USA National Park Road Trip Itineraries
Source:
@reneeroaming
28 parks in United States: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, McWay Falls, Garrapata State Park, and 25 more. Every place is verified on Google Maps, featured in an Instagram post by Renee Hahnel.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
State park
4.8
Hike along dramatic cliffs and coves. Spot seals, sea otters, and migrating whales. Reserve parking in advance.
McWay Falls
Natural feature
4.5
See the waterfall cascading onto the beach. Hike the short trail to the overlook. Part of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Garrapata State Park
State park
4.8
Explore secluded beaches and coastal trails. Hike to Soberanes Canyon for stunning views. Wildflowers bloom in spring.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Place
Charming coastal town with art galleries and boutiques. Stroll along the beach and enjoy the sunset. Visit the historic Carmel Mission.
Pfeiffer Beach
Place
4.7
Visit the Keyhole Arch and watch the sunset. Limited parking available. Check tide charts before you go.
Yosemite National Park
National park
4.8
See Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Hike to Glacier Point or Mariposa Grove. Reservations required during peak season.
Lake Tahoe
Natural feature
4.8
Enjoy water sports and beaches in summer. Ski and snowboard in winter. Visit Emerald Bay State Park.
Asheville
Place
Drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Stop at overlooks for mountain views. Explore the vibrant city of Asheville.
Bixby Creek Bridge
Place
Iconic bridge along the Pacific Coast Highway. Stop for photos and enjoy the views. Can be crowded during peak season.
Sequoia National Park
National park
4.8
Visit the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth. Hike to Moro Rock or Crystal Cave. Explore the Giant Forest.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National park
4.9
Hike to Clingmans Dome or Chimney Rock. Visit Cades Cove for historic buildings. Fall colors are spectacular.
Bryce Canyon National Park
National park
4.9
Marvel at the unique hoodoo rock formations. Hike the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail. Sunrise is the best time to visit.
Zion National Park
National park
4.8
Hike the iconic Narrows or Angels Landing. Shuttle required during peak season. Bring water and sun protection.
Capitol Reef National Park
National park
4.8
Explore historic orchards and sandstone cliffs. Hike to Hickman Bridge or drive the scenic byway. Don't miss the Gifford House store.
Arches National Park
National park
4.8
See the iconic Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. Timed entry tickets required. Hike early to avoid crowds and heat.
Canyonlands National Park
National park
4.8
Discover vast canyons and mesas. Drive the scenic Island in the Sky district. Stargazing is incredible here.
Bozeman
Place
Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winter. Hike and bike in summer. Visit the Museum of the Rockies.
Grand Teton National Park
National park
4.9
Hike to Jenny Lake or Taggart Lake. See the iconic Teton Range reflected in the Snake River. Spot wildlife.
Yellowstone National Park
National park
4.8
See Old Faithful geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring. Drive the Grand Loop Road. Watch for bison and elk.
Jackson
Place
Gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Visit Town Square and see the elk antler arches. Enjoy outdoor activities.
Mount Rainier National Park
National park
4.9
Hike to stunning alpine meadows and glaciers. Visit during wildflower season for vibrant colors. Check road conditions before you go.
Glacier National Park
National park
4.8
Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Hike to Avalanche Lake or Hidden Lake. See glaciers and alpine meadows.
Olympic National Park
National park
4.8
Explore diverse ecosystems from rainforests to mountains. Hike scenic trails and enjoy stunning views. Permits needed for overnight backpacking.
North Cascades National Park
National park
4.8
Discover rugged peaks and turquoise lakes. Hike remote trails for solitude and adventure. Be prepared for challenging terrain.
Shenandoah National Park
National park
4.8
Drive Skyline Drive for stunning views. Hike to waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Visit during fall for vibrant foliage.
Kings Canyon National Park
National park
4.8
See the giant sequoia trees in Grant Grove. Hike to Zumwalt Meadow or Mist Falls. Drive the scenic Kings Canyon Highway.
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
National park
4.9
Hike or bike along the New River Gorge. Raft the rapids or climb the sandstone cliffs. Visit the New River Gorge Bridge.
Glade Creek Grist Mill Falls
Landmark
4.6
Visit the historic grist mill and waterfall. Take photos of the picturesque scenery. Open seasonally.
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