Within the United States lie many of the world’s awe-inspiring national parks. These include towering mountain ranges, sweeping expanses of desert, and forests as well as some of the cleanest lakes in the world. A road trip to go through these parks would be a perfect way to experience this beauty and majesty in nature, exploring and experiencing at the same time the best the United States has to offer. Whether you love nature, like to be an adventurer or simply want to run away from everything, this is a dream road trip involving some of the most iconic and breathtaking U.S. National Parks.
Day 1-2: Start in Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Start your road trip here in the world’s first national park: Yellowstone. Located across portions of three states—Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho—Yellowstone is a treasure trove of natural wonders, with geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and landscapes.
Highlights:
Old Faithful: Erupting at regular times, shooting water over 100 feet into the air
The Grand Prismatic Spring: The largest hot spring in the U.S. and some of the wildest colors due to bacteria in the water.
Wildlife Watching: Along the driving roads of the park, view bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves.
Why Go? Yellowstone National Park provides such an amazing combination of geothermal wonders, wildlife, and scenery that it is an absolute must-stop on any road trip tour of U.S. National Parks.
Day 3-4: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
South of Yellowstone is the Grand Teton National Park that features dramatically set mountains. High mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife combine to create a grand scene for nature lovers.
Top Attractions
Jenny Lake: Take the boat ride across the lake or hike up to Hidden Falls for a glimpse of the view around.
Snake River: Photo opportunity at iconic Schwa batcher’s Landing for reflections of the Tetons off the river.
Wildlife viewing: Elk, moose, black bears, and mule deer roam in the park.
Why? Grand Teton offers more rugged beauty and more opportunities for adventure, including hiking and kayaking, all framed by the spectacular Teton Range.
Day 5-6: Arches National Park, Utah
Next take a southern turn to Utah’s red rock country: Arches National Park. Some natural sandstone arches and great desert scenery make Arches a photographer’s as well as an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
Points of Interest:
Delicate Arch – the most photographed in the park; a challenging hike that takes you up with equally challenging views from the top. Windows Section – a relatively easy trail taking you to some pretty impressive arches,.
Fiery Furnace: Guided hike through a maze of narrow passages and breathtaking rock formations.
Why go? Arches boasts landscapes otherworldly in scale, rich in colors, and replete with the geological significance of the area, so it is truly a must-stop on the road trip.
Day 7-8: Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Bordering Arches, Canyonlands National Park boasts extensive canyons, mesas, and spires carved out by the Colorado River. The park is subdivided into four districts with different landscapes and activities.
Must-see sights:
Island in the Sky: Panoramic view of canyons and far distant mountain ranges.
The Needles: Colorful part of the park with great hiking trails.
Dead Horse Point State Park: This is an overhead view that does offer one of the best outlooks in the Southwest.
Why Visit? Canyonlands offers rugged expansive desert beauty and many opportunities for hiking, photography, and stargazing.
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Located in southern Utah, Zion National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. At its core, it is one of the greatest spectator sights, so magnificent that no one will ever see its splendor and return to live somewhere else. The massive sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and stunning vistas make it an absolute necessity on any national park road trip.
Highlights:
The Narrows Hike through the Virgin River in a slot canyon – you are surrounded by towering cliffs on all sides. Angels Landing Challenging hike rewards you with panoramic views of the park.
Canyon Overlook Trail: Moderately easy. Scenic views of Zion Canyon
Why? One of the most diverse landscapes in the country, this park features some of the most beautiful scenic hikes and opportunities to see the rugged American Southwest.
Day 11-12 Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Just a short drive from Zion, Bryce Canyon is known for its hoodoos – spire-like rock formations that create an almost otherworldly landscape. The park is exceedingly pretty as the sun rises and sets, when the warm, golden light really brings out the beauty in the rocks.
Top Attractions
Sunset Point: The color of the hoodoos is especially beautiful as the sun sets.
Navajo Loop Trail: Short, but difficult hike that takes you right into the heart of the hoodoos.
Stargazing: Bryce Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park and offers one of the best stargazing opportunities in the country.
Why visit? This is a fairy-tale landscape with its incredible rock formations and vibrant colors, making it a photographer’s dream.
Day 13-14: Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
No American National Parks tour would be the same without visiting the Grand Canyon. This park is located in northern Arizona and is situated on the most impressive natural wonder on Earth. The trails include spectacular views, fantastic hiking, and the sheer size of the canyon from multiple angles.
South Rim Views: The easiest part of the Grand Canyon to access, with breathtaking views at Mather Point and Yavapai Point.
Bright Angel Trail: Hike one of the most popular trails that go down into the canyon; you can really get up close and personal with the vastness of the canyon.
Helicopter Tour: If you really want a view you’ll never forget, take a helicopter tour over the canyon.
Why to visit: The vast and stunning size of the Grand Canyon is a main attraction, offering sceneries that create wonderful hikes.
Day 15: Conclusion in Joshua Tree National Park, California
End your road trip off with Joshua Tree National Park in southern California. Famous for dramatic landscapes, space-like rock formations, and iconic Joshua trees, perfect for a serene desert night.
Must-sees:
Hidden Valley: A very pretty valley that is sided by immense rock formations. It’s one of the most traveled routes in the park.
Cholla Cactus Garden: A unique area filled with the spiky cholla cacti.
Rock Climbing: Joshua Tree: Joshua Tree is the climber’s Mecca, with hundreds of routes.
Why Come?:Joshua Tree’s desert landscape is ethereal, featuring dramatic rock formations and offering a peaceful desert experience.
Conclusion
A U.S. National Parks road trip is the ultimate adventure for nature lovers, offering diverse landscapes and unforgettable wildlife. A National Parks road trip is the ultimate adventure for nature lovers, offering diverse landscapes and unforgettable wildlife. It’s perfect for all those who love adventure, photography, or just a rush of excitement while out exploring the great outdoors.
