This itinerary is designed for travellers who dream of back-to-back days in USA national parks, incredible landscapes, unique hikes, amazing wildlife viewing and a healthy dose of winding mountain roads. On top of this, it’s the ultimate deep dive into the American wild west – visiting ghost towns, seeing relics of bygone eras, and stringing together the cowboy way of life.
When we set out planning a USA national parks road trip, our initial idea was to visit Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks in Montana and Wyoming. But as we started looking at our route we realised ‘oh it’s only another 4 hours to Zion and oh it’s only another 2 hours to Las Vegas’, and our somewhat modest itinerary very quickly expanded into a mega, month-long road trip covering 6 states, 9 national parks, and numerous state parks, iconic landmarks, and a bunch of towns and cities. And now having finished our month-long adventure, we can whole heartedly say that this was one of the best trips we’ve ever done and we are so glad we added those extra places. So, if you’re craving towering peaks, deep canyons, wide-open plains, unimaginable rock formations and some of the best wildlife experiences we’ve encountered, this is the road trip for you.
We’ve provided a summary of our route and itinerary in this guide below, as well as a detailed day-by-day description to give you an idea of how we spent our time.
Other USA road trip ideas: ‘The ultimate fall foliage New England itinerary‘
Essential tips for your USA national parks road trip
- Route: We took a circular route beginning and ending in Montana, as we were driving from Canada. However, you can cut two days of driving time at the beginning of this itinerary by starting the trip in Las Vegas and finishing in Montana. You won’t miss too much by cutting out the first couple of days in Montana as you can add the Montana stops at the end. If you are flying into or out of Montana, the largest airports with the most flights are are Missoula, Bozeman and Kalispell.
- Vehicle: We travelled in our own car but if you need to rent a vehicle, there are plenty of places in Montana or Nevada or wherever you decide to start your trip from. You can then select to drop off your vehicle at a different location. This usually involves an extra charge. Our recommendation for a vehicle for this itinerary is an SUV and something with fairly high clearance as some of the roads can be rough. You don’t need a 4×4 unless you want to go really off road (not part of this itinerary).
- Time of year to visit: We began this trip in mid-April and ended in mid-May making sure to leave Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks until May. This is because many of the main roads and areas of these parks are closed during winter months starting in October and don’t actually open until various dates in May. You can check for closures on the national parks website. With that in mind, the best time to do this trip is between May and October. From June through end of August the national parks become extremely busy, particularly Yellowstone and Glacier. We loved visiting in May when it was quieter.
- National Parks entry pass: You need a pass to enter each national park. You can purchase separate passes for each park which costs $35 and covers a vehicle and its passengers for up to 7 days. Our recommendation is to buy the America the Beautiful Annual Pass which covers entrance to all national parks for a year for $80. Seeing as this itinerary covers 9 national parks, the America the Beautiful Pass makes total financial sense. These can be purchased at national park entrance gates or online.
- Additional reservations for national parks: Some national parks in this itinerary require additional reservations to visit:
- Arches National Park requires a timed entry ticket between April and October. The park releases these up to 6 months in advance on a first-come, first-served basis. They can be purchased online here.
- Glacier National Park requires vehicle reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork from June 13 through September 28 from 7am to 3pm. A portion of the reservations will be available 120 days in advance on a daily rolling basis. Next day reservations will also be available at 7pm MDT. Further information can be found here.
USA national parks road trip route
As mentioned, we took a circular route beginning and ending in Montana as we were driving from Canada. Our route is shown in the option 1 map below. However, you can start the trip in Las Vegas and finish in Montana, shown in the option 2 map below. This cuts out two days of driving.
- Both routes include visits to the following National Parks: Grand Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Glacier.
- Both routes include visits to the following state parks and points of interest: Bannack State Park, Antelope Island State Park, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Las Vegas.
- Both routes cover the following states: Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming.
USA national parks road trip itinerary summary
If you are starting the trip in Las Vegas skip to day 3.
Day 1: Kalispell > Hamilton (Montana)
Day 2: Hamilton > Bannack (Montana) > Springville (Utah)
Day 3: Springville (Utah) > Las Vegas (Nevada)
Day 4: Las Vegas (Nevada)
Day 5: Las Vegas > Nelson (Nevada) > Oatman > Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Day 6: Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Day 7: Horseshoe Bend > Antelope Canyon > Monument Valley (Arizona)
Day 8: Arches National Park (Utah)
Day 9: Canyonlands National Park (Utah)
Day 10: Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)
Day 11: Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Day 12-14: Zion National Park (Utah)
Day 15: Zion National Park > Syracuse (Utah)
Day 16: Antelope Island State Park (Utah)
Day 17: Syracuse (Utah) > Jackson (Wyoming)
Day 18-19: Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
Day 20: Grand Teton National Park > Yellowstone National Park
Day 21-23: Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)
Day 24: Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming) > Bigfork (Montana)
Day 25-26: Glacier National Park, west Glacier (Montana)
Day 27-28: Glacier National Park, east Glacier (Montana)
USA national parks road trip day 1-2 Montana/Utah
Day 1: Kalispell to Hamilton (Montana)
We began the journey in Kalispell, a charming town in northwest Montana. Kalispell has a small downtown with independent stores stocking western gear, Montana-made gifts and souvenirs, and outdoor gear. We ended up spending a ridiculous amount of time in the Western Outdoor store where we picked up some essentials such as cowboy boots and cowboy hats. This is also a great store to pick up souvenirs and it has a massive antiques section in the basement for unique finds. After our necessary shopping haul, we headed to an area just north of downtown to pick up a few outdoor gear items for our hikes and camping ahead, as well as to stock up on food and snacks for the road.
Once we finished exploring Kalispell we headed south along the stunning Bitterroot Valley towards Hamilton to spend the night. The drive to Hamilton is beautiful taking you past Flathead Lake and through the valleys and farmland of Montana. Hamilton is a quiet town where you can explore the quaint shops on Main Street or take a sunset walk along the Bitterroot River.
Night 1: Hamilton
Day 2: Hamilton, Darby, Bannack (Montana) to Springville (Utah)
This was a big drive day (about 8 hours), but there were plenty of stops along the way.
From Hamilton, we drove a short distance to the town of Darby. Darby retains its old-western charm, with wooden walkways lining the storefronts. It’s definitely worth a stop. However, when we visited during the shoulder season, all the shops were closed. Just down the road from Darby is the famous Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, where they filmed the hit TV show Yellowstone. You can’t enter the ranch, but you can snap a photo from the road if you’re so inclined.
From there, we made our way to the ghost town of Bannack State Park, about a two-hour drive through the stunning Bitterroot Valley, and along scenic routes 43 and 276. These roads take you through forested mountain passes that eventually open into the wide, rolling farmland that Montana is known for.
Bannack State Park is the best-preserved ghost town in Montana and is a designated National Historic Landmark. It was the site of the first major gold discovery in the state, which sparked a massive gold rush. After its decline, the population dwindled, and now around 50 abandoned buildings line the main street—from the old schoolhouse and a once-grand hotel to former residents’ homes and the local jailhouse. Bannack is an incredibly interesting and surreal place which is absolutely worth a visit. If you’re planning to start this road trip in Las Vegas, Bannack is one stop we highly recommend adding towards the end of your journey, after visiting Yellowstone National Park.
Leaving Bannack, the rugged Montana landscape gave way to the green pastures of Idaho as we continued south down Interstate 15 toward Salt Lake City, Utah. We stopped in Idaho Falls for dinner at Dixie’s Diner, a classic 1950s-style restaurant, before driving another three hours to Springville, just south of Salt Lake City. There are various hotels, inns, and Airbnbs to choose from in the area. We opted to stay at Art’s City Inn.
Night 2: Springville
USA national parks road trip day 3-4 Nevada
Day 3 and 4: Spingville (Utah) to Las Vegas (Nevada)
On Day 3, it was another five-hour drive to Las Vegas, with the landscape shifting once again as we entered the desert terrain of Nevada. Before hitting the road, we took a quick stroll around Springville, which was in full spring bloom when we visited in April.
We arrived in Las Vegas in the afternoon, checked into our hotel, and began exploring this weird and wonderful city that would be our base for the next two nights. We stayed at the Paris Hotel, in the newly renovated Versailles Tower, which is right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip – super convenient for walking to nearby hotels, casinos, and attractions.
We spent our first evening wandering the Strip, checking out the famous casinos and themed hotels, watching the Bellagio fountains, and exploring the lively Linq Promenade.
On our second day, we took it easy and spent most of the day relaxing by the hotel pool. That evening, we headed to Downtown Las Vegas to explore Fremont Street. Downtown Vegas has more of a classic city feel, as opposed to the theme park-style vibe of the Strip. It’s packed with bars, restaurants, and the original, old-school casinos that give Las Vegas its nostalgic charm. If you’re there on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, there is a free live music event on Fremont Street.
Nights 3 and 4: Las Vegas
USA national parks road trip day 5-7 Arizona
Day 5: Las Vegas (Nevada) to Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) via Nelson and Oatman
The drive from Las Vegas to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon takes about four hours. However, we decided to take a slight detour to visit a couple of quirky, small towns that promised to give us our fix of classic Americana.
Our first stop was Nelson Ghost Town, located about 45 minutes south of Las Vegas. Unlike Bannack Ghost Town, which we visited earlier in the trip, Nelson is less about historical preservation and more about eclectic retro hoarding. It’s an old abandoned gold mine, but now it feels like a curated collection of all things vintage American including rusty vehicles, antique signs, and all sorts of oddball paraphernalia. It’s a fun and unique place to wander around and great for photos.
From Nelson, we continued another two hours south to Oatman, Arizona, a wild west town located on a historic stretch of Route 66. As you approach the town, you’re greeted by the town’s famous burros – small donkeys originally brought by prospectors that now freely roam the streets, nudging tourists for treats.
Oatman retains its old-west charm with wooden storefronts, a saloon, and even reenacted gunfights in the street. That said, it definitely felt like a bit of a tourist trap and, in hindsight, probably wasn’t worth the two-hour detour. Still, it was a memorable and completely unique experience unlike anywhere else we visited so we’ll leave it up to you to decide whether to include it in your own itinerary.
What is absolutely worth including in your itinerary is the Grand Canyon. We arrived in the evening, just in time to catch the sunset at Mather Point, and all we can say is wow. The sheer scale of the canyon is mind-blowing.
We camped at Mather Campground, which is a beautiful spot with large, private sites, clean facilities, and an excellent location within the park. Unfortunately for us, it was snowing, and the temperature dropped to -3°C, making it a very chilly night in a tent! If you’d prefer something warmer, other accommodation options inside the park include the Yavapai Lodge, or you’ll find several hotels just outside the entrance gate.
Night 5: Grand Canyon National Park
Day 6: Grand Canyon (Arizona)
We spent a full day at the Grand Canyon. We started early, waking up to catch sunrise at Mather Point. Afterwards, we returned to our campsite for breakfast before setting out on a hike into the canyon.
We chose the South Kaibab Trail and hiked down to Cedar Ridge. The round trip took around three hours, including a break for lunch. The trail offers some of the most stunning views you’ll find without having to go all the way to the bottom of the canyon. It’s a moderately challenging hike but very rewarding and highly recommended for anyone with a decent fitness level. It was quite icy near the start of the hike so definitely consider using crampons if you’re visiting when it’s cold.
In the late afternoon, we stopped by the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, then took a scenic drive along Desert View Drive, making time to pull over at several of the lookout points along the way. We ended the day at Desert View Point for sunset, and once again, the views were incredible.
After sunset, we hit the road for a drive just under two hours to Page, Arizona, where we planned to explore Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend the next morning. Page has a wide range of accommodation options. We opted for a budget motel, since we were only staying the night to sleep before heading out again early.
Night 6: Page
Day 7: Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley (Arizona)
After arriving late into Page the night before, we caught just a few hours of sleep before heading out to watch the sunrise at Horseshoe Bend. Located only 10 minutes from town, this iconic geological wonder is shaped by the Colorado River over millions of years. Parking costs $10 and isn’t covered by the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. As the sun rose, it lit up the surrounding red desert and the winding river below.
After taking in the sunrise, we made our way back toward Page to the Antelope Point Launch Ramp, where we had reserved kayaks with WazSUP Kayaks to paddle into Antelope Canyon. Located on Navajo land, Antelope Canyon is one of the most famous slot canyons in the U.S. Visiting the main section typically requires a permit and a guided tour, which can be pricey and book out months in advance. However, there’s a lesser-known way to experience this stunning landscape: by kayaking into the canyon, no permit or guide required. While this route doesn’t give you access to the most photographed section, the landscape is still striking and well worth the effort. The paddle takes about an hour to reach a small beach, where you can begin hiking through the canyon’s narrow, sculpted sandstone walls.
When we went, the water was perfectly still like a mirror and we were the first and only ones out on the lake that morning. From the beach, we spent a couple more hours hiking the trail through the canyon. We recommend setting aside 5 hours for the full trip. We picked up our kayaks at 7:00 AM and returned to the launch ramp around midday, which gave us plenty of time to explore before heading off to our next destination: Monument Valley. Read our guide for full information on kayaking to Antelope Canyon.
The drive to Monument Valley takes about 2 hours, but keep in mind that it’s also 1 hour ahead of Page due to the time zone change. This red-sand desert region, located on Navajo land, is famous for its towering sandstone buttes and dramatic scenery that’s served as the backdrop for countless Western films. Entry costs $8 per person per day. You can drive the 17-mile scenic loop, and while a 4×4 isn’t required, the road conditions are really rough in places. Instead, we chose a guided sunset tour operated by the Navajo people, which included stops along the loop as well as exclusive access to areas not open to self-guided visitors. As the sun dipped low, the rock formations glowed orange and pink.
After sunset and the tour wrapped up, we drove 2.5 hours to Moab, Utah, where we planned to base ourselves for the next three nights. It was a packed day, and while we thoroughly enjoyed every stop, we were definitely exhausted by the end. If your schedule allows, we’d recommend splitting this itinerary over two days or spending a night closer to Monument Valley to make it more relaxed.
Night 7: Moab
USA national parks road trip day 8-16 Utah
Day 8: Arches National Park, Moab (Utah)
We started the day with a visit to Arches National Park, located just 10 minutes from Moab. Entry to the park requires a timed entry reservation, which must be booked in advance. Arches is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches and hundreds of other dramatic rock formations, making it one of the most unique landscapes in the U.S.
A scenic drive winds through the park, taking you to different areas where you can stop at overlooks, explore short walking trails, or set off on longer hikes. Our first stop was the Windows Section, where we visited several of the park’s iconic formations. We walked to Turret Arch, North Window Arch, and Double Arch (our personal favourite). The walk was fairly easy, though there are some steps and uneven terrain. It was hot though!
Next, we made our way to the Devils Garden area, which is absolutely beautiful and less crowded than some of the other viewpoints. One of the highlights here is Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in North America. The hike from the trailhead to Landscape Arch took about 30 minutes each way. The trail is mostly flat, with some rocky and uneven sections.
Later, we drove over to Wolf Ranch, the starting point for the hike to Delicate Arch, the most famous and photographed arch in the park. It’s also the largest free-standing arch in the Park. The trail to Delicate Arch is about 3 miles roundtrip and involves a climb of approximately 480 feet. If you’re not up for the full hike, there’s also the option to view it from a distance at the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint.
To wrap up the day, we headed back into Moab for dinner and a stroll around town. Moab has a creative, artsy vibe with plenty of independent stores, coffee shops, and local restaurants. We grabbed dinner at the Moab Food Truck Park, an outdoor dining area with a great selection of casual eats.
Night 8: Moab
Day 9: Canyonlands National Park (Utah)
Day 9 of our road trip was dedicated to exploring Canyonlands National Park. After recently visiting the Grand Canyon, we weren’t sure if we needed more canyons, but this park genuinely surprised us. It’s not just another canyon; the landscape here feels like a blend of Monument Valley, Arches, and Bryce Canyon.
Canyonlands is vast, divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and The Rivers. Each area offers a completely different experience, and you could easily spend several days exploring them all. Since we only had one day, we chose to explore the Island in the Sky district, the most accessible from Moab and ideal for a day trip.
The Island in the Sky entrance is about a 40-minute drive from Moab, and once inside, we were treated to a wide variety of incredible viewpoints and hikes. We followed the paved scenic drive, stopping at several lookouts along the way including the iconic Mesa Arch and the dramatic Shafer Canyon Overlook. We also did a couple of short, easy hikes, including walks to the Grand View Point Overlook, which lives up to its name, and Upheaval Dome. To finish the day, we headed to Green River Overlook for sunset.
Night 9: Moab
Day 10: Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)
The next day began with a slow morning in Moab. We grabbed coffee, wandered a few local shops, and picked up some souvenirs. Around midday, we hit the road for the 2-hour drive to Capitol Reef National Park. Driving along Route 24, you really feel like you’re heading into the middle of nowhere. The landscape is dry, vast, and eerily quiet – we barely passed another car the entire way. It’s only as you approach Capitol Reef that the scenery changes dramatically, revealing an unexpected oasis of sandstone domes, lush vegetation, and green valleys.
Like Canyonlands, Capitol Reef spans a huge area and has three distinct districts. The northern Cathedral Valley District is a remote rugged region which requires some planning and at least a full day to explore. Similarly, the southern Waterpocket District is fairly remote and rugged and requires at least a day to visit. The Fruita Historic District is considered the heart of the park and is much more accessible particularly if you have less time. We chose to explore this district.
This area has been inhabited for thousands of years, and you can still see ancient petroglyphs carved into the red rock walls. Fruita is also home to historic orchards planted by Mormon pioneers who once lived here. Beyond Fruita, we followed the scenic drive, which winds through narrow canyons and past striking rock formations and gorges. There are plenty of opportunities to pull over and hike into the landscape if you want to stretch your legs.
As evening approached, we had a picnic dinner in the grassy fields of Fruita. For sunset, we walked to the aptly named Sunset Point, where the stone formations lit up in glowing shades of pink, red, and orange.
That night, we stayed in the nearby town of Torrey, which offers a range of accommodation options and is just minutes from the park entrance.
Night 10: Torrey
Day 11: Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
From Capitol Reef National Park, we made our way to Bryce Canyon National Park via Escalante, taking Route 12. The drive takes just over two hours without stops, but you’ll definitely want to take your time. Known as the ‘Journey Through Time Scenic Byway’, Route 12 offers incredible views of red rock cliffs, dramatic plateaus, winding canyons, and expansive valleys. It’s the only road we’ve ever driven where, at one point, you’re literally on a mountain ridge with drops on both sides. There are plenty of designated pull-offs along the route for photo opportunities, and if you’re keen to stretch your legs, there are various hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. We stopped several times along the way and also paused at Lower Calf Creek Falls for a picnic lunch.
When we arrived at Bryce Canyon National Park, we made our usual first stop at the visitor centre before heading out to the park’s viewpoints, which overlook the incredible landscape of spire-shaped rock formations called hoodoos. Bryce was the busiest national park we had encountered so far, even on a weekday, and parking at some of the popular points was a bit tricky. That said, the views were absolutely worth it.
We decided to hike the Navajo Loop Trail, which winds down into the canyon so you can walk among the towering hoodoos. We started at Sunrise Point and ended the trail at Sunset Point. It took us just under two hours and while the trail is fairly steep going in and out of the canyon, it’s otherwise an easy walk.
For sunset, we made our way to Inspiration Point, to see the view over the glowing hoodoos. It’s hard to choose, but Bryce Canyon might just be the most beautiful national park we visited on this trip so far…
We stayed the night in Bryce Canyon City, just outside the park gates. There are plenty of accommodation options in the area, ranging from motels and lodges to campgrounds and cabins.
Night 11: Bryce Canyon City
Day 12: Zion National Park (Utah)
Day 12 and we were onto the last national park in Utah and the final one in our red-rock part of the road trip: Zion National Park. The drive from Bryce Canyon to Zion’s east entrance takes just under 1.5 hours, and we made a quick pit stop in Orderville to stock up on food and water for the next few days.
While every national park we’d visited so far had been insanely beautiful, Zion felt like something else entirely. Yes, it features more rock formations, but Zion offers towering stone walls, narrow river canyons and a valley full of life. If it’s your first time visiting Zion, we highly recommend entering through the east gate. Then as you drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, you’re hit with a dramatic reveal of the valley that quite literally gives you goosebumps and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from The Land Before Time.
We spent the afternoon exploring Zion Park Boulevard, stopping at sights like Checkerboard Mesa, a massive, patterned sandstone summit. From March through late November, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which leads deeper into the park, is only accessible via the free shuttle bus, so plan accordingly if you want to explore the Zion Canyon floor.
Later, we headed into Springdale, the gateway town just west of the park, to pick up gear for hiking The Narrows the following day. Springdale has a good selection of outdoor outfitters, restaurants, and supply stores.
For the next three nights, we camped at Zion Ponderosa Ranch, just 15 minutes from Zion’s east entrance. It turned out to be a much more budget-friendly option compared to hotels in Springdale. There are also a couple of campgrounds inside the park, but when we visited, one was closed for renovations and the other was fully booked. If you can plan well in advance, the Zion Lodge located within the park also looked like a great option.
Night 12: Zion
Day 13: Zion National Park (Utah)
We woke up early and headed into Zion National Park, making our way to the Visitor Center to catch the shuttle bus at around 7am. Although the shuttles run every 5 minutes or so, parking at the Visitor Center fills up quickly, usually by 9am, so it’s best to arrive early. If you miss out, you’ll either have to find a spot in a roadside lay-by (which are very limited) or pay $40 for a full-day parking spot outside the park.
Our main activity for the day was hiking The Narrows, the narrowest section of Zion Canyon and arguably one of the most unique hikes in the world. This hike takes you directly through the Virgin River, as it winds its way between towering canyon walls with some rising over 1,000 feet high and the canyon narrowing to just 20–30 feet wide in places.
Since the hike involves wading and walking through a river, it’s recommended to rent gear including waders, neoprene socks, water shoes, waterproof dry bags, and a walking stick to help with balance. We rented this in Springdale the day before and while not strictly essential, this equipment makes a big difference and we’re glad we decided to get it. The water was cold and in some sections reached up to our chest, and the riverbed is full of slick, uneven rocks that made falling a real risk, especially where the current was strong. It’s also essential to check the flash flood forecast, as the Narrows can become extremely dangerous in minutes during storms or even heavy rainfall miles away.
We hiked the bottom-up route starting at the Temple of Sinawava, spending around six hours round trip navigating the water and taking in the scenery. You can hike further into the Upper Narrows, but this requires a permit and typically involves overnight camping. Despite being exhausting (which called for a nap on the shuttle bus on the way back), this was without a doubt one of the most memorable and unique hikes we’ve ever done.
The rest of the day was spent recovering and relaxing at our campsite.
Night 13: Zion
Day 14: Zion National Park (Utah)
Another big day in Zion National Park, and once again we were up early to make our way to Observation Point Trail. We chose this trail as an alternative to the more famous Angels Landing hike. While Angels Landing is known for its thrilling, narrow ridge climb, it requires a permit via lottery which we unfortunately didn’t win. So instead, we chose Observation Point, which offers equally (if not more) impressive views over Zion Canyon minus the scary drop offs and crowds.
Luckily for us, we were staying at Zion Ponderosa Ranch, which is located just a 10-minute drive from the trailhead. The ranch also runs a $7 return shuttle to the trailhead, which you can use to avoid the tiny car park, as well as driving the road which can become hazardous in wet weather.
The trail itself winds mostly through forested terrain, so the hike isn’t particularly anything special, but the view at the end makes it all worth it. We were treated to a sweeping panorama of Zion Valley, looking down at the very cliffs we’d be standing atop if we’d done Angels Landing. We spent a while up there soaking in the view before making our way back. The whole hike took around 3 hours round-trip, including time at the summit.
By midday, we were making our way back into the park and luckily managed to snag a parking spot at the Visitor Center. From there, we hopped on the shuttle and got off at The Grotto for our second hike of the day to Emerald Pools. There are three Emerald Pools – Lower, Middle, and Upper – and while not as well-known as some of Zion’s headline trails, this hike turned out to be one of the most beautiful walks of our trip. Starting from The Grotto, about 10 minutes into the trail, you’re rewarded with a view of the green valley, red canyon walls, and the sparkling Virgin River below.
We visited the Lower and Middle Pools which honestly weren’t particularly impressive when we were there due to low water levels, but the trail itself made it totally worthwhile. The hike can be done as a loop ending at Zion Lodge. From the Lodge, we got back on the shuttle and got off again at Canyon Junction Bridge, where we took a leisurely riverside stroll back toward the Visitor Center. This easy, paved path runs alongside the river and offers views of The Watchman.
One stop we missed (but wished we hadn’t) was the Court of the Patriarchs viewpoint. We passed it on the shuttle and it looked impressive, so we’d recommend including it if you can.
30,000 steps later, we made it back to our car and collapsed into the seats.
Night 14: Zion
Day 15: Syracuse (Utah)
After nearly two weeks immersed in desert landscapes, it was time to say goodbye and start making our way north. We hit the road for the 4-hour drive to Syracuse, a small city located just north of Salt Lake City and the gateway to Antelope Island State Park, which we had planned to visit the next day.
This was very much a travel and reset day. We checked into an Airbnb and took the afternoon to unwind, catch up on laundry, and restock on essentials with a visit to the local supermarket. After several back-to-back action-packed days of hiking and exploring, it was a chance to relax and prepare for the next stretch of our road trip.
Night 15: Syracuse
Day 16: Antelope Island State Park (Utah)
We set out to explore one of Utah’s hidden gems: Antelope Island State Park. Just 1 to 1.5 hours northeast of Salt Lake City, the island is accessed by a causeway that stretches across the Great Salt Lake. While it’s not included in the America the Beautiful Pass, entrance is a reasonable $20 per vehicle for a full day of exploring.
The main reason we made the trip to the island was to see the resident bison herd that roam freely across the island. And we were not disappointed. Almost immediately after crossing the causeway, we spotted a handful of bison lounging on the beach, with the Salt Lake City skyline and distant mountains painting a surreal backdrop. As we drove across the island, we came across a massive herd right beside the road, complete with adorable ‘red dogs’ (baby bison) grazing among the adults.
Besides the bison, we saw a coyote, pronghorn, and various bird species. Beyond the animals, Antelope Island itself is gorgeous and the views across the lake are quite unique as the salt encrusted landscape creates soft pastel hues. We spent the day photographing the bison, walking the shoreline, and just soaking in the beauty of this unique place. It’s not as well-known as Utah’s national parks, but Antelope Island is worth a visit if you’re in the area, especially for wildlife lovers and photographers. Our guide explains everything you need to know about visiting the island and what to do there for a perfect day trip.
Night 16: Syracuse
USA national parks road trip day 17-23 Wyoming
Day 17: Syracuse (Utah) to Jackson (Wyoming)
Crossing into our sixth state of the road trip, we made our way north into Wyoming, watching the landscape dramatically transform to dense pine-covered mountains. After a 4-hour drive, we rolled into Jackson, a town that straddles the line between Old West charm and upscale mountain retreat. Jackson is a fascinating mix of outdoor adventurers, local artists, wealthy vacationers, and authentic cowboys all coexisting in this town just south of Grand Teton National Park. The town square is famous for its antler archways, and the streets are lined with art galleries, boutiques, gear shops, and saloons.
We spent the afternoon wandering the town, window shopping, and grabbing a casual bite to eat before heading into Million Dollar Cowboy Bar for a locally brewed beer.
With plans to be up before sunrise, we headed back to our accommodation.
Night 17: Jackson
Day 18 and 19: Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
We were up before the crack of dawn because we were on a mission. A mission to see wildlife – bears, moose, wolves, and anything else that would grace us with its presence. Over the next two days we spent long days from sunrise to sunset looping around the park cruising down the scenic Teton Park Road and having more close encounters with wildlife than we could have ever imagined. We came across grizzly bears and black bears foraging through the grass, moose ambling across rivers, and foxes trotting along the road. We also spotted bison herds, elk, beavers, and coyotes, sometimes in complete solitude and sometimes with just a handful of others. We’ve put together this guide on how to maximise your chances of seeing wildlife in the park.
Besides wildlife our prime reason for visiting Grand Teton was for its famous dramatic peaks. These mountains rival the Dolomites and Patagonia in drama and scale. Our favourite spots to photograph them were Mormon Row, Schwabacher Landing, and Jackson Lake.
Night 18 and 19: Jackson
Day 20: Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park, west Yellowstone (Wyoming)
We caught one last sunrise in Grand Teton before setting off for Yellowstone National Park. Leaving behind the wildlife and dramatic peaks of the Tetons was bittersweet, but we were excited to finally be heading to one of our bucket list spots. We had four and a half days to explore, and we were ready.
For our first day, we stuck to the west side of the park, hitting up some of its most iconic sights like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. Driving through this area, everywhere you look the ground is opening up with steam, boiling water and mud, constantly reminding you that you’re on top of a supervolcano. It’s incredibly beautiful and fascinating.
That night, we stayed at the Old Faithful Inn, a national historic landmark made of logs and local stone. It’s a pretty special place to spend the night. Being based here meant we could catch Old Faithful erupting without crowds, see bison wandering past just outside, and wake up to views of the Upper Geyser Basin.
Night 20: Old Faithful
Day 21: Yellowstone National Park, central Yellowstone (Wyoming)
Our second day in Yellowstone started at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where we took in the view from Artist Point. From there, we drove south through Hayden Valley and down to Yellowstone Lake, catching a glimpse of a grizzly bear through the trees on the way. The lake was still frozen in early May, so we didn’t linger too long and continued back to Mud Volcano, an area full of bubbling pools, acidic springs, and steam vents. We followed the boardwalk loop to check out the geothermal activity.
Just as we were looking out over one of the hot springs, a white wolf walked into a clearing across the spring. It stared at us for a moment before disappearing back into the trees. We were in shock. We’d hoped to see wolves somewhere in the park, but definitely didn’t expect to see one here, and definitely not that close.
Riding the high of that moment, we made our way back north, stopping again in Hayden Valley hoping our luck would continue, but the animals had other plans. Our next stop was Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most active geyser basin in the park. We walked the loop around Porcelain Basin.
By late afternoon, we reached Gardiner, just outside the north entrance, where we checked into our motel and picked up a spotting scope we’d rented for the next few days. With a few hours of light left, we drove into Lamar Valley, one of the best spots in the park for wildlife viewing. Almost immediately, we saw a bison with her calf and a Yellow-bellied Marmot on the roadside.
Soon, we joined a growing group of people with cameras and scopes focused on a spot in the valley. Earlier that morning, a wolf had taken down an elk, only to be chased off by coyotes, and the injured elk was still there. Everyone was waiting to see if the wolf would return to finish what it started. We waited too. But as the sun dipped and no action unfolded, we decided to call it and head back to Gardiner for the night.
Night 21: Gardiner
Day 22 and 23: Yellowstone National Park, Lamar Valley (Wyoming)
As wildlife enthusiasts, we dedicated the next two days entirely to Lamar Valley, often dubbed America’s Serengeti for its abundance of large animals. We knew it was a good place to spot wildlife, but nothing could have prepared us for just how much we’d see.
There’s a single road that runs through the valley from Mammoth Hot Springs in the west to Silver Gate in the east. For two days, we drove it back and forth from sunrise to sunset, stopping wherever we saw a few people gathered with spotting scopes or just pulling over ourselves to scan the hills.
Over those 48 hours, we had 28 bear sightings, most of them grizzlies, countless bison jams, and five encounters with two different wolf packs. One of those encounters included a group of five wolves taking down a bison calf and its mother, right in front of us. It felt like something straight out of a David Attenborough documentary. Whether it was extraordinary luck or just Yellowstone doing what Yellowstone does, we were blown away and it quickly became our favourite national park.
Since wildlife tends to be more active early and late in the day, we used the quieter midday hours to visit Mammoth Hot Springs. There’s a visitor centre, a couple of gift shops, and boardwalk trails that wind through the mineral terraces created by the springs.
Night 21: Gardiner
USA national parks road trip day 24-28 Montana
Day 24: Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming) to Bigfork (Montana)
We spent one final morning in Lamar Valley, and once again Yellowstone delivered. We saw a few more grizzly bears and watched a pack of wolves feeding on a bison carcass, while the rest of the herd lingered nearby, still trying to protect their fallen member. It was a sad farewell.
From there, we made our way north for the final leg of our journey to Glacier National Park. We chose to base ourselves in Bigfork, about a 40-minute drive from the park’s west entrance, mostly because we’d found the cutest Airbnb cabin. The drive from Gardiner to Bigfork took just under six hours, and we opted for the route via Seeley Lake, which we’d read was scenic, and it absolutely was.
If you’re starting this trip in Las Vegas, this would be the point to slot in an extra night to visit Bannack State Park. You could stay the night nearby, Dillon has good options, then carry on up to Glacier either through Seeley Lake, the Bitterroot Valley (our route at the start), or take the interstate for a quicker drive.
We spent three nights in Bigfork, ready to explore the final national park on our route.
Night 24: Bigfork
Day 25 and 26: Glacier National Park, west Glacier (Montana)
We spent the next two days on the west side of Glacier National Park, with a bit of time in downtown Bigfork which is a charming little town with indie shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Glacier has a short window when everything fully opens, and since we visited in early-to-mid May, a lot of the park was still quiet or closed. That said, we still managed to see a fair bit.
On our first day, we headed to Lake McDonald for the afternoon and evening. The weather held up, so we just relaxed by the water, soaked in the views, and watched the sunset near Apgar Village.
The next day we rented electric bikes and rode the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic route that crosses the Continental Divide. The road typically opens to vehicles in late June and closes again by mid-October, but a few weeks before it opens to traffic, a section becomes accessible to cyclists and hikers only. We cycled as far as we could, stopping for photos and a picnic at the top, and the roundtrip took us about three hours.
After that, we squeezed in a hike to Avalanche Lake, one of the only open trails on this side of the park. It’s a fairly easy couple-hour hike with a bit of an incline, and the lake at the end is worth it.
We wrapped up the day with a BBQ back at our cosy cabin.
Day 27 and 28: Glacier National Park, east Glacier (Montana)
We had a slow final morning in our cosy cabin before hitting the road to East Glacier. Since the Going-to-the-Sun Road was still closed, we had to take the longer route around the south of the park, which took a couple of hours.
We arrived at Two Medicine Lake in the afternoon and spent some time there before heading to St. Mary Lake for a short walk to Goose Overlook.
That night, we stayed at LOGE Glacier, a historic hotel located between West and East Glacier. Accommodation options are limited in May, but we were glad to stay here even if it was slightly out of the way. Originally built in 1913 by the Great Northern Railway to attract tourists to the park, the hotel has been recently updated. You can stay in the main lodge or even in a converted train carriage.
For our final day of the trip (cry), we explored the Many Glacier area, one of the most beautiful parts of the park. On the way, we saw two black bears by the road. We then hiked to Fishercap Lake, and continued towards Iceberg Lake. The trail was incredibly quiet, only passing a couple of people, but we did come across Bighorn Sheep, a moose, and a black bear with two cubs, all on the trail. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it all the way to Iceberg Lake as the snow became too deep about an hour in, but the views along the way made up for it, with sweeping panoramas of the mountains.
We ended the day – and our trip -sitting by Swiftcurrent Lake, soaking in the view of the towering peaks.
