Icicle Creek Road then went into town to grab a beer and WiFi at Icicle Creek Brewery , walked around town and the waterfront park, and played in the river.  

Day 19-20: After three days of rock climbing, we decided that we desperately needed showers so we drove up the road a half hour to camp at Lake Wenatchee State Park .  We spent the next day, which happened to also be my birthday, playing and swimming in Lake Wenatchee.

Related Blog: Best Campgrounds in Washington State

Then, with freshly washed hair, we headed back down to Leavenworth and stocked up on yummy food at their farmer’s market (getting all local ingredients for my birthday dinner) then camped again at the pull off on Icicle Creek Road. 

Day 21: Yep, More rock climbing off Icicle Creek Road and Swimming at Waterfront Park.

Day 22: One of the best days of this trip was today when we did the 19 mile thru-hike of The Enchantments.  It was AMAZING!

Related Blog: How to Thru Hike the Enchantments in One Day

Day 23: On our way towards the North Cascades National Park, we stopped to swim in Lake Chelan near Manson. Then slept at Trailhead for Cutthroat Lake .

Day 24: Today was a hiking marathon for us as we did 3 hikes in one day! 

The first hike was a short two-miler to Cutthroat Lake . The second was a gorgeous short hike to Blue Lake , both are great hikes to do with kids .

Tip : Make sure to stop at Washington Pass to soak in the views of Liberty Bell!

The last hike was an epic seven-miler at Maple Pass . It was covered in snow at the top and it was nearly sunset so we couldn’t finish the loop and had to backtrack, which means it’s back on the bucket list to finish next year. It was so late and we were exhausted, so we just slept at the trailhead for Maple Pass .

Related Blog : Cascade Loop Road Trip: Leavenworth to Newhalem

Day 25: We drove into North Cascades from the east, stopping at the lookout for Ross Lake .  Then got a campsite at Colonial Creek in North Cascades N.P. and did the short hikes around the campground.

Day 26: Today was an eating day!  On the way towards Bellingham, stop for ice cream at Cascade Farms —they have delicious milkshakes.  

Our destination today is Fairhaven – a quaint little town on the outskirts of Bellingham and one of our favorite towns to stop at.  We had the most amazing soup at the farmers market in Fairhaven two years ago so we went back to try and find them again.  Unfortunately, they weren’t at the farmers market this time, but we still got to go to Drizzle and grab delicious olive oil & vinegar for our salads.  Then headed up the street to a brewery and food truck.  

We camped at Larrabee State Park . Supposedly there is rock climbing here, but we wandered for a few hours and couldn’t quite find it, however, our campsite had a great boulder that we played on. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are some great trails to ride from here.

Related Blog : Washington State National Park Itinerary: For Foodies and Hikers  

Day 27: Gabi and I started the day by getting up at sunrise to bike the Interurban Trail to get wifi and do some work at the Cafe in Fairhaven. This is a great biking and hiking trail! 

Then it was time for chores—laundry, wifi, grocery shopping— and then, as a special treat, we went to the movies.  

If you are in Bellingham, stop at Aslan Brewery—they have great beer and food.  We finished the day by driving into Canada and sleeping near one of the parks in Vancouver.

Want to do this road trip but don’t own an RV? Check out Outdoorsy to find a perfect rental for your next vacation.

Check out these resources to help you plan your next road trip:

• 14 Tips For Your First Road Trip
• 50 Road Trip Essentials You Don’t Want To Forget
• Tips For Your First RV or Camping Trip
• How To Plan A Successful Road Trip
• How To Road Trip On A Budget
• How To Find Free Camping

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Which Entrance to Yellowstone National Park Should I Take?

Planning a vacation to yellowstone involves many details, one of which is deciding how you will enter the park..

With 2.2 million acres ⎯ larger than the size of Rhode Island ⎯ the park is enormous, which is why it’s a good idea to figure out what you want to see and know which entrance is closest to those sights. There are five Yellowstone entrances ⎯ North Entrance, Northeast Entrance, South Entrance, East Entrance and West Entrance . Here are the details on each to help you plan your adventure to the country’s oldest national park.

• North Entrance, open year-round, brings you to Mammoth Hot Springs
• Northeast Entrance puts you at doorstep of park’s wildlife
• East Entrance brings you to Yellowstone Lake
• South Entrance allows you to tackle two national parks in one day
• West Entrance brings you to geyser paradise

1. North Entrance Brings You to Mammoth Hot Springs

Want to experience some of the West’s most spectacular scenery in a town that can feel like a cross between Northern Exposure and Animal Planet, given its wild neighbors living up the street in Yellowstone?

Head to Gardiner, Mont., just five miles from Yellowstone’s steaming terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, one of the park’s many natural wonders. Sitting at the only year-round entrance to the world’s first national park, pretty much everything in Gardiner is colorful from the scenery and people to the names of dishes on menus, adding a poetic slant to your visit.

If you’re coming from the Pacific Northwest or even Missoula, Mont., the North Entrance, along US 89, may be the one for you. Situated in Gardiner, Mont. , a lively small western town, the North Entrance is open year round and is the only way to reach the park’s northeastern border in the winter.

Be Wowed by Mammoth Hot Springs

From the North Entrance, you are well-situated to see the park’s incredible wildlife, as well as the famed Mammoth Hot Springs and the historic hotel and dining room located near the hot springs. You also pass the Boiling River turnoff on the stretch of road from Gardiner to Mammoth. In the Boiling River , one of two sanctioned swimming areas in the park, you can swim in an area where warm hot springs water enters the Yellowstone River.

Explore Lamar Valley

From Mammoth, you can head east on the northern most road in the park to get to the expansive Lamar Valley , referred to as the Serengeti of the United States, because of the extraordinary diversity of mammals living there. It is the Lamar Valley that the first wolves were reintroduced to the park in 1995-97. It is also home to grizzly bears, black bears, bison and elk, among many others. Bring your binoculars!

2. Northeast Entrance Puts You at Doorstep of Park’s Wildlife

Closest to Cooke City, Mont. , and its sister village Silver Gate, this entrance gives you the best access to Yellowstone’s legendary Lamar Valley where grizzlies, black bears, bison and wolves roam. The tiny outpost of Cooke City (year-round population is 100) has a downtown that spans only a few blocks but offers good dining and lodging options

Closed in the winter time, the Northeast Entrance makes sense to enter if you are coming from the northeast side of Montana like Billings or Red Lodge, Mont. From Billings, you can take I-90 west to US 212 west and from Red Lodge, Mont., take US 212 west. Driving US 212 west is arguably the most dramatic route to enter the park.

Be Amazed By Beartooth Pass

With its sweeping alpine vistas, Beartooth Highway , along US 212, is the closest you may get to feeling as if you are on top of the world. Every corner of the road presents a more incredible view than the previous. Head south over Beartooth Pass, before dropping into Cooke City and Silver Gate, the closest towns to the Northeast Entrance.

Fuel Up in Cooke City

Cooke City itself is a tiny town but offers a number of services from lodging to restaurants and gas. From it, you can drive to the Northeast Entrance is a matter of minutes. Once you go through the entrance gate, the Lamar Valley unfolds before your eyes. Home to bison, grizzly bears, black bears, wolves and elk , plan to spend some time along the roadside pull-offs, viewing the animals from a safe distance . You’ll find the Lamar Valley will give you an overwhelming sense of what the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem looked like before white pioneers settled there more than 150 years ago.

3. East Entrance Brings You to Yellowstone Lake

The East Entrance brings you right to the Yellowstone Lake , the largest mountain lake at such a high elevation of 7,733 feet. It stretches 20 miles long and 14 miles across and its shorelines are dotted with geothermal features . From there, the West Thumb Geyser Basic and Old Faithful lie to the southeast and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to the north.

To get to the park’s East Entrance, you will pass through Cody, Wyo. , founded by Buffalo Bill Cody himself. While Cody is 53 miles from the East Entrance, it is the closest town to the entrance.

Have an Authentic Western Experience

Cody is an Old Western town that celebrates its rich history through daily summer rodeos and incredible museums that make up the Buffalo Bill Center of the West . With its historic downtown and numerous family friendly activities, including the Cody trolley tour where you can learn more about Cody’s history, it is well worth a stop for a day or two. Admission to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is good for two days, so take your time exploring.

Buy a cowboy hat downtown at the third-generation-owned Wayne’s Boots or Boot Barn up the hill and head to two of Cody’s family friendly venues that offer cowboy music during the evenings. The Cody Cattle Company has a really casual atmosphere where kids can run around the establishment’s wooden picnic tables. Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue is a more upscale  show that has moved next to the Irma Hotel in downtown Cody. The show starts at 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday throughout the summer.

Stop at Buffalo Bill Dam

From Cody to the entrance, you will take the Yellowstone Highway, also known as US 16-20-14, past the enormous Buffalo Bill Dam six miles from town. Completed in 1910, it was the tallest dam in the world then. Today, it supplies water to 93,000 acres of farmland in the Bighorn Basin, bringing to life alfalfa, sugar beets, oats, barley and beans. The dam’s visitor center is open daily May 1-Sept. 30. From there, you will continue through the valley, eventually, reaching Sylvan Pass, which is RV-friendly and tops off at 8,350 feet.

4. South Entrance Allows You To Tackle Two National Parks in One Day

If you are looking to tackle two national parks in one day, the South Entrance is for you. From Jackson, Wyo. , you can stop at the awe-inspiring Grand Teton National Park along your 57-mile drive north on the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Highway up to Yellowstone. Plus, if you are staying in Jackson, Wyo., the South Entrance is the easiest entrance to access Yellowstone.

Jackson itself is an incredible mountain town that attracts skiers to its steep slopes in the winter and throngs of tourists in the summer. Blending the Old West with upscale boutiques, Jackson is the ritziest of all Wyoming towns. But it has a full range of hotels and eateries, catering to every type of traveler.

Once you enter through the South Entrance, you will drive along a stretch of the park’s road without any turnoffs for more than 20 miles. But once you hit the West Thumb Geyser Basin, you can stretch your legs and explore some of the park’s amazing geothermal features. From there, head west to view Old Faithful or continue north along the shores of Yellowstone Lake and on up as far as the Lamar Valley, which stretches to the Montana border and is known for its abundance of large mammals, including wolves, bison and bears.

5. West Entrance Brings You to Geyser Paradise

If geysers are on the top of your Yellowstone hit list, you may want to enter the park via US 20 and the West Entrance, as it puts you in the heart of the park’s geyser country.

This entrance is the park’s busiest, so it’s no wonder that West Yellowstone, Mont., is a bustling gateway with dining, shopping and attractions for travelers. Located just across the Wyoming border in Montana, West Yellowstone is a convenient entrance town for those coming from Idaho or western Montana, especially Missoula. Visitors will find Wild West flavor, plenty of lodging and a mix of cultural and outdoor activities.

Welcome to Geyserville

When you enter the park through the West Entrance, you will drive 14 miles until you reach Madison, a jumping off point for geyser basins to the north and south. Head south and you will see the largest geyser basin in Yellowstone called the Lower Geyser Basin, which includes Fountain Paint Pot, Firehole Lake Drive area and the Great Fountain Geyser. You’ll want to stop at the Midway Geyser Basin, slightly south, which is home to the dazzling Grand Prismatic Spring , which has resident bacteria that creates rainbow-like rings in the spring.

Further south is the Upper Geyser Basin, which is home to Old Faithful , Biscuit Basin and others. At least 150 geysers exist in 1 square mile here.

Up north you’ll find Norris Geyser Basin , the park’s oldest and hottest thermal area with two walkable zones. It’s home to the Steamboat Geyser, which is the world’s tallest geyser at 300-plus feet. If you drive farther north, up to the park’s northern border with Montana, you can explore the boardwalks of Mammoth Hot Springs, a two-tier travertine wonder.

West Yellowstone Attractions

There’s also a lot to do when you are ready to take a break from sightseeing in the park. Minutes from the West Entrance sits West Yellowstone, Mont. , home the Grizzly &Wolf Discovery Center , as well as lodging and dining.

Catch a show at the Playmill Theatre or study up for your park trip at Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre, which shows IMAX movies about Yellowstone and beyond.  It also is home to a number of well-equipped RV parks, which make it a fantastic place to park your RV and launch your tours of the park via your car.

Getting a park map is key to understanding where all of Yellowstone’s scenic attractions are located, as well as their proximity to the park’s entrances. You’ll get a free map when you go through an entrance station, but if you want to plan in advance, purchase a Trails Illustrated map of Yellowstone from REI.com .

Pssst. Want to download an insider’s guide to Yellowstone, where to stay and what to do? Order our free stunning Yellowstone Trip Planner filled with an inspiring itinerary, gorgeous photographs and everything you need to plan your dream vacation.

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Two nights on the East side for very low key hikers - Glacier National Park Forum

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Two nights on the East side for very low key hikers

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We have one night booked at St. Mary Village in a lodge room (Sept 10th). We will be doing Waterton before moving to the east side. We will then do the west side at the end of our trip.

Given that we like easy hikes (5 miles max), should we consider adding a second night? We are avid photographers and love beautiful scenery and are just wondering if we can see the beautiful sights without having to do more rigorous hikes.

2 replies to this topic

Yes, add a night. There is a lot of area to explore on the east side, and lots of options for shorter hikes. I highly recommend taking a full day for Many Glacier to enjoy the shorter hikes there, and just hang out and take in the scenery and wildlife.

Here are some good websites to use to research hikes in Glacier - a few of them let you sort by distance, or have "best easy hikes" lists:

http://enjoyyourparks.com/GlacierNationalPark.html

http://www.hikinginglacier.com/

https://www.hike734.com/hiking/

https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hikingthetrails.htm

Thanks very much!

Now to secure that second night!

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12 Breathtaking US Spots for Your East Coast Road Trip

Posted: April 20, 2024 | Last updated: April 20, 2024

Taking a road trip up or down the spectacular East Coast of the US is a must-do for many people. Planning where to go is all part of the fun if you’re among them. So, to provide some inspiration, here are 12 must-do stops for your East Coast itinerary, listed from north to south. 

Bar Harbor, Maine

Both a destination in itself and a gateway to Acadia National Park in Maine, Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island makes the perfect first or last stop on your East Coast road trip. You can sample freshly-caught Maine lobster and enjoy the town’s coastal New England vibe. The downtown district is easy to explore on foot, with many lovely accommodations, dining, and shopping options. There are nice beaches within reach, too.

Read also: West Coast Road Trip

White Mountain National Forest, Maine and New Hampshire

Another stop worth your time before hitting the cities is White Mountain National Forest, which straddles the states of Maine and New Hampshire. It’s favored for fall colors, mountain peaks, winter sports, and summer hiking. Part of the Appalachian trail passes through the forest, and there are some scenic drives you can take. With 800,000 acres to explore, you can spend as little or as long as you like here.

Read also: Cozy Mountain Getaways

Boston, Massachusetts

The handsome city of Boston is a historic gem. It was named for the first settlers from Boston in Lincolnshire, England, back in 1630. Now, the city is known as a college town, for its Red Sox baseball team and as one of the beer capitals of the US. The Massachusetts capital also has a thriving foodie scene. 

Read also: US Road Trips

Newport, Rhode Island

Located between Boston and New York, Newport in Rhode Island is often known as the City by the Sea. But it feels refreshingly different. You can head to Bellevue Avenue to see the Gilded Age mansions, including The Breakers. Newport also offers a yacht-filled harbor and coastal treks, such as the three-and-a-half mile cliff walk, which offers panoramic views over Aquidneck Island and the ocean.

Read also: US Coastal Towns

New York City

Whether you’ve never been before or this will be your nth visit, New York City can take anyone’s breath away. There’s so much to see and do, from shopping in Greenwich Village or world-famous department stores to exploring the meatpacking district or Staten Island. Allow at least a few days to enjoy the city that never sleeps, especially if this is your first visit. 

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Washington D.C.

As the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. is steeped in American history. It’s also known for its fine collection of museums and galleries. The city’s Neoclassical architecture, parks, and performing arts scene are also major attractions. Buildings to see include the Lincoln, Jefferson, and Vietnam Veterans Memorials, the Washington Monument, the Capitol, and the White House.

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The Outer Banks, North Carolina

Off the coast of mainland Carolina are the Outer Banks, a series of barrier islands and peninsulas perched between the state and the Atlantic Ocean. As well as being a popular outdoor destination, Roanoke Island is important historically, where the English first settled in the New World. Beach life, scuba diving to see the shipwrecks, and state parks are among the Outer Banks’ other attractions. 

Read also: US Hidden Beaches

Charleston, South Carolina

Dating back to 1670, Charleston is one of the most historic cities in the US. It has an elegant Southern charm and an old-fashioned feel, with antebellum mansions, cobbled streets, and even horse-drawn carriages. Charleston was once an important port in terms of the slave trade and played a key role in the Civil War. Colonial architecture, palm trees, and Charleston Harbor also define the city.

Read also: Historic US Cities

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah in Georgia is the quintessential southern belle. With both the Savannah River and the coastal location, it’s also a waterside city. Old oak trees draped in Spanish moss are also a key feature and are seen in spots such as Forsyth Park. Established in 1733, it’s not as historic as Charleston, but you can still expect to see cobbled squares, antebellum architecture, pretty parks, and horse-drawn carriages. 

Read also: US Cities for Art Lovers

Orlando, Florida

Orlando is a playground for visitors of all ages. The Disney parks are the top attractions, but Universal Orlando is also perennially popular and home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter plus Universal Studios. Orlando also offers some fabulous resorts, some of which have water parks and are blessed with a sunny climate. In addition to theme parks, Orlando offers plenty of opportunities for shopping, the arts, culture and history, and outdoor adventures.

Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the US

Miami, Florida

Miami has been a popular tourist destination for many years, not least due to the city’s stunning beaches. There’s also a superb range of accommodations, from vacation condos to five-star hotels and lively nightlife. Miami also offers a vibrant arts scene, with various museums, galleries, and other arty attractions. 

Read also: Insta-Worthy Spots in the US

Key West, Florida

The most southerly of the Florida Keys has an end-of-the-line feel, not to mention an exotic air. Conch-style architecture and fascinating history mean there’s much more to Key West than you might expect. It’s easy to explore the central district by taking a walking tour or hanging out on Duval Street, where many shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants can be found. The Florida Keys also offer diving, snorkeling, beach life, and encounters with nature, both on land and at sea. 

Read also: US Summer Destinations

Stunning Small Towns in Europe to Visit in Your Lifetime

Add these  charming European small towns  to your bucket list.

• Read more:  Small Towns in Europe

Visa-Free Countries

Explore these  countries visa-free  with your American passport.

• Read more:  Visa-Free Countries

Must-Visit European Cities

Turn your wanderlust into reality with our list of  must-visit European cities .

• Read more:  Must-Visit Cities in Europe

Small Towns Across the Globe That Are Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

Step into a world of  beautiful small towns  where cobblestone streets lead to timeless wonders.

• Read more:  Small Towns Out of a Fairy Tale

Hidden European Gems

Explore  off-the-beaten-path gems in Europe  for a truly authentic experience.

• Read more:  Hidden Gems in Europe

UNESCO World Heritage Sites To Visit in Your Lifetime

Explore the world’s heritage with these  must-visit UNESCO sites .

• Read more:  UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Unique Places for Your European Bucket List

Make your travel dreams come true with these wonderfully  unique places in Europe .

• Read more:  Unique Places for Your European Bucket List

Tropical Destinations To Add to Your Bucket List

Dreaming of paradise? Discover  tropical destinations  to add to your bucket list.

• Read more:  Tropical Destinations To Visit in Your Lifetime

Caribbean Destinations Where No Visa Is Needed for Americans

Discover passport-free paradise with our guide to  Caribbean destinations for US citizens .

• Read more:  Caribbean Destinations Without Visa

Read the original thread on  12 Breathtaking US Spots for Your East Coast Road Trip .

This article was produced and syndicated by  World Wild Schooling .

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