21 day itinerary
Western United States
Itinerary
A 21-day road trip through the western United States, focusing on family-friendly activities and national parks, sounds like an incredible adventure! Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that balances nature, exploration, and some downtime. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!
Day 1: Arrival in , CA
- Morning: Arrive in . Settle into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore . Don’t miss the sea lions at !
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a seafood restaurant. Try clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl!
Day 2: , CA
- Morning: Visit the . Rent bikes and ride around the park.
- Afternoon: Head to the . The aquarium and planetarium are a hit with kids!
- Evening: Take a stroll across the for stunning views.
Day 3: to (4 hours)
- Morning: Depart for Yosemite. Stop for lunch in a charming town like Mariposa.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Yosemite. Visit the and take a short hike to .
- Evening: Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a family campfire if possible.
Day 4:
- All Day: Explore Yosemite! Hike to , and take a family-friendly trail like . Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
Day 5: Yosemite to (2.5 hours)
- Morning: Depart for .
- Afternoon: Visit the and see the , the largest tree on Earth!
- Evening: Enjoy a picnic dinner surrounded by towering trees.
Day 6:
- All Day: Explore more of Sequoia. Take a family-friendly hike to . Keep an eye out for wildlife!
Day 7: Sequoia to (4.5 hours)
- Morning: Depart for Death Valley. Stop for lunch in a small town along the way.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Death Valley. Visit , the lowest point in North America.
- Evening: Watch the sunset at . It’s breathtaking!
Day 8:
- All Day: Explore Death Valley! Visit for panoramic views and take a short hike at .
Day 9: Death Valley to , NV (2 hours)
- Morning: Depart for .
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the Strip. Visit the and the .
- Evening: Enjoy a family-friendly show or dinner at a themed restaurant.
Day 10: , NV
- Morning: Visit the for interactive exhibits.
- Afternoon: Head to the .
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or take a stroll through the .
Day 11: to , UT (2.5 hours)
- Morning: Depart for .
- Afternoon: Arrive and take the shuttle to the . Hike the , an easy and beautiful trail.
- Evening: Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a family dinner.
Day 12:
- All Day: Explore Zion! Consider the hike or the more adventurous (if the kids are up for it).
Day 13: Zion to (1.5 hours)
- Morning: Depart for Bryce Canyon.
- Afternoon: Arrive and visit the . Hike the for stunning views of the hoodoos.
- Evening: ! Bryce Canyon is a designated Dark Sky Park.
Day 14:
- All Day: Explore more of Bryce Canyon. Hike the , which is family-friendly and offers amazing views.
Day 15: Bryce Canyon to (4 hours)
- Morning: Depart for .
- Afternoon: Arrive and visit the . Hike to , a must-see!
- Evening: Enjoy a picnic dinner in the park.
Day 16:
- All Day: Explore Arches! Take the hike and visit .
Day 17: Arches to (30 minutes)
- Morning: Depart for .
- Afternoon: Visit the district. Hike to for stunning views.
- Evening: Return to Moab for dinner and relaxation.
Day 18: Canyonlands to , UT (4 hours)
- Morning: Depart for .
- Afternoon: Visit the . It’s very family-friendly!
- Evening: Explore and have dinner nearby.
Day 19: to (5 hours)
- Morning: Depart for .
- Afternoon: Arrive and visit the . Take a short hike around .
- Evening: Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the mountain views.
Day 20:
- All Day: Explore Grand Teton! Consider a boat ride on and hike to . Keep an eye out for wildlife!
Day 21: Grand Teton to (1.5 hours)
- Morning: Depart for .
- Afternoon: Visit the area. Watch the geyser erupt and explore the geothermal features.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in the park and reflect on your amazing journey!
Bonus Tips:
- Pack Snacks: Keep a cooler with snacks and drinks for the road.
- Plan for Downtime: Allow for some rest days or flexible time to explore.
- Stay Hydrated: Especially in the national parks, where it can get hot!
This itinerary is packed with adventure, stunning landscapes, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy your epic road trip through the western United States! Safe travels! 🚗🌲🏞️
