Grand Canyon • Antelope Canyon • Bryce Canyon • Zion • Death Valley • Yosemite • Las Vegas & San Francisco
Introduction: Why This Road Trip Belongs on Your Bucket List
Few National parks road trip in the world can compete with the dramatic landscapes of the American West. Towering red canyons, glowing desert sunrises, endless starry skies, and giant granite cliffs make this journey a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This 14-day National Parks road trip covers some of the most iconic natural wonders in the United States: Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Death Valley, and Yosemite, with Las Vegas as your glitzy starting point and San Francisco as your scenic finale.
Get ready for hikes, road trip adventures, and plenty of jaw-dropping views. In this guide, we’ll cover a day-by-day itinerary, excursion options, hotel recommendations, and essential travel tips so you can plan your dream National Parks road trip with ease.
Overview of the Itinerary (14 Days)
- Day 1–2: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Day 3–4: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Day 5–6: Page, Arizona (Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend)
- Day 7–8: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- Day 9–10: Zion National Park, Utah
- Day 11–12: Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
- Day 13–14: Yosemite National Park → San Francisco, California
Day 1–2: Las Vegas (Arrival & City Adventures)
What to Do in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the perfect starting point: pick up your rental car or camper and enjoy the vibrant energy of “Sin City” before your nature adventure begins.
- The Strip – Stroll along Las Vegas Boulevard to see the famous themed hotels: The Venetian, Bellagio (don’t miss the fountain show), Caesars Palace, and Paris Las Vegas.
- Shows & Entertainment – Cirque du Soleil, magic shows, and concerts are world-class.
- Excursions:
- Grand Canyon West + Skywalk Day Tour (if you want a sneak peek of the canyon before heading east).
- Neon Museum & Fremont Street Tour for a vintage Vegas experience.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
- Budget: Excalibur Hotel
- Luxury: Bellagio, Wynn, or The Cosmopolitan
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Day 3–4: Grand Canyon National Parks Road Trip (South Rim)
Getting There
- Distance: 4.5-hour drive from Las Vegas (280 miles / 450 km).
- Stop on the way: Hoover Dam & Route 66 town Williams, AZ.
Highlights at the Grand Canyon
- South Rim Viewpoints: Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Desert View Watchtower.
- Hikes:
- South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point (short & rewarding).
- Bright Angel Trail (can hike as far as you like, up to Plateau Point).
- Excursions:
- Helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon (unforgettable).
- Guided hiking tours or mule rides.
Where to Stay
- Inside the park: Bright Angel Lodge, Yavapai Lodge (book 6+ months in advance).
- Outside the park: Tusayan hotels or Flagstaff (1.5 hrs away, cheaper options).
https://www.airbnb.nl/rooms/51671904?source_impression_id=p3_1756565888_P3rLGSOTXXvNq46b
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Day 5–6: Page, Arizona (Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend)
National Parks Road trip
Getting There
- Distance: 2.5-hour drive from Grand Canyon (132 miles / 212 km).
Must-Sees in Page
- Antelope Canyon:
- Lower Antelope Canyon – narrow passageways, wavy orange sandstone.
- Upper Antelope Canyon – famous light beams (tours only).
- Horseshoe Bend: Iconic river bend in the Colorado River, a short hike (1.5 km) from the parking lot.
- Lake Powell: Rent a boat, kayak, or take a guided cruise.
Excursions
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- Antelope Canyon guided tour (mandatory – book months ahead).
- Lake Powell boat cruise to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
Where to Stay
- Mid-range: Lake Powell Resort
- Unique stay: Houseboat rental on Lake Powell
Day 7–8: Bryce Canyon National Parks Road Trip, Utah
Getting There
- Distance: 2.5 hours from Page (150 miles / 240 km).
Highlights at Bryce Canyon
- Famous for its hoodoos (tall rock spires).
- Viewpoints: Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point.
- Hikes:
- Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail (moderate, 3 miles).
- Peek-a-Boo Loop (longer, more challenging).
- Stargazing: Bryce is an official International Dark Sky Park.
Excursions
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- Horseback riding into the canyon.
- Ranger-led astronomy programs at night.
Where to Stay
- Inside park: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
- Outside park: Ruby’s Inn (closest option, with cabins and hotel rooms).
Day 9–10: Zion National Parks Road Trip, Utah
Getting There
- Distance: 1.5 hours from Bryce (85 miles / 137 km).
Highlights at Zion
- The Narrows: Hike through the Virgin River gorge (water shoes required).
- Angels Landing: One of the world’s most famous hikes (permit required).
- Emerald Pools Trail: Easier hike with waterfalls.
Excursions
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- Guided canyoneering & rock climbing tours.
- Jeep tours through Kolob Canyons.
Where to Stay
- Inside park: Zion Lodge
- Outside park: Hotels in Springdale (walking distance from shuttle).
Day 11–12: Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
Getting There
- Distance: 4.5 hours from Zion (280 miles / 450 km).
Highlights at Death Valley
- Badwater Basin: Lowest point in North America (-86m).
- Zabriskie Point: Sunrise photography hotspot.
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Perfect for sunset walks.
- Dante’s View: Breathtaking panoramic overlook.
Excursions
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- Stargazing tours in one of the darkest skies in the US.
- 4×4 guided Jeep tours through remote valleys.
Where to Stay
- Furnace Creek Inn (luxury, inside park).
- Stovepipe Wells Village (mid-range).
Day 13–14: Yosemite National Parks Roads Trip → San Francisco
Getting There
- Distance: 7-hour drive from Death Valley (335 miles / 539 km).
- Enter Yosemite via Tioga Pass (open May–October).
Highlights at Yosemite
- Glacier Point: Sweeping views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.
- Yosemite Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
- Giant Sequoias: Mariposa Grove.
- Hikes: Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, Yosemite Valley Loop.
Excursions
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- Photography tours with local guides.
- Rock climbing lessons at El Capitan base.
Where to Stay
- Inside park: Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village (tent cabins).
- Outside park: El Portal, Mariposa, or Oakhurst (more availability).
Finish in San Francisco
Spend your final day in San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island.
Practical Tips
- Park Pass: Buy “America the Beautiful” annual pass ($80, covers all parks).
- Best Season: May–October (snow-free passes, pleasant weather).
- Packing Essentials: Hiking boots, hydration pack, sun protection, warm clothes for evenings.
- Car Rental: Compact SUV or 4×4 recommended.
Suggested Budget (per person, 2 weeks)
- Car rental: $800–1200
- Gas: $300
- Accommodation: $1200–2000 (varies budget–luxury)
- Food: $500–700
- Excursions (helicopter, canyon tours, etc.): $400–1000
National Parks Road trip will take you to amazing places in the Usa.
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