8 Epic Road Trips Through Famous U.S. National Parks
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In 2021, I packed up my trusty Honda CR-V and left my North Carolina home, spending months on the road. It was during this journey that I truly discovered the incredible variety and stunning beauty of U.S. national parks. After being glued to my computer screen during the peak of remote work, witnessing breathtaking views like the Grand Tetons in person brought tears of joy.
I’m certainly not alone in this experience: the national parks welcomed over 325 million visitors last year. With the surge in interest, many parks are now implementing reservation systems to manage summer crowds. For those eager to explore one of the nation’s 63 national parks, a scenic drive offers the chance to experience the stunning deserts, mountains, beaches, and diverse landscapes at their finest.
So grab your favorite podcast, fasten your seatbelt, and prepare for adventure with these eight incredible national park road trips.
1. The Blue Ridge Parkway
- National parks visited: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Shenandoah National Park
- Starting point: Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina
- Ending point: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- Approximate distance: 469 miles
- Recommended duration: 5 days
This is a prime road trip for autumn when the sourwood, oak, and other deciduous trees in the Southeast burst into a vibrant display of colors. Beginning at North Carolina’s entrance to the expansive Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the journey heads north toward Virginia. Hike to Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains for breathtaking views from the park’s highest elevation, showcasing rolling peaks shaped by 300 million years of natural forces. Shenandoah National Park marks the northern end of this route, featuring numerous scenic overlooks along its 105-mile Skyline Drive, as well as fantastic hikes for a well-deserved leg stretch. The most popular is Old Rag Mountain, a challenging 3,284-foot ascent that takes six to seven hours to conquer.
The scenic roadway linking these two parks is the meticulously crafted Blue Ridge Parkway. Named for the blue hue of the atmosphere enveloping the Appalachian Mountains, this parkway stretches across 469 miles, connecting Great Smoky Mountains with Shenandoah and granting access to over 369 miles of hiking trails.
Accommodations
The Blue Ridge Parkway winds past several key towns and cities in Appalachia, including Asheville, North Carolina, offering a glimpse into the local culture and stunning landscapes. Travel about half an hour west of Asheville to the charming town of Clyde, where you can stay at the Glamping Collective, featuring glass cabins with breathtaking mountain views. Amenities include hot tubs, fire tables, and access to five miles of private hiking trails.
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Photo by Jesse Collins/Unsplash
2. Highlights of Wyoming
- National parks visited: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park
- Starting point: Cheyenne, Wyoming
- Ending point: Cody, Wyoming
- Approximate distance: 800 miles
- Recommended duration: 10 days
For those planning a road trip to Wyoming: Don’t rush straight to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks in the northwestern part of the state. While these parks are renowned for a reason, there are many others worth exploring on a leisurely drive across Wyoming.
A 10-day journey reveals a wealth of experiences, from ancient fossils to the iconic Old Faithful. Begin in Cheyenne to delve into the history of cowboys and railroads, then navigate through Medicine Bow National Forest for rock climbing or hiking amidst the striking reddish igneous formations of Vedauwoo. Take a break to enjoy the mineral hot springs in Saratoga before heading to Jackson as your base for exploring the waterfalls and lakes of Grand Teton, concluding your adventure with the geysers of Yellowstone. Wrap up your trip with a hike in Shoshone National Forest and a hearty meal at Cody, Wyoming’s Cody Cattle Company.
Proposed Itinerary: National Parks, Hot Springs, and the Great American Frontier: The Ultimate Wyoming Road Trip
Accommodation Options
Jackson, Wyoming, is a popular destination for visitors to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. It’s worthwhile to spend time enjoying the square dancing venues, art galleries, and other attractions the town offers, especially given the variety of accommodation choices, from renovated motor lodges to wellness retreats. The 100-room Cloudveil, Autograph Collection provides the luxury of a boutique hotel (featuring private fireplaces, custom wood furnishings, and comfortable sitting areas) with convenient access to downtown and the nearby mountains and parks.
3. Beyond the California Coast
- National parks visited: Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park
- Starting point: Yosemite National Park
- Ending point: Sequoia National Park
- Approximate distance: 130 miles
- Recommended duration: 3 days
California boasts countless road trip options. This particular route highlights the lush forests and the eastern Sierras in the heart of the state. Beginning in Yosemite National Park, travelers can marvel at iconic sights like the sheer cliffs of El Capitan and the captivating Horsetail Fall. (During a brief period in winter, this waterfall appears to ignite.) From there, a drive along CA-41 and CA-180 leads road-trippers to Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks, home to some of the planet's largest and oldest trees. Stand in awe beneath trees soaring over 250 feet, and perhaps try forest bathing (no, it's not literally showering in the woods), or hike the paved Congress Trail to see the General Sherman Tree—the largest tree on Earth by volume.
With such a manageable itinerary, there’s ample room for spontaneity during the journey. Travel north to discover a vast expanse of forests and national parks (including Tahoe National Forest and Lassen Volcanic National Park), or head south to experience the arid landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park. If you’re craving ocean views, consider taking one of California’s other famous drives, the Pacific Coast Highway.
Timing is crucial for a road trip, especially in a large state with varying climates. Winter snowfall in the Sierra Nevada can close some roads (like Tioga and Glacier Point roads in Yosemite), while the sweltering temperatures in Death Valley (exceeding 120°F) can turn a summer trip into a sweaty ordeal. Visit Sequoia National Park in the fall to enjoy the stunning contrast of evergreens against the vibrant reds and yellows of autumn foliage.
Accommodation Options
The Ahwahnee Hotel, located in Yosemite National Park, has been welcoming guests since 1927 and boasts a rich history of hosting famous visitors, including Queen Elizabeth II, John F. Kennedy, and I Love Lucy star Lucille Ball. The hotel offers 99 rooms, parlors, and suites, along with 24 cottages on its grounds, all with stunning views of Half Dome, Glacier Point, and other iconic park landmarks.
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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
- Starting point: Arches National Park
- Ending point: Zion National Park
- Distance: 370 miles
- Recommended duration: 7 days
Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef make up Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks. Spanning about 370 miles, their linear arrangement provides a relatively easy yet immensely rewarding road trip through canyon country. Beginning amidst the orange spires, arches, and canyons of Arches National Park, and moving through the buttes carved by the Colorado River in Canyonlands, this journey evokes a sense of stepping onto Mars. The stunning landscapes continue with the Navajo Sandstone domes of Capitol Reef and the striking hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, where the colorful rock layers, referred to as the “Grand Staircase,” extend all the way to Zion.
While summer is typically a favored season for exploring this region, a winter road trip offers unexpected advantages worth considering: Zion receives 70 percent of its visitors from April to September, but only 2–3 percent during the winter months of December, January, and February. The absence of crowds is just one benefit. Colder temperatures create unique seasonal experiences, such as cross-country skiing in Bryce Canyon.
Accommodation Options
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon opened its doors in 1925, designed by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, who also crafted the Old Faithful Lodge at Yellowstone and the Ahwahnee at Yosemite. One of the main attractions of this 114-room property, which includes lodge suites, motel rooms, and cabins, is its prime location: it is the only lodging within the park. Nearby amenities feature restaurants, a general store, and a laundry facility, with numerous natural adventures accessible on foot—it's just a five-minute stroll to the start of the 5.5-mile Rim Trail.
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
- Distance: 200 miles
- Recommended duration: 3 days
In 2020, the United States designated a national park in West Virginia: New River Gorge. Contrary to its name, the river is far from new; it’s believed to be between 260 million and 325 million years old, making it one of North America's oldest rivers. While locals have long been aware of the state’s offerings, a three-day adventure is sufficient to introduce visitors to West Virginia’s key attractions. Begin your journey at Blackwater Falls State Park, where hikers can ascend steps to witness a stunning 57-foot waterfall. Then, drive approximately 30 miles south to Seneca Rocks, a striking formation that towers 900 feet above the New River.
If you crave even more excitement after navigating the twists and turns leading to New River Gorge National Park, seize the chance to experience whitewater rafting on the New River, featuring class II–IV rapids depending on the section. It’s an ideal spot for beginners to try out rafting, but seasoned rafters should mark their calendars for “Gauley Season,” which occurs in the six weeks following Labor Day.
If high-energy waters aren't part of your plan, hiking remains a reliable way to explore the area. Should you have time for just one hike in the national park, Dinogo’s own Jessie Beck recommends the 2.2-mile Endless Wall Trail: “It’s particularly enchanting at sunrise, when fog and mist weave through the canyon.”
Itinerary: Discover the Newest U.S. National Park and Other West Virginia Marvels on This Unforgettable Road Trip
Accommodation Options
Travelers can conveniently book both their adventures and overnight stays at Adventures on the Gorge, which provides experiences such as whitewater rafting and ziplining, along with lodging. Staying at their Lansing location, just a mile from New River Gorge National Park, allows guests to fully embrace the rustic charm of nature, featuring wooden cabins that offer stunning stargazing. (Some cabins even include the added luxury of a private porch and hot tub.)
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Photo courtesy of Key West Seaplane Adventures
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
- Total Distance: 150 miles
- Recommended Duration: 3 days
While many Florida road trips are centered around its stunning beaches, heading to the southern tip reveals some of the most remarkable marine ecosystems and underappreciated national parks in the country.
Kicking off the journey, Florida’s Everglades introduce visitors to the “river of grass,” a landscape that Marjory Stoneman Douglas fiercely advocated for. (Her book, The Everglades: River of Grass, was published in 1947, the same year the Everglades was designated as a national park.) From the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, it’s a roughly 20-mile drive east to Homestead Bayfront, the launching point for boat trips to Biscayne National Park. With 95 percent of the park covered in water, land access is limited, making a guided tour the best way to explore.
After returning to the mainland, take Florida’s Highway 1 for another 135 miles, indulging in seafood along the way, until you reach Key West. The journey stops here because Dry Tortugas National Park lies 70 miles to the west, accessible only by boat or plane. Spend your day in this national park, which is 99 percent water, discovering the 30 coral species in its reefs and exploring the historical Fort Jefferson on the remaining land.
Accommodation Options
While there are numerous places to stay throughout the Florida Keys, Key West serves as an ideal base for day trips to Dry Tortugas. One excellent option is the 100-room Ocean Key Resort & Spa, which offers stunning sunset views and delightful Caribbean cuisine. With a packed calendar of live music and evening events, the resort provides perfect opportunities to unwind after a day of adventure.
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Photo courtesy of freddie marriage/Unsplash
7. Journey from 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
- Ending Point: Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Total Distance: 450 miles
- Recommended Duration: 5 days
Covering every national park in the Southwest in a single road trip is quite a challenge—this specific route highlights those located in New Mexico and Texas. The adventure kicks off at White Sands National Park, where visitors can embark on the eight-mile Dunes Drive into the world’s largest gypsum dune field. (Gypsum, commonly found in drywall and toothpaste, adds to the unique landscape.) After that, it’s a 185-mile drive to New Mexico’s next national park, Carlsbad Caverns, which offers a stark contrast by leading visitors deep into a network of over 119 limestone caves.
From the caverns, it’s just about 35 miles to Texas’s Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Here, a hike to Guadalupe Peak—the highest natural point in Texas—unveils stunning views of the expansive desert and mountainous terrain. Make sure to refuel, as the next leg is a lengthy 235-mile journey to Big Bend, situated near the Mexican border. Although it’s a long haul, the reward is immense: Big Bend is a stargazer’s paradise, being the least light-polluted national park in the contiguous United States.
There’s plenty to explore on this journey—after enjoying some barbecue and snacks from the beloved Texan gas station chain Buc-ee’s, consider embarking on another road trip in the Lone Star State.
Where to stay
If you prefer not to camp at Big Bend National Park’s campgrounds, take a 40-minute drive north to the gateway town of Marathon. According to Dinogo contributor Nick DeRenzo, this quirky town “oozes Old West charm and resembles Marfa before the influx of art students.” Make the Gage Hotel your home base; established in 1927, it embraces the Western theme, adorned with leather furnishings and cow skulls on the walls.
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Photo by Georg Eiermann/Unsplash
8. Olympic Peninsula Loop
- National park visited: Olympic National Park
- Start and end: Olympia, Washington
- Distance: 335 miles
- Recommended time: 5 days
Experience the breathtaking Pacific Northwest on this Olympic Peninsula road trip through Washington State, primarily following U.S. 101 before veering onto U.S. 12 and 8 in the southern stretch, ultimately looping back to Olympia, the state capital. Notable stops along the way include Sequim, famous for its vibrant lavender fields in the summer, and Forks, a small town known for its connection to the Twilight series, making it an excellent base for exploring the Pacific coastline.
Nestled deeper within the peninsula lies Olympic National Park, a sprawling nearly 1-million-acre wilderness that showcases the iconic mountains of the Pacific Northwest along with its own distinctive geological features. The park offers numerous hiking opportunities, including the three-mile round-trip Hurricane Hill trail, which rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surroundings. Among its many attractions, the Hoh Rain Forest stands out as the most visited spot—one of four rainforests in Washington—boasting a lush, moss-laden habitat teeming with Sitka spruce, black bears, river otters, and the rare northern spotted owl.
Where to stay
Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic National Park, located 35 miles southwest of Forks, serves as a perfect home base for discovering the Pacific Coast. The waters adjacent to the lodge belong to the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, encompassing over 3,000 square miles and home to at least 300 fish species and 29 marine mammal species, including orcas and humpback whales. Guests in the cozy wood-paneled cabins can stroll to the Pacific shoreline, which offers breathtaking views, especially at sunset.
This article was first published in 2023 and was updated on June 10, 2024, to reflect the most current information.
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