With 63 Nationwide Parks round america, planning the perfect highway journey route is essential to not solely see the highlights however carving out time for distinctive experiences. While you highway journey with us, we prevent the accompanying complications of fixing flat tires, planning the place to cease, or travelling a whole bunch of miles within the incorrect course. Your job is to sit down again, calm down, and benefit from the view of America’s prime pure wonders. So buckle up and prepare to kick up some mud on the highway journey of a lifetime.
1: Zion Nationwide Park to the Grand Canyon
Highlights — Zion Nationwide Park, Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, Grand Canyon Nationwide Park
Really feel the thrill as you head to the Beehive State of Utah to discover Zion Nationwide Park. Whereas it was solely designated as a Nationwide Park in 1919, individuals have lived in and round Zion Canyon for 1000’s of years. Discover the world-famous Narrows, cleverly named as a result of it’s the narrowest part of the canyon. You’ll be wowed by the large cream, pink, and purple sandstone cliffs and don’t be afraid to get your toes slightly moist (which you’ll as you hike via the river).
The following cease on this epic highway journey is Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park to face in awe of the most important assortment of hoodoos. Sure, it’s an actual phrase and it refers back to the spire-shaped rock formations. The mountaineering choices are plentiful right here and you will get a novel view of the hoodoos on the Queen’s Backyard & Navajo Loop combo. Searching for one thing a bit simpler? Try the Rim Path which serves up some spectacular park views.
Lastly, cross state traces into Arizona and make your technique to Grand Canyon Nationwide Park. Bear witness to thousands and thousands of years of geographical historical past and discover the various trails of the South Rim.
Hit the highway on: Better of Utah & Arizona Nationwide Parks
2: The Anchorage Loop
Highlights — Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park, Denali Nationwide Park
When you’re seeking to go a bit extra distant in your subsequent highway journey, put Alaska on the prime of your listing. Anchorage is the most important metropolis within the state and the right leaping off level to your outside wilderness journey. Head south on one of the scenic routes in america, the Seward Freeway. It takes about two and a half hours to achieve this small harbour city that provides you quick access to Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park. It’s residence to the Harding Icefield Path, a 8.2 mile (13 km) path that opens as much as a panoramic view of the Icefield. A difficult hike, the climb takes you about 1,000 ft larger in elevation so come ready however there are simpler path choices too.
There’s a lot to see and do in Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park however once you’re prepared to maneuver on, head north to Denali Nationwide Park. Denali is the best peak in North America at 20,310 ft and one of the majestic sights in all of Alaska. With quite a lot of trails to select from, we advocate beginning with Horseshoe Lake Path. This scenic hike takes you round Horseshoe Lake which is a well-liked spot for full-racked bull moose so preserve an eye fixed out!
Hit the highway on: Alaska Kenai & Denali Journey
3: The Tetons and Yellowstone
Highlights — Grand Teton Nationwide Park, Yellowstone Nationwide Park
When you’re eager on pure landscapes and geothermal wonders, head to Jackson, Wyoming. A stone’s throw away from Grand Teton Nationwide Park, you possibly can discover this distinctive a part of the American West with scenic drives, iconic hikes, and a panorama wealthy with wildlife. There are over 300 species of birds plus, elk, moose, and bald eagles so that you can discover. One of many prime actions is a leisurely float alongside Snake River with beautiful views of the Tetons.
Proper subsequent to Grand Teton, you’ll discover Yellowstone Nationwide Park. As one of the well-known nationwide parks on this planet, that is the spot to take a look at geothermal exercise from geysers, mudpots, and scorching springs. That is no place for swimming although, particularly when you’re hooked up to your pores and skin, so depart your bathing go well with behind and simply soak it in along with your eyes.
As you proceed to discover Yellowstone, that is your likelihood to expertise the “Serengeti of North America” in Lamar Valley. With its extremely excessive focus of wildlife, you would possibly catch sight of wolves and grizzly bears who name this space residence.
Hit the highway on: Iconic Wildlife of Yellowstone & Grand Teton
4: California’s Nationwide Parks
Highlights — Dying Valley Nationwide Park, Sequoia Nationwide Park, Yosemite Nationwide Park
California isn’t solely residence to the epicentre of the leisure business, the birthplace of main tech firms, and among the best wine areas on this planet, nevertheless it additionally boasts a number of iconic nationwide parks.
For the most popular, driest, and lowest Nationwide Park, head to Dying Valley. Often known as the land of extremes, you possibly can expertise the stark fantastic thing about the badlands at Zabriskie Level. For the bottom level in North America, head to Badwater Basin which sits 282 ft under sea stage and is a surreal panorama of salt flats.
From Dying Valley, drive west to Sequoia Nationwide Park. It’s a sanctuary for the world’s largest bushes and you’ll give a giant ol’ hug to Normal Sherman, the most important tree on earth. On the north finish of Large Forest, this behemoth sits tall at about 275 ft, and imagine it or not, remains to be rising.
Your final however not least cease on this highway journey is Yosemite Nationwide Park. There are hikes, waterfalls, breathtaking views — every thing you’d ever need, actually. Hike the Mist Path, get slightly damp from Vernal Falls, and benefit from the postcard-worthy views of imposing granite cliffs.
Hit the highway on: California Nationwide Park Discovery
5: Anchorage to Wrangell-St. Elias
Highlights — Wrangell-St. Elias Nationwide Park
At a measurement similar to Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the nation of Switzerland mixed, is Wrangell-St. Elias Nationwide Park in Alaska. Chances are you’ll want a couple of journey to discover all 13 million acres so we advocate beginning with a hike alongside the Bonanza Mine Path. Whereas thought of a tougher hike, your reward is sweeping Alaskan views, and naturally, the historic website of Bonanza Mine.
As you discover this area of Alaska, add Valdez and Glennallen to your listing of stops. Valdez Glacier Lake, Thompson’s Move viewpoint, and Gulkana River are all value a go to too.
Hit the highway on: Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias
Extra U.S. Nationwide Park highway journeys
Searching for extra itinerary inspiration? Try these G Adventures routes via among the nation’s most iconic landscapes.
USA Nationwide Parks Explorer
Vegas & California – Nationwide Parks & Freeway 1 Journey
Yellowstone Tenting Explorer