The Ultimate National Parks Road Trip

Imagine this: A road trip that takes you to every breathtaking national park in the contiguous United States.

From the swamps of the Everglades to the towering sequoias of California, this isn't just a trip – it's the ultimate American adventure.

We’ve mapped out the perfect route that connects all 50 national parks in a seamless loop.

How did we create this route?

This is a loop, so you can join the loop at any point. We started the route and ended it in the Everglades, but you can do it in any direction, starting in any park.

This route includes only the national parks in the contiguous USA - the 48 adjoining states on the North American continent, which are connected by land. We did not include national parks outside of that area.

We did include two parks that require a boat ride: Isle Royale National Park in Michigan and Channel Islands National Park in California.

Both have visitor centers that don't require a boat ride, so technically, your kids can get their junior ranger badges without getting on a boat!

However, Dry Tortugas National Park doesn't have a visitors center on the mainland, so it's not included in this list.

Keep reading for the full list, beginning with the Everglades in Florida and proceeding through each of these 50 parks in order.

16,829 miles - 302 hours of driving - 50 National Parks

1. Everglades National Park (Florida)

Everglades National Park is a unique wetland ecosystem in southern Florida. It's known as the "river of grass" for its vast sawgrass marshes.

An alligator sleeping in the grass, Everglades National Park, USA

The park is home to diverse wildlife. Visitors can spot alligators, wading birds, and if they're lucky, the rare Florida panther.

Explore the Everglades by hiking boardwalk trails, taking boat tours, or kayaking through mangrove tunnels.

Not to be missed: Shark Valley Observation Tower, Anhinga Trail, Flamingo Visitor Center, Ten Thousand Islands, and the Gumbo Limbo Trail.

Read more: Everglades National Park: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

2. Biscayne National Park (Florida)

Biscayne National Park is a watery wonderland just south of Miami. It protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and coral reefs.

Biscayne National Park during winter

The park is 95% water, making it a paradise for boating, fishing, and snorkeling. Colorful fish, manatees, and even crocodiles call these waters home.

On land, you can explore the park's islands, which feature mangrove forests and remnants of pioneer homesteads.

Not to be missed: Boca Chita Key Lighthouse, Maritime Heritage Trail, Jones Lagoon, and the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.

Read more: Biscayne National Park: A Submerged Paradise Awaits!

3. Congaree National Park (South Carolina)

Congaree National Park preserves the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest expanse in the southeastern United States.

Boardwalk Trail at Congaree National Park in central South Carolina, USA

The park's floodplain forest is home to some of the tallest trees in eastern North America. Wildlife includes river otters, deer, and a variety of birds.

Visitors can explore via elevated boardwalks or by canoeing through the park's waterways.

Not to be missed: Boardwalk Loop Trail, Weston Lake, Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, and the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.

Read more: Find Your Peace and Adventure in Congaree National Park

4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. It's known for its diverse plant and animal life, and the beauty of its ancient mountains.

Green Moss Around Husky Branch Falls in the Smokies

The park is home to over 1,500 black bears and 1,600 flowering plant species. Scenic drives and hiking trails offer breathtaking views of mist-covered mountains.

Visitors can explore historic buildings from Southern Appalachian culture scattered throughout the park.

Not to be missed: Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and the Appalachian Trail.

Read more: 23 Great Smoky Mountains Experiences To Add To Your Itinerary

5. New River Gorge National Park (West Virginia)

New River Gorge, one of the newest national parks, features a rugged canyon carved by one of the oldest rivers in North America.

New river gorge

The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and hiking opportunities.

Visitors can also explore the area's rich coal mining history and admire the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.

Not to be missed: New River Gorge Bridge, Endless Wall Trail, Grandview, and the Sandstone Falls.

Read more: New River Gorge National Park – A Concise Guide

6. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

Shenandoah National Park extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. It's known for Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds through the park's forested mountains.

Skyline Drive seen from Stony Man, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

The park is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears and white-tailed deer. It offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail.

Stunning vistas, waterfalls, and quiet wooded hollows characterize this beautiful park.

Not to be missed: Skyline Drive, Old Rag Mountain, Dark Hollow Falls, and Hawksbill Summit.

Read more: 5 Northeast Nature Lover’s Dream Destinations For Your National Parks Bucket List

7. Acadia National Park (Maine)

Acadia National Park is located on Maine's rugged coast. It's known for its rocky beaches, granite cliffs, and glacier-scoured mountains.

Acadia National Park in Maine

The park offers a mix of woodland, rocky beaches, and glacier-carved granite peaks. It's home to diverse wildlife, including moose, bears, whales, and seabirds.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, biking on historic carriage roads, and watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.

Not to be missed: Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond.

Read more: Top 17 Magical National Parks for Hiking, According To Visitors

8. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a green oasis between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. It follows the winding Cuyahoga River through forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands.

The Brecksville-Northfield High Level Bridge at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, USA

The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and scenic train rides.

Visitors can explore waterfalls, rock ledges, and historic structures that tell the story of the Ohio & Erie Canal.

Not to be missed: Brandywine Falls, Beaver Marsh, Ledges Trail, and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Read more: Cuyahoga National Park is The Only National Park in Ohio

9. Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)

Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world's longest-known cave system. The vast chambers and complex labyrinths have earned it the name "Mammoth."

Mammoth cave national park

Visitors can take guided tours of the cave, exploring its winding passages and learning about its unique geology and history.

Above ground, the park offers hiking trails, canoeing, and horseback riding opportunities in the scenic Kentucky hills.

Not to be missed: Cave Tour and Cedar Sink Trail.

10. Gateway Arch National Park (Missouri)

Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, commemorates the United States' westward expansion.

Sunset over the Gateway Arch and St. Louis, Missouri.

The park's centerpiece is the iconic 630-foot stainless steel Gateway Arch, symbolizing St. Louis' role as the "Gateway to the West."

Visitors can ride to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the city and Mississippi River, and explore the museum beneath it.

Not to be missed: Tram Ride to the Top, Museum at the Gateway Arch, Old Courthouse, and Riverfront Trail.

Read more: This National Park Is the Smallest in America (You’ll Be Surprised!)

11. Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana)

Indiana Dunes National Park stretches along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. It's known for its diverse landscapes of sand dunes, wetlands, prairies, and forests.

sand dunes in Indiana Dunes National Park

The park offers 15 miles of sandy beach along Lake Michigan. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and spectacular sunsets over the lake.

Hiking trails wind through various ecosystems, showcasing the park's biodiversity and offering opportunities to spot diverse wildlife.

Not to be missed: Mount Baldy, West Beach, Cowles Bog Trail, and the Century of Progress Homes.

Read more: A National Park with Rare “Singing Sand”

12. Isle Royale National Park (Michigan)

Isle Royale National Park is a remote island archipelago in Lake Superior. It's known for its rugged, isolated wilderness and diverse ecosystems.

The park is a haven for hikers, kayakers, and wildlife enthusiasts. It's home to wolves, moose, and a variety of bird species.

The island is accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park offers a truly unique wilderness experience with no roads and few amenities. However, you can visit the mainland visitor center without boat travel.

Not to be missed: Greenstone Ridge Trail, Rock Harbor Lighthouse, Windigo area, and Passage Island.

Read more: The Midwest’s Hidden Gem – Isle Royale National Park

13. Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota)

Voyageurs National Park is a water-based park in northern Minnesota. It's named after the French-Canadian fur traders, who were the first European settlers to frequently travel through the area.

Sunset in Voyageurs National Park behind the Ash River Visitor Center (Minnesota).

The park is a maze of interconnected waterways, islands, and peninsulas. In summer, visitors can explore by boat, canoe, or kayak, and in winter, by snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe.

The park is home to diverse wildlife, including moose, wolves, and bald eagles. It also offers excellent opportunities for stargazing and viewing the Northern Lights.

Not to be missed: Kabetogama Lake, Ellsworth Rock Gardens, Kettle Falls, and the Ash River Visitor Center.

Read more: This National Park is a Water Lover’s Paradise in Minnesota

14. Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the badlands of western North Dakota. It honors the 26th president, who ranched and hunted in the area.

The park is divided into three units, showcasing colorful badlands, winding rivers, and diverse wildlife, including bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs.

Visitors can explore scenic drives, hiking trails, and Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch site.

Not to be missed: Painted Canyon Overlook, Petrified Forest Trail, Maltese Cross Cabin, and the 36-mile Scenic Loop Drive.

15. Badlands National Park (South Dakota)

Badlands National Park features a unique landscape of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. The park's layers of colorful rock tell a story of 75 million years of Earth's history.

The park is home to bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets. Fossil beds preserve the remains of ancient mammals.

Visitors can explore scenic drives and hiking trails and attend ranger-led fossil talks.

Not to be missed: Badlands Loop Road, Notch Trail, Fossil Exhibit Trail, and Yellow Mounds Overlook

16. Wind Cave National Park (South Dakota)

Wind Cave National Park protects one of the world's longest and most complex cave systems. The cave is known for its rare boxwork formations.

Above ground, the park preserves one of the largest remaining natural mixed-grass prairies in the United States, home to bison, elk, and prairie dogs.

Visitors can take guided cave tours and explore hiking trails on the surface.

Not to be missed: Natural Entrance Tour, Rankin Ridge Trail, Prairie Vista Trail, and the Bison Flats Drive.

17. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

Grand Teton National Park is known for its stunning mountain scenery and diverse wildlife. The Teton Range dominates the park with its rugged, snow-capped peaks.

Colorful Autumn foliage and Snake river Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.

The park offers excellent opportunities for hiking, climbing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Moose, elk, and bison are commonly seen.

Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, boat trips on Jenny Lake, and explore the historic Mormon Row.

Not to be missed: Jenny Lake, Inspiration Point, Snake River Overlook, and Mormon Row Historic District.

18. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming/Montana/Idaho)

Yellowstone, the world's first national park, is known for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser.

The park is home to diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk. It also features mountains, forests, and lakes.

Visitors can explore the park's many geothermal areas, take scenic drives, hike, and watch wildlife.

Not to be missed: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone Lake, and Lamar Valley.

Read more: 9 Mistakes To Avoid On A Yellowstone Vacation

19. Glacier National Park (Montana)

Glacier National Park is known for its rugged mountains, pristine forests, alpine meadows, and spectacular lakes. It's often called the "Crown of the Continent" ecosystem.

Cracker Lake and beautiful wild lilies in Glacier national park, MT

The park features over 700 miles of trails, making it a hiker's paradise. It's home to diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears and mountain goats.

The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road offers breathtaking views as it winds through the park's interior.

Not to be missed: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier area, Highline Trail, and Lake McDonald.

Read more: Glacier National Park Itinerary for 3 Days

20. North Cascades National Park (Washington)

North Cascades National Park is known for its rugged mountain beauty. It features jagged peaks, deep forested valleys, and over 300 glaciers.

The park offers excellent opportunities for hiking, camping, and mountaineering. It's home to diverse wildlife, including gray wolves and grizzly bears.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, boat tours on Ross Lake, and over 400 miles of hiking trails.

Not to be missed: Diablo Lake Vista Point, Cascade Pass, Ross Lake, and the North Cascades Highway.

Read more: North Cascades National Park – A Quick Guide

21. Olympic National Park (Washington)

Olympic National Park is incredibly diverse, encompassing a rugged Pacific coastline, temperate rainforests, and glacier-capped mountains.

The Hurricane Ridge viewpoint of Olympic National park in Washington, USA. The background is snow mountain

The park is home to unique wildlife, including Roosevelt elk and Olympic marmots. Its old-growth rainforests are among the most spectacular in the country.

Visitors can explore tide pools, hike through rainforests, soak in hot springs, and climb mountain trails.

Not to be missed: Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rain Forest, Ruby Beach, and Sol Duc Falls.

Read more: 11 Top things to do in Olympic National Park (A Visitor’s Guide)

22. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)

Mount Rainier National Park is centered around the 14,410-foot Mount Rainier, an active volcano and the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

The park is known for its stunning wildflower meadows, ancient forests, and diverse ecosystems that change with elevation.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and climbing opportunities. Wildlife viewing and wildflower displays are popular activities.

Not to be missed: Paradise area, Skyline Trail, Sunrise Visitor Center, and Grove of the Patriarchs.

23. Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)

Crater Lake National Park is centered around Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, known for its deep blue color and water clarity.

The Ultimate Crater Lake Road Trip Plan

The lake was formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano. The park offers opportunities for scenic drives, boat tours, hiking, and stargazing.

In winter, the park transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Not to be missed: Rim Drive, Wizard Island, Cleetwood Cove Trail, and Watchman Overlook.

24. Redwood National Park (California)

Redwood National Park protects vast groves of coast redwoods, the tallest trees on Earth. Some of these giants are over 2,000 years old.

The park also includes vast prairies, oak woodlands, and 40 miles of rugged coastline. It's home to diverse wildlife, including Roosevelt elk and black bears.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hike through towering redwood groves, and explore wild beaches.

Not to be missed: Tall Trees Grove, Fern Canyon, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, and Enderts Beach.

Read more: Explore Redwood National Park [A Must-See Guide with Breathtaking Photos!]

25. Lassen Volcanic National Park (California)

Lassen Volcanic National Park showcases the largest plug dome volcano in the world and all four types of volcanoes found in the world.

Painted Dunes in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA

The park features bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. It's a wonderland of volcanic landscapes and thermal features.

Visitors can hike through volcanic landscapes, enjoy scenic drives, and soak in hot springs.

Not to be missed: Bumpass Hell, Lassen Peak Trail, Manzanita Lake, and Sulphur Works.

Read more: Top 10 Things To Do In Lassen National Park, California

26. Yosemite National Park (California)

Yosemite National Park is known for its stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, and giant sequoia groves. It's a mecca for rock climbers, hikers, and nature lovers.

The park's diverse landscapes range from deep valleys to high mountain meadows. It's home to diverse wildlife, including black bears and bighorn sheep.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, rock climbing, and ranger-led programs.

Not to be missed: Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

27. Pinnacles National Park (California)

Pinnacles National Park is known for its unique rock formations, formed by an ancient volcanic field. It's one of the newest national parks, established in 2013.

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The park is a popular spot for rock climbing and hiking. It's also known for its talus caves and as a release site for California condors.

Visitors can explore hiking trails, rock climb, watch wildlife, and stargaze in the clear night skies.

Not to be missed: High Peaks Trail, Bear Gulch Cave, Condor Gulch Overlook, and Balconies Cave Trail.

Read more: Awesome Things to Do in Pinnacles National Park, CA

28. Sequoia National Park (California)

Sequoia National Park is famous for its giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume.

Sequoia Nationa Park California United States

The park features vast mountainous landscapes, deep canyons, and diverse ecosystems ranging from foothills to alpine peaks.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hike through sequoia groves, explore underground crystal caves, and enjoy panoramic views from Moro Rock.

Not to be missed: General Sherman Tree, Congress Trail, Moro Rock, and Crystal Cave.

29. Kings Canyon National Park (California)

Kings Canyon National Park is known for its deep valleys, towering sequoia trees, and pristine backcountry.

Tributary of Kings river on Kings Canyon National Park scenic view. On Highway 180 in California, United States of America. Located in southern Sierra Nevada, bordered by Sequoia National Park.

The park features one of the deepest canyons in North America, lush meadows, roaring rivers, and extensive cave systems.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, horseback riding, and rock climbing.

Not to be missed: Zumwalt Meadow, Boyden Cave, and Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.

30. Channel Islands National Park (California)

Channel Islands National Park comprises five islands off the coast of Southern California. It's often called the "Galapagos of North America" due to its unique ecosystems.

Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park.

The park is home to over 2,000 plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Marine life includes whales, dolphins, and sea lions.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife watching. Access is by boat or small plane only.

Not to be missed: Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island, Scorpion Ranch on Santa Cruz Island, Painted Cave, and whale-watching trips.

Read more: Channel Islands National Park – A Quick Guide

31. Joshua Tree National Park (California)

Joshua Tree National Park is characterized by rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes. It's named for the region's twisted, bristled Joshua trees.

Morning after a snowstorm at Joshua Tree National Park 1600x900

The park offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, and stargazing. It's home to diverse desert wildlife and unique plant species.

Visitors can explore scenic drives, nature trails, and historic sites related to the area's mining and ranching history.

Not to be missed: Hidden Valley, Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View, and Barker Dam.

32. Death Valley National Park (California/Nevada)

Death Valley National Park is North America's lowest, driest, and hottest place. It's known for its extreme desert landscapes and diverse geological features.

Iconic sunrise colorful waves at Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park

The park features salt flats, sand dunes, badlands, valleys, canyons, and mountains. Despite its name, it's home to a variety of plant and animal life.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, stargazing, and exploring unique geological formations.

Not to be missed: Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Artist's Drive.

Read more: 10 Top Things to Do in Death Valley

33. Great Basin National Park (Nevada)

Great Basin National Park is known for its ancient bristlecone pines, limestone caves, and dark night skies. It's one of the least visited national parks, offering solitude and pristine nature.

Alpine Teresa Lake on a Sunny Summer Day in Great Basin National Park in Nevada

The park features diverse ecosystems ranging from desert valleys to alpine peaks. It's home to diverse wildlife, including bighorn sheep and mountain lions.

Visitors can explore Lehman Caves, hike to bristlecone pine groves, and enjoy excellent stargazing opportunities.

Not to be missed: Lehman Caves, Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, Bristlecone Pine Trail, and Alpine Lakes Loop Trail.

34. Zion National Park (Utah)

Zion National Park is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and diverse plant and animal life. It's a hiker's paradise with trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes.

Zion National Park, Utah in Autumn

The park's most famous hike is The Narrows, where visitors wade through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, rock climbing, canyoneering, and wildlife watching.

Not to be missed: The Narrows, Angels Landing, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and Emerald Pools.

Read more: Zion National Park – A Concise Visitor’s Guide

35. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)

Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unique geological structures called hoodoos - tall, thin spires of rock that rise from the canyon floor.

The park offers spectacular views of colorful, otherworldly landscapes. It's also known for its excellent stargazing opportunities due to its dark skies.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, horseback riding, and ranger-led astronomy programs.

Not to be missed: Sunrise Point, Navajo Loop Trail, Bryce Point, and Rainbow Point.

See more: Bryce Canyon National Park – A Quick Guide

36. Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)

Capitol Reef National Park is known for its Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth's crust. The park features colorful cliffs, massive domes, and narrow canyons.

A road through Capitol Reef National Park 1600x900

The park also preserves the historic Mormon settlement of Fruita, including orchards visitors can pick fruit from when in season.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, rock climbing, and exploring petroglyphs and pioneer sites.

Not to be missed: Scenic Drive, Hickman Bridge Trail, Cassidy Arch, and the Fruita Historic District.

See more: Choose Your Capitol Reef National Park Adventure

37. Arches National Park (Utah)

Arches National Park is famous for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches, as well as massive fins, balanced rocks, and towering pinnacles.

The delicate arch in Arches national park

The park's unique geological features are set against a backdrop of contrasting colors, landforms, and textures. It's a photographer's paradise, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Not to be missed: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Windows Section, and Park Avenue Trail.

See more: 5 Things to Do in Arches National Park

38. Canyonlands National Park (Utah)

Canyonlands National Park is a vast wilderness of canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries.

It's divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves.

The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from easy day hikes to challenging backcountry adventures. It's known for its remarkable vistas and Native American rock art.

Not to be missed: Mesa Arch, Grand View Point Overlook, Chesler Park Loop, and Shafer Trail.

Read more: Utah National Parks As Ranked By Visitors

39. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

Grand Canyon National Park is known for its visually overwhelming size and intricate and colorful landscape. Carved by the Colorado River, the canyon averages 10 miles wide and a mile deep.

Bright Angel Trail at the gorge of the Grand Canyon, eroded rocky landscape, South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA

The park offers a wide range of activities on both its North and South Rims. It's home to diverse wildlife and plant species adapted to a variety of elevations and environments.

Not to be missed: Mather Point, Bright Angel Trail, Desert View Watchtower, and Havasu Falls.

See more: The 6 Most Stunning Vistas in Grand Canyon National Park

40. Saguaro National Park (Arizona)

Saguaro National Park protects the Sonoran Desert landscape and its iconic saguaro cacti. The park is divided into two districts on either side of Tucson.

The park showcases a variety of desert life, including diverse cacti species, desert animals, and unique plant adaptations. It's especially beautiful during wildflower season in spring.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and backcountry camping. The park also preserves ancient petroglyphs.

Not to be missed: Bajada Loop Drive, Signal Hill Petroglyphs, Cactus Forest Drive, and Mica View Trail.

See more: The Arizona Bucket List [13 Places You Must Visit]

41. Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)

Petrified Forest National Park is known for its large deposits of petrified wood, as well as its colorful badlands called the Painted Desert.

Petrified wood at the badlands of the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona state of the United States of America, North America

The park features ancient fossils, petroglyphs, and pueblo ruins. It's a window into 225 million years of Earth's history.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs about geology and paleontology.

Not to be missed: Crystal Forest Trail, Blue Mesa Trail, Newspaper Rock, and Painted Desert Inn.

42. Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado)

Mesa Verde National Park preserves ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings. It's known for its well-preserved archaeological sites, including the famous Cliff Palace.

The park offers a unique look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years.

Visitors can take guided tours of cliff dwellings, explore museums, and enjoy scenic drives with overlooks of the surrounding landscape.

Not to be missed: Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Long House, and Mesa Top Loop Road.

See more: 20 Places to See Ancient Petroglyphs and Pictographs in the Southwest

43. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado)

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park features a deep, narrow gorge carved by the Gunnison River. Its steep cliffs and dramatic drops are awe-inspiring.

The park is known for its challenging rock-climbing routes and excellent trout fishing. It also offers opportunities for stargazing due to its Dark Sky designation.

Not to be missed: Gunnison Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall View, and the North Rim Road.

44. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Rocky Mountain National Park showcases the majestic southern Rocky Mountains. It's known for its diverse mountain environments, from wooded forests to alpine tundra.

The park is home to diverse wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and marmots. It offers over 300 miles of hiking trails and scenic drives, including the famous Trail Ridge Road.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and wildlife watching. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular.

Not to be missed: Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake, Emerald Lake Trail, and Longs Peak.

Read more: Where to See Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park

45. Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado)

Great Sand Dunes National Park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains.

The park offers a unique combination of environments, including grasslands, wetlands, forests, and alpine tundra. It's known for sand sledding and sandboarding opportunities.

Visitors can hike the dunes, stargaze in the dark night skies, and even surf the waves of Medano Creek during peak flow.

Not to be missed: High Dune, Medano Creek, Mosca Pass Trail, and Star Dune.

See more: This National Park Has a Creek in a Desert

46. White Sands National Park (New Mexico)

White Sands National Park protects a vast area of wave-like white gypsum sand dunes. It's the world's largest gypsum dunefield.

The park offers a surreal landscape that changes colors throughout the day. Despite the harsh environment, it's home to diverse plant and animal life adapted to the dunes.

Visitors can enjoy sand sledding, hiking, scenic drives, and stargazing. Sunset strolls on the dunes are particularly popular.

Not to be missed: Dunes Drive, Alkali Flat Trail, Interdune Boardwalk, and full moon hikes.

47. Carlsbad Caverns National Park (New Mexico)

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is known for its spectacular underground limestone caves. The park's main feature is the massive Carlsbad Cavern.

The park contains over 100 caves formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone. It's home to large colonies of bats that put on impressive flight displays.

Visitors can take self-guided or ranger-led tours of the caves, watch bat flights, and hike aboveground trails.

Not to be missed: The Natural Entrance, Big Room, King's Palace, and Bat Flight Program.

48. Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas)

Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef. It features diverse landscapes, from desert to high-country conifer forests.

Tall Butte at Guadalupe Mountains National Park

The park is home to Texas' four highest peaks and offers over 80 miles of hiking trails. It's known for its fall foliage displays, a rarity in west Texas.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and bird watching. The park also preserves a slice of the Old West with its historic Frijole Ranch.

Not to be missed: Guadalupe Peak Trail, McKittrick Canyon, The Bowl, and Frijole Ranch.

Read more: Guadalupe Mountains National Park – A Quick Guide

49. Big Bend National Park (Texas)

Big Bend National Park is known for its vast Chihuahuan Desert landscapes and the Rio Grande. It's one of the largest, most remote, and least-visited national parks in the lower 48 states.

The park offers diverse environments, from river canyons to desert plains to the Chisos Mountains. It's home to diverse wildlife and over 1,200 plant species.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, river trips, horseback riding, and some of the darkest night skies in the contiguous United States.

Not to be missed: Santa Elena Canyon, Chisos Basin, Hot Springs Historic District, and Lost Mine Trail.

50. Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)

Hot Springs National Park is centered around the natural hot springs for which it is named. It's unique among national parks for its urban setting in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas.

The park preserves both the natural hot springs and the grand bathhouses of the early 20th century. It's often called "The American Spa."

Visitors can tour historic bathhouses, hike forested trails, and even taste the spring water at public fountains.

Not to be missed: Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs Mountain Tower, Grand Promenade, and Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center.

Can you use this as an itinerary?

Yes and no. Yes, you can follow this route on a wonderful LONG road trip that will cover all 50 national parks in the contiguous USA.

However, there are many other wonderful things to see and do on the way. They include National Monuments, National Historic Parks, State Parks, museums and other landmarks.

Also, we had to choose one specific point on the map for each park. If you plan to visit these parks, you should create a more granulated version with specific routes and itineraries around each park.

We hope you enjoyed this tour of these 50 national parks! Leave us a comment and let us know if you have any thoughts on the route!

 
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