Top 10 National Park Road Trips in the US (With Itinerary Ideas)

Road trips through the US’s national parks promise unforgettable adventures, awe-inspiring landscapes, and a deeper connection with nature. Here’s a detailed guide to ten incredible national park road trips, highlighting what to expect, the unique experiences that await you, and the best cities/airports to start and finish your journey! 

1. Grand Circle Road Trip:

• Parks Included: Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Arches
• Duration: 10–14 days
• What to Expect: The Grand Circle is a quintessential road trip for desert lovers. You’ll traverse striking red-rock landscapes, marvel at geological wonders, and experience diverse terrains ranging from deep canyons to soaring mesas! Each park on this list is unique in it’s terrain, views, giving you an amazing and newfound experience in each one you visit!
• Bonus: Add in Canyonlands National Park to make this a 6 part national park road trip! Canyonlands is located only 1 hour from Arches National Park.

Highlights:

• Grand Canyon South Rim: Start with breathtaking vistas from Mather Point and a walk along the Rim Trail. Sunset at Hopi Point is a must.
• Zion National Park: Challenge yourself with the Angel’s Landing hike or enjoy the serene beauty of the Emerald Pools.
• Bryce Canyon: The amphitheater of hoodoos glows at sunrise. Navajo Loop Trail offers an up-close experience.
• Capitol Reef: Known for its orchards and historic sites, take the Scenic Drive for stunning desert views.
• Arches: Explore iconic formations like Delicate Arch at sunset and the Windows Section.

Itinerary:

• Day 1-2: Grand Canyon
• Day 3-4: Zion
• Day 5-6: Bryce Canyon
• Day 7-8: Capitol Reef
• Day 9-10: Arches

Best Start/End Cities & Airports:

• Start: Las Vegas (LAS) or Phoenix (PHX)
• End: Salt Lake City (SLC) or Denver (DEN)

2. Pacific Northwest Explorer:

• Parks Included: Olympic, Mount Rainier, and Crater Lake
• Duration: 7–10 days
• What to Expect: This road trip showcases the lush forests, volcanic peaks, and pristine lakes of the Pacific Northwest. Perfect for lovers of green landscapes and tranquil wilderness. 

Highlights:

• Olympic National Park: Wander through Hoh Rainforest, soak in hot springs, and explore rugged coastal beaches like Rialto Beach. Olympic National Park is one of the biggest parks in the country.
• Mount Rainier: Snow-capped peaks dominate the skyline. Hike the Skyline Trail in Paradise for wildflower meadows and panoramic views.
• Crater Lake: Marvel at the deep blue waters of Crater Lake from Rim Drive. Take a boat tour to Wizard Island for a unique perspective.

Itinerary:

• Day 1-3: Olympic National Park
• Day 4-5: Mount Rainier
• Day 6-7: Crater Lake

Best Start/End Cities & Airports:

• Start: Seattle (SEA)
• End: Portland (PDX)

3. California’s Best Eastern National Parks Trip:

• Parks Included: Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon
• Duration: 7–9 days
• What to Expect: California’s national parks offer a blend of towering granite cliffs, ancient trees, and lush valleys. This road trip is ideal for those seeking dramatic landscapes and serene natural beauty.

Highlights:

• Yosemite National Park: Iconic views of Half Dome and El Capitan await. Don’t miss Glacier Point for panoramic vistas.
• Sequoia National Park: Walk among the world’s largest trees, including the General Sherman Tree.
• Kings Canyon National Park: Explore Cedar Grove and take the Zumwalt Meadow Trail for a peaceful experience.

Itinerary:

• Day 1-3: Yosemite
• Day 4-5: Sequoia
• Day 6-7: Kings Canyon

Best Start/End Cities & Airports:

• Start: San Francisco (SFO) or Sacramento (SMF)
• End: Fresno (FAT) or Los Angeles (LAX)

4. Rocky Mountain Adventure:

• Parks Included: Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton
• Duration: 10–12 days
• What to Expect: From alpine landscapes to geothermal wonders, this trip offers a diverse range of natural attractions. Perfect for those who want to see towering peaks, abundant wildlife, and iconic geysers.

Highlights:

• Rocky Mountain National Park: Drive Trail Ridge Road for jaw-dropping views and hike Bear Lake for alpine scenery.
• Yellowstone National Park: Witness Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and herds of bison in Hayden Valley.
• Grand Teton National Park: Enjoy the pristine beauty of Jenny Lake and the rugged Teton Range.

Itinerary:

• Day 1-3: Rocky Mountain
• Day 4-7: Yellowstone
• Day 8-10: Grand Teton

Best Start/End Cities & Airports:

• Start: Denver (DEN)
• End: Jackson Hole (JAC) or Bozeman (BZN)

5. Desert Southwest Expedition:

• Parks Included: Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Saguaro
• Duration: 7–10 days
• What to Expect: Explore the arid beauty of the Southwest, with its surreal desert landscapes, unique plants, and dramatic vistas.

Highlights:

• Joshua Tree National Park: Admire the iconic Joshua trees and fascinating rock formations.
• Death Valley National Park: Experience the vastness of Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
• Saguaro National Park: Enjoy striking sunsets and the towering saguaro cacti unique to this region.

Itinerary:

• Day 1-2: Joshua Tree
• Day 3-5: Death Valley
• Day 6-7: Saguaro

Best Start/End Cities & Airports:

• Start: Los Angeles (LAX)
• End: Tucson (TUS) or Phoenix (PHX)

6. Blue Ridge Parkway Journey:

• Parks Included: Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains
• Duration: 5–7 days
• What to Expect: This scenic road trip through the Appalachian Mountains offers rolling hills, misty mountains, and vibrant fall foliage.

Highlights:

• Shenandoah National Park: Drive Skyline Drive and hike Dark Hollow Falls.
• Great Smoky Mountains: Explore Cades Cove, hike to Clingmans Dome, and immerse yourself in Appalachian culture.

Itinerary:

• Day 1-3: Shenandoah
• Day 4-7: Great Smoky Mountains

Best Start/End Cities & Airports:

• Start: Washington, D.C. (DCA or IAD)
• End: Knoxville (TYS) or Asheville (AVL)

7. Utah Mighty 5:

• Parks Included: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands
• Duration: 7–10 days
• What to Expect: The Mighty 5 road trip offers an unforgettable tour of Utah’s stunning red-rock landscapes, slot canyons, and natural arches.

Highlights:

• Zion: Hike the Narrows or Angels Landing.
• Bryce Canyon: Marvel at the hoodoos and explore Queen’s Garden Trail.
• Canyonlands: See the dramatic vistas at Island in the Sky and the Maze.

Itinerary:

• Day 1-2: Zion
• Day 3: Bryce Canyon
• Day 4: Capitol Reef
• Day 5-6: Arches
• Day 7: Canyonlands

Best Start/End Cities & Airports:

• Start: Las Vegas (LAS)
• End: Salt Lake City (SLC)

8. Alaska’s Wild Frontier:

• Parks Included: Denali and Kenai Fjords
• Duration: 7–10 days
• What to Expect: This road trip immerses you in Alaska’s pristine wilderness, with towering peaks, glacial fjords, and abundant wildlife.

Highlights:

• Denali National Park: Spot moose and grizzlies and enjoy views of North America’s tallest peak.
• Kenai Fjords: Explore glaciers and see whales and sea lions on a boat tour.

Itinerary:

• Day 1-3: Denali
• Day 4-7: Kenai Fjords

Best Start/End Cities & Airports:

• Start/End: Anchorage (ANC)

9. Florida’s Tropical Parks:

• Parks Included: Everglades and Dry Tortugas
• Duration: 5–7 days
• What to Expect: This tropical road trip showcases Florida’s unique wetlands and coastal beauty, with opportunities for kayaking, wildlife viewing, and snorkeling.

Highlights:

• Everglades National Park: Paddle through mangroves and spot alligators and manatees.
• Dry Tortugas National Park: Snorkel in crystal-clear waters and explore historic Fort Jefferson.

Itinerary:

• Day 1-3: Everglades
• Day 4-5: Dry Tortugas

Best Start/End Cities & Airports:

• Start/End: Miami (MIA) or Key West (EYW)

10. Northern Great Lakes Tour

• Parks Included: Isle Royale and Voyageurs
• Duration: 5–7 days
• What to Expect: Escape to the remote and serene wilderness of the Northern Great Lakes, ideal for those seeking solitude and adventure.

Highlights:

• Isle Royale National Park: Enjoy remote hiking trails, canoeing, and pristine lake views.
• Voyageurs National Park: Stay in a houseboat or paddle through scenic waterways.

Itinerary:

• Day 1-3: Isle Royale
• Day 4-7: Voyageurs

Best Start/End Cities & Airports:

• Start: Duluth (DLH) or Minneapolis (MSP)
• End: Duluth (DLH) or Minneapolis (MSP)

Related:

• 63 National Parks List
• Maine Coast Roadtrip
• Grand Circle Lake Superior