Day 1 - Yosemite, California Enjoy stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and clear streams as you traverse through Yosemite's 1,200 square miles of natural beauty. Hike to the top of Half Dome, one of Yosemite's most famous landmarks, or walk along the picturesque Sentinel Dome trail for breathtaking views of the Valley.
Day 2 - Yellowstone, Wyoming Experience the world's first national park, where you can watch Old Faithful erupt and spot wildlife such as bison and grizzly bears. Take a scenic drive through Lamar Valley and stop to see the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in America.
Day 3 - Grand Teton, Wyoming Explore the soaring peaks of the Teton Range and the pristine waters of Jenny Lake. Hike to Inspiration Point, where you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, or take a leisurely boat ride on the lake.
Day 4 - Glacier, Montana Discover the rugged mountains and clear glacial lakes of Glacier National Park, known as the "Crown of the Continent". Take a drive along the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road and stop to hike to Hidden Lake Overlook or take a boat tour on Lake McDonald.
Day 5 - Zion, Utah Experience the towering red cliffs and narrow canyons of Zion National Park. Take a hike through the Virgin River Narrows or to the top of Angels Landing for breathtaking views of the park. Don't forget to explore the charming town of Springdale just outside the park for restaurants and shops.
Day 6 - Bryce Canyon, Utah Marvel at the unique hoodoos, or spire-shaped rock formations, of Bryce Canyon National Park. Take a hike along the Navajo Loop Trail or Queens Garden Trail for close-up views of the hoodoos, or take a scenic drive along the park's rim for panoramic views.
Day 7 - Arches, Utah Discover the otherworldly landscape of Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Take a hike to Delicate Arch, one of the park's most famous landmarks, or explore the Devil's Garden Trail, which leads to a collection of stunning rock formations.
Day 8 - Canyonlands, Utah Experience the vast canyons and mesas of Canyonlands National Park, where you can take a scenic drive through the park's Island in the Sky district for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Take a hike to the False Kiva or Mesa Arch for a closer look.
Day 9 - Grand Canyon, Arizona Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most iconic landscapes. Take a hike along the Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail for stunning views of the canyon, or explore the Grand Canyon Village and learn about the park's rich history.
Day 10 - Acadia, Maine Experience the rugged coastline and granite peaks of Acadia National Park, where you can hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views of the park and the Atlantic Ocean. Take a scenic drive along Park Loop Road and stop to explore the park's historic carriage roads.
Time and Costs Estimates
Yosemite National Park (2-3 days, $35 per vehicle)
Yellowstone National Park (2-3 days, $35 per vehicle)
Grand Teton National Park (1-2 days, $35 per vehicle)
Glacier National Park (2-3 days, $35 per vehicle)
Zion National Park (1-2 days, $35 per vehicle)
Bryce Canyon National Park (1-2 days, $35 per vehicle)
Arches National Park (1-2 days, $35 per vehicle)
Canyonlands National Park (1-2 days, $35 per vehicle)
Grand Canyon National Park (2-3 days, $35 per vehicle)
Acadia National Park (1-2 days, $35 per vehicle)
Total Estimated Costs: $350 per vehicle
Transportation
Travelers will need to rent or bring their own car to explore these national parks as they are spread across the western and eastern regions of the United States. Costs for car rental start at around $40 per day, and travel time between each park can range from 3-10 hours depending on the distance.
Useful Tips
If you have more time, consider adding additional national parks such as Rocky Mountain, Great Smoky Mountains, Joshua Tree, or Olympic National Park. If you have less time, consider skipping some of the parks and focusing on specific regions such as Yosemite and Yellowstone, or Zion and Bryce Canyon. Remember to check each park's website for updated opening and closing times, as well as any ticket or reservation requirements.
Airports
Travelers can fly into several airports depending on which national park they plan to visit first, including San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for Yosemite, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) for Yellowstone and Grand Teton, Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) for Glacier, McCarran International Airport (LAS) for Zion and Bryce Canyon, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) for Grand Canyon. All of these airports are within 2-3 hours of each park by car.
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Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
AI-assisted, human-reviewed