The Perfect 10-Day National Parks Road Trip in the American West

If you’ve been dreaming of wide-open roads, jaw-dropping landscapes, and more adventure than you can squeeze into a week, then a national parks road trip through the West might be exactly what you need. Ten days is just enough time to hit some of the most iconic parks without feeling like you’re just racing from one view to the next. So, buckle up—this is the kind of trip that’ll have you replaying it in your head for years.

Why a National Parks Road Trip?

The American West is basically road trip paradise. You’ve got deserts, mountains, canyons, rivers, wildlife, and skies so big you’ll swear they’re endless. National parks like Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite aren’t just names—they’re the ultimate bucket-list stops.

And the best part? With a little planning, you can string them together in one unforgettable 10-day loop.

Day 1-2: Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Start in Las Vegas. Yep, Sin City makes a surprisingly great launchpad for adventure. From Vegas, it’s only about a 2.5-hour drive to Zion National Park in southern Utah.

Spend two days here because Zion deserves it. Hike the legendary Angels Landing (if you’re up for the challenge) or try The Narrows, where you literally walk through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls. Even if you skip the big hikes, Zion’s red cliffs and peaceful Emerald Pools are enough to make your jaw drop.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

From Zion, it’s just a short 1.5-hour drive to Bryce Canyon. And wow—it’s like stepping onto another planet. The park is famous for its “hoodoos,” those funky spire-shaped rock formations that look especially magical at sunrise.

Hike the Navajo Loop or just wander along the rim trail. You don’t need a ton of time here, but one full day lets you soak in the highlights without rushing.

Day 4-5: Grand Canyon National Park

Next up: Grand Canyon National Park. From Bryce, it’s about 5 hours to the South Rim. Trust me, the drive is worth it.

The Grand Canyon is one of those places that photos just can’t do justice. Spend at least two days here so you can see it at different times of day—the sunsets and sunrises are next-level. Walk part of the Rim Trail, check out viewpoints like Desert View, or if you’re feeling ambitious, hike a portion of the Bright Angel Trail.

Day 6: Monument Valley & Page, Arizona

Time to head east. On your way toward Arizona’s Page area, stop at Monument Valley. Those massive red buttes rising from the desert floor are pure Wild West magic. Even just driving the 17-mile Valley Drive is unforgettable.

Then continue to Page, where you can check out Horseshoe Bend and, if you book ahead, tour the famous Antelope Canyon. This day is a little packed, but it’s one of the most photogenic stretches of the trip.

Day 7-8: Arches & Canyonlands National Parks

Drive north to Moab, Utah—home to both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. These two are neighbors, so you can spend a full two days exploring them.

At Arches, don’t miss Delicate Arch (the one you’ve probably seen on every Utah license plate). The Windows area and Double Arch are also must-sees.

Canyonlands is bigger and more rugged, with huge vistas and deep canyons carved by the Colorado River. The Island in the Sky district is the easiest to access and has epic viewpoints like Mesa Arch.

Day 9-10: Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

For the grand finale, head up to Wyoming to see Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. From Moab, it’s a long haul (about 8-9 hours), but it’s worth it.

Yellowstone is America’s first national park and it’s packed with geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife. Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Lamar Valley (hello, bison!) are top highlights.

Grand Teton, just south of Yellowstone, has those jagged mountain peaks that look straight out of a painting. Even if you only have half a day here, drive the scenic loop or take a short hike around Jenny Lake.

Tips for Your Road Trip

Get the America the Beautiful Pass. It covers entrance fees to all national parks for a year and pays for itself quickly.
Start early. Popular hikes and viewpoints get crowded fast, so beat the rush.
Pack layers. The West’s weather can be unpredictable. One day you’re roasting in the desert, the next you’re freezing in the mountains.
Stay flexible. Wildfires, weather, or even just traffic can change your plans. That’s part of the adventure.

Wrapping It Up

Ten days, seven national parks, and countless “wow” moments—that’s the beauty of a Western road trip. Sure, it’s ambitious, but that’s what makes it exciting. Every day brings something completely different, from canyon hikes to geysers to mountain peaks.

So, if you’re ready to trade screen time for some serious “scenery time,” this 10-day national parks road trip is calling your name. Grab some snacks, load up your playlist, and hit the road—you’re about to have the trip of a lifetime.