In this blog we’re going to talk about US national park road trip hacks. To begin a road trip through a national park that should be on everyone’s bucket list, it’s important to understand a few basic facts. Including national parks, national forests, scenic roads, historic sites, and other locations, the National Park Service manages 425 areas in total. There are 64 officially recognized national parks across the United States just waiting to be explored. In this comprehensive guide we’ve provided you with the top 8 US national park road trip guides that you’ll ever need.
National parks protect a wide range of environments, including woods, rivers, deserts, and vast tunnel systems. They also contain some of the most beautiful natural settings in the entire country. These unique areas attract a lot of tourists all year long, which is evidence of their appeal and status as top travel destinations in the nation. Road trips are a popular way for visitors to see the large areas of several of these renowned national parks.
Taking these numbers into account, it may seem impossible to visit every park. But thoughtfully planned road trips through a few US national parks, like the ones listed below, provide a great way to discover the amazing beauty of the country’s wildness. We’ve prepared a list of eight national park road trip guides here, along with itineraries to help you discover these amazing locations.
1. The Blue Ridge Parkway
National parks explored: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Shenandoah National Park.
Beginning Point: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee / North Carolina
Ending Point: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Route Length: 469 miles
Recommended Duration: 5 days
Take a road trip that will attract you, especially in the fall when the color of the leaves in the Southeast becomes a vivid patchwork of reds, oranges, and yellows. It starts in the middle of the vast 800-square-mile Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is located in Tennessee and North Carolina, and winds its way northward to Virginia. Take a break along the route for a beautiful climb up Clingmans Dome, which offers stunning views from Tennessee’s highest peak and the park’s highest point, displaying the undulating peaks formed by millions of years of weathering and erosion. This northern section ends in Shenandoah National Park, which has 105 miles of Skyline Drive with plenty of views and tempting hiking paths, including the renowned Old Rag Mountain, which climbs up to 3,284 feet.
The carefully constructed Blue Ridge Parkway—named for the gloomy blue that covers the Appalachian Mountains—connects these two outstanding parks. The parkway, which stretches 469 miles, connects Shenandoah to the Great Smoky Mountains and provides access to more than 369 miles of hiking paths. Additionally, it offers easy access to a number of popular Appalachian towns and cities, such as Asheville, North Carolina, and Roanoke, Virginia, giving visitors a better understanding of the area’s rich natural and cultural legacy.
Accommodation Suggestions:
The Foundry Hotel, which symbolizes the city’s development efforts, is a great choice for a pleasant stay in downtown Asheville. Located in a renovated steel mill, this 87-room hotel offers a fusion of contemporary and industrial design elements, such as exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and modern furniture.
2. Wyoming’s Best Hits
National parks explored: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park.
Starting Point: Cheyenne, Wyoming
Ending Point: Cody, Wyoming
Route Length: 800 miles
Recommended Duration: 10 days
It is not necessary for visitors to Wyoming to make a rush for the renowned Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, which are tucked away in the northwest of the state. Although there is no denying the attraction of these parks, Wyoming has many additional places worth taking a relaxing tour throughout the state.
A 10-day road trip reveals the wide range of pleasures that are on offer, from serene fishing and kayaking to thrilling treks and animal watching. Explore Cheyenne’s rich history as a railroad and cowboy city to start your adventure. Travel through the wild terrain of Medicine Bow National Forest, which is recognized for its potential for rock climbing and the historic Vedauwoo igneous rock formations. After relaxing at Saratoga’s natural hot springs, make yourself at home in the lovely town of Jackson, which is the ideal starting point for exploring Grand Teton National Park’s lakes and waterfalls. Visit Yellowstone’s famous geysers to round out your adventure. Finally, take a trek through the beautiful Shoshone National Forest and have a delicious slow-cooked lunch at Cody’s Cody Cattle Company.
Where to Stay:
A popular stop for visitors heading to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks is Jackson, Wyoming. Discover the town’s lively square dancing spots, art galleries, and other attractions while reserving a variety of lodging choices, such as newly remodeled motor lodges or retreats with a healthcare theme. The 100-room Cloudveil Autograph Collection is perfectly located close to downtown and the surrounding mountains and parks, and offers boutique hotel services including customized wood furnishings, cozy sitting rooms, and private fireplaces.
3. Beyond California’s Coast
National parks included: Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park.
Starting Point: Yosemite National Park
Ending Point: Sequoia National Park
Route Distance: 150 miles
Recommended Duration: 5 days
There are many different road trip options in California, and this one explores the state’s interior’s lush, green forests and stunning Eastern Sierras. Start your journey in Yosemite National Park, where you can take in famous sights like the flame illusion created by Horsetail Fall in the winter and the vertical granite formation El Capitan. Take a scenic trip via CA-41 and CA-180 to get to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. These parks are popular for having some of the world’s largest and oldest sequoia trees, which reach towering heights. Roam under the huge trees, maybe enjoying the Japanese custom of “forest bathing,” or take a ride on the concrete Congress Route to the magnificent General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree on Earth in terms of volume.There’s flexibility to extend your vacation on either end of the trip with this comparatively short route.
Travel north to experience a huge network of national parks and forests, such as Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park, or travel south to enjoy the arid landscapes of these parks. Other options include Tahoe National Forest and Lassen Volcanic National Park. As an alternative, think about taking a trip down California’s famous Pacific Highway if you’re craving for views of the shore.
When planning a road trip, timing is quite important, especially in a state with such diversity as California with its different climate. Road closures during winter snowfall in the Sierra Nevada region can occur, while temperatures in the summer over 120°F make exploring Death Valley a difficult task. Visit Sequoia National Park in the fall for a stunning experience to see the evergreen trees contrasted with the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves.
Highlight of Accommodations:
Since its founding in 1927, the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, which is tucked away within Yosemite National Park, has attracted notable visitors. From Brad Pitt and Lucille Ball to John F. Kennedy, plenty of famous people have stayed at this famous estate, including Queen Elizabeth II. With 24 cottages on the property and 97 hotel rooms, parlors, and suites, the hotel offers amazing views of Glacier Point, Half Dome, and other park natural beauties.
4. Utah’s Mighty Five
National parks featured: Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park.
Starting Point: Arches National Park
Ending Point: Zion National Park
Route Distance: 380 miles
Recommended Duration: 7 days
One of Utah’s greatest treasures is the ‘Mighty Five’ network of national parks, which includes Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. It makes for an amazing road trip through the fascinating canyon area. This trip, which spans more than 380 miles throughout the state, promises breathtaking scenery and amazing geological treasures around every corner. Set out on the adventure among the beautiful orange spires, arches, and canyons of Arches National Park. Then, take a relaxing drive through Canyonlands, where the buttes formed by the Colorado River resemble an alien Martian landscape. The ‘Grand Staircase,’ or multicolored rock layers continuing towards Zion, is where the Navajo Sandstone domes of Capitol Reef and the mystical hoodoos of Bryce Canyon continue their strange beauty.
A road trip in the winter has special benefits that are worth taking into consideration, even if summer usually sees a rise in tourism. For example, Zion National Park sees a considerable drop in visitors in the winter, offering a calmer and more peaceful experience amid its amazing views. Colder weather also brings with it seasonal opportunities, like skiing in Bryce Canyon, one of Utah’s Mighty Five. Bryce Canyon’s high elevation ensures constant snowfall, making it a unique treat.
Highlight of Accommodations:
The historic Lodge at Bryce Canyon, created by famous architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood and opened in 1925, is a shining example of rustic beauty. This famous facility, the only hotel option in the park, has 114 rooms, including lodge suites, motel rooms, and cabins. Its great location makes it a popular choice.Enjoy the convenience of on-site features like restaurants, a basic store, and a laundry room. The Rim Trail is also perfectly located—a quick five-minute walk away—and provides easy access to natural activities.
5. West Virginia’s Wonders
National park visited: New River Gorge National Park
Starting Point: Blackwater Falls State Park
Ending Point: New River Gorge National Park
Route Distance: 200 miles
Recommended Duration: 3 days
West Virginia’s first national park, New River Gorge, opened for visitors in 2020. The river itself is everything but new, despite its name. It is the oldest river in North America, with a history estimated to span between 10 million and 360 million years. Though residents have long appreciated the state’s natural beauties, a three-day trip reveals a variety of fascinating attractions. Adventurers can climb stairs to see the magnificent 57-foot waterfall at Blackwater Falls State Park or climb difficult routes to Seneca Rocks, a massive structure rising 900 feet above the New River.
The heart-pounding hairpin twists that lead to New River Gorge National Park are ideal for adrenaline junkies seeking a rush of adrenaline when river rafting. Exciting class II–IV rapids on the New River challenge experienced rafters as well as novices, especially in the famous ‘Gauley Season,’ which ends after Labor Day.
But if you’d rather explore in peace, hiking is still a classic way to take in the area’s stunning natural splendor. The 2.2-mile Endless Wall Trail is a must-see. At dawn, the canyon becomes magical by the floating mist and fog.
Lodging and Exploration Highlight:
Adventures on the Gorge is a one-stop shop for vacationers, offering the ideal combination of thrilling excursions and cozy accommodations. Located about a mile from New River Gorge National Park, their Lansing location provides comfortable lodging in addition to a variety of thrilling events including ziplining and whitewater rafting. Enjoy the cozy, natural charm of wooden cabins, some with individual porches and hot tubs, for a complete experience in the lap of nature.
6. Florida Keys
National parks visited: Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park
Starting Point: Everglades National Park
Ending Point: Dry Tortugas National Park
Route Distance: 150 miles
Recommended Duration: 5 days
While beautiful beaches are the main attraction of many Florida road vacations, head south to explore some of the country’s most fascinating marine ecosystems and less popular national parks.
Begin out on your adventure in Florida’s Everglades, a famous wilderness region known as the “river of grass” that Marjory Stoneman Douglas fought for protection. From here, Homestead Bayfront, which provides boat access to Biscayne National Park, is reached after a beautiful 35-mile journey south on FL-997. It is best to take guided trips to see this park’s beautiful underwater world and hidden islands, as 95% of its land is underwater.
Head back to the mainland and travel 135 more miles on Florida’s Highway 1, stopping for delicious seafood along the way, until you arrive in Key West. The road trip adventure comes to an end here, as Dry Tortugas National Park is 70 miles to the west and can only be reached via boat or plane. Explore the historic Fort Jefferson on its only landmass and spend the day swimming in this park’s aquatic wonders, which are made up of 30 species of coral reefs and 99 percent water.
The 100-room Ocean Key Resort & Spa offers pleasant accommodations in the heart of Key West’s lively atmosphere. This resort offers delicious Caribbean cuisine and stunning sunset views, making it the ideal place to relax after a day of sightseeing. A vibrant schedule of nighttime events and live music allows visitors to relax and experience the true spirit of the Florida Keys.
7. New Mexico to Texas
National parks visited: White Sands National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Big Bend National Park.
Starting Point: White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Ending Point: Big Bend National Park, Texas
Route Distance: 450-500 miles
Recommended Duration: 5 days
Take a fascinating tour of the Southwest, with a particular focus on the beautiful national parks in Texas and New Mexico. Start your journey in the dreamy surroundings of White Sands National Park, where the eight-mile Dunes Drive reveals the mesmerizing length of the largest gypsum dune area in the world. After leaving the dry desert behind, the road enters Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which invites exploration of its more than 119 limestone caverns.
After around 35 miles from the caverns, you’ll reach Texas’s Guadalupe Mountains National Park, where the hard trek up Guadalupe Peak challenges the idea that the state is completely flat. After 235 miles more of travel, you will arrive in the spectacular Big Bend National Park, which is tucked away close to the Mexican border. This secluded refuge, known for its outstanding astronomy prospects, provides a celestial show under the least light-polluted skies in the continental United States.
The road may be long, but the benefits are plentiful. Enjoy delicious barbecue and refreshments at the legendary Texan stop, Buc-ee’s, while seeing the scenery along the way. As you wrap off your adventure at Big Bend National Park, relax at the campgrounds, which include three beautiful sites and an RV park. Reservations are recommended to secure your position beneath the starry Texas sky and ensure an amazing wilderness getaway.
8. Olympic Peninsula Loop
National Park Visited: Olympic National Park
Start and End: Olympia, Washington
Distance: 335 miles
Recommended Time: 3 days
A charming drive across Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula allows you to experience the spectacular beauty of the Pacific Northwest. This loop tour begins and ends in Olympia, following the meandering U.S.-101 through different landscapes and delightful villages. From the lavender fields of Sequim to the coastal beauty of Forks, each stop provides a distinct peek into the region’s colorful tapestry.
Explore the vast wilderness of Olympic National Park, which includes incredible mountains, rich rainforests, and clean beaches. Hike the trails to find hidden jewels like the Olympic Hot Springs and the gorgeous Hoh Rain Forest, which is overflowing with different flora and wildlife.
Plan your trip during the summer months to take advantage of the beautiful weather and exciting local festivals, which add to the attraction of this Pacific Northwest treasure.
Accommodation Suggestions:
Enjoy an enjoyable stay at Kalaloch Lodge, located on the beautiful coastline of Olympic National Park. Absorb yourself in the calm of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, which offers amazing ocean views and pleasant rooms, making it the ideal place to relax after a day of exploring.
Conclusion
Lastly, in this guide, we’ve supplied you with eight precisely created itineraries, each giving a unique tour through some of the most stunning national parks in the United States. From the rocky views of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the beautiful shores of the Olympic Peninsula, these road trips provide amazing memories and stunning beauty.
To make your trip as pleasant and enjoyable as possible, we’ve included recommendations for lodging along each route in our US national park road trip guide. Whether you like the rustic appeal of a wilderness lodge or the luxurious comforts of a boutique hotel, there is something for every traveler’s taste.
All you need to do is gather your belongings, drive, and discover the beauty of the United States national parks. With our carefully planned US national park road trip itineraries and lodging recommendations, you’re guaranteed to make memories that will last a lifetime.