Visit one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon. Witness its majestic beauty by taking a hike, a bike ride, or a helicopter tour. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture this awe-inspiring sight.
Famous for its red rock formations and vibrant arts community, Sedona is a beautiful destination for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives. It is also believed to have healing energy vortexes, so take a guided tour to learn more about this intriguing element of Sedona.
Visit the most popular national park in California, Yosemite. Enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Don't miss the opportunity to climb the granite rock formations, El Capitan and Half Dome.
Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking in one of the largest lakes in North America, Lake Tahoe. Admire the beautiful scenery whether on the beach or taking a scenic drive on the 72-mile shoreline.
Explore the first national park in the world, Yellowstone. Enjoy the geothermal features such as hot springs, geysers, and mud pots. Don't forget to look out for the wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison.
Visit the first national monument in the United States, the Devil's Tower. It's a 1,267-foot rock formation that attracts climbers and hikers. The surrounding area was also sacred to Native Americans, so learn about their traditions and culture on a guided tour.
Discover the unusual and mesmerizing beauty of the Badlands National Park. It's known for its canyons, spires, and unique rock formations. Take a hike, a scenic drive, or join a ranger-led program to learn more about this fascinating park.
Witness one of the iconic landmarks of America, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The faces of four of America's most prominent presidents are carved into the granite cliffside. Learn about the history and significance of this colossal sculpture and the surrounding park through exhibits, films, and ranger-led tours.
Explore the 71,000-acre park known for its scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Admire the bison herds, pronghorns, elk, and mountain goats living in their natural habitat. Take a scenic drive along the Needle's Highway or Iron Mountain Road.
End the trip with a visit to the Badlands Petrified Gardens, a unique attraction showcasing a vast collection of petrified wood, fossils, and minerals from around the world. The garden also includes a nature trail and a museum with exhibits on the geology and history of the area.
A rental car is recommended for this itinerary as it allows for maximum flexibility and independence. The total cost for a midsize sedan rental car for 10 days is estimated to be around $750. The total distance for this itinerary is approximately 1,500 miles. Keep in mind that gas prices, tolls, and parking fees may vary throughout the trip. Plan accordingly to avoid long drives or to take breaks to enjoy the scenery.
If you have extra time, consider including a visit to Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. It's approximately a 5-hour drive from Yellowstone National Park and is renowned for its natural sandstone arches, red rocks, and exquisite vistas.
If you have less time, consider skipping Sedona and/or Lake Tahoe, since they aren't directly on the path mapped out by this itinerary.
The major airports in the destinations mentioned in this itinerary are Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) for Grand Canyon, Flagstaff Airport (FLG) for Sedona, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for Yosemite, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) for Lake Tahoe, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) for Yellowstone, Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) for Mount Rushmore, and Badlands Petrified Gardens for Badlands National Park.