21-Day National and State Parks Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco via Zion

Day 1: Joshua Tree Arrival

Los Angeles, CA to Joshua Tree National Park, CA on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Coffee Cup Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with classic American fare before hitting the road to Joshua Tree. The cafe opens early making it perfect for early departures.

USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Joshua Tree National Park

Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Joshua Tree National Park to start your park adventure with unique desert landscapes and iconic yucca trees.

USD30, 2h30m

11:30am

Explore Joshua Tree National Park

Visit popular spots like Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and Skull Rock for short hikes and stunning views. The park is open 24 hours but visitor center hours vary.

Included in park entry, 4h0m

3:30pm

Lunch at Crossroads Cafe

Dine on fresh American and Southwestern cuisine, located near the park entrance, perfect to recharge before more afternoon exploration.

USD20, 1h0m

4:30pm

Sunset at Keys View

Catch the spectacular sunset views overlooking the Coachella Valley from Keys View lookout, offering panoramic vistas of the desert landscape.

Included in park entry, 1h0m

6:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Joshua Tree Inn

Stay overnight at Joshua Tree Inn and enjoy dinner onsite or at nearby Pappy & Harriet’s for renowned live music and local food.

USD40, 2h0m

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Day 2: Joshua Tree to Zion

Joshua Tree National Park, CA to Zion National Park, UT on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Crossroads Cafe

Grab a quick breakfast with local coffee and fresh pastries before the long drive ahead.

USD12, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Zion National Park

Drive approximately 6 hours northeast to Zion National Park in Utah, a dramatic canyon park known for its steep red cliffs.

USD35, 6h0m

2:30pm

Visit Zion Visitor Center

Stop at the visitor center to get maps, ranger advice and permits if necessary for hikes like Angels Landing or The Narrows.

Included in park entry, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Emerald Pools

Take an easy to moderate hike to Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools for waterfalls and lush scenery inside the canyon.

Included in park entry, 2h0m

5:30pm

Check-in and Dinner in Springdale

Check in at a lodge in Springdale near Zion park entrance and dine at Oscar’s Cafe, offering Southwestern flavors and hearty meals.

USD30, 2h0m

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Day 3: Zion Full Day

Zion National Park, UT on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Deep Creek Coffee Co.

Enjoy locally roasted coffee and fresh pastries to fuel the day of hiking.

USD10, 1h0m

8:00am

Angels Landing Hike

Tackle the iconic Angels Landing hike, a strenuous 5-mile round trip with rewarding panoramic views. The hike often requires permits, so plan ahead.

Permit required USD0, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Zion Lodge

Enjoy a relaxing lunch in the lodge’s restaurant featuring fresh and local ingredients.

USD25, 1h0m

1:30pm

The Narrows Riverside Walk

Explore the easy Riverside Walk at the floor of the canyon, with the option to wade in the Virgin River for a preview of The Narrows hike.

Included in park entry, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax in Springdale

Return to Springdale for shopping, coffee or sightseeing around town after the hikes.

Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon

Savor southwestern cuisine with a historic town ambiance, specializing in local flavors and creative cocktails.

USD35, 2h0m

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Day 4: Zion to Bryce Canyon

Zion National Park, UT to Bryce Canyon National Park, UT on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at MeMe’s Cafe

Eat a classic breakfast in Springdale before heading to Bryce Canyon.

USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park

Approximately 1.5-hour drive northeast to Bryce Canyon National Park with its famous hoodoo rock formations.

USD35, 1h30m

10:00am

Bryce Canyon Visitor Center & Scenic Drive

Stop at visitor center for maps and park details, then start the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive stopping at viewpoints like Sunrise Point and Bryce Point.

Included in park entry, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Relax and enjoy rustic dining at the historic Bryce Canyon Lodge with views of hoodoos from the lodge grounds.

USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hiking Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop

Take the popular 3-mile hike descending into the canyon to see hoodoo formations up close.

Included in park entry, 3h0m

5:30pm

Check-in and Dinner

Stay overnight at Bryce Canyon City. For dinner, try Stone Hearth Grille for modern American fare.

USD35, 2h0m

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Day 5: Capitol Reef Visit

Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park, UT on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bryce Canyon Pines

Enjoy a classic diner-style breakfast with homemade pies before heading to Capitol Reef.

USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Capitol Reef National Park

Drive 2.5 hours northeast to Capitol Reef, known for its unique geology and historic orchards.

USD30, 2h30m

11:00am

Fruita Historic District

Explore the historic Fruita area with its orchards, pioneer history, and the old schoolhouse museum.

Included in park entry, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Fruita

Picnic in orchards or enjoy lunch at the Capitol Reef Cafe offering local dishes.

USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hike to Hickman Bridge

Take the easy-moderate 1.8-mile hike to the scenic natural sandstone arch Hickman Bridge.

Included in park entry, 2h0m

4:30pm

Scenic Drive Trail

Drive the Capitol Reef scenic drive to see petroglyphs and geological formations, ending by Sunset Point for views.

Included in park entry, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Diablo

Dine on southwestern cuisine in nearby Torrey, UT, for a flavorful and cozy evening meal.

USD35, 1h30m

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Day 6: Arches and Canyonlands

Capitol Reef to Moab, UT on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Moody’s Bistro

Start your day in Torrey with a fresh and hearty breakfast before the drive to Moab.

USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Moab, UT

Approximately 2.5-hour drive to Moab, home of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

USD30, 2h30m

10:30am

Arches National Park Visitor Center & Park Entry

Get park info then head to Delicate Arch viewpoint and hike the trail to see the iconic arch.

USD30, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Moab Brewery

Enjoy casual dining and local craft beer in the heart of Moab after a morning of hiking.

USD25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky

Explore scenic overlooks such as Mesa Arch and Grand View Point on a light afternoon drive and walks.

USD30, 3h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Desert Bistro

Fine dining in Moab featuring southwestern and contemporary cuisine.

USD40, 2h0m

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Day 7: Grand Staircase-Escalante

Moab, UT to Grand Staircase-Escalante, UT on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Eklecticafe

Enjoy a fresh and healthy breakfast to prepare for a scenic drive to Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Approximately 3-hour drive west towards the vast and remote Grand Staircase-Escalante area known for its slot canyons and wilderness.

Free, 3h0m

11:30am

Hike Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch Slot Canyons

Experience exciting slot canyon hiking in lower Grand Staircase, accessible with a permit and suitable for adventurous hikers.

Free, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch Picnic

Pack a picnic to enjoy outdoors in the scenic and peaceful monument area.

USD20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive to Boulder, UT

Drive 1 hour to the small town of Boulder, gateway to Escalante in the monument area, for an overnight stay.

Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm

Enjoy farm-to-table dining with fresh local ingredients in a rustic mountain setting.

USD40, 2h0m

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Day 8: Great Basin National Park

Boulder, UT to Great Basin National Park, NV on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Light Breakfast at Boulder

Grab coffee and pastries before the longer drive to Great Basin National Park.

USD10, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Great Basin National Park

Approximately 5-hour drive west to Great Basin National Park in Nevada, known for ancient bristlecone pines and caves.

USD20, 5h0m

1:00pm

Visitor Center and Lehman Caves Tour

Join an afternoon guided tour of the Lehman Caves (book in advance). Cave tours TAKE around 1 hour and showcase stunning formations.

USD15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Scenic Drive & Short Hikes

Drive the scenic Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive and take short hikes to see ancient bristlecone pines and alpine lakes.

Included in park entry, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner and Overnight at Baker

Stay in nearby Baker, NV with dinner at local cafe featuring hearty American meals.

USD25, 2h0m

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Day 9: Death Valley Exploration

Great Basin National Park to Death Valley National Park, CA on May 3, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast in Baker

Quick breakfast to start the one of the hottest and lowest national parks ahead.

USD12, 0h45m

7:15am

Drive to Death Valley National Park

Approximately 3.5-hour drive into Death Valley, the hottest place in North America with striking desert landscapes.

USD30, 3h30m

11:00am

Visitor Center and Furnace Creek

Visit Furnace Creek Visitor Center for park maps, weather updates, and viewpoints suggestions.

Included in park entry, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Station at Furnace Creek Ranch

Enjoy classic American comfort food and cool off before afternoon exploring.

USD20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Badwater Basin & Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Drive to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, then explore nearby Mesquite Flat Dunes for iconic desert scenery.

Included in park entry, 3h0m

4:00pm

Golden Canyon Hike

Take an afternoon hike through colorful Golden Canyon for vibrant rock formations and desert terrain.

Included in park entry, 2h0m

6:30pm

Overnight and Dinner at Panamint Springs

Dine and stay at Panamint Springs Resort offering basic amenities in the park wilderness.

USD30, 2h0m

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Day 10: Death Valley to Yosemite

Death Valley National Park, CA to Yosemite National Park, CA on May 4, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Panamint Springs

Grab a quick breakfast to start the long but scenic drive to Yosemite.

USD12, 0h45m

7:00am

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Drive approximately 6 hours northwest to Yosemite National Park famed for towering granite cliffs and waterfalls.

USD35, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Yosemite Valley

Eat at the Yosemite Valley Lodge food court or pack a picnic to enjoy in the park.

USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Yosemite Falls and Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

Take an easy walk to see Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.

Included in park entry, 2h0m

4:30pm

Check-in and Relax

Check in to lodging inside or near Yosemite Valley for overnight rest.

USD150, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Yosemite Valley Lodge Restaurant

Enjoy casual dining with park views and local cuisine.

USD40, 1h30m

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Day 11: Yosemite Highlights

Yosemite National Park, CA on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Degnan’s Kitchen

Fuel up with fresh and quick breakfast options before a full day of hiking and sightseeing.

USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Glacier Point Visit

Drive or shuttle to Glacier Point for breathtaking panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and waterfalls.

Included in park entry, 2h30m

11:00am

Mist Trail Hike to Vernal Fall

Enjoy the iconic Mist Trail hike to Vernal Fall, a moderate 3-mile round trip trail with waterfall views.

Included in park entry, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Have an elegant lunch in the historic Ahwahnee Hotel with fine dining and Yosemite ambiance.

USD50, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Yosemite Valley Meadow

Stroll through Yosemite Valley’s meadows to spot wildlife and photograph the iconic landscape before evening.

Included in park entry, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Curry Village Pizza Patio

Casual outdoor dining with pizza and relaxed atmosphere to end the day.

USD20, 1h30m

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Day 12: Yosemite to San Francisco

Yosemite National Park, CA to San Francisco, CA on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Yosemite Valley

Light breakfast to start the journey to the Bay Area.

USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to San Francisco

Drive approximately 4 hours west to San Francisco, enjoying scenic views along the way.

Free, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Savor fresh seafood and iconic clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls at this bustling waterfront area.

USD30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Golden Gate Park

Explore expansive gardens, museums, and trails within Golden Gate Park, open day-round.

Free, 3h0m

4:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Check in to your San Francisco accommodation and relax after a packed travel day.

USD200, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tartine Manufactory

Enjoy a top-notch bakery restaurant experience with phenomenal bread and innovative dishes.

USD50, 2h0m

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Day 13: San Francisco Highlights

San Francisco, CA on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Popular spot for classic breakfast and brunch with fresh ingredients. Arrive early to avoid long waits.

USD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Golden Gate Bridge Walk

Walk or bike across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge for stunning views of the bay and city skyline.

Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Presidio Park

Visit the scenic Presidio area with historical sites and views, including Crissy Field beach.

Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Warming Hut

Casual bites near the Golden Gate Bridge with excellent sandwiches and coffee.

USD18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Alcatraz Island Tour

Take the 1.5-hour ferry and guided tour of the infamous former prison. Book tickets in advance, tour lasts about 3 hours including ferry.

USD45, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at House of Prime Rib

Famous for prime rib and classic San Francisco dining, book a reservation for this upscale experience.

USD60, 2h0m

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Day 14: Muir Woods & Sausalito

San Francisco, CA and Surroundings on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Mill

Enjoy excellent artisanal toast and coffee to start the day before heading out of the city.

USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Muir Woods National Monument

Only 30 minutes from San Francisco, visit Muir Woods for towering coastal redwoods and easy forest walks.

USD15, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch in Sausalito

Dine in charming Sausalito by the water with fresh seafood at Fish restaurant or similar.

USD35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Sausalito Waterfront

Walk the waterfront boardwalk, visit art galleries, and enjoy views of San Francisco Bay.

Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Return to San Francisco and Relax

Drive back to the city and relax at your accommodation.

Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Zuni Cafe

Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a cozy bistro setting famous for brick-oven roasted chicken.

USD50, 2h0m

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Day 15: Optional Day Trip or Leisure

San Francisco, CA on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Start your day with some of the city’s best baked goods and coffee.

USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Day Trip to Pinnacles National Park

Approximately 2 hours south of San Francisco, Pinnacles offers stunning rock formations and hiking for a day of adventure, open all day with entry fee.

USD30, 7h0m