What’s better than a road trip through a national park? A road trip through multiple national parks, of course! From sweeping desert vistas and rugged coastlines to majestic mountain ranges, exploring several national parks in one journey offers a unique opportunity to witness America’s diverse landscapes, immerse yourself in its rich history, and marvel at the country’s natural beauty.
Planning such a grand adventure can feel overwhelming, so we’ve curated a selection of scenic itineraries for the ultimate national park road trips. These routes combine awe-inspiring scenery, thrilling outdoor activities, and a dash of Americana.
Note: The following itineraries are just starting points. Feel free to adapt them based on your time, budget, and personal interests for your own epic national parks adventure.
- The Grand Circle: Utah and Arizona’s Red-Rock Wonders
Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall
Suggested Duration: 8-10 days
Distance: 878 miles
Includes: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Grand Canyon National Park
Covering six iconic parks in Utah and Arizona, the Grand Circle is one of the most popular national park road trips—so much so that it’s the only route here with an official name. Your journey begins in Las Vegas, where you’ll drive to the towering sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park. Take a day to hike The Narrows or explore the Emerald Pools before heading to Bryce Canyon National Park, known for its surreal landscape of hoodoos that glow at sunrise and sunset. For a unique perspective, hike the Navajo Loop or drive the 18-mile Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive.
Next, drive to Capitol Reef National Park, a hidden gem filled with colorful canyons and ancient Fremont petroglyphs. Continue east to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, where you’ll discover over 2,000 natural stone arches and sweeping vistas from Mesa Arch. End your trip at Grand Canyon National Park, where the South Rim offers spectacular views of the canyon, carved over millennia by the Colorado River.
Extend your trip: Petrified Forest National Park, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Dead Horse Point State Park, Horseshoe Bend
- California’s Coastal and Mountain Wonders
Best Time to Visit: Summer
Suggested Duration: 10-14 days
Distance: 549 miles
Includes: Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Point Reyes National Seashore, Yosemite National Park, Pinnacles National Park
California’s diverse landscapes—from towering trees to rugged coastlines—provide the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable road trip. Begin in Sequoia National Park, home to the massive General Sherman Tree, one of the largest trees in the world. Continue to Kings Canyon National Park for stunning views of towering cliffs and deep canyons. Then, head to Pinnacles National Park, known for its dramatic rock spires and rare California condors.
Drive north along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway to Point Reyes National Seashore, where rugged cliffs, expansive beaches, and wildlife await. Finally, head inland to Yosemite National Park, renowned for its towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and pristine valleys. As John Muir famously said, “No temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite.”
Extend your trip: Tahoe National Forest, Death Valley National Park
- Rocky Mountain Majesty: Colorado and Wyoming
Best Time to Visit: Summer
Suggested Duration: 7-10 days
Distance: 561 miles
Includes: Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park
For those drawn to dramatic mountain landscapes, this road trip through Colorado and Wyoming offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. Begin in Denver, then head north to Rocky Mountain National Park. Drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road and explore over 350 miles of hiking trails, alpine lakes, and wildlife.
From there, continue north to Grand Teton National Park, where the jagged peaks of the Teton Range rise dramatically from the valley below. After soaking in the views, head to Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, famous for its geothermal features like Old Faithful and the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring. Wildlife sightings, from bison to grizzly bears, are part of the adventure here.
Extend your trip: Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wind River Range, Big Sky
- New England: A Fall Foliage History Tour
Best Time to Visit: Fall
Suggested Duration: 5-7 days
Distance: 501 miles
Includes: Acadia National Park, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, Minute Man National Historical Park
New England’s vibrant fall foliage makes for a picture-perfect backdrop on this historical road trip. Start in Acadia National Park in Maine, where you can take in stunning views from Cadillac Mountain, one of the first places in the U.S. to greet the sunrise. Next, drive west to Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Vermont, a tranquil spot with beautiful fall colors and insights into conservation history.
Continue south to Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in New Hampshire, home to the famed sculptor’s estate. Finally, wrap up your trip in Massachusetts at Minute Man National Historical Park, where you’ll see the battlefields of the American Revolution framed by autumn’s brilliant colors.
- Pacific Northwest Adventure: Washington and Oregon
Best Time to Visit: Summer
Suggested Duration: 8-10 days
Distance: 811 miles
Includes: Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Redwood National and State Parks
The Pacific Northwest offers a feast for the senses with its lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and rugged coastline. Begin at Mount Rainier National Park, where the snow-capped peak and wildflower meadows provide unforgettable vistas. Next, explore the temperate rainforests and pristine beaches of Olympic National Park.
Cross into Oregon to visit Crater Lake National Park, where the stunning blue water of a collapsed volcano awaits. End your journey at Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California, home to the tallest trees on Earth. This region is a must-see for nature lovers.
Extend your trip: Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Columbia River Gorge, Mount St. Helens
Tips for Your National Parks Road Trip
Get a National Parks Pass: Save on entrance fees when visiting multiple parks.
Plan Ahead: National parks can get crowded, so book accommodations and campsites well in advance.
Pack Smart: Prepare for varied climates and elevations, as many parks experience drastic temperature shifts.
Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from animals and avoid feeding them for both your safety and theirs.
Leave No Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles—pack out everything you bring and stick to designated trails.
Hit the road and discover the untamed beauty of America’s national parks, where every turn brings new landscapes, history, and adventure.
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