My mom always wanted to go on a National Park binge to admire as much of nature as she could. This was my first step in fulfilling this wish.
Take a look at the itinerary of our 5 Day America West road trip which took us through four states and introduced us to some of the most surreal landscapes and juxtapositions landforms America has to offer.
Side note; The first leg (5 days) of our journey began with our Train Ride across America from NYC to Reno. It was something I wanted to experience and so why not.
The first stop on this Road trip is Lake Tahoe. Experience this breathtaking place famous for its crystal blue waters that kiss the shores of two states, Nevada and California. The stunning vistas along the 72-mile scenic journey that encompasses the lake is unlike any other. Along this drive enjoy areas like Heavenly Village, Emerald Bay Lookout, Bliss State Park, Meeks Bay, Sugar Point State Park, Tahoe City, just to name a few.
For the next stop, drive a little under three hours south and find yourself immersed in the eye-popping scenery of Yosemite National Park. Be introduced to magnificent waterfalls, monumental rock formations, lush forestry, and vistas that will live you agasp. Explore Yosemite Valley, Half dome, El Capitan, Tunnel View, and numerous hiking trails.
Just under a two and half hour drive southwest to the next stop, Kings Canyon National Park. Enter into one of the deepest canyons in North America. With its rocky landscapes and sky-scraping trees, you will find yourself desirous. Drive the 50 mile Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and enjoy the varying topography of this gem. Tired of driving, then indulge in one of its many hikes or sit by the wild and scenic King River or Hum lake. You can find something to keep you occupied.
Just a twenty-minute drive west and you enter the next stop; Sequoia National Park, the land of the giants. Talk about a place that quickly humbles you. Drive through tunnels of this massive lifeforms and admire their stature and their vigor. Drive down Generals Highway and be in awe of your surroundings. See the world's biggest tree, General Sherman Tree. Drive through the log tunnel, and experience amazing vistas from a rock, Moro Rock.
Head east on the longest route of this road trip, the six-hour drive to the next stop, Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This excursion takes you through Death Valley and Las Vegas, stop and indulge, then make your way to America's largest recreational area. Whether you enjoy your exploits on land or water, you will find something to do here. Swim, fish, boat, hike, cycle, scuba diving, kayaking, and relaxing in hot springs are all activities that are readily available for your pleasure. This place boasts mountains, craggy red canyons, two massive blue lakes, a multitude of wildlife, and the famous Hoover Dam. After a full day, camp and relax under the bright night sky and enjoy natures milky way.
Head east, driving through the towers of red rocks of Valley of Fire state park and Red Cliffs National Conservation area before ending your three and half hour journey at the next stop, Zion National Park. You can't help but loose yourself in the red sandstone spiral cliffs that shoot up to glorious formations that contrast each other in shape. Get your hiking shoes as this canyon is a haven for hikers and plant & animal lovers. There are about 18 hikes in this park, each with its beauty and with remarkable views along the route. Not up for hiking, not a problem, experience water tubing, swimming, biking or take a tour or just take the Scenic Drive that cuts through the park's main section, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River.
Drive two hours southeast and arrive in Page, Arizona, a quaint town with amazing restaurants and lounges to cap off the night with drinks and live bands or good music. The next day plan a visit to the next stop on this journey, Antelope Canyon. The Upper canyons spellbinding landscape will leave you mesmerized. The flexuous red sandstone canyon slots, illuminated by the peaking sun through each crevice further enhances its appeal. Explore the lower canyons and marvel at the rock formations and its equally impressive colors, After all this exploration by foot why not sit and relax on a boat tour on Lake Powell. Sail past dramatic red sandstone walls that rise from the waters and give you a different perspective of the canyons.
Just as alluring as antelope canyon is the next stop, Horsehoe Bend, a fifteen-minute drive west. A show of force by nature as it was able to carve such an incredible loop into the red rocks that wall the Colorado river. Park and walk to the viewpoint and take in this wonder. The lake with its different color variants and the red rock formation rising from the middle is stunning. If you are up for a more proximate approach, take a rafting trip, or fly over for a more aerial view.
For your grand finale, and yes, it is grandeur, drive just under two hours to Grand Canyon National Park. This phenomenal fete of nature with its striated layered red rock formations, bear a resemblance to an expansive amphitheater. Enjoy its many vista points, and its diverse wildlife along the 200-mile Desert View Drive. Want a bit more adventure? Enjoy it's many hiking options or one of its many tours (Rafting, Helicopter, Airplane, Motorcoach, Jeep, Biking). Consider yourself a brave heart? Then walk the glass bottom horseshoe-shaped bridge and experience the best views from almost a mile above the floor of the Grand Canyon.
Recommendations
Buy an annual pass, yes it is $80, however, so worth it on an excursion such as this one.
Plan in advance for tours as they tend to sell out quickly
Try early visits when parks are less crowded, and it is cooler
Pack good hiking/walking shoes
Pack a hat/visor &/sunglasses and sunblock if you are going in the summer months.
Bring a water bottle preferably one that is insulated
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