I love road trips!! I have been on a lot of different western road trip itineraries since I live in Utah. This loop is so fun since you can hop on wherever you are close to. Then go through the whole circle or break it up to make the perfect western road trip for you! Or travel from the East coast and hop on wherever you want!
This western road trip also has a lot of National Parks on it since we have a goal to see all the National Parks. We have been to 10 so far and counting! I also like this route because you can cross off quite a few states on your list. In the west since the states are larger it is harder to do that. So I like that this itinerary can help you see a lot and a lot of states. I also have on my list to list all the 50 states. I think I have only been to about 30 something so far! If you too want to check out all the 50 states- then check out my post of what I want to see and do in each state!
If you were to follow this whole route- going off Google Maps it would take you 76 hours! So yeah.. a little long haha. A full blown western road trip! Even with driving 5 hours a day it would take you 15 days. So two weeks and no full days just hanging out and enjoying a park all day. So realistically I would say if you want to do the whole loop that you would need about a month! How fun to rent a camper or take your trailer and just do the whole thing!
Where to Stop on Your Western Road Trip!
Las Vegas, NV
I have probably been to Vegas about 30+ times. We only live 5 hours away so it is so fun getaway! There is a lot to do that is free and a lot of good food- so therefore I am in. But it is something you need to experience. The lights, the water shows, buffets and more. It gets very hot so I would recommend fall or spring if you can. Despite what you may think Vegas is a lot of fun for kids. There are tons of free things to see and explore on the strip. Such as the M&M factory, the flamingo flamingos and more! Over the years I would say things have cleaned up compared to what it used to be on the strip. Just stay away from Fremont Street. A gross rundown area that for sure isn’t good for kids- and I hated it too haha.
Zion National Park
Zions is honestly breathtakingly beautiful! It is going to be a really popular national parks so during peak time you can expect some crowds. Also due to volume you can’t drive through the park yourself and you will have to use their shuttles just FYI. I recommend going in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. Zions is famous for the terrifying Angels Landing hike where you walk along ledges with steep drop downs. There are parts of the the hike where you hang onto chains. It is not something I have done or planned to do. The town of Springdale that borders the park is fun and cute as well. Many people that I know claim that Zion is their favorite national park so it is a must stop on your western road trip!
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce is a stunning national park. The red rock against the blue sky is something you need to see. Bryce is full of great hiking. We love to stay at a place called Ruby’s Inn. There is a pool, restaurant and in the summer they do rodeos that are super fun! I grew up staying here so it is very nostalgic. Also it is the only decent hotel in the area so it fills up.
We travel a lot and so I am a member of a wholesale travel club. I have saved $3,000 in the last year on hotels. You can try it out totally free for 6 months and grab a buddy pass here. No strings attached and you don’t need to put in a credit card or anything! Ruby’s Inn is always on there along with any hotel you would find along the way of this western road trip.
Canyonlands National Park
I think that Canyonlands is often overlooked. But it is a must stop since it is right by Arches National Park. Only about 10 minutes apart. I like Canyonlands because it is less busy than Arches and there are still some arches to be seen. I love the town of Moab which is where you would stay to see both Canyonlands and Arches. Moab has a lot of fun restaurants, places to rent jeeps and side by sides and more.
Arches National Park
Arches is my favorite National Park that I have been to so far! It just amazing me that it is a total natures playground. So crazy to me that there are just so many arches clustered all together. Arches does get busy and hot so once again go in the morning. Delicate Arch is the most famous arch and is the one that can be seen on the Utah license plate. I love the Sand Dune Arch hike. Sooo easy for hikes and it is one of the only arches that is shaded. Also there is tons of red sand to play in. It is a beautiful shaded sand cove. But just warning- the red sand will stain your clothes so keep that in mind!
Jackson, WY
Jackson also known as Jackson Hole is a really beautiful town. Famous for skiing and is the home or second home of many celebrities. Jackson gives you quick access to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone. The town square is full of fun shops and bars. Take a picture at one of the famous antler arches and feel like a real cowboy!
Grand Teton National Park
I had been to Yellowstone multiple times before actually stopping to explore Grand Teton. You drive through it depending on which way you go to Yellowstone. Anyway the views of the mountains and hanging by the lakes are so beautiful. I love Jenny and Jackson lakes!
Yellowstone National Park
Well to me Yellowstone is about as iconic as national parks come! So many amazing hikes. Looking for the wildlife is the best- we saw bears last time. We have always had the best luck with finding animals in the Hayden Valley loop. I love the geothermic pools- especially Grand Prismatic. I think Old Faithful is amazing too! It baffles my mind that it can erupt 20ish times a day and it can be predicted when. Visiting Yellowstone is truly nature’s playground. That is why I love the National Parks so much!! You can’t go on a western road trip without crossing off Yellowstone!
Bozeman, MT
The town of Bozeman is really hip and fun! The main street has so many cute restaurants, bars and shops. Everyone had dogs and was outside enjoying the day. We ate some good food and it was the perfect day adventure from Yellowstone.
Glacier National Park
Glacier is STUNNING! I think that often people don’t make the journey since it is really far North but it is worth the adventure. The lake colors and mountain views will stop you in your tracks. There is snow a lot of the year at Glacier so August is a good time to go! The bordering town of Whitefish also can’t be missed.
Coeur d’Alene, ID
This beautiful town is located in Northwest Idaho! It is famous for the amazing scenery as well as water sports on Lake Coeur d’Alene. The Coeur d’Alene Resort is stunning and iconic. There is even a floating golf course island- it is so cool!! If you want to stay there or anywhere else for a discounted rate be sure to grab a free travel buddy pass good for 6 months no strings attached!
North Cascades National Park
This park is kind of remote! It is known for grizzly bear sightings as well as gray wolves. There can be heavy snow and avalanches so be sure to visit in the summer. Most of the park is protected so there are few structures. It is a park where you truly can enjoy nature and be amazed at the beauty around us.
Seattle, WA
I loved Seattle so much more than I thought I would. I loved going to the top of the Space Needle since the views are absolutely stunning. There is also a glass floor which is kind of fun! The Dale Chihuly museum is a blast and be sure to see flying fish at Pike’s Market. To read all about what we did in Seattle- click here for a full post review.
Mount Rainier National Park
Be sure to head to the Paradise Overlook in the summer to see wildflowers. Summer wildflowers are one of my favorite things. And something we scout out each summer in new places. Mount Rainier towers and is so breathtaking. It is the highest volcanic peak that is located in the contiguous United States. Also just a quick 2 hour drive from Seattle makes this a must do.
Portland, OR
Portland is amazing! And while it is not on this list- if you have time visit the Oregon coast. The crisp air and waves is what dreams are made of. Also the seafood can’t be beat! But while in Oregon be sure to go to the huge amazing bookstore- Powell’s books. Visit the Keep Portland Weird Sign and grab a doughnut from Voodoo Doughnut’s. I will be honest they aren’t the best doughnuts I have ever had- they are good but not the best in the world. But it is fun to see the funky place, wait in line and try the fun flavors! They are cash only so be sure to bring some to save on the ATM fees. There is one there though if you forget.
Crater Lake National Park
This park is about 4 hours south of Portland. So journey down the Oregon Coast and then head inland a little to visit this National Park. The famous lake in this park was formed from a collapsed volcano. It is also the deepest lake in the US! Definitely worth a stop on your western road trip!
Lassen Volcanic National Park
This park is really cool! And here you will see tons of bubbling mud pots! Visit Lassen Peak- the largest plug dome volcano in the world! If you aren’t much of a hiker than stay in your car and drive the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway and admire the views.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is famous for a lot of things. Including El Captain and Half Dome – which are large granite cliffs. Watch the show Free Solo and you will be shook! A man climbs the face of the mountain without ropes- I was sweating the whole movie haha. But there is great camping and wildlife in Yosemite!
This photo above was not taken in Yosemite but these shirts are cute matching Yosemite shirts even though they are a little hard to see! They are from my favorite kids brand. Such stylish soft clothes- like butter! I love their rompers too. So nice to only have one piece of clothing for busy kids. Less to pack on a fun western road trip! Check them out here- so stylish and fun!
Kings Canyon National Park
I thought that maybe the Grand Canyon had the deepest canyon in the states- but nope Kings Canyon is where it is at! It is over a mile and a half deep! Visit the General Grant gigantic tree that can be found in the Grant Grove. This park is located an hour away from Fresno and is a fun stop on your western road trip.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon are only 50 miles from each other. There are even shuttles you can take back and forth between the two parks. In Sequoia you can see the General Sherman tree which is the tallest tree in the WORLD!
Death Valley National Park
Visit Badwater Basin’s salt flats and explore the lowest point in North America! Titus Canyon is a fun area to adventure in as you can see a ghost town and colorful rocks. Watch out for rattlesnakes. As well as flooding and extreme temperatures. This park feels a little unearthly!
Joshua Tree National Park
I loved Joshua Tree a lot more thanI thought I would! We loved skull rock- looks like it would be in Peter Pan or something! I loved visiting at sunset and golden hour was so beautiful! We had fun hiking through the trees and taken photos. While we were hiking we also saw a huge fat lizard that was about a foot long- kinda cool! My son still talks about it and it was a year ago. That is why I am a firm believer in traveling with your kids!
Wherever your adventures take you- have fun and make a good playlist for the drive! Cross off some National Parks and cute small towns with this western road trip!