How to Plan a road trip to 51 US National Parks

December 24, 2022

Imagine setting off on an epic road trip through the United States, with 51 of the country's 63 stunning national parks as your destination. From the stunning natural beauty of Yosemite National Park to the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Grand Canyon, this trip promises to be an unforgettable adventure.

As you travel more than 16,000+ miles through the 48 contiguous states, you'll have the opportunity to witness some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, including the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains, the sweeping vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains, and the sparkling waters of the Florida Keys.

Along the way, you'll have the chance to participate in a variety of exciting outdoor activities, from hiking and climbing to bird watching and wildlife viewing. You'll also have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the places you visit, from the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the Southwest to the pioneering spirit of the American West.

To help you plan your trip, Loomis Travel has put together suggested directions that you can follow, starting from any point nearest to you. You can even customize the route to suit your specific interests and travel style. Just keep in mind that the national parks in Alaska and Hawaii are not included in this trip. So why wait? Start planning your dream road trip through America's national parks today!

The parks included in this trip are the following.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri
Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Everglades National Park, Florida
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Biscayne National Park, Florida
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
Acadia National Park, Maine
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Arches National Park, Utah
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Zion National Park, Utah
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Glacier National Park, Montana
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park, Washington
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Redwood National and State Parks, California
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Yosemite National Park, California
Kings Canyon National Park, California
Sequoia National Park, California
Pinnacles National Park, California
Channel Islands National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Death Valley National Park, California

Road trip packing tips

Road trips can be a fun and exciting way to travel, allowing you to see new sights and take in the beauty of the open road. However, it's important to be prepared for the journey. Here are ten essential things to pack for a road trip: