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Sunset on the Oregon Coast (Stephen Leonardi)

Here at National Park Trips, every year is the year of the road trip. That said, I'm feeling like 2025 is going to be an excellent time to hit the road. We've rounded up our all-time favorite routes to iconic parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite, proving that the scenic route is always best. Explore charming small towns, check out uncrowded public lands and see a side of America you never knew existed. What are you waiting for? It's time to plan. 

—Mikaela Ruland, Editor in Chief

Utah: Explore all five of the state's magnificent national parks, plus the Grand Canyon, on this epic adventure.

Olympic: From beaches to lakes, rainforests to mountaintops, take this route starting in Seattle to see the park's best.

Great Smoky: Take a cruise on the iconic Tail of the Dragon on this itinerary starting in Atlanta.

Grand Canyon: This road trip follows Route 66 through New Mexico and Arizona and delivers a serious dose of nostalgia on the way to the Grand Canyon.

Yosemite: This uncrowded route starts in Portland and takes you to Redwood, Yosemite, Lassen and Crater Lake on a breathtaking journey.

Colorado: Take a tour of this incredible state, visiting towering peaks, deep canyons, sand dunes and cliff dwellings along the way.

Yellowstone: Plan ahead for summer, when Yellowstone and Glacier's roads are open and the parks are filled with wildflowers.

NEXT TO YOSEMITE 

Add This Epic Adventure to Your List

Hiking world renowned trails and gazing up at thundering waterfalls are probably on your Yosemite agenda, but we bet you've overlooked this awesome experience.

BETWEEN ROCKY MOUNTAIN & SAND DUNES 

Strike Gold

Experience Colorado’s gold mining past as you meet the donkeys who used to haul ore, attend festivals celebrating the town’s colorful characters and go 1,000 feet underground in a mine shaft. 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN'S WEST ENTRANCE 

Go Snowshoeing in a Snow Globe

This fun, lakeside town right next to the park is the perfect place to basecamp summer or winter. Visit when the snow falls for a magical day on the trails and a downtown that feels straight out of a snow globe. 

WEST OF PINNACLES 

Santa Cruz 7

Take a ride on a historic beachfront roller coaster, hike through towering redwoods and check out the surf scene in this incredible locale.

NEXT TO BLACK CANYON 

Orchard Stay

Basecamp for your national park adventure in the cute town of Paonia where you can pick fruit straight from the orchard, paddle the Gunnison River and stay in this charming bed and breakfast. 

TRAVEL PLANNING

Get Paired With Your Perfect Utah Trip

Take our quiz to discover your curated adventure, then receive a customized trip plan full of itineraries, maps, activities and more. Plus, it's free. 

Photo by Clint Hunt

In Case You Missed It

OUTSIDE ONLINE

New Carlisle Indian Boarding School National Monument Recognizes Historic Atrocities 

Pennsylvania's new Carlisle Indian Boarding School National Monument is the seventh new monument designated by the Biden Administration. 

MY YOSEMITE PARK

10 Magical Winter Activities in Yosemite

Winter is a beautiful time to explore the park and gateway towns. With fewer visitors, you can find peace in this winter wonderland, and also adventure without lines. 



 

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