1. Zion National Park to the Grand Canyon
Begin your journey at Zion National Park, where the cream, pink, and red sandstone cliffs command awe. The highlight here is the Narrows, the most constricted part of the canyon. Visitors often trek through the river to fully experience this unique landscape.
Next, Bryce Canyon National Park offers an impressive spectacle with its collection of hoodoos—spire-shaped rock formations that seem almost otherworldly. The Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop combo provides an optimal view, while the Rim Trail offers remarkable vistas without a strenuous hike.
Crossing into Arizona, you'll reach the Grand Canyon National Park. The South Rim trails reveal millions of years of geological history. This park is a canvas painted with time, waiting for you to explore its many paths.
2. The Anchorage Loop: Kenai Fjords and Denali
Start your Alaskan adventure from Anchorage, the ideal launch point for exploring some of America's remotest national wonders. Head south along the scenic Seward Highway to reach Kenai Fjords National Park, a paradise for glacier enthusiasts. The challenging Harding Icefield Trail offers panoramic views of snow and ice, but easier trails are available for a more relaxed experience.
Continue northward to Denali National Park, home to North America's highest peak, standing at 20,310 feet1. Begin your exploration on the serene Horseshoe Lake Trail, where moose sightings are frequent.
This Alaskan loop encapsulates the essence of wilderness, offering dramatic glaciers, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife.
3. Utah's Mighty 5: National Parks Extravaganza
Utah boasts five spectacular national parks known as the "Mighty 5." Each park has its own distinct geological features.
- Zion National Park captivates with towering sandstone cliffs and emerald pools. The Narrows are a must-see, while trails like Angels Landing offer thrilling ascents with rewarding views.
- Bryce Canyon National Park's rim overlooks a labyrinth of hoodoos. Sunrise and Sunset Points along the Rim Trail serve up breathtaking vistas.
- Capitol Reef National Park, often overlooked, is a hidden gem with monoliths and cliffs. The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth's crust, is the park's centerpiece.
- Canyonlands National Park is a vast canvas of mesas and canyon systems carved by the Colorado River. Island in the Sky offers easily accessible viewpoints, while Needles invites exploration through colorful spires and towering rock formations.
- Arches National Park astounds with over 2,000 natural stone arches2. The iconic Delicate Arch frames the canyon below, best experienced at sunrise or sunset.
4. California's National Parks: From Death Valley to Yosemite
Journey through California's diverse national parks, starting with Death Valley, a land of extremes known for its stark beauty found in undulating sand dunes, salt flats, and the mesmerizing landscape of Zabriskie Point.
Shift to Sequoia National Park, home to the world's largest trees, the giant sequoias. General Sherman, the largest tree on Earth by volume3, evokes a sense of awe and timelessness. Explore the subterranean world of Crystal Cave for a cool respite and a different perspective.
Continue to Yosemite National Park, known for its stunning granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene meadows. Yosemite Valley, with its iconic views of El Capitan and Half Dome, is a centerpiece of natural splendor. Hikers can tackle the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls or climb Half Dome with permits. The scenic drive through Tioga Pass reveals sweeping vistas and glacially-carved landscapes.
These three extraordinary parks showcase the vast array of natural beauty California has to offer, from scorching desert landscapes to towering giants and iconic granite cliffs.
5. Road Trip Across Washington's National Parks
Start your Washington state adventure in Seattle, then drive west to Olympic National Park, known for its rugged coastlines and lush rainforests. Diversity is the park's hallmark, from tide pools teeming with marine life at Rialto Beach to the verdant canopy of Hoh Rainforest. Take a stroll along the Hall of Mosses Trail, where moss-draped trees create an ethereal environment.
Drive up to Hurricane Ridge for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and consider hiking the accessible Hurricane Hill trail.
Head southeast to Mount Rainier National Park, dominated by the active stratovolcano Mount Rainier. The park offers trails ranging from gentle walks through wildflower meadows to strenuous treks like the Skyline Trail. Enjoy the beauty of Myrtle Falls, a short stroll from the Paradise visitor center.
Continue north to North Cascades National Park, known as the "American Alps" for its dramatic mountain scenery and azure alpine lakes. Ross Lake and Diablo Lake offer opportunities for kayaking and hiking. Explore the Ladder Creek Falls Garden and hike the Cascade Pass Trail for breathtaking views of jagged peaks and lush valleys.
Washington's national parks offer contrasts, from the coastal splendor and lush rainforests of Olympic to the glacier-clad peaks of Mount Rainier and the serene, alpine beauty of North Cascades.
6. The Blue Ridge Parkway from Shenandoah to Great Smoky Mountains
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America's most scenic routes, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. This 469-mile journey offers an array of breathtaking views, picturesque hikes, and cultural landmarks.
Begin in Shenandoah National Park, known for its rolling fogs and verdant valleys. The Skyline Drive stretches over 105 miles through the park, offering panoramic vistas of the Shenandoah Valley from overlooks like Stony Man and Hawksbill. For a challenging hike, try the Old Rag Mountain Trail.
Transitioning to the Blue Ridge Parkway, stop at the Humpback Rocks Visitors Center to explore the area's pioneer heritage and hike up to Humpback Rocks for stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Parkway below.
Visit Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed spots on the Parkway, which offers a glimpse into early mountain life with demonstrations of traditional crafts. Enjoy a picnic or try the homemade buckwheat pancakes at the nearby restaurant.
At Peaks of Otter, surrounded by the Jefferson National Forest, hike the Sharp Top Trail for 360-degree views of the layered ridges of the Appalachians.
In North Carolina, Linville Gorge, known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," offers breathtaking vistas with the gorge plunging nearly 2,000 feet. Stop at Linville Falls for a short hike to one of the Blue Ridge Parkway's most iconic waterfalls.
The Parkway ends at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America's most visited national park. Hike the Alum Cave Trail through an old-growth forest to sweeping views from Mount LeConte or drive the Cades Cove Loop Road for wildlife sightings.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a destination in its own right, offering an immersive experience into the Southern Appalachians with stunning vistas, rustic heritage, and serene beauty.
7. The Grand Circle: A Southwest National Park Adventure
The Grand Circle is an iconic road trip loop through the American Southwest, connecting a series of national parks, each with unique geological beauty. This adventure traverses the landscapes of Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, and the Grand Canyon.
Begin at Zion National Park, known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and emerald pools. Hike Angel's Landing or the Emerald Pools for a taste of the park's untamed spirit.
Next, visit Bryce Canyon National Park, where vast amphitheaters are filled with hoodoos—unique, spire-shaped rock formations. Wander along the Rim Trail or hike the Fairyland Loop for dynamic scenery.
Capitol Reef National Park is an underrated gem, featuring the Waterpocket Fold—a massive wrinkle in the earth's crust. Hike the Capitol Gorge or Cassidy Arch Trail for up-close encounters with this geological wonder, set against a backdrop of Fremont petroglyphs and historic orchards.
Arches National Park boasts over 2,000 natural stone arches. Stand before Delicate Arch or trek the Devil's Garden to find Landscape Arch, a delicate strip of rock that stretches beyond belief.
Canyonlands National Park offers a rich canvas of canyons and mesas carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Each district demands its own day of exploration, from the breathtaking views at Grand View Point Overlook to the labyrinthine trails in the Needles District.
Extend your journey to the Grand Canyon, where the South Rim offers easily accessible viewpoints, and the North Rim provides a quieter, more isolated experience. River rafting through the Colorado River is an exhilarating way to experience the canyon's scale.
Along the way, don't overlook lesser-known parks such as the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona or Monument Valley on the Navajo Nation.
The Grand Circle road trip immerses you in the history, geology, and immense beauty of the American Southwest, forever altering the way you see the natural world.
8. Alaska's Denali to Kenai Fjords National Park
Start your adventure in Anchorage, then head north to Denali National Park and Preserve, an Alaskan gem that redefines vastness. The park spans over 6 million acres and offers an unparalleled wilderness experience with adventurous hikes like the Eielson Alpine Trail or relaxed wildlife viewing from park buses. Bear, moose, and Dall sheep roam freely, reminding visitors of the wild, unspoiled beauty of Alaska.
Leaving Denali, head south on the Seward Highway to Kenai Fjords National Park. This scenic drive takes you through rugged mountains, along crystal-clear rivers, and past picturesque small towns. The Turnagain Arm offers a chance to spot beluga whales frolicking near the shore.
Kenai Fjords National Park introduces you to a different kind of wilderness—one dominated by glaciers and teeming marine life. A boat tour provides the best views of the park's dynamic features, including glaciers calving into the ocean. Spot puffins, sea otters, whales, and seals in their natural habitats.
For a land-based exploration, the Harding Icefield Trail offers a rigorous but rewarding trek to the Harding Icefield, a remnant of the last Ice Age. The perspective from the top, with views over the icefield and surrounding peaks, is magnificent.
Denali and Kenai Fjords offer unique and contrasting experiences that showcase Alaska's unparalleled natural beauty. Denali's vast tundra and massive peaks contrast sharply with Kenai Fjords' icy landscapes and rich marine life, together completing the picture of what makes Alaska an adventurer's paradise.
9. Colorado's National Parks: The Rockies and More
Embark on an adventure to Colorado's diverse national parks, featuring landscapes ranging from mountain peaks and sand dunes to deep canyons and ancient cliff dwellings.
Begin at Rocky Mountain National Park, home to dramatic peaks like Longs Peak. Drive Trail Ridge Road for sweeping views of the alpine tundra and lush valleys, or hike the Bear Lake Corridor for stunning alpine lakes surrounded by craggy peaks. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep.1
Next, visit Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, nestled against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Climb Star Dune, rising over 750 feet, for a panoramic view, or try sandboarding or sand sledding down the dunes. Medano Creek, a seasonal stream at the base of the dunes, provides a surreal beach-like experience in the mountains.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park features sheer cliffs and narrow, plunging canyon views carved by the Gunnison River. The South Rim Drive offers access to the park's most awe-inspiring vistas, including the Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado. Inner Canyon routes offer strenuous hikes down to the river for experienced hikers.
Mesa Verde National Park takes you on a journey back in time with its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Cliff Palace, the largest and most famous dwelling, showcases the ingenuity of the ancient inhabitants. Guided tours provide insights into the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans, while the Mesa Top Loop Road features numerous overlooks and archaeological sites.2
By visiting these diverse national parks, you traverse the varied terrains that Colorado has to offer, from the alpine beauty of the Rockies and the magnificent dunes to the dramatic canyons and the profound historical significance of the cliff dwellings. This road trip captures the essence of nature's diversity, offering unforgettable adventures etched in the stunning scenery of Colorful Colorado.
10. Best of the Southwest: New Mexico to Texas
Begin your exploration in the surreal White Sands National Park in New Mexico, where rolling dunes of glistening gypsum create an otherworldly landscape. The only thing between you and a pristine white desert is a simple loop road, with scenic stops perfect for photography and short walks. Hike the Alkali Flat Trail for a striking, five-mile trek deep into the dunes. If you're up for an adventure, bring a sled to experience the thrilling ride down these natural, powdery peaks.
Down south lies Carlsbad Caverns National Park, another jewel in New Mexico's crown. Here, beneath the rugged desert terrain, over 119 caves captivate explorers with their impressive limestone formations. The self-guided tour through the Big Room is a must, as it takes you through jaw-dropping spaces filled with stalactites and stalagmites. For a hands-on experience, the ranger-guided Lower Cave tour is thrilling, requiring ladders and ropes to descend into narrower parts of the cavern.
Continue your journey into Texas, where Guadalupe Mountains National Park showcases the remnants of an ancient underwater reef. This park is home to Texas' highest peak, Guadalupe Peak, standing at an impressive 8,751 feet1. The hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning views across the desert. For an easier route, the McKittrick Canyon Trail provides a burst of color in the fall with its brilliant foliage, a stark contrast to the surrounding arid landscape.
Rounding off your Southwest adventure, head deeper into Texas to Big Bend National Park. A vast wilderness, Big Bend is where the desert intersects with the Rio Grande, creating stunning canyons and a diverse ecosystem. Popular trails like the Santa Elena Canyon Trail follow the river into towering rock walls, while the Lost Mine Trail offers panoramic vistas of the Chisos Mountains. Big Bend is perfect for hiking and promises mesmerizing stargazing thanks to its remote location far from city lights.
This road trip through New Mexico and Texas takes you to some of the Southwest's most distinctive natural landscapes. From the white dunes of White Sands, the subterranean wonders of Carlsbad Caverns, the rugged summits of Guadalupe Mountains, to the expansive desert vistas of Big Bend, each park offers a unique and memorable slice of the American Southwest. Each stop promises a different adventure, making this journey a treasure trove of scenic experiences.
