Your road trip through the US national parks
The national parks of the United States are among the most impressive natural experiences on earth. Fiery red rocks, deep gorges, the tallest trees in the world, raging rivers and waterfalls - you will hardly be able to stop being amazed here.
There are a total of 63 national parks in the USA, spread across the entire country. It would take several weeks to visit them all - and would certainly exceed the number of days we have available for our vacation.
That's why we've put together a road trip that you can do in two to three weeks. And still see the most impressive national parks. Be prepared to visit places that you have often seen on postcards - and now discover live:
The 5 national parks on your route
The road trip through the US national parks begins
As a starting point for your road trip, we recommend flying to Salt Lake City. Here you can either rent a caravan straight away or stay for a few days to get a first glimpse of the breathtaking landscapes. Utah's capital is located at the foot of the impressive Wasatch Mountains and will get you in the mood for your road trip with its unique scenery.
Your route through 5 US national parks
Arches National Park
It's a four-hour drive from Salt Lake City to your first stop, Arches National Park. The park is named "Arches" because of its many natural stone arches. There is no other place in the world where you could see a greater number of them. The Double Arch and the free-standing Delicate Arch in particular will impress you.
On a drive along the Arches National Park Scenic Drive, you will also pass the 39-metre-high rock formation Balanced Rock and the Parade of Elephants. These turn fiery red in the evening sun - a sight you won't soon forget.
If you want to stay overnight in the middle of the park, you can reserve a pitch at the Devils Garden Campgroundin advance. There are washrooms, seating around fire pits and the opportunity to count countless shining stars at night.
Zion National Park
Also in Utah and just a 5-hour drive from Arches National Park, your next stop is in Zion. This time it's off to Zion National Park - not in your own motorhome, but on a shuttle bus. Between May and December, private vehicles are not allowed on the Scenic Drive.
The great thing is that the shuttle buses are completely free, depart every few minutes from the south entrance to the park and take you to the best sights such as Angel's Landing, the West Rim Trail and the Emerald Pools.
The most important part of the park is the canyon through which the Virgin River winds. Around it, you will find wonderful hiking trails that lead you through the rocky - yet green - landscape. In the summer months, don't forget to carry enough water in your rucksack. Sometimes the thermometer can climb up to 40 degrees.
Grand Canyon National Park
We leave the state of Utah and drive on to Arizona. Our destination: the most famous US national park with the ultimate wow effect. We're heading to the Grand Canyon National Park. You will no doubt have seen photos of the gigantic canyon before.
The canyon is divided into three parts: West, South and North Rim. If you're there for the first time, you should visit the South Rim. Here, all the highlights are within walking distance of each other, there is a real village with restaurants and all the viewpoints are easily accessible.
Death Valley National Park
If you fancy a change during your tour through nature, you can make a stop in Las Vegas next. The "city of sin" with its casinos, hotels and parties is on the route to our next destination, Death Valley National Park. Decide for yourself whether you want to make a stop after a four-hour drive or drive the six hours directly to the park in California's Mojave Desert.
Three records await you in Death Valley National Park: the "Valley of Death" is the hottest, driest and lowest national park in the USA. It also offers you countless interesting places over an area of 13,600 square kilometers. Our highlights include: the Mesquite Sand Dunes, the Ubehebe Crater, the Badwater Basin and the Devil's Golf Course.
Because there is so much to see here, we recommend that you plan several days for this stop - and have enough water in your caravan.You can find a selection of campsites in the middle of the national park on Tripadvisor . What you can also do during a longer stay: Drive over to the Sequoia National Forest for a day. Here stands the General Sherman Tree - a giant sequoia that is said to be 2500 years old.
Yosemite National Park
For our last stop, we have to drive 3 hours north. Even in the caravan, you can look forward to mountains, waterfalls with a total height of over 700 meters, gigantic trees and impressive hiking trails - of course, and the 'El Capitan', the landmark of Yosemite National Park.
Your starting point should ideally be Yosemite Valley. It is the heart of the park, where you can simply park and then go exploring.
If you have decided against the detour to Sequoia National Forest, now is the perfect time to drive to Mariposa Grove. The forest is home to giant sequoia trees - some are even among the largest trees in the world.
You can enjoy an incredible view from Glacier Point at an altitude of 2,200 meters. But don't worry, you don't have to hike there. In the summer months, the pass to the top is easily accessible by car. It only takes an hour from the Valley and is definitely one of our tips.
The best place to end your road trip through the US national parks is in San Francisco. Here you can return your motorhome and spend a few more days in the metropolis before flying back to Germany.
US national parks - our tip on how to make it cheaper
To enter the national parks, you have to pay an entrance fee. However, there is the 'America the Beautiful' pass. This pass costs you a one-off fee of 80 US dollars (around 75 euros) and gives you free access to over 2,000 recreational locations - including the national parks. The pass is worthwhile if you visit three or more parks.
The pass allows four adults to visit the parks in one vehicle. You can buy it on site - at the entrances to the national parks or at the associated visitor center.
Have fun on your road trip!
