Itinerary

Planning a 21-day family-friendly road trip through some of the most stunning national parks in the U.S. sounds like an adventure of a lifetime! Here’s a detailed itinerary that balances exploration, relaxation, and fun for the whole family.

## Day 1: Arrival in Rapid City, SD

• Morning: Arrive in Rapid City. Settle into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the Journey Museum to learn about the Black Hills and Native American history.
• Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in downtown Rapid City.

## Day 2: Mount Rushmore

• Morning: Head to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Explore the visitor center and take the Presidential Trail for great views.
• Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch at the park.
• Evening: Drive to nearby Keystone for some ice cream and souvenir shopping.

## Day 3: Crazy Horse Memorial & Custer State Park

• Morning: Visit the Crazy Horse Memorial. Learn about the history and culture of Native Americans.
• Afternoon: Drive to Custer State Park. Enjoy a scenic drive and look for wildlife (buffalo, deer, etc.).
• Evening: Camp or stay in a lodge in Custer State Park.

## Day 4: Badlands National Park

• Morning: Depart for Badlands National Park. Stop at the visitor center for maps and tips.
• Afternoon: Hike the Notch Trail or the Window Trail for stunning views.
• Evening: Return to Rapid City for dinner and rest.

## Day 5: Travel to Glacier National Park

• Morning: Depart early for Glacier National Park (approx. 10-hour drive).
• Afternoon: Stop for lunch along the way. Consider a quick visit to Flathead Lake.
• Evening: Arrive in Glacier and settle into your accommodation.

## Day 6: Glacier National Park

• Morning: Start with the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Stop at Logan Pass for breathtaking views.
• Afternoon: Hike the Hidden Lake Trail (family-friendly).
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a lodge or local restaurant.

## Day 7: Glacier National Park

• Morning: Explore Many Glacier area. Take a boat tour on Swiftcurrent Lake.
• Afternoon: Hike the Grinnell Glacier Trail (if the kids are up for it).
• Evening: Relax and stargaze at your accommodation.

## Day 8: Travel to Yellowstone National Park

• Morning: Depart for Yellowstone (approx. 6-hour drive).
• Afternoon: Stop at West Yellowstone for lunch and visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.
• Evening: Enter Yellowstone and settle into your accommodation.

## Day 9: Yellowstone National Park

• Morning: Visit Old Faithful and the surrounding geyser basin.
• Afternoon: Explore the Grand Prismatic Spring.
• Evening: Dinner at a park lodge or picnic under the stars.

## Day 10: Yellowstone National Park

• Morning: Head to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Hike the South Rim Trail.
• Afternoon: Visit the Hayden Valley for wildlife viewing.
• Evening: Return to your accommodation for a family game night.

## Day 11: Travel to Grand Teton National Park

• Morning: Depart for Grand Teton National Park (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
• Afternoon: Stop at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Take a boat ride across the lake.
• Evening: Hike to Hidden Falls and enjoy a picnic dinner.

## Day 12: Grand Teton National Park

• Morning: Explore the scenic drive and stop at various viewpoints.
• Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
• Evening: Relax at your accommodation or camp under the stars.

## Day 13: Travel to Grand Canyon National Park

• Morning: Depart for Grand Canyon National Park (approx. 12-hour drive, consider breaking it up with an overnight stop).
• Afternoon: Stop for lunch and stretch breaks along the way.
• Evening: Arrive at the Grand Canyon and settle in.

## Day 14: Grand Canyon National Park

• Morning: Visit the South Rim. Walk along the Rim Trail for stunning views.
• Afternoon: Take a family-friendly ranger program.
• Evening: Watch the sunset at Mather Point.

## Day 15: Grand Canyon to Zion National Park

• Morning: Depart for Zion National Park (approx. 2.5-hour drive).
• Afternoon: Stop at the Zion Visitor Center and take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava.
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner in Springdale.

## Day 16: Zion National Park

• Morning: Hike the Riverside Walk or the Lower Emerald Pools Trail.
• Afternoon: Explore the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
• Evening: Relax at your accommodation or enjoy a campfire.

## Day 17: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park

• Morning: Depart for Bryce Canyon National Park (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
• Afternoon: Visit the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center and hike the Rim Trail.
• Evening: Watch the sunset at Bryce Point.

## Day 18: Bryce Canyon to Arches National Park

• Morning: Depart for Arches National Park (approx. 4-hour drive).
• Afternoon: Stop for lunch in Moab and visit the Arches Visitor Center.
• Evening: Hike to Delicate Arch for sunset.

## Day 19: Arches National Park

• Morning: Explore the park’s famous arches (Landscape Arch, Double Arch).
• Afternoon: Visit nearby Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky district).
• Evening: Return to Moab for dinner and relaxation.

## Day 20: Canyonlands to Capitol Reef National Park

• Morning: Depart for Capitol Reef National Park (approx. 2-hour drive).
• Afternoon: Visit the Fruita Historic District and hike the Hickman Bridge Trail.
• Evening: Enjoy a picnic dinner and stargazing.

## Day 21: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and explore any last-minute sights in Capitol Reef.
• Afternoon: Begin your journey home or to your next destination.

Tips for a Family-Friendly Trip:

• Pack Snacks: Keep the kids fueled with healthy snacks during drives and hikes.
• Plan Rest ## Days: Consider adding a rest day or two if the family needs a break.
• Engage the Kids: Involve them in planning activities or hikes they’re interested in.
• Stay Hydrated: Always carry water, especially in the parks.

This itinerary offers a mix of adventure, education, and relaxation, ensuring that your family has a memorable experience exploring some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. Enjoy your trip! 🌲🏞️🚗