Exploring national parks by road is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of each season. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of fall, the serene snowscapes of winter, the blooming landscapes of spring, or the sunny trails of summer, there’s a perfect park road trip for every time of year. Here are 20 of the best national park road trips to enjoy, no matter the season.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains are a springtime paradise, with over 1,500 species of flowering plants creating a kaleidoscope of colors. Driving through Cades Cove or along the Newfound Gap Road, you’ll witness vibrant displays of wildflowers like trilliums and violets, alongside rushing streams and waterfalls fueled by melting snow. The mild weather and blooming scenery make it an ideal road trip destination during the spring season.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is renowned for its Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In spring, this scenic route offers breathtaking views of flowering dogwoods, redbuds, and lush green valleys. The cool, crisp air and blooming flora create a serene and picturesque drive, perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature as it awakens from winter.
Zion National Park, Utah
Spring is the perfect time to visit Zion National Park, as the park’s flora bursts into life after the winter months. The scenic byways, such as Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, are surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and lush greenery. The Virgin River swells with spring runoff, creating dramatic waterfalls and a vibrant landscape that makes for an unforgettable road trip.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
In spring, Joshua Tree National Park comes alive with wildflowers, contrasting beautifully with the park’s iconic, otherworldly desert landscapes. The park’s roads, such as the Pinto Basin Road, offer stunning views of Joshua trees and blooming cacti, all under the clear, sunny skies typical of Southern California. Mild temperatures make it the perfect season to explore this unique desert environment.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
As winter snow melts, Rocky Mountain National Park reveals alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers and crystal-clear lakes reflecting snow-capped peaks. The Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America, offers stunning views and access to the park’s diverse landscapes. Spring is ideal for witnessing the transition from winter to summer in this breathtaking mountain setting.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
Summer is the peak season to explore Yellowstone National Park, where you can witness geysers erupting, hot springs bubbling, and wildlife roaming freely. The Grand Loop Road, a 142-mile route, takes you through the heart of the park, offering access to iconic landmarks like Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and Yellowstone Lake. Long daylight hours and warm temperatures make summer the perfect time for a Yellowstone road trip.
Glacier National Park, Montana
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-see summer drive, cutting through the rugged landscapes of Glacier National Park. This 50-mile road offers jaw-dropping views of glaciers, pristine lakes, and forests teeming with wildlife. As you ascend to Logan Pass, you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks and fields of wildflowers, making this road trip one of the most scenic in the United States.
Yosemite National Park, California
Summer unlocks the full splendor of Yosemite National Park, especially along the Tioga Pass Road, which winds through the high country. This road trip offers stunning views of granite cliffs, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and lush meadows. With access to iconic sites like Tuolumne Meadows and the backcountry, summer is the perfect season to experience Yosemite’s grandeur.
Acadia National Park, Maine
The Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park is a summer highlight, offering 27 miles of breathtaking coastal scenery. You’ll drive past rocky shorelines, dense forests, and the iconic Cadillac Mountain, the first place to see sunrise on the U.S. East Coast. Summer brings mild temperatures and clear skies, making it an ideal time to explore this coastal gem.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The Teton Park Road offers unparalleled views of the jagged Teton Range during the summer months. With easy access to hiking trails, lakes, and the Snake River, this road trip is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The summer weather allows for activities like kayaking on Jenny Lake or exploring the scenic overlooks, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the towering Tetons.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia
Fall transforms the Blue Ridge Parkway into a colorful tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. This scenic drive winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering panoramic views of the vibrant fall foliage. The cool, crisp air and stunning autumn colors make this road trip a quintessential fall experience, especially along the 469-mile stretch that connects Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier’s autumn landscape is a sight to behold, with vibrant colors set against the backdrop of the majestic mountain. The Chinook Scenic Byway offers stunning views of fall foliage, waterfalls, and the snow-capped peak of Mount Rainier. The cooler fall weather is ideal for exploring the park’s trails and taking in the breathtaking vistas, making it a perfect road trip destination for the season.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Fall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a peaceful and picturesque experience. The park’s rolling hills and forests are ablaze with autumn colors, providing a serene backdrop for a leisurely drive along the Cuyahoga River. The scenic byways and historic sites, like the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, make this an ideal road trip destination during the fall season.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
The unique hoodoos and rock formations of Bryce Canyon are even more striking in the cooler fall months. The park’s scenic drives, such as the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive, offer unobstructed views of the vibrant red and orange cliffs against the clear blue sky. With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, fall is an excellent time to explore the otherworldly landscapes of Bryce Canyon.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin National Park offers a peaceful retreat in the fall, with the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive providing breathtaking views of the park’s diverse landscapes. The crisp autumn air and colorful foliage make for a picturesque road trip, as you wind through the ancient bristlecone pine forests and past the park’s limestone caves. Fall is an ideal time to experience the quiet beauty of this remote park.
Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
Winter is the ideal time to explore Death Valley, where temperatures are cooler and the desert landscape is at its most inviting. The Badwater Road takes you through some of the park’s most iconic sites, including the salt flats at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. The unique geological formations and vast, open spaces make for an unforgettable winter road trip.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend offers mild winter weather, making it the perfect season to explore this remote and rugged park. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive takes you through dramatic desert landscapes, with views of the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande River. Winter also brings fewer crowds, allowing you to enjoy the solitude and beauty of this expansive national park.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Winter is the best time to visit the Everglades, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity making for a comfortable road trip. The park’s main road, the Tamiami Trail, offers access to the unique ecosystems of the Everglades, including sawgrass marshes and mangrove forests. Wildlife is more active during the winter months, making it an ideal time to spot alligators, birds, and other creatures.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California
These parks are home to some of the world’s largest trees, the giant sequoias, which are awe-inspiring in any season. The Generals Highway connects Sequoia and Kings Canyon, offering stunning views of towering trees, deep canyons, and high mountain peaks. Whether dusted with snow or bathed in summer sunlight, the sequoias and dramatic landscapes make for a memorable road trip.
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Winter is the perfect season to visit Saguaro National Park, where the cooler temperatures make the desert landscape more inviting. The Cactus Forest Drive offers stunning views of the iconic saguaro cacti against a backdrop of rugged mountains. With clear, sunny skies and mild weather, winter is the ideal time for a road trip through this beautiful desert park.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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