Ultimate USA National Parks Road Trip: 30-Day Western Loop

Introduction

America's national parks protect 85 million acres of wilderness. The Western Loop connects 15 parks across 6,000 miles of jaw-dropping scenery, best experienced over 30 days with flexibility built in.

Route Overview

Start Las Vegas, loop through Utah's Mighty 5, Colorado Rockies, Wyoming geothermal wonders, Montana wilderness, Pacific Northwest rainforests, California deserts, and back.

Week 1: Desert Southwest

Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley. Red rock formations, slot canyons, and iconic arches.

Week 2: Rocky Mountain High

Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton. Alpine lakes, 14,000-ft peaks, and wildlife spotting.

Week 3: Geothermal & Glaciers

Yellowstone, Glacier National Park. Geysers, hot springs, grizzly bears, and Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Week 4: Pacific & Return

North Cascades, Olympic, Crater Lake, Yosemite, Death Valley, Grand Canyon. Rainforests to deserts, waterfalls to canyons.

Camping vs Hotels

Campground reservations (Recreation.gov), backcountry permits, and budget hotels in gateway towns when you need showers and WiFi.