Travelers continue to look for safe and distanced vacations this year and more folks than ever have opted for road trips rather than traditional beach or international vacations. One of the most popular road trips is visiting the United State’s most famous National Parks. We have put together a guide to help you and your family plan the perfect National Park Road Trip!
Starting Point– Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley, California
End Point– Glacier National Park, West Glacier, Montana
Total Mileage– 2,840 miles
Yosemite National Park, California
We suggest staying at one of our all-time favorite hotels, The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, just outside San Francisco before making your way to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast array of wildlife, and much more.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Head over to Arizona where you’ll stay in Sedona at L’Auberge de Sedona surrounded by the red rocks before you head to the Grand Canyon. While in Sedona check out a Jeep Tour to explore Red Rock State Park. You have multiple options for exploring the canyon, but we suggest spending the night at Phantom Ranch, the only lodging below the rim of the canyon. Tip: When traveling in peak season (Spring Break or Summer) arrive to the South Rim by 9am to avoid crowds and find good parking.
Zion National Park, Utah
While staying in Sedona, at L’Auberge de Sedona you can take a day trip over to Utah’s first National Park. Zion was settled over 10,000 years ago by the Anasazi people and you can walk through their paths and learn about their culture throughout the sandstone cliffs and canyons. Hop aboard the Zion shuttle to see as much of the park as possible!
Arches National Park, Utah
Whether hiking, biking, auto touring, or climbing there are endless ways for you to discover over 2,000 sandstone arches stretched across the park. If you are in for a real adventure checkout stargazing in the park after dark series. We suggest setting up camp at Gateway Canyons in Gateway, Colorado. This resort offers amazing adventure on it’s own, but you can have their team drive or fly you right to Arches National Park!
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Head on up to Teton Village,, Wyoming and enjoy your stay at the Four Seasons Jackson Hole before driving an hour north to Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone was established as the world’s first National Park in 1872 and visitors have enjoyed camping, biking, fishing, skiing, and exploring all of the natural wonders of the park including the famous Old Faithful geyser. In total there are over 10,000 geysers and hot springs throughout the park for your family to enjoy!
Glacier National Park, Montana
The last stop on your trip is Greenough, Montana where you’ll stay at The Resort at Paws Up. The resort is a destination in itself where luxury meets camping and you are sure to enjoy over 75 different activities throughout the year. While at Paws Up you can day trip to Glacier National Park where you can gaze upon 26 of the original 1,000 glaciers spread throughout the park.
Feeling inspired and want to plan a national park trip for your family? Reach out to Epperly Travel at info@epperlytravel.com to be paired with the perfect advisor to bring your next road trip to life!
