Great 48
48 States
20 National Parks
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80 days
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17,500 miles
This trip was largely designed by tour company TrekAmerica, which sadly closed down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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It was too cool an itinerary to not share and keep alive!
Highlights
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Take in the bustle of NYC, San Fran, LA & Chicago
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Visit Monument Valley & the Grand Canyon
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Sandboard down the huge Great Sand Dunes
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Capture stunning views of Great Smoky Mountains
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Party on New Orlean's world famous Bourbon St
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Enjoy the wildlife of Yellowstone & Yosemite
National Park
checklist(page 2)
Arches
Zion
Grand Canyon
Sequoia
Kings Canyon
Yosemite
Redwood
Canyonlands
Grand Teton
Yellowstone
National Park
checklist
Everglades
Great Smoky Mountains
New River Gorge
Mammoth Cave
Gateway Arch
Acadia
Dry Tortugas
Great Sand Dunes
Rocky Mountain
Theodore Roosevelt
This long road trip, spanning 80 days, to reach all 48 states of the contiguous United States​, is a trip of a lifetime! But for most people, taking three months off of 'regular life' isn't always possible. So we've divided the trip into seven parts so you can focus on planning the section, region or duration of your choosing!
For the whole trip, we recommend a private vehicle due to the distances covered, & suggest starting in April or early May as parts of the trip may be inaccessible due to the weather otherwise. Finally, this is without doubt an expensive adventure, with camping largely recommended to save costs to maximise the number of excursions & activities. For nights when you fancy a few more luxuries, hotels or hostels are suggested, but the trip has potential to play out in any way you like!
Select the part that most entices you, or read through the whole road trip to inspire your adventure of a lifetime! Got any questions? Feel free to reach out to us by email or on social media!
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Part 1 - Key West to New York City (14 days)
Part 2 - New York City to Niagara Falls (9 days)
Part 3 - Niagara Falls to New Orleans (8 days)
Part 4 - New Orleans to Chicago to Dallas (12 days)
Part 5 - Dallas to Grand Teton NP (14 days)
Part 6 - Grand Teton NP to Las Vegas (12 days)
Part 7 - Las Vegas to Seattle (11 days)
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Our example itinerary
Part 1 - Key West to New York City
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Day 1 - Key West, FL
Party or relax in a tropical paradise at the end of the 113 mile long Overseas Highway scurrying across the Florida Keys! Drop off your luggage at Parrot Key Hotel & Villas to start your tip in style, and drive into town to grab the customary photo at the famous Southernmost Point Buoy. Visit Hemingway's Home and Museum for fans of the famous author, or stop at Harry Truman's Little White House, his winter home while serving as the nation's president.
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If you want to kick-start your trip with an all-action approach, Key West is a perfect location for watersports with its lovely warm blue waters! Jet ski along 28 miles of the Floridian coast (but make sure to take a Florida Boaters Safety exam online and receive your ID card if you're born in 1988 or later before arriving). You can also kayak amongst the mangroves which support these delicate tropical islands.
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In the evening, catch sunset from Mallory Square and head down to Duval Street to see Key West's famous party atmosphere for yourself! Just make sure to pace yourself, there's a long way to go!
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42 bridges of the overseas highway carry you parallel to the longest coral reef system of the contiguous US, and 3rd largest in the world
Day 2 - Dry Tortugas NP, FL
Start the day early and get onboard the Yankee Freedom for a 2.5 hour journey west to tropical isolation! Dry Tortugas is one of the coolest parks in the national park system because it is based around Fort Jefferson far out into the Gulf of Mexico, so the only way to reach is by boat or private seaplane!
Tours are offered by both the NPS and Yankee Freedom crew, so you can learn about the history of this impressive fortress. After no doubt baking in the heat and humidity, cool off by snorkelling along the edge of the fort in search of small tropical fish. With some luck you may even get to see a turtle - the ‘Tortugas’ in Dry Tortugas! The ferry departs at 15:00 so make sure your aquatic adventures are complete by then! Have a look at our full one day itinerary to find out exactly what's in store!
Spot Fort Jefferson on the horizon as you ride the Yankee Freedom to Dry Tortugas NP. Hike along the top of the fort, and within its walls, and see how survival was difficult in this hostile, hot, humid environment. Cool yourself off with some snorkelling after lunch. If you have any energy left on day 1 or 2, make sure to watch sunset at Mallory Square, the first sunset of many!
Day 3 - Miami, FL
Welcome to Miami! This coastal metropolis greets you soon after you leave the Keys on the long drive back to the mainland. With small neighbourhoods, long beaches, and boulevards of famous art-deco bars & hotels, this hip-chic city has everything you’d expect. Hotel AKA Brickell & Mayfair House Hotel are both well located - with short taxi rides to Little Havana, where you can enjoy a food tour, and South Beach, home to Ocean Drive, one of Miami’s famous streets. Make sure to capture it at night with its neon lighting! Enjoy the night life - the Clevelander Bar is a popular choice!
If you want a more relaxed day, then feel free. It’s good to make the most of them when you can! Continue working on your new Floridian tan at the beach, or take your time and slowly stroll around Superblue Miami, an immersive art museum featuring light-based displays. Time Out Markets are also always worth a visit for plenty of food choices and a nice atmosphere.
Miami is everything you might expect! Palm trees line both beach and road as you walk Ocean Drive, full of art-deco buildings which come alive at night.
Day 4 - Everglades NP, FL
National park number two is on the agenda today, as you head west to the Everglades, a crucial ecosystem of Florida that is recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site and a biosphere reserve, and by the Ramsar Convention as a Wetlands of International Importance. Only two other locations on the whole planet share this rare triple status!
Nothing quite compares to exploring water by airboat! Three companies are authorised to operate within the park itself. Keep a look out for plenty of alligators as birds soar across your vision with the wind (and probably a few unfortunate bugs) running through your hair. A couple of tips - bring a pair of sunglasses, and don't wear a white coloured top!
Skim across the water at great speed and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! An airboat ride is an essential experience for any visitor to Florida!
Have a look at Florida's national parks in more detail
Day 5 - Daytona Beach, FL
Head four hours north up the coast to Daytona Beach, where the main event is certainly the Daytona Motor Speedway. Enjoy a great tour of the museum and circuit and learn about the history of one of the most famous motor racing circuits in the US, and perhaps the world. Did you know the racing used to be done on the beach itself?! Both the Nautilus Inn and Streamline Hotel offer competitively priced stays for the night.
If you leave Miami early, you’ll also have time to appreciate a different form of engineering at Kennedy Space Center. Rockets still launch from this site - check the dates to see if any line up with your trip!
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The site for multiple famous rocket launches including the first moon landing, Kennedy Space Center still provides multiple departures year round
Day 6 - Savannah, GA
After 5 days in the sunshine state, tick off state number two today as you enter Georgia. Savannah. The swampy, humid south is still very apparent here as you stroll through Forsyth Park on your way to pancakes at Debi’s Diner - famous thanks to Forest Gump! The Hop-on-Hop-off Trolleybus is one of the best ways to explore Georgia’s oldest city and you can grab some ice cream at Leopold’s on your way around.
Also worth checking out is Tybee Island, a picturesque but popular barrier island. Avoid the crowds and hope to spot dolphins on a small group tour that also stops at Tybee Island Lighthouse. The tour picks up and drops off from downtown Savannah - but departs in the morning, so perhaps check this off your list first before exploring the city itself? There are some lovely hotels in the city, notably The Present, Marshall House & Bellwether House.
A charming southern city, trees caked in Spanish moss fill parks with fountains, while historic steamboats sit moored on the Savannah River. 18 miles east is the island of Tybee, hosting the beaches of the city, as well as the lighthouse of the island, with parts of it dating back to the 1700s.
Day 7 - Charleston, SC
A famous port city founded in 1670, Charleston has an extensive history as a result of its deep south roots. A hub for the slave trade for the southern colonies in the mid-18th century, it was a focal point of the American Civil War, beginning at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor in 1861. Fort Sumter can be visited with multiple departures a day from downtown Charleston for those that want to learn more!
The city itself is beautiful, with carefully designed architecture that can only really be appreciated by walking on foot or by horse & carriage. Enjoy a drink at one of the rooftop bars before some classic southern food - ribs are on many a menu. Famous Hominy Grill used to be our go-to but has now unfortunately closed, but Poogan’s Smokehouse is a good shout, as is Coast Bar & Grill for some seafood.
Take in the vibrant colours and beautiful architecture as the humidity starts to lower while you continue travelling north.
Day 8 - Asheville, NC
Head inland for the first real time, out of South Carolina and into North, to stay near Asheville - your gateway for the next few days to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many of the scenes in The Hunger Games were filmed in locations surrounding Asheville which you can find with a little bit of extra research! You can choose to explore the small city itself on a microbrewery bike tour, or jump straight into adventure with some white water rafting on Pigeon River about an hour away. Either way you’ll work up an appetite - both Curate & Chesnut are great dinner choices. We like to set up base in Asheville as a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains.
Day 9 - Great Smoky Mountains NP, NC & TN
Great Smoky Mountains is regularly the most visited national park in the US each year, mainly due to its size and proximity to metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Nashville & Charlotte. A bit of careful planning is needed to work out travel distances and to maximise your two days at the park. Head in from Asheville along US-19 & US-441 to reach the centre of the park. Newfound Gap Road is one of the most popular scenic drives through the park, providing great views of the mountains that make up the Appalachians.
From here you can branch off to reach Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in both the park and Tennessee - that’s state number 5! Or hike Chimney pots, a moderate-to-demanding 3.5 mile hike that should take you a few hours. You can carry on into Gatlinburg on the northern edge of the park, which while quite tourist-centred these days, offers plenty of ways to spend the rest of the day. A trip to Tennessee wouldn’t be complete without tasting some moonshine!
Throughout the park you get the opportunity to see the rolling forested mountains of the Great Smokys, a part of the much wider Appalachians, and for the first time on the trip, understand the scale of both the national park system and nature itself.
Day 10 - Great Smoky Mountains NP, NC & TN
Enjoy the east of the park today with a relatively short, flat hike along Big Creek Trail, stopping off at Midnight Hole for a very refreshing dip. Along the trail lies some beautiful small waterfalls - great for a bit of long exposure photography! You can also carry on another half mile to Mouse Creek Falls, a great spot to enjoy a packed lunch. Just be aware that black bears are not uncommon in the park, and while typically they avoid humans, it is good to take precautions. Keep making some degree of noise to not startle any bears, and make sure to follow ‘leave no trace’ principles - take everything out of the park that you came in with - especially food and trash.
For one of the highlights of the trip, head up the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville towards Mount Mitchell, starting a couple of hours before sunset, and stop off at the many beautiful overlooks. Watch & enjoy as the sky and mountains on the horizon start to change colour as the day draws to a close. This segment of the Blue Ridge Parkway tends to be quieter than the sections closer to the national park, making it a perfect way to spend the evening.
Lush greenery greets you on every hike as you chase waterfalls and carefully enjoy a dip in the calmer pools. After seeing the world beneath the forest canopies, take in the world from above as you cruise along Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America's most beautiful roads.
Day 11 - New River Gorge NP, WV
The main excitement of the day comes in the form of America’s newest national park - New River Gorge. Spend as long as you like here as you travel to Lansing, WV. Our one day itinerary is pretty full & worth checking out if you want to spend most of the day exploring! Rock climbing is popular in the park, and a great zip-line course can be found on the outskirts of the park. After white water rafting a few days ago, it only seems right to view the rivers and forests from above this time! Near to the New River Gorge adventure centre is Pies & Pints for dinner, and the easiest place to stay is probably at the centre itself, with camping grounds, glamping tents & cabins all available. Get an early night in preparation for a big run of famous northeastern cities!
Conquer any fears and get the adrenaline pumping as you soar through an endangered Hemlock forest via 7 ziplines, platforms & bridges.
Day 12 - Washington D.C.
Descend out of the mountains through Virginia to reach the capital of the United States. Named after the first president, Washington D.C is an impressive city which has a cool feel and design owing to the fact that it was specifically designed to be the country’s capital. The roads feel wide, and you’ll notice the lack of skyscrapers - buildings are generally kept low, making iconic structures like the US State Capitol & Washington Memorial easy to see from many miles away. Camp at the nice Cherry Hill Park campground, or if you're looking to stay in the city, the Viceroy or the popular Hotel Hive offer quick access to National Mall for the evening...
One of the best ways to sense the open air feel of the city is by walking parts of it, and doing so at night really makes for a memorable visit. You can choose to explore by yourself or with a tour guide, moving between monuments by mini-van. The lit-up memorials are even more stunning and impressive after dusk, paying tribute to the fallen of previous wars, as well as celebrating some of the most important members of American history - Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr. Don’t forget to stop by the White House and wave to the president too!
There is a certain magic to a night in D.C. Washington Monument and the reflecting pool, the White House, and various memorials, look especially stunning after dark.
Day 13 - Washington D.C.
If you didn’t make it out for the night tour, then a bike tour during the day may be up your street instead! Take your time enjoying the many museums that make up the Smithsonian Collection today - free to enter, the range is superb, from aerospace to history to art. Unless it’s a Monday when it’s closed, grab lunch at Eastern Market, full of fresh, locally-sourced food. Afterwards you’re close by to the Capitol & Supreme Court. Depending on if the government or court are in session, you can usually get the opportunity to access parts of these impressive & historic buildings that are the foundation of the USA of today!
Many of the Smithsonian museums are located just off of the National Mall, making it a joy to walk between them. Take in the reflecting pool and the magnificent Washington Monument during the daytime, and reach Capitol Hill, the centrepiece of the city.
Day 14 - New York, NY
Today you’ll tick off the most states in one day of the trip, entering five in total on your way to the nation’s biggest, and probably most famous city! Stop off at Philadelphia for a famous Philly Cheese Steak, and to run the 72 stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art made famous in the film Rocky. New York’s iconic skyline then greets you 100 miles later, with the Empire State & One World Trade Center standing proudly on the other side of the Hudson River.
With plenty of options on how to spend your time in NYC, picking accommodation in the right location is key to maximise your time! However, the metro is pretty effective if you do want to head across Manhattan or out into one of the city's other 4 boroughs. If you want to stay relatively near central park, we recommend The Wallace, or if you want to be in southern Manhattan, consider The Artezen Hotel. Personally we find somewhere in the centre is best as it’s close to the Empire State Building, Times Square & Grand Central Station - AKA Nomad always treats us well when we stay! There’s also hostels throughout the city that are worth checking out if you’re looking to manage the budget a bit, like West side YMCA.
You’ll likely arrive mid-afternoon, so unpack and take a walk over Brooklyn Bridge and down into DUMBO, a trendy and upcoming neighbourhood in Brooklyn full of boutiques and high-end restaurants. Nearby is Pebble Beach, where many locals and tourists alike come to enjoy the sunset behind the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. An absolute must for any trip to NYC!
Draw a close on an action packed day, and an exhilerating but exhausting two weeks! Enjoy the cables soaring above you as you cross the legendary Brooklyn Bridge, before watching skyscraper lights switch on one by one as the sun sets on this stunning modern theatre.
Part 2 - New York City to Niagara Falls
Day 15 - New York, NY
You just have to start the day at Clinton St. Baking Co. with reservations highly recommended. The pancakes are stacked tall, full of fruit or chocolate chips, and there is a range of savoury options too! Metro to either the Empire State or Rockefeller Centre and see the countless blocks of Manhattan from above. We love Top of the Rock as it includes views of the Empire State Building. You could always go up one in the daytime and one at night to really experience how the city ‘never sleeps’! The NYC pass is one way of doing this with tickets for both included, as well as entry to Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial Museum and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum! If you fancy viewing the city from even higher up though, then a helicopter tour will provide you an experience of New York like no other!
Day or night, there's just a certain magic about New York...
Day 16 - Boston, MA
Grab a quintessential NY bagel on your way out of the city as you move towards another famous city - Boston, MA! On route you’ll pass through the smallest state - Rhode Island, an incredible 430 times smaller than the biggest state, Alaska! Grab a coffee from the trendy, small chain Nitro Bar based in RI & MA, with one just off I-95. Once you arrive in Boston, explore with a tour of the grounds of Harvard, one of the most famous universities in the world and a centrepiece of the city. Enjoy an evening watching one of the US’s main sports at Fenway Park with the Boston Red Sox. Games are on regularly from April through to September, but if the team are sadly playing away then you can always take a tour of “America’s most loved ballpark” instead!
Really enjoy the Northeastern lifestyle today as you grab classic foods on the go, ticking off three new states in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts on the way, and seeing some classical educational, cultural and sporting institutions.
Day 17 - Boston, MA
A fantastic day tour of Martha’s Vineyard from Boston is available including a round trip ferry with panoramic views of Vineyard Sound. An early start, around 6:30 departure, there are pickups from multiple hotels. Through the day you can learn about this island which many presidents enjoy during the summer through a narrated bus tour of the island. You can also see the 6 towns on the island and the clay Aquinnah cliffs.
For those that would rather stay a getter a better sense of the city, consider a Duck boat sightseeing tour which travels both by road and the Charles River! The Freedom Trail, Public Garden, Public Library and USS Constitution are all also worth your time.
Day 18 - Acadia NP, ME
A long drive up to the northeastern corner of the US takes you to Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park. Apply for a permit to camp at one of the parks campsites, such as Blackwoods, or stay in the cute town of Bar Harbor. This is THE place to try one of the regions specialities - Maine lobster! Drive up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for sunset, the highest location in the park. The amazing view of Bar Harbor & Frenchman Bay, containing the small Bar & Porcupine Islands, and appreciate why Acadia is known as the ‘Crown Jewel of the Atlantic Coast’!
Stand atop the tallest mountain that sits on the east coast of the United States and take in the spectacular view of Frenchman Bay. It is here that you can truly see the diversity of the National Parks System, having been on tropical islands in Dry Tortugas just over two weeks ago, to now a summit overlooking forested and rocky headlands in the Northern Atlantic!
Take a closer look one of the most beautiful parks east of the Mississippi
Day 19 - Acadia NP, ME
Start the day off with one of the best hikes of the park. The Beehive trail is a challenging hike/climb, which doesn't require any special equipment but does require a good deal of care! The hike is dotted with metal rungs to help climb up the steep slope, and a small boardwalk section provides great views of Sand Beach (on a clear day, which can be a bit of a rarity in Acadia...!)
From here, stop off at Thunder Hole to listen to the roar of the ocean as it crashes against the rocks, and you start to get an understanding of the relentless forces that have shaped the coast of Maine. Continue around Park Loop Road to eventually reach Jordan Pond house, where you can grab some lunch.
This will be the focal point for the rest of the day, with plenty of hikes of varying length and difficulty branching off from here! A particularly good, but challenging 5 mile hike is the Jordan Cliffs Loop, giving great views of a number of ponds and lakes that are scattered across Desert Island.
Test yourself on the Beehive or Precipice trails, with metal rungs to climb, boardwalks to cross, and sharp edges to contend with!
Day 20 - White Mountains, NH
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are your next destination, providing a degree of isolation. Enjoy a couple of days resting with a small cabin at a campground. Littleton is located not far from Mount Washington, which you can reach the 6288ft summit by car, or for a more unique experience, by cog railway! The railway runs throughout the year, and usually takes visitors to the summit from late-April. A cool way to see the view from the highest point of the northeastern USA!
Give your legs a rest after two big days exploring Acadia by riding the historic cog railway, up to the summit of Mount Washington. Look out at the 360 degree views of the White Mountains, a northern part of the famous Appalachians which you explored back in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Day 21 - White Mountains, NH
Explore Franconia Notch State Park, sitting between segments of the larger White Mountains National Forest, with a hike around Lonesome Lake. If you’re visiting in spring, it is quite possible that there may even be some snow left for you to navigate, with the dense forest and high elevation keeping the air cool. sure to take care and bring appropriate footwear. This hike is a few miles long from Lafayette Place Campground, crossing a few marsh segments via thin boardwalks. The tree line eventually opens to reveal the lake. Another popular hike in the park is Flume Gorge, a natural granite gorge 800ft in height - although it commands a $21 fee, something to bare in mind when planning your day.
Day 22 - Vermont
Head quickly across the state border into Vermont - a couple of things are famous here! The Ben & Jerrys factory is a must visit especially for ice cream fans (which is most of us!) The only one available to the public is Waterbury, just outside the state capital Montpelier. Guided tours provide you with a behind the scenes look at how the famous pints are made, & sometimes you’re offered a special never-marketed flavour! YUM! Grab a cone (or bucket) after the short tour - the mini-Vermonster is amazing but a challenge. Don’t even consider the full Vermonster itself!
Afterwards head to the Von Trapp family lodge, the home of the famous musical family after they toured the United States in the 1940s. The basis of the largely fictionalised film ‘The Sound of Music’, the lodge is still in the hands of the son of Johannes von Trap, and you can immediately tell that the lodge and surrounding views is reminiscent of the European Alps. Stay the night here with nice dining, and beers produced on site at von Trapp Brewing.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Vermont as you drive throughout the day.
Day 23 - Niagara Falls, NY
Head through New York state on a largely interstate drive day to reach Buffalo and the Great Lakes. While at the home of Buffalo chicken wings, make sure you enjoy them before heading into Niagara Falls State Park after dark.
Stroll around the different viewpoints of the impressive falls, which are lit up in a spectrum of colours. This time of day is usually a little quieter too, which is never a bad thing! Stay at the nearby Red Coach Inn, the hotel where members of The Office stayed during Jim & Pam's wedding, or camp at Four Mile Creek State Park, with a view of Toronto across Lake Ontario ready to greet you when you wake in the morning!
From dusk, hundreds of LED lights illuminate the water rushing over the falls, with special illuminations on select nights through the year.
Part 3 - Niagara Falls to New Orleans
Day 24 - Niagara Falls, NY
An absolute must when visiting Niagara Falls is the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Armed with a blue poncho to protect yourself from the spray of the roaring falls, get up close and personal. Niagara is actually formed of three individual falls: American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe - the latter you'll get closest too, and is the most powerful, where 680,000 gallons of water incredibly fall over the edge every second!
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Armed with your passport, you can then cross Rainbow International Bridge, entering Canada and seeing Niagara Falls from yet another angle. On this side, you can journey behind the falls. Snack on a BeaverTail while in Canada, a topped pastry which, you guessed it, loosely resembles a beaver tail!
One of the Maids of the Mist approaching the falls, soon to be shrouded in mist from this incredible natural wonder.
Day 25 - Cleveland, OH
Leave before sunrise today to maximise your time, with two very different options on the cards for today! Around 3.5 hours away is Cleveland, home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which is always a popular attraction! Or if the weather look set to be lovely, perhaps a guided walking tour might be the best way to spend your day! The city dates back to 1796, so there's plenty to see. The Cuyahoga River also flows through the city, downstream of Cuyahoga National Park, on tomorrows itinerary!
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Another option that might mix up your trip is a visit to Cedar Point, one of America's most famous and oldest theme parks! Built on a peninsula extending out into Lake Erie, it has ranked within the top 5 best theme parks in the world for a record 25 years, and currently boasts 16 rollercoasters, including 2 of the best three steel coasters in the world. Millennium Force, Steel Vengance and Top-Thrill Dragster were all record breaking rollercoasters when opened and are musts for any brave visitors!
Cleveland is the second most populous city in Ohio, and borders Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga valley. Beautiful architecture can be found throughout the city, such as the Detroit-Superior Bridge, Tower City Center, and Cleveland Mall. An hour away is Cedar Point, boasting the exhilarating Millennium Force.
Day 26 - Michigan & Indiana
With the nature of such a trip having long distances between places, sometimes you have to turn the long drive days into rest days. On the drive, head north to Ann Arbour, MI, home to the University of Michigan. This is a great point to stop for a packed lunch, and you can also request in advance a tour of Michigan Stadium Field, aka The Big House! Why? Because this is the biggest sports stadium in the entire United States, fitting over 105,000 people in currently!
When you’re finished, head into state number 21, and pitch camp or check in near Fort Wayne, Indiana, for a relatively short drive to Indianapolis Motor Speedway tomorrow!
From above, Michigan Stadium Field looks enormous. From pitch-side, even larger! College sports in America are huge and not many places in the country make that more clear than in Ann Arbor.
The 3rd oldest race track in the world, there's a certain power and tradition felt when you tour the museum and see the banked curves of the circuit.
Day 27 - Indianapolis, IN & Louisville, KY
Home to one of the fastest and most famous motor races in the world, the Indy 500 has been running for over 100 years! Each year the race runs at the end of May, so in the weeks preceding there is lots of testing, practice and preparation, which may well be happening when you visit!
Take your time exploring the fantastic museum, full of historic and modern cars, trophies and memorabilia. Grab a bite to eat at the circuit or on your way out of the city as you travel south to Louisville, home to the Slugger museum and factory, the makers of the baseball bats used in MLB. When in Kentucky, always consider tasting some of the famous Bourbon produced there! Jim Bean Urban Stillhouse host a small tour including part of a working distillery, bottling line, and tasting experience!
Day 28 - Mammoth Cave NP & Nashville, TN
While some of the nation’s national parks are largely in the mountains, or under the sea, not many are almost entirely under the ground! Mammoth Cave is thought to be the longest cave system in the world. The NPS offers tours of this completely different world, with an informative lecture held within a large chamber of the cave, which is almost like a small amphitheatre.
The park is small and the cave itself is the main attraction, so after the tour feel free to head straight to the capital of country music as you enter Tennessee for a second time on the trip! Good hotels close to the action are Dream and Westin, while the Nashville Downtown Hostel is also in a great location. Nashville has a great party scene at night, with plenty of live music at bars worth checking out in the evening. You can also enjoy a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, a location on the bucket list of many country music fans! You can even get a backstage tour of this famous institution!
Fantastic night life full of the country music that has made the city of Nashville a star makes for a memorable evening in Tennessee.
Day 29 - Nashville, TN
Get set for the day with breakfast at the Loveless Café, serving classic Southern food for over 65 years. A 25-minute drive out of the centre of Nashville, this famous establishment is often popular, so don’t be surprised if you have to have a short wait to be seated! Another Broken Egg Café is a decent alternative, located in the city itself - a chain serving similar foods mainly located in the southern states, which has always been good in our experiences!
Another city with a great trolley bus tour, you can also explore some of its shops by walking, with a great variety of cowboy boots available, especially if you fancy trying some line dancing later tonight! The Country Music Hall of Fame is also worth checking out if Cleveland’s Rock and Roll wasn’t your thing, a short walk from the main hub of the centre of the city. And there’s more time to taste bourbon with a day tour to Jack Daniels Distillery in nearby Lynchburg available if you were too tired in Louisville a couple of days earlier!
Day 30 - Orange Beach, AL
A short section of coast between Florida and Mississippi, Orange Beach is the states watersport hub, with lovely stretches of beaches perfect for relaxing on too. The drive is quite long, around 6.5 hours south from Nashville, but arriving early afternoon will still give you plenty of time to recharge back in the southern sun! If you’ve now got the fast-paced travel bug after the last month and struggle to sit still for more than a few minutes, you can always explore the Gulf of Mexico in search of dolphins which inhabit these lovely warm waters. Being a popular vacation location in the state, there’s plenty of choices for hotels and accommodation too.
9 species of dolphin live in the Gulf of Mexico and they sometimes love to play in the wake of boats!
Day 31 - New Orleans, LA
Party the night away in one of America’s most distinctive and atmospheric cities, with clubs & bars lining the entire of Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. The city has been a celebrated and strategic point of American history for over 300 years, having been in custody of the Spanish, French & British all at different points in time. The result is a diverse fusion of cultures and influences, seen in the music, food and architecture!
Before heading out for the night, you can explore the French Quarter, the main hub of the city for tourists. Jackson Square sits in front of St. Louis Cathedral on the edge of the Mississippi River, while Palace and French markets showcase a wide selection of art & food. There’s also plenty of restaurants serving this fusion of foods which makes ‘The Big Easy’ so special. Jambalaya is a paella-like dish full of flavour, and is a fundamental part of New Orleans cuisine. Crawfish Etouffee has a heavy French influence, being similar to a stew and to Gumbo - giving a distinctive memorable flavour that will leave you with fond memories of Louisiana!
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Once the sun has set and you make it to Bourbon Street, take extra care. New Orleans is a largely safe city, but it does have one of the highest crime rates in the country. Generally around the tourist areas it is petty crime, so keep an awareness of any pick-pockets. Aim to stick to the main tourist streets of the French Quarter, and take some time to research the areas of more violent crime before heading out. Most districts with the highest crime rates are just east of French Quarter, namely 7th Ward, St. Claude & St. Roche. Rampart & Esplanade close to the French Quarter should also be avoided. But no need to panic, as tourists are rarely the targets for any crime. With a bit of preparation and by making sure you don’t adventure around on your own, the night will have all the ingredients needed to be a special one!
Bourbon Street in the French Quarter acts as the epicentre for tourists to New Orleans, but the quintessentially southern atmosphere surrounds you throughout the city.
Part 4 - New Orleans to Chicago to Dallas
Day 32 - New Orleans, LA
Chances are that you’ll have something along the lines of a hangover in the morning! Shake it off with breakfast at your hotel, such as at Bourbon Orleans Hotel, a stay in keeping with the Deep South. Or walk to Stanley of New Orleans, near Jackson Square, for a delicious start to the day.
If you feel up for it in the warmth and humidity, you can explore the Bayou, a marshy wetland which is largely focused close to the estuary of the Mississippi River. The tour also includes time at Oak Alley Plantation, an opportunity to learn more about the troubling history of the southern states during the slave trade and American Civil War.
New Orleans is also famous for witchcraft, voodoo magic and ghosts - making it the perfect city to explore the haunted homes and streets. The cemeteries you see walking and driving the city only add to a spooky theme! However, many of the stories often come with a dark history, which has shaped the city…
Oak Alley Plantation is famous for its two lines of Southern Live Oaks lining the path from the house to the Mississippi River. The plantation, built in the 1830s, is famous for its landscaping and architecture, as well as the innervation of grafting Pecan trees by the slave Antoine.
Day 33 - Memphis, TN
Enter into Tennessee for a 3rd time this trip to explore another of its famous musical cities! Home to Elvis Presley, you can visit his mansion, Graceland, where he now lies with many members of his family. There’s also the recording studio which played a major role in making him so famous! Sun Studios is now known as “The Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, and you can stand in the footsteps of the “Million Dollar Quartet”, all who helped put Memphis on the map!
Find the historic Sun Studio on the corner of Union & Marshall Avenues.
Day 34 - Memphis, TN
Take a more relaxed day as you explore as much of Memphis as you have the energy and desire for. Visit the National Civil Rights museum, or board a traditional paddleboat, traversing the Arkansas-Tennessee border of the Mississippi River. If you’re around Beale Street in the afternoon, you could always watch one of the weirder traditions at the nearby Peabody Hotel. Each day at 5pm, a group of ducks waddle through from the elevator to the fountain in the centre of the lobby, as they have done now for 90 years.
Beale Street itself is essentially Memphis’s Bourbon Street, with plenty of places for food and partying if you want to spend your evening here. You might just fancy an early night though!
Say goodbye to Tennessee for the last time this trip with the musical night life of Memphis on Beale Street!
Day 35 - St. Louis, MO & Gateway Arch NP
Continue tracking the Mississippi north, popping into Arkansas along I-55. No doubt you’ll see the major icon of the Midwest from afar - Gateway Arch! One of the nation’s newest national parks, it is unusual being located in the centre of a city. The 630 ft tall arch is the tallest in the entire world, built to commemorate the expansion of America and the expedition of Lewis and Clark following the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
Get up close and personal to the giant metal panels which curve almost vertically up into the sky, before heading up the arch itself using a tram capsule which climbs the inside of the arch to a series of small windows. Look down below at the city, or out the other way across the fields of Illinois. For the first time, you can really see how flat the Midwest is!
For any kids or young adults, City Museum is a great way to exhaust the rest of the day! This giant playground has slides, ball pits, and a stranded airplane that has ‘crash-landed’. A pretty unique and cool way to spend an afternoon!
When staring up at the world's tallest arch, you really appreciate the immense scale! You can just about see the small grey slits in the top of the arch - the windows from the inside viewing platform. Head up there with one of the arch's innovative trams to switch perspective and see the ant sized people below!
Day 36 - St. Louis, MO
The Mississippi River makes for lush, fertile land which has been foundation for much of the nation’s farming produce as the USA population has expanded in the past couple of hundred years. The nutrients also provide a great environment for forests, so there are plenty of state parks and reserves nearby.
A great one to check out is Castlewood State Park, with views of Meramec River just before it joins to the Mississippi. The River Scene Trail Loop is one of the best, taking around 2.5 hours. River Scene Trail features the park's most spectacular views. The first quarter mile wraps around a forested hillside and then turns sharply uphill towards the top of the bluffs. The trail then follows their edge for about a mile, providing scenic overlooks with stunning panoramic views of the Meramec River valley more than 200 feet below.
Day 37 - Chicago, IL
The next big city on your trip sits beside Lake Michigan. The Royal Sonesta Downtown Hotel or the HI Chicago Hostel gives you quick access to the main hub of Chicago, with Millennium park and lakefront all close by. Sometimes the best way to orientate yourself is to climb the tallest thing you can find! In this case, it’s the Willis Tower, which used to be the tallest building in the world for 25 years, up until 1998. From the 103rd floor you can spot three states - Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana, as well as Illinois itself of course! You can also venture out onto ‘The Ledge’ - essentially a glass box from which you can stare down at the roads directly below - if you’re brave enough!
For dinner, you absolutely have to try the renowned Chicago deep dish pizza. More like a pie than a pizza, don’t let your eyes deceive you – you’ll fill up fast! An extremely tasty way to end you first evening in Illinois, with Labriola a great choice if you want to take your time and dine in.
Chicago has plenty of iconic sights and landmarks - the Bean catches reflections in Millennium Park, while you'll see plenty of elevated rails which carry the L-trains throughout the city. Head up to the top of the Willis Tower and spot the Chicago River as it weaves through the skyscrapers as it leaves Lake Michigan.
Day 38 - Chicago, IL
As with all the cities on the Great 48, there’s plenty to explore when you only have one or two days available to you! The Chicago River is one of the best ways to see the skyscrapers and architecture of the city. You could also see the skyline from afar on a sightseeing cruise upon Lake Michigan.
Also sitting on the edge of the water is Navy Pier, one of the most famous in the nation. Drawing around 9 million visitors each year, there are plenty of amusements, rides and food stands sitting along its 3300 ft length.
Check the schedule before you go to Chicago, as during the summer the city hosts fireworks displays every Wednesday and Saturday night from Memorial Day until Labor Day weekend! Concerts are also held in Millennium Park as part of a Summer Music Series on Mondays and Thursdays, opposite the Bean sculpture that is one of Chicago’s most recognisable sights.
Skyscrapers tower above the metal criss-crossed structure that covers the concert stage in Millennium Park as the sun starts to set.
Day 39 - Wisconsin
As you leave the city of Chicago, you will quickly see how your surroundings change as the flat farmland of Wisconsin pass you by. One of the main reasons for this is the massive cheese production of the state. Wisconsin has 1 million cows, and 90% of the milk they produce are turned into an incredible 600 different varieties of cheese! A cheese-lover’s dream! Make sure you stop somewhere, such as the aptly named Mars Cheese Castle, to try some samples and pick up some of the different varieties for lunches for the next few days!
In the afternoon, the “Waterpark Capital of the World” is yours to conquer, with the city of Wisconsin Dells having multiple different parks. Arguably the best is Noah’s Ark - with 51 water slides! If that isn’t for you, then the dry-land of the Harley Davidson Museum might be what you’re after instead.
Day 40 - Minneapolis, MN
The Twin-Cities of Minneapolis & St. Paul greet you at the half way point of this amazing trip! Minnesota is probably most famous for Mall of America, a great place to pick up some items and treats for the rest of your adventure! Then take the rest of the day to relax, with some lovely nearby campgrounds and cabins for you to reflect on all you’ve achieved in the first half of the trip, such as at Minneapolis Southwest KOA.
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At this point, you would have ticked off the cities of Miami, New York, New Orleans and Chicago, with 7 national parks explored and 31 states entered! And yet, you could argue that the best parts of this trip are all still to come - with the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Coast on the horizon, hosting a tonne of iconic national parks and cities!
Now at the half way point, you'll certainly be well versed with setting up camp by now, giving plenty of time to chill and cook dinner. Or go full relaxed mode with a small cozy cabin.
Day 41 - Iowa & Missouri
Travel south through the Great Plains of America, always keeping half an eye on the weather forecast for any storms and tornadoes which frequent this region between the Rocky and Appalachian Mountain ranges.
Stop for a pre-packed lunch outside the capitol building of Des Moines, Iowa, before continuing into Missouri and then Kansas. Kansas City, on the border of the two states, has plenty of options for a BBQ for the evening! A popular choice for locals in the city, the BBQ-craze dates back to the early 1900s, so there's been plenty of time to perfect it! If you're struggling to decide, Joe's Bar-B-Que is one of the most famous locations & you'll quickly understand why it's so popular!
Large fields & meadows symbolise the quieter part of this trip, between the hectic few weeks on the East & West Coasts.
Day 42 - Oklahoma City, OK
Journey along America’s most famous road on good ol’ Route 66! While much has changed since it first paved the way between Chicago and Los Angel back in 1926, it still has plenty of charm, drawing tourists to cool hotels, restaurants and former advertisements that line the route. There’s also some weird and wacky sights on the way. Check out the Blue Whale of Catoosa for example!
Jump onto the historic road at the border of Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri and take your time in making your way to the centre of the state, Oklahoma City. Within the city itself you can visit the memorial to the bombing that sadly occurred there in 1995, which looks particularly momentous once night falls. Grab dinner before getting a good nights sleep at 21c Museum Hotel.
Journey on your part of this legendary road that stretches 2448 miles from Chicago, all the way through the Midwest, to LA.
Day 43 - Dallas, TX
Not far south of OKC lies the biggest state on your visit of all 48 - Texas - and a busy day of sightseeing awaits! After a three hour drive, make your way to The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, the believed location of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This fantastic museum details the build-up, event, and aftermath of one of the most notable events in US history.
Then decide which type of ‘Cowboys’ you want to spend your evening with! Many rodeos are hosted in Dallas-Fort Worth which challenge riders to remain on their bucking bulls & horses in quite a spectacle! This event isn’t for everyone however, so take up the alternative offering of a tour of the Dallas Cowboys NFL AT&T stadium. Some days you can even step onto the field yourself and get a taste of what it’s like to be a player in America’s most popular sport!
Dallas is the biggest city in Texas and there's plenty to see in just two days here. After ticking off the Sixth Floor Museum, enjoy the rodeo or botanical gardens. The Trinity River runs through the city on its journey south, continuing past Houston and eventually emerging out into the Gulf of Mexico.
Part 5 - Dallas to Grand Teton NP
Day 44 - Dallas, TX
Start the next leg of your adventure with a delicious brunch at Ellen’s. A great way to see Downtown Dallas is on a Segway, passing through Pioneer Plaza and the city’s art district. Depending on the weather, you can have a picnic and have a lie down in the stunning Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. On Thursdays they also have concerts in the gardens from early April thru end of June.
If you’re not so lucky and need to take some shelter for the day, then eat and play games at Punch Bowel Social, with bowling, table tennis, wall scrabble and classic arcade games all available!
Day 45 - Amarillo, TX
The next major city that awaits you in the Lone Star State is Amarillo. En route grab a big Texan steak for lunch, before reaching Cadillac Ranch, another odd sculpture of this part of the world. 10 famous Cadillac cars lie nose-first in the soil and its common practice for visitors to bring a can of spray-paint and add their own names or initials as they climb them! Stay at the Cactus Cove Inn or a nearby campground, and head to a local bar for the evening. Starlight Ranch has a great outdoor area to enjoy the long warm Texas evenings, with mini golf, good food and occasional live music.
Scale a Cadillac & leave your mark at an odd landmark in the middle of the Texas Panhandle.
Day 46 - Albuquerque, NM
Take a detour on route to Roswell, NM, a small city renowned for being the supposed site of a UFO crash in 1947! You can visit the International UFO Museum and Research Centre and make your mind up for yourself! Alternatively, you can head directly west to Albuquerque and try some biscochito - traditional butter cookies with sugar, cinnamon and anise - which are native to New Mexico!
Fans of Breaking Bad will likely already know that Albuquerque is where the show is both set and filmed. Tick off all the locations with a 3-hour tour aboard a Breaking Bad style RV! For the evening, drive up a long series of switchbacks to Sandia Crest for some of the most stunning views of the trip! Albuquerque and the Native American reservation of the Mescalero Apache can be seen below as you stand upon the ridge line at 10,679ft! The highest point on the trip so far - but it’s only up for the next week!
Watch the sun set out west from the highest point on the trip so far! The biggest city in New Mexico looks pretty small in the distance...
Day 47 - Great Sand Dunes NP, CO
With fingers crossed for good weather and clear skies, the peace of the morning just has to be enjoyed aboard a hot air balloon! Take off at sunrise and enjoy the colours as the day brightens, spotting yesterdays Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley. The one-hour flight then ends with a glass of champagne and small breakfast to start the day off in style!
After 10 days without a national park, it’ll then be time to tick off the next in neighbouring Colorado. Great Sand Dunes NP provides an otherworldly landscape with giant dunes sitting right in front of the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo mountains. Grab a rental sandboard on your way into the park and cross the Medano Creek to reach some of the lower dunes! Don’t be too ambitious, hiking up the sand is a lot harder than it looks!
Make sure to explore the visitor centre to learn all about how this amazing landscape came to be, then if you have any energy left after your sandboarding, head to the hills of the east of the park for a different view as you summit an out-and-back 6.8 mile hike. There are plenty of views along the way rather than at the summit, so feel free to turn back whenever the legs start to get heavy!
Start the day in style with a beautiful morning flight in a hot air balloon overlooking the Sandia Mountains. Then head to one of America's lesser known parks - and frankly people are missing out! Enjoy the juxtaposition of the sand dunes in front of peaked mountains as you ride down in style!
Day 48 - Buena Vista, CO
Rise and shine! Another sleepy, early start will quickly be over when you cross an incredibly bracing Medano Creek to find a good spot to sit and watch sunrise this morning! Make sure to wrap up warm as the altitude combined with the sand of the dunes makes for a very cold start to the day.
Drive north through valleys and enjoy the mountains that surround you as you elevate yourself further into the Rockies. Colorado has an incredible 53 peaks over 14,000 ft, the most of any state, and you will quickly start to see some of them in the distance. Nestled within these geological masterpieces lies the community of Buena Vista. A quaint historic Main Street has cafes to try and small shops to explore, as you start to get a little feel of the ‘West Coast’ lifestyle.
The town, at just under 8000 ft in elevation, gives a great opportunity to acclimatise to the increasing elevation through the day. This will be the best preparation to make sure you fully enjoy yourself at Rocky Mountain National Park for the next two days - one of the best parks in the country! If you want to explore a bit more of the beautiful Colorado surroundings today though, there’s some great rock-climbing trails around!
Day 49 - Rocky Mountain NP, CO
Start your day off early to reach Grand Lake on the outskirts of Rocky Mountain National Park in time for a late breakfast. This will set you on your way nicely to traverse Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved highway in the United States! It crosses the Continental Divide - essentially the tallest ridge of America! 11 miles of the road is above the treeline, so there is literally nothing to obscure your view. Rising from 7,500 ft to over 12,000 ft in about 45 minutes, you can see the dramatic changes in landscape which is hard to find anywhere else in the world.
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For the first half of the summer, and sometimes longer, huge columns of ice border the road. The blockage of the road by snow isn't usually cleared until the last week of May, before usually closing mid-October, so bear this in mind when deciding when to visit. On the route lies the Alpine Visitor Centre, as well as the Kawunechee Valley, often filled with wildlife. The road ends just outside of Estes park, the main gateway town to the park, that's filled with all the resources you need for a big hike tomorrow!
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For your stay in Estes Park, there is a KOA campground in Estes Park, or choose one of the multiple cottages, cabins or suites of Stonebrook Resort by Fall River, just minutes away from the entrance to the park.
The stunning Trail Ridge Road is one of the icons of both Rocky Mountain National Park and the trip! Feel the altitude as you ascend the highest paved road in America.
After a long day in the car yesterday, today is all about stretching the legs. Start your day with breakfast at the Egg of Estes for a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes. Then head into the park for a short hike around Bear Lake, looping around just under 1 mile, before continuing off to Alberta Falls, which is raging during much of late spring and summer as the snow melt runs off many of the 14,000 ft peaks of the park. Continue on to Mills Lake, Sky Pond, Ribbon Falls or Timberline Falls, depending on how far you want to adventure. Bear in mind though that at this elevation, all hikes feel considerably more tiring than those faced earlier on the trip where the elevation was usually below 6,000 ft.
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Return to Estes Park late afternoon and explore around some of the shops of the town, where you can find mountain and fishing equipment, small galleries, jewellery and glassware stores. Grab a big dinner that you'll absolutely deserve after the busy day you've had.
Day 50 - Rocky Mountain NP, CO
Rocky Mountain NP is scattered with alpine lakes, filled from snow melt and glaciers, many being enjoyable hikes.
This 30 ft waterfall is a popular sight, as Glacier Creek roars past on its way towards Estes Park.
Bear Lake is one of the shorter hikes, but acts as good warm up for many of the nearby hikes up into the mountains.
Want to explore Colorado's national parks in more detail? Check out our full park guides!
Day 51 - Deadwood, SD
Back into the Great Plains today with the Rockies starting to temporarily fade into the distance. Leave through the impressive Big Thompson Canyon and make a quick stop at Scottsbluff, Nebraska. After, the Western style town of Deadwood awaits. Use this old Gold Rush community as your base for the next couple of days. Black Hills KOA campground is a good location just a short journey on a trolleybus from the centre of town. Or stay at Hotel by Gold Dust in amongst the action.
Enjoy the afternoon by grabbing a drink at the saloon. But watch out! A couple of gunslingers are doing battle with their pistols! Fights and showdowns break out at different locations around town throughout the whole day, so you’ll really feel like you’re in the Wild West!
Dating back to 1876, prospectors came across a steep valley full of dead trees and a creek of gold. Now the town of Deadwood entertains with casinos, reenactments and outdoor adventures!
Day 52 - Mount Rushmore, SD
While not a national park, Mount Rushmore remains one of the most iconic landmarks of the USA. The four famous faces of the US presidents have a complicated history, having been constructed in the Black Hills of South Dakota on land that was granted to the native American Lakota Nation in about 60 years earlier.
Subsequently, members of the Lakota Nation have raised money to construct a memorial of one of their own great leaders - Crazy Horse - a famous fighter who participated in battles including Little Bighorn. You’ll visit the site in just a few days time! You can visit the progression of Crazy Horse as it’s not far down the road from Mount Rushmore.
In the evenings, Mount Rushmore is lit up as part of an evening lighting ceremony, where respects to veterans for their service & sacrifice is also paid. So it is well worth viewing the monument both before and after dusk!
Four former Presidents reside in the Black Hills. George Washington - a Founding Father & 1st President. Thomas Jefferson - the author of the Declaration of Independence. Abraham Lincoln - for saving the Union & helping end slavery. And Theodore Roosevelt - founder of the National Park system.
Not many people make it all the way up to North Dakota, being one of the least visited of all the states. So make sure you stop for a picture at the state sign when your cross the border from South Dakota to prove you were there! Some of the longest, straightest roads you’ve ever seen will lead you to Theodore Roosevelt NP. The site of this park was an escape for the president, who was inspired by the wonderous nature of the United States, and decided to protect it using the National Park system.
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Theodore Roosevelt NP is unusual in the fact that it’s actually split across three different units. Most visitors explore the South Unit, just on the edge of the town of Medora. The best way around the park is by the 36-mile scenic drive, with multiple viewpoints and trails available on the way. After Skyline Vista & passing through Prairie Dog Town - a name that you’ll quickly understand - then you’ll reach Scoria Point. Here you can see the classic Badlands associated with the Dakotas, which have been formed through years of erosion to give their unique shape that patterns your view.
Throughout the scenic drive, spot more rowdy prairie dogs, majestic wild horses, and the occasional herd of bison. If the weather is cool then hike the small Coal Vein Trail, or a section of trail along Jones Creek, which supplies the Little Missouri River. Drive up to the top of Buck Hill for an amazing panoramic view, one of the best in the park.
Day 53 - Theodore Roosevelt NP, ND
By now you'll have plenty of state sign photos! But North Dakota is one many don't have in their collection!
One of the first & best viewpoints on the scenic drive, Scoria Point gives you some of the first views of the badlands.
Expand those views to become panoramic upon Buck Hill, which you largely drive up before a very small hike to the rocky summit.
Day 54 - Little Bighorn National Monument, MT
The biggest defeat of the US army in the Great Sioux War of 1875 by the native Lakota tribe, the battle had numerous famous players. Lakota leader Sitting Bull had visions weeks prior of a challenging battle in which his tribe would conquer. Aided by these visions, warriors including Crazy Horse, of the monument you saw in South Dakota, were inspired to defeat Lieutenant Colonel George Custer and his army, resulting in his death.
This battle was one of numerous in the war as the US government made it abundantly clear of their desire to claim the Black Hills following the discovery of gold. To access the site of the battle, and where the fallen are also buried, you enter the Crow Indian Reservation as was the case back in 1876.
The NPS gives a fantastic tour of the site, detailing the history of the battle, the Lakota, and the expansion of the US. While unlikely to be a place you have ever heard of before your trip, you will definitely feel impressed and be impressed by the aura of visiting this historic battleground. Head to Billings to stay the night, giving you easy access into America’s most famous national park tomorrow!
Montana is a vast plain bordered by the giant Rockies, and has a complicated history since being explored in Lewis & Clark's expedition.
Journey into this American icon through Lamar Valley, one of the parks many wildlife hotspots - so keep your eyes peeled as soon as you enter! From here, you can choose to drive slowly around the northern loop. Tower-Roosevelt hosts a waterfall and great views of Yellowstone River via Calcite Springs Overlook. Then head over to one of the centerpieces of the park, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone! The spectacular Yellowstone Falls, formed of the Upper and Lower segments, can be seen in all its power by descending some short switchbacks to take you to a platform right beside the Lower fall. Or view the valley in its entirety from the absolutely stunning Artists Point, the climax of a relatively easy 2.5 mile out-and-back trail! Lookout Point, on the northern side of the canyon, also offers a fantastic view of the Lower Falls if you want to have a quicker view before popping back into the car, rather than exploring too far on foot.
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Complete the Northern Loop by branching off to West Yellowstone to stay the night. On the way, feel free to spend time at whatever catches your eye, with Gibbon Falls, Norris Geyser Basin & Firehole Falls all located close by! We recommend a spot of glamping to give you a slight wilderness feel to your Yellowstone adventure. A nice campground is also the large Madison Campgrounds near the west entrance - just make sure to book in advance like at many national parks! Or, if you really want to be in the heart of the park, then stay at Old Faithful Inn, in view of the famous geyser itself!
Day 55 - Yellowstone NP, WY
From the minute you arrive to the minute you leave, Yellowstone provides some of the best & easiest opportunities to see amazing wildlife in the national park system. Bison & Elk can be seen almost every turn, while more eager eyed spotters might find bears, wolves, moose, & around 200 other species roaming their natural habitat!
Day 56 - Yellowstone NP, WY
One of the main hubs of activity of the park is around Old Faithful. This geyser is the most famous of over 1000 in the park, and is known for its reliable eruptions. Numerous other geysers are located in the Upper Geyser Basin, with many predicted eruption times being given out in the visitor centre. Here, you can learn about the history of the park, including the 'super volcano' which erupted 640,000 years ago, creating a huge depression in the ground called a caldera, the ridge of which can be seen when below the ridge mostly when travelling around the sights of the southern loop.
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After, head north to the Midway Geyser Basin, home to Grand Prismatic, a colourful pool cloaked by bacteria, giving its amazing appearance. Hike amongst the steam on the boardwalk, or hike up to the overlook for the best view. From there, you can hike the 4.8 mile roundtrip to Fairy Falls, a 200ft thin waterfall. To end the day, head up to Mammoth Hot Springs to see different geothermic structures, before watching sunset by Roosevelt Arch which guards the north entrance of this iconic park. Carefully drive back through the darkness to your West Yellowstone base for the night to set you up for national park number 11 tomorrow!
Mammoth Hot Springs bubbles away in the north of the park, a reminder of the continuous geothermal activity occurring below the surface.
The Yellowstone River has carved a huge canyon through the park through millions of years of erosion, with the spectacular Yellowstone Falls as must see during any visit.
The Grand Prismatic Spring plays host to a variety of bacteria, giving the incredible array of colours. Feel the steam walking the boardwalk, or view from the overlook.
Sit down and read our 5 day Yellowstone - Grand Teton itinerary to provide you with all the ideas for your adventure!
5 days in Yellowstone: The complete trip
Truly immerse yourself in everything Yellowstone has to offer!
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- Highlights -
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Multiple geysers
Yellowstone Canyon
Bunsen Peak
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Day 57 - Grand Teton NP, WY
Start the day by heading down to Yellowstone Lake for a half-day guided kayak tour, seeing geysers and wildlife from the water - a great opportunity if you're yet to enjoy the tranquility of kayaking this trip! Afterwards, travel along the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway to enter Grand Teton National Park. Stop at Jackson Lake lodge for a late lunch before driving up Signal Mountain road for a great view of the biggest lake in the park, and the towering Tetons. Then feel free to choose your setting for hopefully another great sunset - head to Mormon Row with its historic barns as the foreground, or a get an expansive view of the park from Snake River overlook. Take care for any wildlife as you head out of the park in the darkness to your accommodation in Jackson.
The Tetons look magnificent from countless areas in the park. Here they're seen from Jackson Lodge at sunrise, with a beautiful purple hue.
Part 6 - Grand Teton NP to Las Vegas
Day 58 - Grand Teton NP, WY
If the weather's good, perhaps start off with sunrise at our other recommendation for sunset from the previous evening. String Lake is then an excellent small hike if the air is still, as the water beautifully reflects the Tetons and their forested lower slopes. After numerous photo opportunities, continue the hike to Jenny lake, and then up to Inspiration point. If you're keen for a challenge, one of the best hikes in the park up through Cascade Canyon continues from here. But it will take up much of your day, being 10 miles long in total, making it about 6 hours of hiking.
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For those looking for a break from hiking, Snake River provides another fantastic opportunity to tackle some white water if you didn't experience it back in the Great Smoky Mountains. Or perhaps a better way to experience the beauty of these majestic mountains is by a relaxing 13-mile scenic rafting trip instead!
Small in size and sheltered by trees, String Lake may greet you with mirror reflections if you're in luck!
Day 59 - Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID
Head west out of Jackson to quickly enter Idaho. This regions volcanic past continues beyond the boundaries of Yellowstone NP, as you follow the route of the Snake River which is thought to follow the edge of a volcanic caldera. In a world of isolation, you’ll arrive at the strange surroundings of Craters of the Moon. This national monument protects even more geological creations, with cinder cones, spatter cones, lava streams & lava tubes all viewable as you walk around this odd world.
Take the short but surprisingly tiring hike up to the top of the Inferno Cone for the best views of the monument and Snake River plains. When you’ve finished admiring the unique view, drive southwest on US Route 26 to reach Twin Falls, a good stop off point for the night to put you just over 3 hours out from Salt Lake City. Utah awaits, without doubt one of the coolest states on your trip!
While the scene that greets you atop Inferno Cone may not look like the moon, it definitely looks like it's from a different world!
Day 60 - Homestead Crater, UT
Journey down I-15 to reach the state capital of Utah to enjoy an early lunch at Feldman’s Deli. The city, much like the state, has a large Mormon presence which you will notice when driving around. Their largest temple, Salt Lake Temple, isn’t open to the public, but there are a few visitor centres in the city for those who want to learn more about this branch of Christianity and their origins in Nauvoo, Illinois.
The Homestead Crater is located within a valley of the Wasatch mountain range about an hour from SLC. Used in the filming of 127 hours, the 55-foot limestone crater houses the hot spring, with a small hole at the top of the dome letting in the sunlight, topping up the temperature of the delightful 90-95 degrees water. Float in the beautiful azure color with a lifejacket, or practice your snorkelling for a little extra cost!
A rising star of the national park system, Zion’s immense popularity is now only rivalled by Yellowstone, Yosemite & Great Smoky Mountains. The unique hikes on offer in this corner of Utah is the main reason why it’s one of our favourite parks too! Zion canyon flows through much of the park, formed by millions of years of erosion by the Virgin River. One of the unique hikes is literally based in the river itself, as you enter the towering canyon called The Narrows. Sometimes the water can be above waist height, even in summer!
Check the weather conditions first as any rain in the forecast makes the hike very dangerous and inappropriate. You can hike 4.7 miles upstream before needing a permit, but we recommend going about 2-3 miles as it's more tiring than you'd expect given the resistance of the water. Along with Angels Landing, the Narrows is another unique and awesome hike that Zion hosts. Gear up with the appropriate clothing and footwear at Zion Outfitters. Definitely pick up the included hiking stick, to give you the stability and confidence you need to conquer the canyon! Grab dinner at Kings Landing Bistro or Spotted Dog as reward for all your hard work over the past two days!
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One of the best places to stay for Zion is in the town of Springdale, right on the border of the park. You do pay a bit of a premium to stay so close to the park. However, with temperatures often exceeding of 100F in summer, days here should consist of very early starts, so any extra time in bed will probably be much appreciated! Desert Pearl Inn is a very popular choice, as is Cliffrose Springdale, with both having swimming pools to help you cool down if the southwest sun does indeed get a bit too much.
Day 61 - Zion NP, UT
With walls towering hundreds of feet above the Virgin River in places, it's incredible to think about how this river has carved such an impressive slice through ancient sandstone rock. Weave and cross the river multiple times before wading deeper as you advance into the canyon. The cool water will feel heavenly for those choosing to travel the park in summer, but slightly crisper for those who don't!
Day 62 - Zion NP, UT
Grab those head torches again for an early start, probably setting off from the trailhead about half an hour before sunrise, to beat both the heat and crowds on one of the best day hikes in the whole of the United States. Angels Landing is unique, renowned for its chain linked, sheer-drop summit section. To get there, a series of tough switchbacks await, and while the hike is pretty short, at 5.4 miles out-and-back, the steepness is the challenge.
As you ascend and the sun continues to rise, the orange colours of the canyon become visible, and you start to see some of the iconic views of the park. Some sweeping open curved paths lead to Walter's Wiggles. Push through this relentless section to reach Scout Lookout, where you can then decide to hike the chain section if you're feeling prepared, confident and safe. 13 people have died on the trail since 2000, so take your time, respect other users of the trail, and only climb in good weather conditions.
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Once at the summit, enjoy the best view of Zion Canyon, sharing it with many of the chipmunks who seem to reside up there! As of 2022, the park is running a pilot permit program for the hike to help reduce the crowds and make sure it's safe. Ensure you enter the lottery long before your trip, or, if it's a more spontaneous adventure, you can apply for a day-before permit. Find out more here >
The chain linked section begins from Scout Lookout, running along the ridge of this mighty peak. The hike is exhilarating, and the view of the canyon at the top is just reward too - not many hikes can offer both! A must if you're in Zion.
After a detour to the southwest corner of Utah, which was surely worth it for the view atop Angels Landing alone, trace some of your steps back to arrive at your base for the next few days. Moab is Utah’s adventure epicentre, acting as a brilliant gateway to multiple desert playgrounds & national parks. Stay at Sun Moab Outdoors Downtown with a range of campsites & cabins. Again, make sure to use the pool and keep yourself super hydrated! The southwest states in summer are unforgiving! Or if you need air-conditioning (we don’t blame you) then the stunningly located Red Cliffs Lodge should definitely be a stay to consider!
Don’t waste any time in choosing your first Moab excursion! With a wide variety to choose from, pick whichever thrill you’ve been craving up until this point on your Great 48 adventure! We definitely recommend the Hell’s Revenge 4x4 Off-Roading Tour, but any choice today will be a good choice!
Day 63 - Moab, UT
Today, lets tackle Arches National Park, home to over 2000 natural sandstone arches, illustrating yet another wondrous formation carved out by Mother Nature. Most of the famous arches are accessible via short hikes from the only road through the park. The Windows section is a great place to explore during summer, but if hiking in spring or fall with slightly cooler temperatures, then you must try the Devil's Garden Loop!
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Delicate Arch is probably the most famous, and to get up close, it is at the end of a moderately difficult trail. However, it's probably the busiest hike in the park, with queues to take pictures near the arch especially in peak season. It's definitely still worth checking out, but something to bear in mind! If you want to try and avoid some of the crowds, consider the off-road 4x4 adventure which takes you to some of the lesser known but still spectacular sights of one of Utah's most recognised national parks.
For sunset tonight, leave Arches and travel 40 minutes to Dead Horse Point State Park. This park is famous for bordering Canyonlands National Park, providing one of the best views of the trip as you look over the mosaic of buttes carved by the Colorado River!
Day 64 - Arches NP, UT
Dead Horse Point State Park sits at on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the vast, isolated and unforgiving Canyonlands NP. The Colorado River cuts through, meandering south west on its journey towards the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and eventually Mexico.
Day 65 - Canyonlands NP, UT
Canyonlands is Utah's largest national park, but much is unaccessible for most visitors in absence of a lot of wilderness experience, and a 4x4. For most, the best way to experience the park is to arrive at the Island in the Sky district, one of three that make up the park, and definitely the most accessible. The most famous arch in the Park, Mesa, is located here, and is awesome at sunrise. But like Delicate Arch yesterday, it is very popular with tourists and photographers. Drive to nearby Green River Overlook for one of the furthest views of the park, looking out over the Green River before it merges with the Colorado, and seeing the Maze district on a clear day!
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You can also head out to Upheaval Dome, which may have been created by a meteorite impact. You can explore the whole area by foot, with quite a few different routes branching out from here. One includes a 1.2 mile out-and-back to a couple of viewpoints, which is probably the best option for today given the number of other stops in the park. Head back to Moab for the evening and grab some dinner, with plenty of Mexican, Asian, Italian and classic American options. There's also a cute small cinema in town which could be a great after dinner activity, and a nice change from the exhausting exploration of Utahs parks!
Mesa Arch is the most famous in the park, with stacks and buttes of Island in the Sky seen through its window as the sun makes it warmly glow.
Green River Overlook offers a view of the smaller of the two rivers passing through the park as it journeys to join the Colorado.
The science behind the formation of Upheaval Dome is unknown, with theories including a salt dome or meteor strike.
Day 66 - Monument Valley, UT/AZ
Just before you reach Mexican Hat, take a turn right onto US-261 and the dirt track of Moki Dugway. This steep climb takes you to some isolated views of the vast Utah landscape with a skyline of buttes. Then descend again and return to the main highway, where you’ll quickly reach the famous stretch of road that features in Forest Gump. Recreate the scene before focusing in on Monument Valley in the distance.
Monument Valley lies in the sacred land of the Navajo Nation, a native American tribe. They offer many trips off-road that allow you to learn more about their history, and see many parts of their land inaccessible to regular visitors. They offer a sunset tour, a sunrise tour, and a combination of the two, where you sleep in a hogan or out amongst the stars. An amazing activity that we think everyone should experience on this trip, albeit a little eerie!
Formed through thousands of years of erosion by rain, wind and ice, the buttes of monument valley are some of the most famous & recognisable in the world! Throughout your journey to them on the Utah-Arizona border, other buttes will dot the horizon as you view them from Moki Dugway & Mexican Hat.
Day 67 - Grand Canyon NP, AZ
The Navajo will take you to a stunning viewpoint for sunrise, yet another bucket list experience on this road trip! The colours changing over the orange sand, with the buttes and rock formations silhouetted just can't be missed! After breakfast in the desert, travel to the more popular south rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Reserving a campground plot, or stay in Grand Canyon Village, or enjoy some of the amazing dark skies when you return to your accommodation with Clear Sky Resorts Grand Canyon.
As you’ll know by now, many of the nation’s national parks leave you in awe when you first see them - but not many do it quite as well as the Grand Canyon! Slowly approach the canyon edge and take a moment to appreciate the scale and beauty of this 277-mile-long, up to 18 miles wide, 70 million years old wonder of the world…
Tick off an absolute highlight of the tour by flying on a helicopter over the canyon itself! While not cheap, it really is worth it, as you soar across forests of Ponderosa Pines before the surface of the earth drops away and the beauty of the canyon is displayed. Your guide will talk you through the various rock formations of the Grand Canyon via headset on the 45-minute flight. Grab pizza on your way back to the rim to enjoy sunset while you eat, with the light being scattered between the shadows of the canyon. The best way to end an awesome day which is simply one of, if not the best, of the trip!
Enjoy the thrill of soaring over the Grand Canyon, as you approach huge buttes and observe the historical rock layers that the snaking Colorado River deep below has carved. As you cut across the Kaibab National Forest you'll realise the sense of speed before the canyon opens up and the jaws drop. A bucket-list item if there ever was one!
Day 68 - Grand Canyon NP, AZ
After flying over the canyon yesterday, surely it makes sense to enter the canyon today! Very few people head below the rim of the Grand Canyon, a real shame given how different the experience is! On the south rim there are two main trailheads - the South Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel. Which hike you go on and how far you journey into the canyon depends on how willing you are to get up early, and your level of fitness. The main things to remember are that the temperature in the canyon is significantly higher than at the rim, so carry plenty of water. And that the steep hike back out of the canyon is naturally significantly harder than the descent. Make sure you turn back before your body is telling you that it's getting tired.
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One of the finest hikes is down the Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point, at 12 miles roundtrip, making it essential that you're an experienced hiker, with good fitness levels, and you start early, starting the descent during the dark of night. For most people, hiking the South Kaibab to Ooh Aah Point, which will take a couple of hours rather than half a day, is the best way to be inside the canyon. If you then feel up for it, you can carry on to Cedar Ridge, and possibly Skeleton Point in cooler conditions. The NPS recommends not going past Cedar Ridge during the summer as the trail gets steeper and tougher after Cedar Ridge. Whichever hike you choose, it's good to bear in mind that sometimes less is more, and whatever route and challenge you take on down into the canyon, it'll be a great experience!
The South Kaibab Trail starts at 7,260 ft, with many steep switchbacks at the start before reaching the first major view point, Ooh Aah. Carry on to reach Cedar Ridge, with O'Neill butte closely visible.
The Bright Angel Trail is more established, with water points & a ranger station located at the incredible Indian Gardens. Even more switchbacks await you than South Kaibab. Travel across exposed ground to reach incredible Plateau Point with the Colorado River below.
Day 69 - Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas has plenty of nicknames! Sin City, City of Light, Gambling Capital of the World... most of these are based on the incredible night life that Vegas offers! Virtually every hotel has a casino, but if trying to make back the cost of your vacation isn't for you, there's tonnes of concerts, shows and clubs to entertain and wear you out! Keep an eye on what artists and shows are coming through town to make sure you book what you want to see! Stop at the sleepy town of Seligman on your drive from Grand Canyon NP, a historic town of Route 66 giving you a vibrant slice of Americana!
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Grab a picture by the iconic Las Vegas sign at some point in your evening, while a classic Las Vegas way to spend it is aboard a party bus, especially if there's a group of you! Even if you're not super into drinking, partying & staying up late, just spending a bit of time walking around in the evening and taking in the energy of this world famous city is a must!
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​While most of the life in the city does occur at night because of hot the days are, you can still enjoy your time by the hotel pool, enjoy a meal out, or go to the shopping outlets! There are north and south outlets so you can easily reach them from wherever you're based in Las Vegas. If you're looking to go big, you can stay at the Bellagio, famous for its fountain and water show at night. Or stay at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club on the Las Vegas Strip for another hotel with a prime location!
The water fountain show of the Bellagio Hotel takes place across from a recreation of the Eiffel Tower of Paris, in this weird yet wonderful desert oasis.
Part 7 - Las Vegas to Seattle
Day 70 - Las Vegas, NV
There's also a whole host of activities and adventures based out of Las Vegas. Journey sand dunes on an all-terrain vehicle, kayak the beautiful Emerald Cove, visit the Hoover Dam, or ride horses around Red Rock Canyon at sunset! If you want a full day away from the bustle of Vegas, then one of our favourite ways to spend the day is to see some of the most amazing scenery of the southwest US, at a couple of locations you've no doubt seen while researching - Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon. The latter is particularly hard to get permits for so a small group tour taking you to these locations from Vegas is probably the best way to visit them! The possibilities are endless, but you'll definitely find something in or around this great desert city that's for you!
Two of the most famous locations in Arizona, but neither actually lie within a national park. Horseshoe Bend carries the Colorado River just before it enters the Grand Canyon. Nearby is Antelope Canyon, one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world, which has been beautifully sculpted by an extensive series of flash floods.
Day 71 - Los Angeles, CA
The third biggest state, you'll spend more time in California than any other in the entire trip! Stop at an In-n-Out on your journey to the City of Angels. This fast food chain prides itself on fresh produce and high staff morale to make delicious burgers, and they do a pretty darn good job! There's hundreds dotted around southern California, so it won't be too hard to find one!
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For your afternoon in LA, head straight to Santa Monica to enjoy the beach and the pier. Immediately you'll get a taste of the LA way of life - beach gyms, rollerblading, laid-back. The pier has rides, restaurants, and is the end point for Route 66! On selected evenings during the summer, there's also free concerts! LA is a difficult city to drive around, with the derby between the soccer teams getting the nickname 'El Traffico' as a result. So if you can, pick a hotel or flat not too far from Santa Monica! If you're looking for a luxurious stay for your first couple of nights in California, check out the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. The Ambrose Hotel and Shore Hotel are also great picks!
Twilight at Santa Monica Pier. The area is filled with shops and beach bars, but if you just want to lay on the warm sand and feel the sea breeze, thats okay too! Especially after a long trip like this!
Day 72 - Los Angeles, CA
As with many of the cities on the trip, there are so many options that you can choose to take your day in any direction that you like!
If you want a bit of adrenaline thrown into the day, visit Universal Studios or Disneyland. Or if you're a big movie fan, walk Hollywood and see the famous sign, before exploring Warner Bros. Studio on a tour! Combine it with a sightseeing and celebrity home open-bus tour to really get the full LA movie star experience!
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Head up to the Griffith Observatory, on the south edge of Griffith Park, the largest in the city. An amazing panoramic view of downtown LA is one of the best in the city. Built in 1935, Griffith is the most visited public observatory in the world. There's also telescopes, exhibits and talks, so you can learn all about the amazing world beyond Earth. Enjoy the observatory itself and the grounds, before picking a good spot for a Californian sunset...
Pink hues cover the horizon out over the Pacific Ocean, as a couple of flights out of LAX head into the night. The second biggest city in the United States, you can see large swathes from Griffith Observatory and park, with the skyline of downtown LA standing proudly in the centre of the view.
Day 73 - Sequoia & Kings Canyon NPs, CA
Make your way through California’s Central Valley, one of the most productive farming regions in the world, producing over 230 different types of crop, including nearly 100% of the country’s almonds!
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Just before Fresno, dive east and drive up into the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range to arrive in the nations 2nd oldest park, which partially merged with what is now Kings Canyon NP back in 1940. Start in Grant Grove Village to explore one of the main Sequoia groves of the park, which is home to General Grant Tree, the 2nd biggest tree in terms of volume on earth. View the mountain peaks from Kings Canyon Panoramic Point Overlook, before continuing on to Sequoia NP itself by meandering along the Generals Highway with more amazing views of Sequoia National Forest.
Soon after you’ll arrive at the world’s biggest tree, General Sherman, ticking off the world’s top 2 in just a couple of hours! Get close and stare up in awe at this amazing creature as it continues its 2,500 year-long growth spurt. A great hike to take on after is Moro Rock, which may give you a few familiar feelings to that of Angels Landing from Zion. Climb steps carved into the granite dome for broad views of the Sierra Nevada. An added bonus - these views are just 0.5 miles away out-and-back!
For the evening you could descend back to the valley and try to find a spot of wine testing near your accommodation in Fresno. Or stay in the mountains and venture on guided horseback as the day starts to cool!
The towering General Sherman has stood strong for around 2,500 years, no matter the weather or season....
Day 74 - Yosemite NP, CA
Yosemite was the third national park to be founded, after John Muir and President Roosevelt experienced the beauty of this segment of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. The drive down to Yosemite Valley will immediately make you see why, as you wind along cliffside roads bordered by sheer rock faces. When you arrive, head straight to Tunnel View. It's one of the most iconic views of Yosemite. El Capitan frames the view to your left, Bridalveil Falls slightly to the right, and Half Dome can be seen down the middle. So few views in the world can provide so many landmarks all at once...
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Afterwards, you can explore Yosemite Valley itself, which is easier after orientating yourself from Tunnel View. Stop at the visitor centre to learn how the enormous valley was created, and enjoy some of the small sights of the park. Mirror Lake casts reflections of El Capitan, while the Merced River provides an opportunity to bathe and refresh. But be warned, it's formed of snow melt - pretty chilly!
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If you want to stay in the park, you can choose from camping, or one of the few hotels, such as The Ahwahnee, with grand receptions and cozy rooms. Alternatively, If you'd prefer to be just outside of the park which can be a little cheaper, then Rush Creek Lodge is also a great choice!
"But no temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite. Every rock in its walls seems to glow with life...as if into this one mountain mansion, Nature had gathered her choicest treasures" - John Muir
Day 75 - Yosemite NP, CA
Drive through the dark up to Glacier Point for sunrise. Find a good spot and enjoy the rays cutting across the mountains before the sun itself rises majestically above Half Dome. Keep an eye out while you're there for some of the wildlife enjoying the cooler morning temperatures! Afterwards, drive back into Yosemite Valley and park near the Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead. One of the more demanding hikes of both the park and this trip, you can reach the top of Yosemite Falls themselves if you feel up for it!
The views are great throughout as you catch snipets of the falls and the valley below. But the real prize is after the switchbacks near the summit, where you can get up close to the Upper falls and really appreciate the power of the water as it rushes past! This hike will likely take at least five hours, but for many it takes longer. If you can, try and aim to get close to the top before the temperature gets too warm. The hike (and subsequent recovery) will take up most of your day, so plan accordingly and try not to squeeze too much in the afternoon!
A gorgeous glow casts a near-silhouette of Half Dome, Yosemite's most famous landmark. Catching a sunrise at Glacier Point will no doubt be one of the highlights of any trip!
Have a closer look at some of the
Pacific Coasts best national parks!
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Day 76 - San Francisco, CA
Given the pace of this road trip, this is probably as close to a proper rest day as you can get! Take the morning slow, grab some breakfast, and meander down to San Fran, around 270 miles and 4.5 hours away.
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Cross the Golden Gate Bridge on your way into the city, and hopefully the famous fog won't be rolling in as you do, so you can see the skyline! The TransAmerica Pyramid particularly sets the skyline apart from others. The city has a whole host of amazing hotels to stay in depending on your budget and choice of location.
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Take an evening stroll up to Coit Tower, where you can get an elevator to the top for $10 each, giving panoramic views of the city, including the Golden Gate you crossed earlier, and Alcatraz, on the list for tomorrow!
There are quite a few locations to stop off and see the Golden Gate Bridge on your way into San Francisco. A good spot is the observation deck, or get a wider view from Marin Headlands. Here, one of the most quintessential views of the bridge can be seen, from Battery Spencer.
Day 77 - San Francisco, CA
One of the most famous sights in California's second biggest city is the prison of Alcatraz, converted from a fort on the island back in 1934. Since, it has become one of the most notorious prison's in the country, due to the difficulty of escape. Many prisoners tried, but the cold waters and strong currents of San Francisco Bay means that nearly all of the 36 men to try to escape died or were captured. However, the fate of three of the escaped inmates remains unknown...
After having breakfast nearby at Eight AM, depart for Alcatraz from Pier 33. The tours last around 2.5 hours, and is really a must for any visit! After getting back to dry land, explore the city on a guided tour in a 1970's VW van, with 6 people per van stopping at Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown and Lombard Street, and passing by many famous houses and photo opportunities! If you'd like to explore the city yourself, use the streetcars, taxis or Ubers if you don't want to have the fuss of driving and parking! Visit Golden Gate Park, view the Painted Ladies, and shop at Union Square. For dinner, consider Seven Hills for an Italian-seafood combo! Grab an early dinner before a sunset catamaran cruise of San Francisco Bay, for many, the highlight of any trip to San Fran! Take in the beauty of this amazing city before you depart for the mountains.
An awesome city in an awesome state, there are plenty of ways to spend a day or two! Make sure to tick off some of the most famous places and views off your list! Alcatraz, Lombard Street and the Painted Ladies all add to the character of a city which had to be almost entirely rebuilt following the enormous earthquake of 1906.
Day 78 - Redwood NP, CA
A series of small state parks intertwined amongst the main national park itself, Redwood celebrates the towering trees on the coast of California! Often shrouded in mist, the park will feel very different to the mountain panoramas of Sequoia, Kings Canyon & Yosemite! It is about a 5 hour drive north of San Francisco before you arrive at the park so you will only have the afternoon available to explore. We think its best to quickly walk around Stout Grove, home to some of the tallest trees in the world, before wildlife spotting in Elk Meadow, hiking the Trillium Falls trail, or tidepooling at Endert's beach or False Klamath Cove.
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Slowly make your way along US 101 in the evening as the sun sets and enjoy the viewpoints. Klamath River Overlook is particularly impressive, seeing the mouth of the river which has run for 250 miles, starting from a series of rivers and lakes just south of Crater Lake! It's around 1 mile from the road down a steep trail, but it's a great vista! Camp at Gold Bluffs Beach, the only beach campground in the park, or aim to stay near the northern border of the park so you can quickly enter Oregon in the morning.
While the park is dominated by some of the biggest creatures on Earth, it's not just trees that you can find in Redwood. Including 37 miles of coastline, grassland hills and dense meadows, there is plenty to see and learn about. Understand this unique eco-system and see how the various habitats interact in this isolated but beautiful segment of California's northern edge.
Day 79 - Portland, OR
Unfortunately just two days left, and two states left, of the Great 48. Leave Redwood NP early for another morning drive, arriving in the capital of Oregon at around lunchtime. This 'hipster' city has exploded in popularity in recent years, and is now full of delightful small businesses, trendy food & drink institutions, and plenty of markets to display local produce, art and more!
After arriving at Portland and dropping off your bags at your hotel such as Hotel Lucia or The Benson, grab a sandwich, bistro bowl or signature macaroni & cheese at the delightful Mother's Bistro & Bar. Visit Pittock Mansion, a grand home built in 1914 that signified the transition of Portland to a modern, industrialised city. From here there are walks with views of Downtown Portland.
In the afternoon, you could grab a delicious set of treats from the famous Voodoo Doughnuts. And don't forget about the breweries, with there being over 70 in the city alone! A cycling brewery tour is perhaps the best way to both see and taste Portland!
Doughnuts & breweries await you on this final leg of your amazing adventure after a drive through the beautiful Oregon & Pacific Northwest scenery.
Day 80 - Seattle, WA
No doubt a sombre feeling will be in the air on this final morning as this ultimate cross-country trip comes to a close. the final state on your list is Washington, named after the first President and founding Father, George Washington, just like the capital city you visited a whole 68 days ago! Seattle is one of the main gateways to the Pacific Ocean, being a hub for trade, including fishing. When you arrive, drop your bags at Hotel Andra, then head straight to check out the famous Pike Place Market to see the most recent catches!
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For coffee lovers, Starbucks opened their first store in the city. Learn about the history of their coffee on a tasting tour at the nearby Starbucks reserve & Roastery. Or if you want to take in a final city skyline, then a Harbor Cruise is exactly how to do it, catching the impressive Northern Cascades Mountain Range in the background!
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The trip just cannot be complete without seeing your final city from above on one of the most iconic features of the Pacific Northwest. The Space Needle was built for the World Fair of 1962, and it still retains a futuristic appearance! Watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, and enjoy a memorable final evening with cocktails and light bites in the revolving Loupe Lounge - within the needle itself!
If you have time on your final day, make a stop at Kerry Park, from which you can see most of Seattle. The famous Space Needle, Downtown and harbour are all visible, with the city being one of the main trade ports with East Asia. In the background stands Mt Rainier, a heavily glaciated active volcano and the tallest peak in the Cascades Mountain Range.
So just like that - and a lot quicker than you'll ever imagine - you'll have explored almost every corner of one of the coolest countries on Earth, having journeyed 48 states, conquered 20 National Parks and dived into multiple iconic cities!
Make sure to celebrate your achievement with a road trip map photo on your final day to prove you've been there and done it all!
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No doubt the next dream will now be to tick off the last two states - Alaska & Hawaii. The rest of the amazing 63 national parks also await! So what are you waiting for!
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Got some ideas of where to go but can't quite think about how to turn it into a trip? Get in touch and we can help you with a personalised custom itinerary!
It's thought that the average American has only visited 17 states - so many will be more than impressed when they hear you'll be visiting all 48 contiguous states in just one trip!
