Affordable 5-Week Road Trip Exploring National Parks in the Western USA

Day 1: Arrival and Start

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on April 20, 2025

9:00AM

Fly into Las Vegas McCarran International Airport

Las Vegas typically offers some of the more affordable flight options from Amsterdam, making it an ideal starting point for your national park adventure.
Varies, N/A

11:00AM

Pick up rental car

Choose a mid-size or economy car rental for cost efficiency to explore the national parks comfortably.
USD50 per day approx, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Tacos El Gordo

Enjoy authentic affordable Mexican tacos open 10AM-11PM to charge up before hitting the road.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive to Valley of Fire State Park

Explore the stunning red rock formations about an hour from Las Vegas, ideal for a short afternoon hike.
USD10 entry fee per vehicle, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Lotus of Siam

Highly recommended Thai cuisine in Las Vegas open from 5PM to late, ideal for a relaxing evening meal.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Utah National Parks

Zion National Park, Utah, USA on April 21, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Zion National Park

An approximately 2.5-hour drive northeast; Zion is famous for its breathtaking canyons and scenic hiking trails.
USD35 per vehicle (7-day pass), 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Hiking Angels Landing

Challenging but iconic hike offering panoramic views of Zion Canyon; open all day with shuttle service operational.
Included with park pass, 4-5 hours

3:30PM

Late lunch at Oscar's Cafe

Popular spot close to Zion serving hearty American dishes; open 7AM-9PM.
USD20, 1 hour

5:00PM

Drive to Bryce Canyon

About 1.5 hours northeast, famous for its unique hoodoo rock formations.
USD35 per vehicle (7-day pass), 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Stay overnight near Bryce Canyon

Rest up for further exploration of Utah's beautiful parks.
USD100 approx for budget lodging, Overnight
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Day 3: Bryce Canyon Day

Bryce Canyon, Utah, USA on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Sunrise at Bryce Point

Experience a breathtaking sunrise over the iconic Bryce hoodoos; the park is open 24 hours.
Included with park pass, 1 hour

9:30AM

Breakfast at Bryce Canyon Pines

Local favorite known for excellent pies and hearty breakfasts; open from 7AM.
USD15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Hiking Navajo Loop Trail

A moderate hike descending into the canyon among hoodoos and rock formations.
Included with park pass, 3 hours

2:00PM

Drive to Capitol Reef National Park

About 2 hours southeast, known for its waterpocket fold and scenic drives.
USD20 per vehicle (7-day pass), 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Scenic Drive

A beautiful drive and short walks to viewpoints; open till sunset.
Included with park pass, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gifford House

Historic location offering homemade pies and light meals; open until 7PM.
USD20, 1 hour
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Day 4: Arches and Canyonlands

Moab, Utah, USA on April 23, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Moab

About 2 hours east, gateway for Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
N/A, 2 hours

9:00AM

Visit Arches National Park

Explore famous Delicate Arch and other stunning natural arches; park open 24 hours with shuttle available seasonally.
USD30 per vehicle (7-day pass), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Moab Brewery

Popular local brewery with American food; open 11AM-10PM.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky

Scenic viewpoints and short hikes with incredible vistas, open 24 hours.
Included with Arches pass, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Desert Bistro

Enjoy upscale dining with a southwestern twist; open 5PM-9PM.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Yellowstone Bound

Jackson, Wyoming, USA on April 24, 2025

7:00AM

Drive from Moab to Jackson, Wyoming

Approximately 7-hour scenic drive north towards the gateway town to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
N/A, 7 hours

2:00PM

Lunch in Jackson

Grab a quick meal at The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant, open 7AM-3PM.
USD20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Jackson Town Square

Visit the iconic elk antler arches and local art galleries; open all day.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Snake River Grill

Upscale American cuisine featuring regional fare; open 5PM-10PM.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Grand Teton Exploration

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA on April 25, 2025

7:00AM

Early morning hike to Jenny Lake

Stunning views and water reflections; Grand Teton is a must-see with well-maintained trails. Park open 24 hours.
USD35 combined park pass with Yellowstone, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dornan's Cowboy Shop Cafe

Casual dining near the park with great elk burgers; open 8AM-6PM.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Drive to Yellowstone National Park South Entrance

Short drive from Grand Teton to begin Yellowstone exploration.
Included with park pass, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Old Faithful Geyser

Witness the famous geyser eruptions in Yellowstone; visitor center open 9AM-5PM.
Included with park pass, 2 hours

5:00PM

Stay overnight in West Yellowstone

Excellent base for further Yellowstone visits with budget lodging options.
USD120 approx, Overnight
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Day 7: Yellowstone Full Day

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA on April 26, 2025

8:00AM

Visit Yellowstone Grand Canyon

Explore the scenic overlooks of Lower and Upper Falls; park open 24 hours.
Included with park pass, 3 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Canyon Village

Available picnic spots and stores; perfect to rest in between hikes.
USD15 (for groceries), 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Mammoth Hot Springs

Unique terrace formations with boardwalks open year-round.
Included with park pass, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Montana's Cowboy Kitchen in West Yellowstone

Casual American fare with wild game; open 5PM-9PM.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Colorado Rockies Drive

Denver, Colorado, USA on April 27, 2025

7:00AM

Drive from West Yellowstone to Denver

Approximate 8-hour scenic road trip south towards Colorado's Rocky Mountains.
N/A, 8 hours

3:30PM

Check in and rest in Denver

A good base to explore Rocky Mountain National Park.
USD150 approx hotel, N/A

5:00PM

Dinner at Sam's No.3

Classic Denver diner open 24 hours, perfect for a casual meal.
USD20, 1 hour
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Day 9: Rocky Mountain Hiking

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA on April 28, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park

Approximately 1.5-hour drive; park known for impressive alpine scenery.
USD30 per vehicle, 1.5 hours

8:30AM

Hike to Bear Lake and Alberta Falls

Popular moderate hike that showcases the park's beauty; park open year round.
Included with park pass, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trailhead Restaurant

Enjoy hearty mountain cuisine near Estes Park; open 11AM-8PM.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road

Experience stunning views on one of the highest paved roads in the US; open May-October (check opening early).
Included with park pass, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Denver

Drive back to Denver for overnight stay.
N/A, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Drive to Idaho National Parks

Boise, Idaho, USA on April 29, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Boise, Idaho

Approximate 10-hour drive northwest; Boise is a good hub for exploring Idaho's natural sites.
N/A, 10 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Fork Restaurant

New American cuisine with fresh local ingredients; open 5PM-9PM.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Idaho Outdoor Exploration

Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho, USA on April 30, 2025

7:30AM

Drive to Sawtooth National Recreation Area

About 2-3 hours from Boise, offer spectacular mountain scenery and hiking opportunities.
Free, 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Hike to Alice Lake

Moderate 4-mile round-trip hike to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks.
Free, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch in Stanley town

Rustic small town dining with good mountain views; check local cafes open times (~11AM-3PM).
USD20, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax and explore nearby hot springs

Several natural hot springs in the area offer a perfect way to unwind after hikes.
Varies (some free, some paid up to USD15), 2 hours

7:00PM

Return to Boise for overnight

Drive back or stay nearby depending on timing and preference.
N/A, 2-3 hours
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