Are you an adventurer at heart? Do you love exploring the natural beauty of this country? Then you might be wondering, how long would it take to road trip all national parks in the United States?
Well, the answer is not straightforward. There are 63 national parks in the US, and each park has a unique landscape and experience to offer. However, we can give you an estimate based on some general assumptions.
Firstly, let’s assume that you will be driving from one park to another without stopping at any other attractions or cities along the way. Secondly, let’s assume that you will spend an average of two days in each national park to explore its highlights and complete a few hikes or activities. Based on these assumptions, it would take approximately 126 days or four months to visit all national parks.
However, this estimate does not include travel time between parks or time spent on other activities like camping or backpacking. You should also factor in seasonal variations and weather conditions for each park before planning your trip.
Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular national parks that you might want to include in your itinerary:
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is America’s oldest and one of its most popular national parks. Known for its geysers and hot springs, it covers over 2 million acres in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It takes about three days to drive through the entire park and see its major attractions like Old Faithful geyser.
Tips:
- Visit during shoulder season (May-June or September-October) to avoid crowds.
- Plan ahead for accommodation as campsites book out fast.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and offers spectacular views of granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. It takes about two days to drive through the park and see its major attractions like Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
Tips:
- Visit during spring to see the waterfalls at their fullest.
- Book your accommodation well in advance as it gets crowded during peak season.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona and is known for its spectacular views of the canyon carved by the Colorado River. It takes about two days to drive through the park and explore some of its major trails like Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail.
Tips:
- Visit during spring or fall for pleasant weather.
- Book your accommodation in advance as it gets crowded during peak season.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah and is known for its unique rock formations, narrow canyons, and stunning vistas. It takes about two days to drive through the park and hike some of its popular trails like Angels Landing or The Narrows.
Tips:
- Visit during shoulder season (March-April or October-November) to avoid crowds.
- Plan ahead for parking as it is limited inside the park.
In conclusion, a road trip to all national parks in the US would take at least four months based on our assumptions. However, each park has a unique experience to offer, so you might want to plan your itinerary based on your interests and preferences.
Don’t forget to factor in travel time, seasonal variations, weather conditions, and accommodation bookings while planning your trip. Happy exploring!