For outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, there’s no better way to experience the diversity of U.S. national parks than by embarking on one of the best multi-National Park road trips in 2025. The beauty of these trips lies in their variety— from towering desert landscapes to alpine meadows and ancient forests, you’ll experience a wide array of natural wonders. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, these road trips offer something for everyone, with incredible sights, accessible accommodations, and manageable drive times.
Why are these the best multi-National Park road trips to go on?
These parks are perfect for a week-long road trip because they are close together, offering diverse landscapes without long drives. From Utah’s desert canyons to Washington’s lush forests, each park provides unique scenery and adventure. Drive times are manageable, and nearby towns offer great places to rest, making the trip both exciting and easy to plan.
In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best multi-National Park road trips, providing detailed itineraries that will allow you to explore Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and Washington. Each route is crafted to ensure you can explore multiple parks within a seven-day timeframe, starting from major airports and incorporating a balance of scenic drives and ample time for outdoor exploration.
1. Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip: A Grand Desert Adventure
Overview of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks
Utah’s Mighty 5 is often hailed as one of the best multi-National Park road trips for lovers of red rock landscapes. The five parks— Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Capitol Reef—offer awe-inspiring views, diverse hiking trails, and iconic landmarks like the natural arches and towering canyon walls.
Suggested Route and Key Stops
- Day 1: Arrival at Las Vegas Airport (LAS)
- After picking up your rental car, drive to Zion National Park, the southernmost park of the Mighty 5.
- Drive Time: ~2.5 hours (160 miles). Stay in Springdale, UT. Hotels or rental homes.
- Zion is famous for its stunning canyon vistas and challenging hikes such as Angel’s Landing (permit required)and The Narrows.
- After picking up your rental car, drive to Zion National Park, the southernmost park of the Mighty 5.
- Day 2-3: Zion National Park
- Spend the next two days exploring Zion’s numerous trails and viewpoints. Zion is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of activities, from hiking and rock climbing to scenic drives.
- Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park
- Drive Time: 1.5 hours (~85 miles). Stay in Bryce Canyon City. Hotels and rental homes.
- Bryce Canyon’s otherworldly hoodoos and dramatic landscapes make it one of the most visually unique parks in the U.S. Don’t miss the Navajo Loop Trail, and plan for sunset at Sunrise Point.
- Drive Time: 1.5 hours (~85 miles). Stay in Bryce Canyon City. Hotels and rental homes.
- Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park
- Drive Time: 2.5 hours (~130 miles). Stay in Torrey, UT. Hotels and rental homes.
- Capitol Reef is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs and the historic Fruita District, which is home to orchards and pioneer homes. The Waterpocket Fold is a must-see.
- Drive Time: 2.5 hours (~130 miles). Stay in Torrey, UT. Hotels and rental homes.
- Day 6-7: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
- Drive Time to Moab: 2.5 hours (~140 miles). Stay in Moab, UT. Hotels and rental homes.
- Moab is the hub for both Arches (timed entry) and Canyonlands, two of Utah’s most famous parks. Explore Delicate Arch and Devils Garden in Arches, and head to Island in the Sky in Canyonlands for sweeping views of the desert below.
- Drive Time to Moab: 2.5 hours (~140 miles). Stay in Moab, UT. Hotels and rental homes.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are the ideal times for visiting the Mighty 5, offering moderate temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.
2. Colorado National Parks Road Trip: A Rocky Mountain Escape
Overview of Colorado’s National Parks
Colorado is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from towering peaks to deep canyons, making it one of the best multi-National Park road trips in the U.S. This itinerary will take you through four of Colorado’s most notable national parks: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Suggested Route and Key Stops
- Day 1: Arrival at Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Rent a car and drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest dunes in North America.
- Drive Time: 4 hours (~230 miles) • Stay in: Alamosa, CO. Hotels and rental homes.
- Rent a car and drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest dunes in North America.
- Day 2: Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Spend the day exploring the dunes, sandboarding, and hiking along Medano Creek. For a challenge, hike to the summit of High Dune for incredible views.
- Day 3: Mesa Verde National Park
- Drive Time: 4.5 hours (~250 miles) • Stay in: Cortez, CO
- Visit the ancient cliff dwellings of Cliff Palace and Balcony House on a guided tour. Hike the Petroglyph Point Trail to see centuries-old rock carvings.
- Drive Time: 4.5 hours (~250 miles) • Stay in: Cortez, CO
- Day 4-5: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Drive Time: 3 hours (~170 miles) • Stay in: Montrose, CO. Hotels and rental homes.
- Marvel at the dramatic, sheer canyon walls from overlooks along the South Rim Drive. Hike the Rim Rock Trail or venture into the inner canyon for a more rugged adventure.
- Drive Time: 3 hours (~170 miles) • Stay in: Montrose, CO. Hotels and rental homes.
- Day 6-7: Rocky Mountain National Park
- Drive Time: 4.5 hours (~250 miles) • Stay in: Estes Park, CO. Hotels and rental homes.
- Spend your final two days exploring Trail Ridge Road, hiking to Bear Lake (permit required), and taking in the breathtaking alpine scenery of Sky Pond or Emerald Lake.
- Drive Time: 4.5 hours (~250 miles) • Stay in: Estes Park, CO. Hotels and rental homes.
Best Time to Visit
The summer and fall months are perfect for a Colorado road trip. This is when the hiking conditions are ideal, and most of the park amenities are open.
3. Arizona National Parks Road Trip: From Canyons to Deserts
Overview of Arizona’s National Parks
Arizona’s national parks offer a combination of rugged desert landscapes, expansive canyons, and ancient ruins, making it one of the best multi-National Park road trips for both adventure and history lovers. Key parks include Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Saguaro, and Canyon de Chelly.
Suggested Route and Key Stops
- Day 1: Arrival at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Pick up your rental car and drive to Saguaro National Park, home to towering saguaro cacti and stunning desert landscapes.
- Drive Time: 2 hours (~120 miles) • Stay in: Tucson, AZ. Hotels and rental homes.
- Pick up your rental car and drive to Saguaro National Park, home to towering saguaro cacti and stunning desert landscapes.
- Day 2: Saguaro National Park
- Spend the day exploring Cactus Forest Drive and hiking trails like Valley View Overlook or Signal Hill to see ancient petroglyphs.
- Day 3: Petrified Forest National Park
- Drive Time: 4 hours (~250 miles) • Stay in: Holbrook, AZ. Hotels and rental homes.
- Hike through the Painted Desert, explore the Blue Mesa Trail, and see the park’s famous fossilized trees.
- Drive Time: 4 hours (~250 miles) • Stay in: Holbrook, AZ. Hotels and rental homes.
- Day 4-5: Grand Canyon National Park
- Drive Time: 3 hours (~150 miles) • Stay in: Tusayan, AZ. Hotels and rental homes.
- Spend two days hiking along the South Rim, with highlights including Mather Point, Bright Angel Trail, and Desert View Drive.
- Drive Time: 3 hours (~150 miles) • Stay in: Tusayan, AZ. Hotels and rental homes.
- Day 6: Sedona, Arizona
- Drive Time: 2.5 hours (~115 miles) • Stay in: Sedona, AZ. Hotels and rental homes.
- Explore Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Oak Creek Canyon, or take a scenic drive along Red Rock Loop Road for breathtaking desert views.
- Drive Time: 2.5 hours (~115 miles) • Stay in: Sedona, AZ. Hotels and rental homes.
- Day 7: Return to Phoenix
- Drive Time: 2 hours (~115 miles)
- Enjoy one last scenic drive before heading back to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) for departure.
- Drive Time: 2 hours (~115 miles)
Best Time to Visit
Visit in the spring or fall when temperatures are more bearable and crowds are lighter.
4. Washington National Parks Road Trip: Rainforests, Volcanoes, and Coasts
Overview of Washington’s National Parks
The best multi-National Park road trips in Washington take you through diverse ecosystems ranging from temperate rainforests to volcanic peaks and rugged coastlines. Visit Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades for a true Pacific Northwest adventure.
Suggested Route and Key Stops
- Day 1: Arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Rent a car and drive to Olympic National Park, known for its lush rainforests and diverse landscapes.
- Drive Time: 2 hours (~100 miles). Stay in Port Angeles, WA. Hotels and rental homes.
- Rent a car and drive to Olympic National Park, known for its lush rainforests and diverse landscapes.
- Day 2-3: Olympic National Park
- Hike the Hoh Rain Forest, visit Rialto Beach, and soak in the hot springs at Sol Duc.
- Day 4: Mount Rainier National Park (timed entry)
- Drive Time: 3 hours (~130 miles). Stay in Ashford, WA. Hotels and rental homes.
- Explore Paradise Meadows, hike the Skyline Trail, and enjoy panoramic views of Mount Rainier.
- Drive Time: 3 hours (~130 miles). Stay in Ashford, WA. Hotels and rental homes.
- Day 5-6: North Cascades National Park
- Drive Time: 3.5 hours (~180 miles). Stay in Marblemount, WA. Hotels and rental homes.
- Known for rugged peaks and alpine lakes, North Cascades offers remote beauty. Hike Cascade Pass for breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
- Drive Time: 3.5 hours (~180 miles). Stay in Marblemount, WA. Hotels and rental homes.
Best Time to Visit
Late summer is ideal for exploring Washington’s national parks due to the warmer temperatures and accessible hiking conditions.
Conclusion: Why These Are the Best Multi-National Park Road Trips in 2025
If you’re looking for diverse landscapes, unforgettable experiences, and the chance to explore multiple national parks, the best multi-National Park road trips in 2025 are an adventure you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re exploring Utah’s iconic red rocks, Colorado’s majestic peaks, or Washington’s pristine wilderness, these itineraries offer something for everyone. Plan your trip today and hit the road to discover the awe-inspiring beauty of these national parks!
🚗 Ready to hit the road? Check out more detailed itineraries and travel guides on the blog to help you plan your perfect national park adventure! And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram for even more road trip inspiration.
