The Best National Park Road Trips in the U.S.

Embarking on a national park road trip is a dream for many, but not everyone can quit their job and travel for months on end. Luckily, there are several incredible road trips you can take within a week, allowing you to experience the beauty and diversity of America's national parks. Here are five epic national park road trips that offer stunning landscapes, adventurous hikes, and unforgettable experiences.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway: Shenandoah to Great Smoky Mountains

Location: Virginia/North Carolina

Distance: 470 miles

Duration: Four-plus days

The Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina/Tennessee. This scenic drive stretches 469 miles along the peaks and valleys of the Southern Appalachian mountain range, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and swimming holes. Highlights include:

- Sharp Top Trail near Bedford, Virginia: A three-mile hike with panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley.

- Grandfather Mountain State Park in North Carolina: The 7.6-mile Profile Trail to Callaway Peak, featuring challenging climbs and stunning vistas.

- Old Rag Circuit in Shenandoah: A 9.2-mile loop with rock scrambling and 360-degree views.

- Whiteoak Canyon/Cedar Run Circuit: An 8.1-mile loop with waterfalls and swimming holes.

- Ramsey Cascades Trail in the Smokies: An eight-mile round trip to a 100-foot waterfall.

Stay at Big Meadows Lodge in Shenandoah or Julian Price Campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway for a convenient and scenic base.

2. Joshua Tree to Death Valley

Location: California

Distance: 250 miles

Duration: At least three days

This desert adventure takes you from Joshua Tree National Park to Death Valley National Park. Both parks offer unique landscapes, from the sandstone boulders and Joshua Trees in Joshua Tree National Park to the vast craters and dunes in Death Valley. Key spots include:

- Split Rock Trail in Joshua Tree: A 2.5-mile hike featuring signature boulders and small caves.

- Panorama Loop: A 6.5-mile hike through dense Joshua Tree groves.

- Kelso Dunes in Mojave National Preserve: A three-mile hike with booming dunes.

- Fall Canyon in Death Valley: A six-mile slot canyon hike.

For accommodations, try Indian Cove Campground in Joshua Tree or The Inn at Death Valley for a touch of luxury.

3. White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, and Guadalupe Mountains

Location: New Mexico and Texas

Distance: 300 miles

Duration: Four to five days

This trip combines three distinct parks: White Sands National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Each park offers a different adventure:

- Alkali Flat Trail in White Sands: A five-mile loop through gypsum dunes.

- Guadalupe Peak: An 8,751-foot summit hike in Guadalupe Mountains.

- Natural Entrance in Carlsbad Caverns: A 2.5-mile hike into the largest cave chamber in the U.S.

Stay at Pine Springs Campground in the Guadalupe Mountains or Oliver Lee Memorial State Park near White Sands.

4. Denali to Kenai Fjords

Location: Alaska

Distance: 400 miles

Duration: Five-plus days

This Alaskan road trip takes you from the interior wilderness of Denali National Park to the coastal glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park. Highlights include:

- Savage River Campground: Ideal for exploring Denali, which is close to trails and has shuttle access.

- Harding Icefield Trail: An 8.2-mile hike with views of Exit Glacier and the icefield.

- Bear Glacier Lagoon: A kayak adventure among icebergs.

Fly into Anchorage and enjoy the scenic drive through Chugach State Park, keeping an eye out for wildlife and stunning landscapes.

5. Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Location: Colorado

Distance: 160 miles

Duration: Three days

Explore the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the dramatic landscapes of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Must-see attractions include:

- Mesa Top Loop Road: A drive past ancient villages and cliff dwellings.

- Petroglyph Point Trail: A 2.4-mile hike with boulder passages and cliffside trails.

- Tomichi Route in Black Canyon: A challenging scramble to the bottom of the gorge.

Stay at Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde or South Rim Campground in Black Canyon for easy access to trails and viewpoints.

These national park road trips offer a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and outdoor experiences. Whether you're hiking to panoramic summits, exploring ancient dwellings, or kayaking among glaciers, these trips provide a memorable way to connect with nature and discover the best of America's national parks. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country.

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I am an Ad-Age, Emmy, Shorty, Telly, and Webby Award-Winning Social Media Strategist and Content Creator for outdoor lifestyle, adventure, travel, and recreation brands. Over two decades, I've honed my skills in digital storytelling and brand strategy, working with top-tier food & beverage and outdoor lifestyle brands. My expertise lies in creating engaging digital content and crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences, elevate brand presence, and foster strong online communities.