The Most Delicious National Parks in the United States

Go on a road trip to the most delicious national parks in the USA mapped by directoryaah. You visit the most beautiful national parks such as Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. Look for both bears and moose in Yosemite, live like the Navajo Indian in Monument Valley and taste the amazing wine of Napa Valley.

This road trip is for you who want to experience the most beautiful national parks in the United States. The journey starts in Portland and ends in Bozeman. You have your own rental car and overnight stays booked so you can focus on the fantastic nature and the unique wildlife. The journey goes through Crater Lake, Redwood, Yosemite, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. In addition, you can see an authentic rodeo in Jackson, taste the fine wine of the Napa Valley, visit some of Portland’s fantastic microbreweries, hike, bike, fish, learn about the Navajo people and much more.

Day 1: Departure from Sweden and arrival in Portland

Departure from Sweden to Portland with arrival the same day. After arriving at Portland International Airport, pick up your car and go to your hotel. The rest of the day you spend on your own in Portland.

Day 2: On a voyage of discovery in Portland

You have the whole day to yourself in one of America’s trendiest cities with cozy cafes and lots of fantastic microbreweries, specialty shops and parks. You can easily get around by bike because the city has an excellent system of walking and cycling paths. Don’t miss the Bridgeport BrewPub, one of the city’s oldest breweries.

Day 3: Portland to Crater Lake National Park (490 km)

Today you leave Portland and head towards Crater Lake National Park. Along the way you pass large forest areas and huge lava flows. Crater Lake National Park is located around the crater of Mount Mazama, which is today a dormant volcano. The crater was formed 7,700 years ago, during a huge eruption from the then 3,000 meter high volcano Mount Mazama. The circumference of the crater rim is 53 km and you can drive all the way around. There are plenty of viewpoints around the crater rim and 16 different hiking trails.

Day 4: Crater Lake National Park to Redwood National Park (360 km)

You are now heading for the coast and Redwood National Park. The route runs along the scenic Redwood Highway (Route 199). The trees in the park are protected and you feel really small as you walk between trees over 100 meters high, several of which are over 1,500 years old.

Day 5: Redwood National Park to Napa Valley (370 km)

Today the trip goes to Napa Valley, one of the most famous wine districts in the USA. The first vineyards started here around 1850 and today there are over 400. Along Highway 29, the vineyards are like pearls on a string, and pretty much all offer tastings. Napa is best known for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, but many other grape varieties are grown in the area.

Day 6: Napa Valley to Yosemite National Park (290 km)

Enjoy the morning or extend your trip with an extra night in the Napa Valley. You can, among other things, go hot air ballooning across the valley or go on a guided bike ride. From Napa, continue to Yosemite National Park.

Day 7: Yosemite National Park to Mammoth Lakes (165 km)

You have all day to explore Yosemite National Park and the area around Mammoth Lakes. Here you have the chance to see wild animals, such as bears and wolves. You can also take a small detour to the Tioga mountain pass and the ghost town of Bodie.

Day 8: Mammoth Lakes to Las Vegas via Death Valley National Park (560 km)

Drive from Mammoth Lakes to Las Vegas. On the way you pass through Death Valley. Here is a barren landscape that has been shaped by the elements. Discover Badwater, which is 86 meters below sea level and is the lowest point in the United States. See the colored cliffs at Zabriskie Point or enjoy the view of the valley from Dante’s View. At the end of the day you will come to Las Vegas. Here you can take a walk along Las Vegas Boulevard, also known as “The Strip”. Each hotel and casino has its own theme and is fantastic to look at. Do not miss the fountain show at Bellagio.

Day 9: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park (470 km)

The road to the Grand Canyon goes via the impressive Hoover Dam and along the classic Route 66. With its overwhelming size and fantastic colors, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s natural wonders. The huge size and brilliant colors make the place unique. In the area around the South Rim there are several viewpoints that can be reached by both shuttle bus and car. There are also many hiking trails in the area. Bright Angel Lodge has an excellent vantage point where you can also enjoy a beautiful gallery and exciting exhibitions.

Day 10: Grand Canyon National Park to Monument Valley (410 km)

In the morning, drive from the Grand Canyon toward Monument Valley. The valley is adorned with mighty free-standing cliffs that are up to 305 meters high. The angle and rays of the sun envelop the rocks and an enchanting play of colors emerges. The unique landscape is recognizable from several western films and is perhaps one of the most photographed places on earth. In the late afternoon, take a 2.5-hour Jeep ride around Monument Valley. After the tour, you can take part in a traditional Navajo dinner in the middle of the beautiful Rain God Mesa valley. The evening continues with a classic pow wow, where the chief translates songs and legends. Under the starry sky and in the light of the campfire it is danced and sung. All in all, an enchanting evening, which ends with you spending the night in a hut, a so-called hogan. ( M )

Day 11: Monument Valley to Arches National Park (230 km)

You will be awakened before dawn so you can enjoy the sunrise in Monument Valley, which is an experience you will soon forget. From Monument Valley, the journey goes to Moab. Along the way, you can stop at Arches Vineyeard (Utah’s oldest and largest winery). ( F )

Day 12: On an adventure in Arches National Park

Today you visit the Arches National Park, where you can see over 2,000 free-standing sandstone cliffs. The number varies from day to day as old rocks crumble and new ones appear. The most well known of these sandstone cliffs is Delicate Arch. You can go on a guided tour of the area. Keep your eyes open for the area’s sheep, desert bighorn sheep, which tend to blend in with the landscape. You can also choose to visit the Aztec Ruins National Monument, which has over 500 rooms. The construction of this huge house was started by the Pueblo people around 100 AD. A short path winds its way through the many rooms and makes the whole experience very intimate. Drive in the afternoon towards Dead Horse Point State Park. This rocky peninsula is surrounded by steep cliffs and is perhaps Utah’s most spectacular state park.

Day 13: Arches National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park via Capitol Reef National Park (430 km)

Today it’s time to leave Moab and continue to Capitol Reef National Park, which offers interesting sandstone cliffs and the huge ridge Waterpocket Fold. The impressive ridge is over 65 million years old and stretches 161 kilometers from Thousand Lakes Mountain to the Colorado River. Stop at Panorama Point. Also visit the park’s visitor center, where many hiking trails start. On the way, you pass Kodachrome Basin State Park before arriving at Bryce Canyon, where you will stay for two nights.

Day 14: Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park

You have all day to explore Bryce Canyon National Park and its many colorful cliffs. The sun’s rays create an impressive play of colors that constantly changes the park’s appearance. Also visit Rainbow Point, where you can see over 150 km in clear weather. In the park there are a number of different hiking trails. In addition, you can see the park from horseback.

Day 15: Bryce Canyon to Salt Lake (430 km)

Leave Bryce Canyon and drive on to Salt Lake City and the famous Mormon Temple Square. The city was founded in 1847 by a group of Mormon pioneers led by the Prophet Brigham Young, who was fleeing hostility and violence in the Midwest. Temple Square offers free guided tours of the Tabernacle and other historic Mormon sites. Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah and is also the most populous city in the state. The city’s first transcontinental railway led to great economic growth and is the basis for the city’s nickname, Crossroads of the West. The mining industry is booming and in 2002 the city also hosted the Winter Olympics. For example, visit the huge copper mines, Olympic Park or Great Salt Lake, which is the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere.

Day 16: Salt Lake to Jackson Hole (480 km)

The journey continues towards Jackson Hole, which still has a vibrant cowboy culture. Authentic western-style saloons line the streets, and Western-inspired artwork can be found in most of the city’s many galleries. Go on a guided tour, visit a local ranch, go on a horseback ride or see everything from above in a hot air balloon. The possibilities for seeing the city are endless.

Day 17: Jackson Hole to Yellowstone National Park via Grand Teton National Park (210 km)

Today you go to Yellowstone via Grand Teton. On the Teton Range, which is around 60 kilometers long, an average of 4.5 meters of snow falls. With its 4,197 meters, the mountain is the highest in the area. The views of the snow-capped mountains and old wooden barns (Moulton Barn) are spectacular. We also recommend that you stop along the way to learn more about the settlers who settled here in the late 19th century. From Grand Teton, the journey goes to Yellowstone, where you will spend the next few days.

Day 18: On a discovery trip in Yellowstone National Park

You have all day to explore Yellowstone National Park. In the park you will see the geyser Old Faithful squirt boiling water 50 meters into the air, enjoy the view of Yellowstone’s own Grand Canyon and stroll around among the terraces in Mammoth. You can also drive along the scenic Bear Tooth Highway and see the amazing color scheme at Grand Prismatic Spring. Everywhere you can experience the park’s fantastic wildlife, with bears, wolves, bison, deer and a variety of other animals. The animals roam free and the best places to see them are Lamar Valley, Madison Valley and Hayden Valley. There are also over 1,500 kilometers of hiking trails in the park.

Day 19: Yellowstone National Park to 320 Guest Ranch (150 km)

Enjoy your morning in Yellowstone before heading to 320 Guest Ranch. The over 110 year old ranch has a real western atmosphere and the best way to experience the nature around the ranch is on horseback.

Day 20: Departure from Bozeman (86 km)

After three weeks in the American national parks, the journey goes home. You drive from 320 Guest Ranch to Bozeman, where you leave your car. The departure time from Bozeman depends on when your flight departs. You have the opportunity to extend your trip with a stop in e.g. New York, Miami or Hawaii.

Day 21: Arrival in Scandinavia

Arrival time to Scandinavia depends on which airline you travel with.