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Road Trip Ready: The Best National Parks in the US for an Epic Cross-Country Adventure
The open road is calling, and there’s no better way to answer than by visiting the best national parks to visit in the US on a legendary cross-country road trip. Imagine driving through towering red rock canyons, cruising past glacial lakes, and waking up to mountain sunrises, all while stopping in vibrant cities along the way.
Whether you’re planning a two-week coast-to-coast journey or a weekend escape from a nearby city, America’s national parks offer unforgettable landscapes, easy road access, and routes that make the drive part of the adventure. From the pacific coastline of Oregon to the desert wonders of Utah, we’ve mapped out the best national parks to visit in the US for your next road trip—plus the best cities to stop in for food, lodging, and a taste of local culture.
Desert Wonders & Mountain Highs
If you’re dreaming of red rock canyons, alpine lakes, and endless highways, the Western US is your playground. This route hits five of the best national parks to visit in the US, with major cities perfectly positioned for rest stops, resupply, and a taste of urban adventure.
1. Las Vegas, NV
Before you hit the trails, fuel up in Vegas, not just with buffets, but with gear, snacks, and a final night of civilization before heading into the wild. Rent an SUV (high clearance helps for some park roads) and stock up on water, sun protection, and trail mix.
- Drive to Zion National Park (2.5 hours) – Your first stop is one of the most iconic parks in the US, where towering sandstone cliffs and emerald pools await.
- Must-Do: Hike Angels Landing (permit required) or The Narrows (rent water shoes in town).
- Stay Nearby: Springdale, UT (walkable to the park entrance) or camp at Watchman Campground.
- City Detour: If you have extra time, swing by St. George, UT (1 hour away) for a relaxing soak at Sand Hollow State Park.
- Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park (2 hours) – A short but scenic drive through red rock country leads you to Bryce’s otherworldly hoodoos.
- Must-Do: Sunrise at Bryce Amphitheater (the light on the hoodoos is magical) and the Navajo Loop Trail.
- Stay Nearby: Bryce Canyon City (just outside the park) or camp at Sunset Campground.
2. Denver, CO
From Moab, it’s a 5.5-hour drive to Denver, where you can restock, enjoy urban amenities, and prep for the next leg. Denver is also the perfect jumping-off point for Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Explore Denver:
- Eat: Union Station (historic train station with great restaurants) or Linger (global street food with a view).
- Do: Red Rocks Park (hike or catch a concert) or Denver Art Museum.
- Gear Up: REI Flagship Store for any last-minute hiking essentials.
- Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park (1.5 hours)
- Must-Do: Trail Ridge Road (scenic drive over 12,000 feet), Bear Lake to Emerald Lake, and Longs Peak (if you’re up for a challenge).
Stay Nearby: Estes Park (quaint mountain town with elk sightings and cozy cabins).
The Pacific Northwest Loop:
If you’re craving lush forests, rugged coastlines, and volcanic landscapes, the Pacific Northwest delivers some of the best national parks to visit in the US.
1. Start in Seattle, WA
Seattle is the perfect launchpad for a Pacific Northwest road trip, with easy access to Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades.
- Explore Seattle:
- Eat: Pike Place Market (fresh seafood, famous clam chowder) or Taurus Ox (Laotian street food).
- Do: Space Needle or Discovery Park for Puget Sound views.
- Gear Up: Feathered Friends (for high-quality outdoor gear).
- Drive to Olympic National Park (3.5 hours)
- Must-Do: Hoh Rainforest (moss-covered trees), Hurricane Ridge (alpine views), and Ruby Beach (tide pools).
- Stay Nearby: Port Angeles (coastal town with great seafood) or Forks (for Twilight fans).
2. Portland, OR
From Olympic, it’s a 5-hour drive to Portland, where you can refuel with world-class food and craft beer before heading to Crater Lake or the Columbia River Gorge.
- Explore Portland:
- Eat: Pok Pok (famous Thai wings) or Tasty n Alder (shared plates and brunch).
- Do: Powell’s City of Books or Forest Park (urban hiking).
- Stay: The Hoover (boutique hotel) or McMenamins Kennedy School (quirky, historic lodging).
- Drive to Crater Lake National Park (4 hours)
- Must-Do: Rim Drive (33-mile loop with stunning blue lake views), Garfield Peak Trail, and boat tours to Wizard Island.
- Stay Nearby: Diamond Lake Resort (rustic cabins) or camp at Mazama Campground.
The Classic East Coast Road Trip:
If you’re on the East Coast, you don’t have to miss out on epic national park road trips. This route hits three of the best national parks to visit in the US, with historic cities and charming small towns along the way.
1. Washington, D.C.
DC is the perfect starting point for an East Coast parks road trip, with easy access to Shenandoah and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Explore DC:
- Eat: Ben’s Chili Bowl (iconic half-smokes) or Rose’s Luxury (upscale New American).
- Do: National Mall or Rock Creek Park (urban hiking).
- Stay: The Line Hotel (trendy, in Adams Morgan).
- Drive to Shenandoah National Park (2 hours)
- Must-Do: Skyline Drive (105-mile scenic byway), Old Rag Mountain (challenging hike), and Dark Hollow Falls.
- Stay Nearby: Luray, VA (cave tours and cozy cabins).
2. Asheville, NC
From Shenandoah, it’s a 6-hour drive to Asheville, a bohemian mountain city known for craft beer, farm-to-table food, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Explore Asheville:
- Eat: Cúrate (Spanish tapas) or Biscuit Head (Southern brunch).
- Do: Biltmore Estate or hike Craggy Gardens.
- Stay: The Omni Grove Park Inn (luxury with mountain views).
- Drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (1.5 hours)
- Must-Do: Clingmans Dome (highest point in Tennessee), Laurel Falls, and Cades Cove Loop.
- Stay Nearby: Gatlinburg, TN (touristy but fun) or Cherokee, NC (quieter, cultural stops).
Which of the Best National Parks to Visit in the US Will You Road Trip To First?
From the desert wonders of Utah and Arizona to the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest and the historic charm of the East Coast, the best national parks to visit in the US are waiting to be explored on four wheels.
Ready to plan your adventure? Pick a route, book your first night’s stay in a nearby city, and hit the open road. The only question left is: Which epic landscape will you see first?
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