Many of America's 62 national parks are clustered together, just hours apart, and can easily be visited over the course of several days. Whether you're loading up your RV or renting a vehicle after flying into Las Vegas, you can easily drive from the Nevada-California border to southern Utah (and back) in the span of a week.
We spent a full day in Death Valley National Park, a day and a half in Zion National Park, and a full day in Bryce Canyon National Park on this trip. Flying into Las Vegas is an efficient way to get to the starting point. A small SUV (4WD recommended) is ideal for traveling over high elevations and sometimes rough terrain.
Death Valley National Park
Pack your backpack with healthy snacks and a reusable water bottle (plastics are discouraged in national parks, and refill stations are widely available), then head west on a two-hour drive to the breathtaking Death Valley Wilderness Area. You could spend several days in the largest park (3,000 square miles) in the continental United States, but in just one day we’ll hit many of the highlights.
It’s also the hottest and driest park in the country, so consider making this trip outside of the summer months to avoid temperatures that exceed 120 degrees. Early November proved ideal, with temperatures in the 80s, gradually creeping into the 90s at Badwater Basin. Sunscreen, hats, and plenty of fluids are still required year-round. Head straight to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center for up-to-date park information, from weather to maps, and to pay your park entrance fee.
Travel TipsPurchase an annual park pass for $80 at least two weeks before your trip. Visiting at least three parks usually covers the cost.
Bad water basin
Badwater Basin in Death Valley is the lowest point in the entire country, at 282 feet below sea level. You can walk right onto the salt flats, which are natural, geometric salt formations that rise just inches above the ground, as far as the eye can see. telescope top This basin is bordered by a sea level marker, giving you an amazing perspective. Imagine standing on the floor of an ancient sea that has been drained of all its contents, but has left behind this geological phenomenon for you to experience for yourself.
From Badwater Basin, consider heading for the scenic Artists Trail. This paved, one-way loop leads through various geological formations, and to Artists' Panel FormationNatural processes of oxidation and erosion have created unique pastel-colored patches in the sandstone. Be sure to stop for photos at the scenic overlook.
Artist Engine
From Artists Drive, head to Zabriskie PointThe short ride is quickly rewarded with a panoramic view of Death Valley's vast sandstone formations, which stretch from Manly Lighthouse to Red Cathedral.
Other points of interest in this part of the park include driving on the unpaved road. Twenty Mole Canyon Team, Furnace Creek (The main axis of the park), it is the largest sand dune field in the park, Flat sand dunes in Mesquite (Fun fact: Star Wars filming location) Dante's point of viewwhich is considered one of the best photography locations in Death Valley.
Zion National Park
The second leg of this trip takes three hours east of Las Vegas, into southern Utah to Zion National Park. The closest town to the gates of Zion is Springdale, but we chose to stay in Kanab, due to its proximity to Zion, Bryce, and other destinations that will be featured in this series of trips.
Home to the Virgin River, and famous rock formations (such as Temple of Sinawava and the Patriarchs), and deciduous trees that turn vibrant fall colors, Zion boasts a variety of hikes, from easy to strenuous. Two of the park’s popular hiking trails are Angel’s Landing and The Narrows. Both hikes are uniquely strenuous. At 5,790 feet with a narrow trail that offers a ridge on one side and a cliff on the other, Angel’s Landing is recommended for the most intrepid hikers. The reward is a 360-degree view of Zion that is said to be unparalleled.
hiking in the strait
The Narrows begins where the Riverside Trail (a favorite for fall leaf viewing) ends, while offering a different set of challenges for equally rewarding views. Instead of traversing a high ledge, you’ll find yourself in a canyon, hiking upstream through the slippery rocky stream of the Virgin River. Special river gear is recommended (though not required) for hiking in 50-degree-deep, moving water. Toxic algae can sometimes lurk in the deceptively clear water, so the gear provides extra protection. Just outside the park, you’ll find Zion Outfitter for rent. They have all the gear you need, not just to keep you and your belongings dry while hiking. The most intrepid hikers. The reward is a 360-degree view of Zion that can’t be beat.
Zion is also a great place for activities like hiking and biking. There are some very long day hikes, but each trail offers opportunities to catch the golden and red shades of leaves that are found here from October to early November. We spent one morning on three great trails. Emerald Pools Hiking That same afternoon, you can hike through the gorge, going just a mile (which is enough distance to experience). Be sure to pack a packed lunch and plenty of water, and set aside a full day to hike the 10 miles round trip and return in time to catch the last bus to the visitor center. Angel landing And a shortened version of the Narrows in one day. You won't feel like walking out of the park after this adventure, so plan accordingly.
Bryce Canyon National Park
The final stop on your road trip through the national parks is Bryce Canyon. Located in the Dixie National Forest, Bryce covers three distinct climate zones: spruce forest, ponderosa pine forest, and pinyon pine forest. Miles of trails take you down to the canyon's famous hoodoos (eroded, castle-like sandstone formations) and into the center of the vast Bryce Amphitheater (Navajo Loop Trail).
It is recommended to set aside some time to do some excursions, to enjoy the breathtaking views over these valleys and the distinctive rock formations (such as Thor's hammer), ancient vegetation, and the sheer depth of this distinctive terrain. Don't miss the thousand-year-old conifer pines that line the edge of the park at sites like Rainbow and Yovimpa Points (Bristlecone Loop Track), Peekaboo Trail And near the point of inspiration along Edge Path.
Beyond the National Parks
While your road trip through the national parks may be over, you’re still far from the final frontier. Be sure to get your annual parks pass to extend your trip to Utah. Arches National Park (5.5 hours northeast of Zion), Capitol Reef National Park (2 hours north of Bryce Canyon), California Joshua Tree National Park (4 hours south of Death Valley), Arizona Grand Canyon National Park (4.5 hours south of Las Vegas.) Several stunning national parks and monuments fill the landscape in between, along with plenty of vast distances, soul-sustaining landscapes and unforgettable memories.
Thanks to our friends at Texas Lifestyle Magazine for this great article!
About the author:
Dana Maas is a regular contributing writer to TLM, an occupational therapist at St. David's Round Rock Medical Center, and a graduate of Louisiana State University. She lives with her husband and rescue dog Chester in Round Rock, Texas.
When she's not working, traveling, hosting AirBnB guests, or learning new things, Dana loves spending time with her loved ones while supporting her favorite local nonprofits. She's happiest when the sun is shining and the LSU Tigers are winning. You can follow her on Instagram at dana_maass_adventures.
Hi! We’re Jen and Ed Coleman, aka Coleman Concierge. In short, we’re a Gen X couple from Huntsville sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative, experiential, activity-based travel.
