Visiting one National Park is incredible — but combining several into a single adventure takes the experience to a new level. These multi-National Park road trips are designed for travelers who want to see more in less time. From the red rock deserts of Utah to the alpine peaks of Washington, these week-long National Park itineraries pack iconic views, scenic drives, and unforgettable hikes into just seven days.
Whether you’re planning a classic Utah Mighty 5 itinerary, exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton, or road-tripping California’s Sierra Nevada National Parks, this guide covers the best multi-park routes across the U.S.
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Before You Go: Planning a Multi-National Park Road Trip
Before hitting the road, a little planning goes a long way. These trips span thousands of miles, cross varying elevations, and cover every climate — from deserts to glaciers. Here’s what to know before you start your 7-day National Park itinerary.
America the Beautiful Pass
If you’re visiting more than two parks, buy the America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80). It grants access to all U.S. National Parks and saves money on entrance fees.
Driving Distances & Mileage
Expect 800–1,500 miles per route depending on the itinerary. Plan your fuel stops ahead, especially in remote areas like Death Valley National Park or between Canyonlands and Capitol Reef.
Reservations & Permits
Some parks, such as Arches and Yosemite, now require timed-entry reservations during peak months. Check official NPS websites before traveling.
Road Trip Essentials
- Offline maps (Google Offline or Gaia GPS)
- Plenty of water and snacks
- Layers for variable climates
- Headlamp, first aid kit, and portable power bank
- Reusable food storage and cooler
1. Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks Road Trip (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands)
Overview
Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands — form one of the most legendary multi-National Park itineraries in the country. These five parks are linked by scenic highways and packed with world-famous hikes, towering red rock formations, and desert sunsets.
Suggested Route: Las Vegas → Zion → Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef → Arches/Canyonlands → Salt Lake City
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer mild temps and fewer crowds.
7-Day Utah Multi-National Park Details
Drive Times (Approx.):
- Las Vegas → Zion: 2.5–3 hrs
- Zion → Bryce: 1.5–2 hrs
- Bryce → Capitol Reef: 2–3 hrs
- Capitol Reef → Moab (Arches/Canyonlands): 2.5–3 hrs
Travel Logistics & Time Planning
- Zion: 2 nights
- Bryce: 1 night
- Capitol Reef: 1 night
- Moab: 2 nights (Arches & Canyonlands)
Highlights & Hikes (Suggested Levels)
- Zion: Angels Landing (Hard, 5.4 mi), Observation Point (Hard, 8 mi), Emerald Pools (Easy/Moderate, 2–3 mi), Riverside Walk (Easy, 2 mi)
- Bryce: Navajo Loop & Queens Garden (Moderate, 2–3 mi), Peekaboo Loop (Hard, 5.5 mi)
- Capitol Reef: Hickman Bridge (Moderate, 2 mi), Cassidy Arch (Moderate/Hard, 3.5 mi)
- Arches: Delicate Arch (Hard, 5 mi), Devil’s Garden (Moderate/Hard, 4–7 mi), Landscape Arch (Easy, 1.5 mi)
- Canyonlands (Island in the Sky): Mesa Arch (Easy, 0.5 mi), Grand View Point (Easy, 2 mi)
Optional Activities / Experiences
White Rim or Needles District (Canyonlands)
Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, Checkerboard Mesa
Mossy Cave Trail (Bryce), stargazing in Bryce
Fruita Historic District, orchards, petroglyphs (Capitol Reef)
Fiery Furnace guided tour (Arches)
2. Washington’s Multi-National Park Trip (Olympic, Mount Rainier, North Cascades)
Overview
This Pacific Northwest National Park road trip takes you from rugged coastlines to glaciated peaks — showcasing the best of Washington’s natural beauty in just one week.
Suggested Route: Seattle → Olympic → Mount Rainier → North Cascades → Seattle
Best Time to Visit: Summer (July–September) is best for snow-free trails in Mount Rainier and North Cascades.
7-Day Washington Multi-National Park Details
Drive Times (Approx.):
- Seattle → Olympic: 2–3 hrs
- Olympic → Mount Rainier: 3–4 hrs
- Mount Rainier → North Cascades: 4–5 hrs
- North Cascades → Seattle: 2–3 hrs
Travel Logistics & Time Planning
- Olympic: 2 nights
- Mount Rainier: 2 nights
- North Cascades: 2 nights
Highlights & Hikes (Suggested Levels)
- Olympic: Hurricane Ridge (Easy/Moderate), Hoh Rainforest Hall of Mosses (Easy), Rialto Beach/Ruby Beach (Easy)
- Mount Rainier: Skyline Trail (Moderate, 5–6 mi), Naches Peak Loop (Moderate, 3.5 mi), Myrtle Falls (Easy, 1 mi)
- North Cascades: Maple Pass Loop (Hard, 7.2 mi), Blue Lake (Moderate, 4 mi), Cascade Pass (Moderate, 7 mi)
Optional Activities / Experiences
Diablo Lake & Ross Lake viewpoints (North Cascades)
Lake Crescent & Sol Duc Hot Springs (Olympic)
Reflection Lakes, Grove of the Patriarchs (Mount Rainier)
3. Wyoming Wonders (Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks)
Overview
Few road trips compare to Wyoming’s National Parks itinerary — combining Yellowstone’s geothermal features with the rugged peaks of Grand Teton National Park. This route is perfect for wildlife lovers and photographers.
Suggested Route: Jackson → Grand Teton → Yellowstone → Jackson
Best Time to Visit: Late June through early October for wildlife and open mountain passes.
7-Day Wyoming Multi-National Park Details
Drive Times (Approx.):
- Jackson → Grand Teton: 30–45 min
- Grand Teton → Yellowstone (South Entrance): 1–2 hrs
- Yellowstone internal drives: 1–3 hrs between major sites
Travel Logistics & Time Planning
- Grand Teton: 2 nights
- Yellowstone: 3–4 nights
Highlights & Hikes (Suggested Levels)
- Grand Teton: Taggart Lake (Easy, 3 mi), Cascade Canyon (Moderate/Hard, 9 mi), Jenny Lake Loop (Easy, 7 mi)
- Yellowstone: Old Faithful (Easy), Grand Prismatic Spring (Easy), Artist Point & Uncle Tom’s Trail (Moderate), Lamar Valley wildlife viewing (Easy)
Optional Activities / Experiences
- Jenny Lake boat shuttle (Grand Teton)
- Moose Flats & Willow Flats wildlife observation (Grand Teton)
- Tower Fall, Mammoth Hot Springs terraces (Yellowstone)
4. California’s Sierra and Desert Loop (Death Valley, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Yosemite)
Overview
California is home to some of the most diverse landscapes in the U.S. — from below-sea-level salt flats to towering granite cliffs. This California National Parks road trip connects Death Valley, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemiteinto one unforgettable multi-National Park itinerary.
Suggested Route: Las Vegas → Death Valley → Sequoia → Kings Canyon → Yosemite → San Francisco
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for Death Valley and the Sierra parks (Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon).
7-Day California National Park Itinerary
Drive Times (Approx.):
- Las Vegas → Death Valley: 2–2.5 hrs
- Death Valley → Sequoia: 5–6 hrs
- Sequoia → Kings Canyon: 1–1.5 hrs
- Kings Canyon → Yosemite: 3–4 hrs
- Yosemite → San Francisco: 4–5 hrs
Travel Logistics & Time Planning
- Death Valley: 1 night
- Sequoia: 1 night
- Kings Canyon: 1 night
- Yosemite: 3 nights
Highlights & Hikes (Suggested Levels)
- Death Valley: Badwater Basin (Easy), Golden Canyon (Moderate, 2.5 mi), Mosaic Canyon (Moderate, 2–3 mi)
- Sequoia: General Sherman Tree (Easy), Moro Rock (Moderate, 0.5 mi), Crescent Meadow Loop (Easy, 2 mi)
- Kings Canyon: Zumwalt Meadow (Easy, 1 mi), Mist Falls (Moderate, 3–4 mi)
- Yosemite: Mist Trail to Vernal/Nevada Falls (Hard, 7 mi), Taft Point (Easy, 2.2 mi), Sentinel Dome (Moderate, 2.2 mi)
Optional Activities / Experiences
Tuolumne Meadows or Mariposa Grove (Yosemite, seasonal)
Artist’s Palette & Devils Golf Course (Death Valley)
Big Trees Trail & Tokopah Falls (Sequoia)
Roaring River Falls & Big Stump Trail (Kings Canyon)
Which Multi-National Park Trip Is Right for You?
| Route | Best For | Highlight | Ideal Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah’s Mighty 5 | Hikers & red rock lovers | Delicate Arch, Angels Landing | Spring / Fall |
| Washington’s Trio | Alpine lakes & coastal forests | Hurricane Ridge, Mt. Rainier, Diablo Lake | Summer |
| Wyoming Duo | Wildlife & iconic scenery | Old Faithful, Teton Range | Summer / Early Fall |
| California Loop | Variety & scenic drives | Yosemite Valley, Sequoia groves, Death Valley dunes | Spring / Fall |
Each of these multi-National Park road trips offers something unique. Utah delivers world-class hiking and dramatic landscapes; Washington provides lush rainforests and glacier views; Wyoming is a photographer’s dream; and California combines desert, forest, and granite peaks in one epic route.
Plan Your Next Adventure
Whether you have a week or ten days, these National Park itineraries prove you can experience multiple parks without rushing. From sunrise at Zion to sunset over Yosemite, these multi-National Park road trips showcase the best natural beauty America has to offer.
Before setting off, check park conditions, secure necessary reservations, and pack smart. Then hit the road and start crossing off your National Park bucket list — one epic week at a time.