The Ultimate National Parks Road Trip Through the American West
Here’s how to visit four parks in a single week, starting in LA.
Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Joshua Tree are some of the most iconic national parks in the country, if not the world. With jaw-dropping, creamsicle-colored geological wonders, incredible stargazing, and rushing rivers, it’s understandable why they receive millions of visitors every year.
Nature isn’t the only draw, though; a single road trip to all of the parks will uncover unique art exhibits and installations, a slew of under-the-radar vintage shops, and even a thriving historic gay bar with a killer karaoke night. To really get the full experience, I decided to visit all four parks in the span of one week starting from LA, and I’m here to tell you how you can do it too.
This trip, by nature, is very fast-paced in order to fit everything in; you are traveling across four states, after all. I recommend renting a camper van. With our Travellers Autobarn van, we didn’t have to worry about setting up a campsite every night, could store perishable food in a real fridge, and were protected from any unpredictable weather. Travellers Autobarn is great for those looking to save money; they’re the only van rental company that gives drivers free unlimited miles. Also, considering how many national parks you’re visiting, you’ll want to purchase the America the Beautiful Pass which allows free entry to all national parks for one year.
Distance:
About 1,226 miles
Day One
For the first day, you’ll have to leave bright and early for Zion National Park. Most of this drive will be on the 15 North, and this road will take you through four states in one day: California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. It’s a seven-hour drive, but you can break it up with a lunch stop in Las Vegas and take a selfie with the Eiffel Tower before continuing your journey.
It’s inspiring to see how much the scenery and environment changes around you on just one drive. The desert of Nevada and red rocks of Arizona will pass by your window, feeling like something out of the Cars movie. Tip: download the GasBuddy app to find the cheapest gas stations along your route.
You should arrive in Zion National Park right before sunset, allowing you to drive through the rock formations as the golden hues of the sun hit them just right. Set up camp at Kolob Terrace Road, which is completely free and just 20 minutes away from the entrance to the park. While there are not any facilities at Kolob, there is so much space for camping with plenty of spots that are shady and flat.
Day Two
Zion is home to one of the most iconic hikes in the United States, the Narrows. This hike takes place at the bottom of the gorge, and you work your way over rocks through the Virgin River. It is an out-and-back hike, so you can go as far as you'd like. The hike takes about 5–7 hours depending on how far you go, how many stops you take, and how quickly you are able to get through the water.
First things first, you’ll have to pick up hiking supplies from Zion Adventures. While you can opt to use your own gear, it is strongly recommended that you rent equipment. You’ll need amphibious shoes that work both in water and on land, and the walking stick is for more than just show. If it’s colder out, you may also need to rent dry pants or a dry bib. You’ll also need to bring sunscreen, water, and plenty of snacks.
Then, you’ll head into Zion National Park. Take the shuttle all the way to the Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9). Don’t worry, Zion is a super user-friendly park, and there are plenty of signs and helpful guides to lead you where you need to go. When in doubt, follow the herds of people who are carrying big sticks.
After a long day exploring slot canyons, it’s time to return your hiking gear, eat some warm food, and have an early night.
Day Three
Take a deep breath. You have time for a slow morning at Zion before embarking on the short, two-hour drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. This scenic drive along Byway 12 is full of windy roads with blossoming flowers or foliage, depending on the season.
The gorgeous Red Canyon is directly on your route. This is Bryce Canyon’s lesser-known neighbor, and it’s full of limestone and sandstone formations. There are plenty of places to stop along the road for photos. You can even stay for a bit and have a picnic near the beautiful rocks and pine trees. This will be your first glimpse of hoodoos, the odd-shaped pillars of rock that make this area truly unique.
After this, make your way to the Bryce Canyon RV resort to set up camp and/or charge your camper van. This campsite has showers, a pool, and a large kitchen.
An hour or two before sunset, head into Bryce Canyon National Park for one of the prettiest views the park has to offer. Unlike Zion, you don’t need to take shuttles. You can drive straight to Sunset Point and walk around the vista as the hoodoos turn different shades of orange, red, and gold.
All of the spots at Bryce Canyon RV resort come with their own fire pit, so this is a perfect night for a campfire and some s’mores.
Day Four
Wake up early and start your day with Mossy Cave, a short hike that lets you stretch your legs, walk along the pine trees, and even see a small waterfall. As the name suggests, the cave is full of moss in the summer months, but during the winter it’s brimming with icicles.
From there, you can hit Highway 89 heading towards Horseshoe Bend. You may recognize this oddly-shaped formation in the Colorado River from desktop screensavers or Apple default displays. It’s a short walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint, perfect for breaking the drive right in half.
After this, continue along Highway 89 for a few hours. Be sure to fill your tank with gas and grab anything you need before exiting the 89 and going down AZ-64. After this turn, there aren’t many gas stations, and the prices increase significantly. You can drive along the rim and stop wherever you’d like to take in the views of the canyon before sunset. If this is your first time at the Grand Canyon, you’ll want to stop early on so you can take it all in without having to focus on the road.
Look out for elks as you head to Long Jim Loop, one of Grand Canyon’s most convenient and picturesque free campsites. Located right outside the South entrance, this campsite is full of trees, so a lot of the spots are shady and private. You’ll feel like you have the forest all to yourself.
Day Five
Spend the day enjoying the breathtaking sites of the Grand Canyon. You can start at Kolb Studio, an art and history exhibit located in a restored family home and photography studio. This studio supports the Grand Canyon Arts Program with different exhibits throughout the year.
If you're looking to hike into the canyon, you can also go down the popular South Kaibab trail. It's an out-and-back trail, but it is worth remembering that the walk back is all uphill. Most casual hikers just go 1.8 miles down to the “Ooh Aah point.”
When visiting the Grand Canyon, one of the best ways to appreciate the majesty of the canyon is to hop around to different viewpoints. Each one will offer something different, but sometimes it’s best to find your favorite and stay still for a moment. Moran Point is one of the best viewpoints in the park, and from there you can (carefully!) make your way into the canyon to enjoy the views.
Soak in the sunset as the colors change and the sun’s rays hit the layers of rock and canyon that lay before you. Make sure to stargaze over the canyon before heading back to the campsite.
Day Six
Similar to the first day, this is one of the longest drives of the trip. You can opt to stop in Vegas for lunch, but you’ll probably want to power through and head straight to your campsite, the Joshua Tree RV Campground, where you can watch the sun set in the desert. This campsite comes with a shower and kitchen/living area, and it’s very convenient for exploring both the park and the town.
While this day may seem sparse compared to the others, Joshua Tree has a bumping nightlife that you don’t want to miss. Head to Tiny Pony Tavern, a historic gay bar that serves craft cocktails and great pub food. Check the specials when you get there to order drinks that give back to animals and environmental protections in the area.
While they have events, DJs, or live music most nights, they are well-known for their Tuesday night karaoke. This is when the locals come out to play; the level of talent from the patrons is genuinely impressive and makes for a surprisingly fun night out.
Day Seven
Luckily, the drive from Joshua Tree to LA is just a little over three hours, so you have the whole morning to enjoy the town. This gives you the chance to explore Joshua Tree’s colorful, local artist culture.
Start at Joshua Tree Coffee Company, which very well may be the best coffee you have this whole trip. From there, you can walk around to some of the surprisingly well-curated vintage stores on 29 Palms Highway. Those interested in a coastal cowboy look can find endless boots, hats, and denim statement pieces. The stores also have knick knacks, kitchen goods, and more cacti than you could imagine.
Your last stop will be an immersive art exhibit that uses the desert as its canvas. The Noah Purifoy Art Installation is made up of ten acres of large-scale sculptures constructed entirely from junk materials. Noah Purifoy is from Los Angeles, where he became famous for his work that brought attention to the 1965 Watts rebellion, a series of anti-police riots in Los Angeles. Visitors can roam around his final piece which feels post-apocalyptic, poetic, and chilling.
Whenever you're ready, head back to sunny Los Angeles with plenty of photos, a minor hangover (who knew gay cowboys go so hard on a Tuesday?), and maybe even an adorable cacti plant.