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Epic 5-Week West USA National Parks Road Trip from Amsterdam on a Budget

Viewed by 122 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Flight Amsterdam to Salt Lake City

Arrive at Salt Lake City International Airport, the most budget-friendly gateway to the Utah national parks region.
CURRENCY0, 7-10 hours

12:00PM

Car Rental Pickup

Pick up an economical rental car for the 5-week trip. Booking in advance helps reduce cost.
USD50/day approx, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Lunch at Red Iguana

Enjoy authentic Mexican food known for their vibrant flavors, open 11AM-9PM.
USD15-20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Temple Square

Explore the iconic and historic heart of Salt Lake City, providing a gentle introduction to the city.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Copper Onion

Creative American cuisine in a friendly environment, open until 9PM.
USD25-35, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Arches National Park

Moab, Utah, USA on April 21, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Arches National Park

120 miles from Salt Lake City; drive about 2.5 hours to Moab, an affordable base near Arches.
USD30 for car entry valid 7 days, 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Hiking Delicate Arch Trail

Iconic 3-mile hike to one of the most famous natural arches in the world.
Included in park fee, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Moab Brewery

Local favorites with casual vibes, offering a good variety of affordable meals.
USD15-20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Windows Section and Balanced Rock

Short scenic walks to stunning natural rock formations perfect for photography.
Included in park fee, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Miguel’s Baja Grill

Enjoy southwestern cuisine with fresh ingredients, open until 9PM.
USD20-30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Canyonlands National Park

Moab, Utah, USA on April 22, 2025

7:30AM

Drive to Canyonlands Island in the Sky

A short 40-minute drive outside Moab to Canyonlands’ most accessible district with sweeping views.
Included in Arches entrance pass (some parks may require separate pass but currently unified), 40 minutes

8:30AM

Mesa Arch Sunrise

Early morning visit to the Mesa Arch for spectacular sunrise photo opportunities.
Included in park fee, 1 hour

9:30AM

Grand View Point Trail

Easy 2-mile round-trip hike with incredible panoramic canyon views.
Included in park fee, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Canyonlands Visitor Center

Purchase supplies in Moab to enjoy a scenic picnic lunch at the park visitor center.
USD10-15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Drive to Dead Horse Point State Park

10-minute drive; renowned for stunning overlook of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park.
USD20 per vehicle, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Moab and Dinner at Zax Restaurant

Casual dining with pizza and American staples open until 10PM.
USD15-25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce, Utah, USA on April 23, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park

Approx 270 miles from Moab, about 4.5-hour drive heading southwest through scenic landscapes.
USD35 per vehicle for 7 days, 4.5 hours

12:00PM

Visit Bryce Amphitheater

Walk along Sunrise, Sunset, and Queen’s Garden trails to experience the park’s famous hoodoos formations.
Included in park fee, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Classic National Park dining with good options and rustic charm, open 11AM-4PM seasonally.
USD15-20, 1 hour

4:00PM

Scenic Drive to Inspiration Point

Short hikes and viewpoints for stunning sunset vistas on the Bryce landscape.
Included in park fee, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Stone Hearth Grille

Located in Bryce Canyon City, offering high-quality American cuisine open till 9PM.
USD25-35, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Zion National Park

Springdale, Utah, USA on April 24, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Zion National Park

Approx 80 miles to one of Utah’s premier parks, about a 1.5-hour drive south of Bryce.
USD35 per vehicle (7-day pass), 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Hike Angels Landing (Permit Required)

Start early for this challenging but iconic hike with stunning views; permit required and must be arranged online ahead.
Free with park entry, permit cost varies, 4-5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Zion Canyon Brew Pub

Relax with casual dining and craft beers near the park entrance, open 11AM-10PM.
USD15-25, 1 hour

4:00PM

Riverside Walk to The Narrows (partial)

Enjoy this accessible trail, with option to wade into the river if weather permits.
Included in park fee, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Oscar’s Cafe

Casual, hearty meals popular with hikers, open till 9PM.
USD15-25, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Death Valley National Park

Death Valley, California, USA on April 25, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Death Valley National Park

Approx 150 miles, 3.5-hour drive crossing into California and Nevada deserts.
USD30 per vehicle (7-day pass), 3.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Dante’s View

One of the most spectacular overlooks with panoramic arid valley scenery.
Included in park fee, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Inn at Death Valley

Offering upscale dining with classic American fare, open 12PM-8PM.
USD30-45, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Badwater Basin

Lowest point in North America featuring vast salt flats; short walks available.
Included in park fee, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Perfect for an evening stroll to watch sunset shadows on rolling dunes.
Included in park fee, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Panamint Springs Resort

Casual dining with Western ambiance, open until 9PM.
USD20-30, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite, California, USA on April 26, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Longest drive so far: approx 300 miles, 6-hour drive from Death Valley through scenic routes into California’s Sierra Nevada.
USD35 per vehicle (7 days), 6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yosemite Village Grill

Fast casual dining inside the park for a quick meal with views.
USD15-20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Yosemite Valley Floor

Explore iconic sights like El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall via easy trail or shuttle.
Included in park fee, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Historic, upscale dining with breathtaking views in Yosemite Valley, reservations recommended.
USD50+, 1.5-2 hours
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Day 8: Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone, Wyoming, USA on April 27, 2025

7:00AM

Fly Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole, Wyoming (Optional)

For saving drive time, a short flight (~1 hour); then rent a car for Yellowstone. Alternatively, drive 8-9 hours from Yosemite with an overnight midway.
USD100-150 flight approx, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Yellowstone National Park

Approximately 1-1.5 hour drive from Jackson Hole Airport entrance.
USD35 per vehicle (7 days), 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin

Watch the famous geyser erupt and explore surrounding geothermal features.
Included in park fee, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria

Quick and affordable options inside the park.
USD15-20, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook

Short hike to a breathtaking rainbow-colored hot spring vantage point.
Included in park fee, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room

Relax with fine dining overlooking Lake Yellowstone, open seasonally.
USD40-60, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton, Wyoming, USA on April 28, 2025

8:00AM

Drive to Grand Teton National Park

Short 1-hour drive south from Yellowstone entrance, renowned for dramatic mountain scenery.
USD35 per vehicle (7 days), 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike Taggart Lake Trail

Moderate 3-mile loop hike with beautiful lake and mountain views.
Included in park fee, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Jackson Lake Lodge Mural Room

Panoramic views with upscale dining in the heart of Grand Teton Park.
USD30-45, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Boat Ride on Jenny Lake

Relaxing boat shuttle across the lake allowing access to additional hikes and scenery.
USD18, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Jackson Hole Town

End the day with shopping and casual dinner options in this charming mountain town.
USD20-30, 2 hours
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Day 10: Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park, Colorado, USA on April 29, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park

Long drive approx 470 miles from Grand Teton, around 8-hour drive with stops; recommend overnight in Denver or Boulder halfway.
USD30 per vehicle (7 days), 8 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Buckhorn Exchange in Denver

Historic steakhouse serving wild game and classic dishes, open until 10PM.
USD30-50, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Explore Rocky Mountain Park

Estes Park, Colorado, USA on April 30, 2025

8:00AM

Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive

Experience one of the highest paved roads in North America with stunning alpine views; road typically open late May - October, check seasonal conditions.
Included in park fee, 3-4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

Casual mountain tavern serving hearty meals in Estes Park.
USD15-25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hike Bear Lake Trail

Accessible and scenic 0.6-mile loop perfect for stunning lake views and wildlife watching.
Included in park fee, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Moraine Park Discovery Center

Learn about park geology, wildlife, and conservation efforts.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bird & Jim

Upscale modern American cuisine with mountain ingredients, open till 9PM.
USD30-45, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Return to Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA on May 1, 2025

8:00AM

Drive back to Salt Lake City

Approx 520 miles, 8-9 hours drive. Break journey into segments with interesting stops or split over two days if desired.
USD0, 8-9 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Valter’s Osteria

Enjoy authentic Italian dishes and excellent service in downtown Salt Lake City.
USD30-50, 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Departure Amsterdam

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA on May 2, 2025

11:00AM

Car Rental Return and Flight to Amsterdam

Return rental car at the airport and board your flight back home with unforgettable memories.
USD0 (return included in rental), 7-10 hours flight
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