Want to visit some of America’s greatest national parks, but don’t know where to start? Read our recommendations to learn how to hit between 4 and 6 national parks all in a fun-filled 1-2 week road trip. Gear up for the best summer of your life!
Below are some of our personal favorite national parks with hikes and activity ideas included. We recommend starting most north at Arches National Park in Utah and finishing with a bang at the Grand Canyon, but you can go in the order that makes the most sense for you!
- Arches National Park
- (Canyonlands National Park)
- (Capitol Reef National Park)
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
- Grand Canyon
Arches National Park
Begin your adventure in Moab, Utah at Arches National Park. Arches is known for… you guessed it, the red rock arches! Hike trails such as Delicate Arch, Sand Dune Arch, Broken Arch, and Double Arch.
From here, you can take a day trip to beautiful Canyonlands National Park, which is only 30 minutes away from Arches. If you have time, stop by Capitol Reef National Park on your way to Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Drive 4 hours west to visit Bryce Canyon. A favorite of many, Bryce Canyon is open year-round and has the most beautiful scenery. Part of what makes Bryce Canyon so special is the fact that it contains the largest concentration of hoodoos(irregular columns of rock) on Earth! Enjoy the amazing views and beautiful sunsets from the main path. To get a closer look at the red rock, large trees, and unique rock formations, go on some of their famous hikes! Check out our blog post, for more Bryce Canyon activities. Don’t forget to stop by I.D.K. Barbeque at some point for delicious baked bean sandwiches!
Zion National Park
Your next stop is Zion National Park! Just over an hour away from Bryce Canyon, Zion has a beautiful scenic drive. It is famous for its stunning and somewhat treacherous hike, Angel’s Landing. The Narrows is another popular hike that is easier and includes hiking through water- a delightful trail for a hot summer day.
Zion offers a variety of hikes, from beginning to advanced. Choose which hikes sound the best to you by checking out our hiking recommendations!
Grand Canyon National Park
Finish off your trip by visiting the gorgeous Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is a must-see for all travelers. The south rim is open year-round and has a $30 entrance fee. Enjoy walking trails, mule rides, star-gazing, taking photos, biking trails, whitewater rafting, and riding Grand Canyon railway.
One common bucket list item at the Grand Canyon is hiking rim to rim! Although challenging, it is a beautiful hike and very rewarding. Read this guide to learn more about hiking rim to rim.
See you on the road!
You may be asking yourself, how am I going to find housing at all of these locations? Look no further! Stay at Wander Camp glamping sites for each of these national parks. Enjoy sleeping under the stars in a fresh warm bed and a spacious tent after a day full of outdoor activities.
We promise you won’t regret taking a National Park road trip this summer. Between the beautiful sights, endless trails, and fun activities, this road trip will make your summer one you’ll never forget. Enjoy your trip of a lifetime!
Post written by: Katie Johnson