13-Day Western National Parks Adventure

Day 1: Yellowstone – Arrival & Geysers

Morning: Arrive at Jackson Hole Airport and drive to the park’s west entrance. Stop at the Madison Junction for a quick stretch and scenic photo.

Afternoon: Explore the iconic Upper Geyser Basin, watching Old Faithful erupt and wandering the vibrant boardwalk around Grand Prismatic Spring.

Evening: Settle into lodging near West Yellowstone and enjoy a sunset view over the surrounding forest, with optional stargazing.

Day 2: Yellowstone – Upper Loop Highlights

Morning: Drive the Upper Loop to Lake Yellowstone, taking in the crystal‑clear waters and the historic Lake Hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, walking the trail to Artist Point for panoramic vistas.

Evening: Return to the lodge, enjoy a ranger‑led campfire program, and listen to stories about the park’s geothermal wonders.

Day 3: Yellowstone – Lower Loop & Wildlife

Morning: Head to the Lower Loop and stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin for steaming hot springs along the lake shore.

Afternoon: Drive through the Hayden Valley for prime wildlife viewing—keep an eye out for bison, elk, and possibly a roaming wolf.

Evening: Conclude the day at the historic Old Faithful Inn, enjoying dinner in its rustic dining room before departing the park.

Day 4: Dinosaur National Monument – Fossils & River

Morning: Arrive at the monument’s visitor center and learn about the region’s paleontological significance.

Afternoon: Walk the Fossil Quarry trail to see well‑preserved dinosaur bones embedded in the rock.

Evening: Take a relaxing float trip on the Green River, watching the sunset reflect off the canyon walls.

Day 5: Canyonlands – Island in the Sky

Morning: Drive to the Island in the Sky mesa and stop at the Grand View Point overlook for sweeping desert vistas.

Afternoon: Hike the short but rewarding Upheaval Dome trail, exploring the mysterious crater formation.

Evening: Return to the nearby town of Moab, enjoy a hearty dinner, and stargaze in the dark night sky.

Day 6: Monument Valley & Marble Canyon – Scenic Drives

Morning: Embark on a guided tour of Monument Valley, driving along the Valley Drive to see iconic sandstone buttes.

Afternoon: Continue to Marble Canyon, stopping at the Hite Crossing Bridge for dramatic river views.

Evening: Set up camp near the Colorado River, enjoy a sunset over the canyon walls, and share stories around the fire.

Day 7: Grand Canyon – South Rim Highlights

Morning: Arrive at the South Rim and walk the Bright Angel Trail to the first overlook for a glimpse of the canyon’s depth.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Grand Canyon Village, exploring the Kolb Studio and the Lookout Studio.

Evening: Watch the sunset from Hopi Point, one of the most photographed spots in the park.

Day 8: Zion – Arrival & Canyon Overlook

Morning: Travel to Zion National Park and take the shuttle to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Afternoon: Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail, offering spectacular views of the Zion Canyon without a strenuous climb.

Evening: Relax at your lodge in Springdale and enjoy a dinner featuring local cuisine.

Day 9: Zion – The Narrows

Morning: Rent gear and begin the iconic Narrows trek, wading through the Virgin River surrounded by towering walls.

Afternoon: Continue the hike to the iconic Wall Street section, then return via the shuttle to the park entrance.

Evening: Unwind with a sunset walk along the Pa'rus Trail, spotting wildlife in the tranquil meadow.

Day 10: Sequoia – Giant Forest

Morning: Enter Sequoia National Park and head straight to the Giant Forest to marvel at the massive General Sherman Tree.

Afternoon: Explore the Moro Rock climb for sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada.

Evening: Stay in the historic Wuksachi Lodge, enjoying a dinner under a canopy of stars.

Day 11: Yosemite – Yosemite Valley

Morning: Arrive at Yosemite and visit the iconic Yosemite Falls, taking the short trail to the base of the falls.

Afternoon: Wander the Valley Loop Trail to see El Capitan and the towering granite cliffs.

Evening: Dine at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel and enjoy a nighttime lantern walk near the river.

Day 12: Yosemite – Glacier Point & Mariposa Grove

Morning: Drive up to Glacier Point for panoramic vistas of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra.

Afternoon: Walk among ancient giants in the Mariposa Grove, spotting the famous Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree.

Evening: Return to your lodge, relax in the hot tub, and watch the stars over the meadow.

Day 13: Yosemite – Tioga Pass & Departure

Morning: Take the scenic drive over Tioga Pass, stopping at Olmsted Point for alpine views.

Afternoon: Hike a short segment of the Tuolumne Meadows trail before heading back toward the park entrance.

Evening: Depart Yosemite, carrying memories of towering trees, granite cliffs, and endless skies.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Yellowstone National Park – 3 days – Entrance fee: $35
• Dinosaur National Monument – 1 day – Entrance fee: $20
• Canyonlands National Park – 1 day – Entrance fee: $30
• Monument Valley – 1 day – Entrance fee: $20
• Grand Canyon National Park – 1 day – Entrance fee: $35
• Zion National Park – 2 days – Entrance fee: $35
• Sequoia National Park – 1 day – Entrance fee: $35
• Yosemite National Park – 3 days – Entrance fee: $35
• Total Estimated Cost: $225

Tips

If you need more time, consider adding an extra day in Yellowstone or Yosemite to explore additional backcountry trails. To shorten the trip, you could combine Canyonlands and Monument Valley into a single day with a fast‑paced drive, or skip the Tioga Pass segment in Yosemite while still experiencing the park’s highlights.