Top 8 road trips for exploring national parks

While flying, cruising, or taking the train all have their perks, nothing beats the charm of a classic road trip. Traveling by car allows you to control your own pace and offers parents a chance to teach their children about "enjoying the journey."

It's one of the finest ways to experience America's stunning array of national parks. Road trips through these parks can provide a truly immersive experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, as you navigate the diverse and unique ecosystems across the U.S. A slower pace also allows for deeper exploration of the rich history and culture of each location, while making unforgettable memories along the way.

From majestic mountains and ancient woodlands to colorful deserts and stunning waterfalls, each of our national parks boasts its own unique allure. Here are the eight top road trips for visiting these national treasures.

Yosemite National Park

• Closest airport: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) in California
• Ideal visiting period: May to October

Yosemite National Park, nestled in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, is a must-see for road trip lovers. Here, visitors can marvel at the park's famous granite cliffs, lush alpine meadows, towering sequoias, and stunning waterfalls.

With iconic landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan, along with Mirror Lake and Yosemite Valley, the park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether hiking, rock climbing, or simply soaking in the tranquility of nature, Yosemite encourages adventure. The park features well-kept roads, scenic drives, on-site lodges, well-equipped campgrounds, and various nearby accommodations, ensuring a memorable experience for every budget.

Must-visit spots around the park:

• Mariposa Grove: Home to over 500 mature giant sequoias
• Glacier Point: Provides breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley
• Curry Village: An excellent base for hiking, bouldering, and rock climbing

Accommodations

Inside the park, you can find well-equipped campgrounds, or treat yourself to a luxurious stay at The Ahwahnee (starting at approximately $750 per night). If you prefer to use points, consider Fairfield Inn & Suites Oakhurst Yosemite, located about 36 miles from the park, where rooms can be booked for around 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points in spring, or $225 per night.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Closest airport: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) located in Alcoa, Tennessee
• Optimal visiting months: June, July, and October

Nestled between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most frequented national park in the United States, celebrated for its rich biodiversity and Southern Appalachian heritage.

The park boasts a wealth of natural attractions, from breathtaking views at Clingmans Dome and scenic drives along Newfound Gap Road to the tranquil beauty of Cades Cove and Laurel Falls. It’s an ideal destination for road trip enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, wildlife photography, or delving into history.

Must-see locations around the park:

• Cades Cove: Perfect for wildlife spotting and exploring historic structures
• Clingmans Dome: The park's highest point, offering breathtaking panoramic views
• Roaring Fork: A picturesque motor nature trail

Where to stay

LeConte Lodge is the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States, sitting at 6,400 feet, and offers rustic charm along with stunning views. Rates begin at $184 per person for a lodge room or cabin. Alternatively, you can use 38,000 Hilton Honors points ($132) per night to book a room at the Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail, located less than two miles from the park.

Yellowstone National Park

• Nearest airport: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana
• Best time to visit: From May to September

Yellowstone National Park holds the title of America's first national park, and it's easy to see why — it features geothermal wonders, vast meadows, and stunning landscapes.

The park showcases a vibrant array of natural wonders. Visitors can marvel at the spectacular eruptions of Old Faithful, the Instagram-worthy hues of the Grand Prismatic Spring, the impressive wildlife in Lamar Valley, the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and much more beyond its most famous sites.

For the adventurous, there's an extensive network of hiking trails to explore, opportunities to witness Yellowstone's powerful geysers and hot springs, and wildlife safaris to catch sight of bison, wolves, and grizzly bears.

With its scenic routes, well-maintained historical sites, and inviting campgrounds, Yellowstone offers something for every type of traveler.

Must-see stops around the park:

• Old Faithful: The world's most renowned geyser
• Grand Prismatic Spring: The largest hot spring in the United States
• Lamar Valley: Known as the "Serengeti of North America" for its rich wildlife population

Where to stay

Old Faithful Inn is a historic hotel situated right by Old Faithful, with room rates starting at $256 per night. Alternatively, the Holiday Inn West Yellowstone is just three minutes from the park entrance, with prices beginning at $465 or 76,000 IHG Rewards points per night.

Joshua Tree National Park

• Nearest airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) in California
• Best times to visit: March to May and October to November

This southeastern California park is characterized by dramatic rock formations, expansive desert landscapes, and unique Joshua trees.

From the enchanting beauty of Joshua tree "groves" (note that these aren't actually trees, but succulents) to remarkable features like Skull Rock and Arch Rock, the park is full of natural wonders waiting to be discovered. Be sure to stay for some nighttime stargazing, as Joshua Tree National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park.

Must-see stops around the park:

• Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center: A great starting point for maps, books, souvenirs, and local insights.
• Keys View: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of Coachella Valley.
• Cholla Cactus Garden: Best appreciated at sunrise or sunset (be cautious around the jumping chollas!).

Where to stay

Joshua Tree Inn has a notable history with musician Gram Parsons, a former guest who tragically passed away in room eight, which remains available for booking. Additionally, Sacred Sands is a luxurious desert getaway near the park's west entrance. The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa is about an hour's drive from the park, with rates starting at $295 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night in the fall.

Death Valley National Park

• Nearest airport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas is approximately 120 miles from the park.
• Best time to visit: Spring

As the hottest and driest national park in the U.S., Death Valley is notorious for its extreme temperatures. However, it offers much more than just heat; the park features stunning landscapes that are a photographer's paradise. While it’s classified as a desert, only about 1% is actually covered in sand dunes.

With numerous fantastic trails, hikers and runners will find plenty to explore, and mountain bikers can also enjoy the terrain. Just remember to bring ample water and avoid strenuous activities during peak summer heat. An important point to note about Death Valley: it spans 3.3 million acres, making it one of the largest national parks, surpassed only by those in Alaska. Be sure to come prepared.

For those wanting to escape the heat, the park features hundreds of backcountry roads suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Don't forget to pack an old-fashioned paper map; GPS can be unreliable in this area. Fans of "Star Wars" can enjoy a "Star Wars" driving tour to explore various filming locations from the original movie and "Return of the Jedi."

Recommended stops around the park:

• Badwater Basin: At 282 feet below sea level, this is the lowest point in North America.
• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Easily accessible dunes located off State Highway 190, they provide an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife like coyotes and desert kit foxes. Sandboarding is also popular here.
• Ubehebe Crater: A breathtaking sight, this crater measures 600 feet deep and half a mile wide, making it a must-see in person.

Where to stay

The Oasis at Death Valley is situated near the park's visitor center, nestled in a lush date palm grove fed by natural springs. Following a $250 million renovation, this nearly century-old resort features The Inn at Death Valley, Fiddler's Campgrounds, and the Ranch at Death Valley. Room rates start at $150, while campsites begin at $29.

Acadia National Park

• Nearest airport: Bangor International Airport (BGR) in Maine
• Best time to visit: June through October

Acadia National Park in Maine is a must-see for anyone on a road trip. With its rugged coastlines, verdant forests, and towering granite peaks, it perfectly embodies the charming New England scenery.

Don't miss the chance to hike up Cadillac Mountain, the tallest point on the Eastern seaboard, and savor the peacefulness of Jordan Pond along with the striking cliffs at Thunder Hole.

Whether you enjoy hiking or biking along the Park Loop Road, Acadia offers a seamless way to connect with the area's vibrant maritime heritage and stunning natural beauty.

Recommended stops around the park:

• Cadillac Mountain: The highest peak along the Eastern seaboard
• Jordan Pond: Famous for its pristine waters and scenic views of the North and South Bubble mountains
• Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse offering stunning views of the harbor and ocean

Where to stay

The Bluenose Inn provides stunning views and convenient access to Bar Harbor. Alternatively, Hampton Inn Bar Harbor is also nearby, with rates beginning at $525 or 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Zion National Park

• Nearest airport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas or St. George Regional Airport (SGU) in Utah
• Best times to visit: Spring and fall

Zion National Park, located amidst the stunning canyons and towering cliffs of southern Utah, is an essential stop for any road-trip enthusiast.

Famous for its vibrant red rock formations, narrow slot canyons, and the meandering Virgin River, Zion showcases a captivating landscape that enthralls all who visit.

From the challenging hike at Angels Landing to the breathtaking views along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and the serene Emerald Pools to the stunning Narrows hike, the park offers diverse adventures for outdoor lovers. Visitors can hike, rock climb, or even ride horseback through its scenic trails.

Recommended stops around the park:

• Angels Landing: This popular hiking trail provides breathtaking views of the park — reservations or a lottery entry is required to embark on this adventure.
• The Narrows: Walk alongside the Virgin River as you navigate through towering canyon walls.
• Kolob Canyons: A more tranquil section of the park that features beautiful scenic drives and hiking trails.

Where to stay

Zion Lodge is the sole accommodation located within the park, offering both cabins and hotel rooms. Alternatively, SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park is situated just 8 miles away, with rates starting at $224 or 57,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Bryce Canyon National Park

• Nearest airport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• Best times to visit: Spring and fall, though summer attracts the largest crowds.

Located just 72 miles from Zion in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park offers breathtaking landscapes that are easily accessible for a day trip. It's renowned for its tall, slender rock formations known as hoodoos, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

According to Paiute Native American legend, the hoodoos represent the Legend People who were transformed into stone.

Recommended stops around the park:

• The Bryce Amphitheater: This is the park's most renowned area, featuring Bryce Canyon's signature collection of hoodoos.
• The Rim Trail: A scenic 5.5-mile path that links four viewpoints within the Bryce Amphitheater: Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point.
• The Grand Staircase: A series of striking rock formations that extend from Bryce Canyon to the Grand Canyon, making it a favorite among hikers.

Where to stay

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is the sole accommodation within the park, conveniently located just a short stroll from the Bryce Amphitheater. Established in the 1920s, this Western-style lodge is one of Bryce Canyon's iconic landmarks, featuring 114 rooms, including suites and cabins. Rates begin at $291 per night.

Another choice is Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn, situated in Bryce Canyon City, just a mile from the park entrance. Rooms are available starting at $85 per night.

So, are you ready to hit the road?