10 day itinerary for Road Trip National Park West

Itinerary

A 10-day road trip through the national parks of the western United States sounds like an incredible adventure! Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances stunning nature, outdoor activities, and some relaxation time. I’ll focus on some of the most iconic parks: Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Death Valley. Ready? Let’s hit the road!

## Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco

• Morning: Arrive in San Francisco. Pick up your rental car and get settled.
• Afternoon: Explore the city a bit! Visit the Golden Gate Bridge and take a stroll through Golden Gate Park.
• Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner in the Mission District. Try some local Mexican food!

## Day 2: San Francisco to Yosemite National Park

• Morning: Depart early for Yosemite (about a 4-hour drive). Grab breakfast on the go.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Yosemite. Head to Yosemite Valley and take in the views of El Capitan and Half Dome.
• Evening: Settle into your accommodation (campsite or lodge) and enjoy a picnic dinner while watching the sunset.

## Day 3: Explore Yosemite National Park

• Morning: Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. It’s a bit strenuous but oh-so-rewarding!
• Afternoon: Have a leisurely lunch at one of the picnic areas. Then, explore Glacier Point for breathtaking views.
• Evening: Return to your lodging and relax. If you’re up for it, do some stargazing!

## Day 4: Yosemite to Sequoia National Park

• Morning: Depart for Sequoia National Park (about a 2.5-hour drive).
• Afternoon: Visit the Giant Forest to see the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth! Take a short hike in the area.
• Evening: Camp under the stars or stay in a cozy lodge. Enjoy a campfire if you can!

## Day 5: Explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

• Morning: Head to Kings Canyon. Drive along the scenic Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and stop at various viewpoints.
• Afternoon: Hike the Zumwalt Meadow Trail for stunning views of the canyon and the surrounding peaks.
• Evening: Return to Sequoia for dinner and relax. Maybe share stories around the campfire!

## Day 6: Sequoia to Death Valley National Park

• Morning: Depart early for Death Valley (about a 5-hour drive).
• Afternoon: Arrive and explore Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
• Evening: Check into your accommodation. Enjoy the sunset at Zabriskie Point – it’s magical!

## Day 7: Explore Death Valley National Park

• Morning: Visit Dante’s View for panoramic views of the valley. Then, head to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for some fun in the sand!
• Afternoon: Explore the colorful Artist’s Palette and take a short hike in Golden Canyon.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening under the stars. The night sky here is incredible!

## Day 8: Death Valley to Las Vegas

• Morning: Depart for Las Vegas (about a 2-hour drive).
• Afternoon: Arrive in Vegas and check into your hotel. Take some time to relax by the pool.
• Evening: Explore the Strip! Enjoy a nice dinner and maybe catch a show.

## Day 9: Las Vegas to Zion National Park

• Morning: Depart for Zion National Park (about a 2.5-hour drive).
• Afternoon: Arrive and take the shuttle to the Zion Canyon. Hike the Riverside Walk or the Lower Emerald Pools Trail.
• Evening: Settle into your accommodation in Springdale. Enjoy dinner with a view of the canyon!

## Day 10: Explore Zion National Park and Departure

• Morning: Hike the famous Angels Landing (if you’re up for it!) or take a more leisurely hike like the Canyon Overlook Trail.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a final lunch in Springdale before heading back to Las Vegas (about a 2.5-hour drive) for your departure flight.

Tips for Your Trip:

• Pack Smart: Bring layers, as temperatures can vary greatly in the parks.
• Stay Hydrated: Always carry water, especially in Death Valley!
• Respect Nature: Stay on marked trails and follow park guidelines.

This itinerary offers a mix of adventure, stunning landscapes, and a bit of city life. Enjoy your road trip through the breathtaking national parks of the West! Safe travels! 🌲🚗✨