21 day itinerary
Mount Rushmore, Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands And Capitol Reef
Personalized with:Make it family friendly
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 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 . 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: &
- Morning: Visit the . Learn about the history and culture of Native Americans.
- Afternoon: Drive to . Enjoy a scenic drive and look for wildlife (buffalo, deer, etc.).
- Evening: Camp or stay in a lodge in .
Day 4:
- Morning: Depart for . 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
- Morning: Depart early for (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:
- Morning: Start with the . Stop at Logan Pass for breathtaking views.
- Afternoon: Hike the (family-friendly).
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a lodge or local restaurant.
Day 7:
- Morning: Explore Many Glacier area. Take a boat tour on .
- Afternoon: Hike the Grinnell Glacier Trail (if the kids are up for it).
- Evening: Relax and stargaze at your accommodation.
Day 8: Travel to
- 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:
- Morning: Visit and the surrounding geyser basin.
- Afternoon: Explore the .
- Evening: Dinner at a park lodge or picnic under the stars.
Day 10:
- Morning: Head to the . Hike the Trail.
- Afternoon: Visit the Hayden Valley for wildlife viewing.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation for a family game night.
Day 11: Travel to
- Morning: Depart for (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
- Afternoon: Stop at the . Take a boat ride across the lake.
- Evening: Hike to Hidden Falls and enjoy a picnic dinner.
Day 12:
- Morning: Explore the scenic drive and stop at various viewpoints.
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Relax at your accommodation or camp under the stars.
Day 13: Travel to
- Morning: Depart for (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:
- Morning: Visit the . 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
- Morning: Depart for (approx. 2.5-hour drive).
- Afternoon: Stop at the Zion Visitor Center and take the shuttle to the .
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner in Springdale.
Day 16:
- 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
- Morning: Depart for (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
- Morning: Depart for (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:
- Morning: Explore the park’s famous arches (Landscape Arch, Double Arch).
- Afternoon: Visit nearby .
- Evening: Return to Moab for dinner and relaxation.
Day 20: Canyonlands to
- Morning: Depart for (approx. 2-hour drive).
- Afternoon: Visit the 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! 🌲🏞️🚗