Everybody loves to travel. Whether it’s an international adventure, island hopping, weekend getaways, or a cross country road trip, travel is one of the best ways to connect with family, friends, and cultures. For most people, travel itself isn’t the reason why they like it. The cramped airplanes, long security lines, and crowded subways usually aren’t the highlights of trips. However, road trips are in a completely different category. Something about driving down endless roads with loved ones while playing favorite music and games creates long-lasting memories that families and friends will cherish forever.
The United States, with its endless array of interconnected highways, interstates, and back roads, makes it the perfect country for road trips. Luckily, Wander Camp has locations in several of the USA’s most popular national parks so there will always be a comfortable place to stay the night! Keep reading for our list of the USA’s most popular road trips to go on in 2021 as well as popular attractions found within each one.
Southern Utah
Our first stop on our top five USA road trips is Southern Utah. Utah is home to five national parks, all located in the southern half of Utah. The proximity and popularity of these national parks make Utah one of the best road trip locations!
Zion
Zion National Park is arguably one of Utah’s most popular national parks. Hike through the Narrows or Kolob Canyon for some amazing pictures, lots of shade, and some tight squeezes through the narrow walls of the canyon. Angels Landing is a popular hike that takes visitors to the top of a 1,488 foot-tall rock for scenic views across Zion National Park.
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is a short drive from Zion National Park and is well known for its beautiful rock formations. Hike the Navajo Loop for a trail that leads into the canyon, past the well-known switchbacks of Wall Street, and empties at Inspiration Point, a popular photo destination. Cedar Breaks National Monument is also just a quick car trip from this national park.
Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef National Park is another national park found in Southern Utah. Look for the Pioneer Register Trail, where Mormon pioneers inscribed their names in the rock walls nearly 150 years ago. Hickman Bridge, Cassidy Arch, and Goosenecks Overlook are all popular attractions in this park.
Arches
Arches National Park, found in Moab, Utah, is best known for its Delicate Arch, a natural free-standing arch found in the middle of the park. The Arches scenic drive is the best one to add to your road trip with its winding roads and beautiful views of the red rock formations.
Canyonlands
Canyonlands National Park is another one of Utah’s national parks that can’t be missed. Mesa Arch is a popular attraction at this national park. Monument Valley and Lake Powell are two other popular spots in Utah near Canyonlands National Park. Dead Horse Point Overlook is a good place to get out of the car and stretch your legs and see some stunning views of the canyon below while you’re there.
Fun Fact: Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches all are registered as International Dark Sky Parks, meaning that these parks have exceptionally starry nights! Don’t miss out on seeing Utah’s beautiful night sky on your next road trip to Southern Utah!
Arizona
Arizona is full of diverse deserts and rare rock formations. On your next road trip to Arizona, don’t miss the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon. Arizona is the perfect destination for those who love to camp and are looking for adventure!
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is nearly 300 miles long and is something that you definitely do not want to miss while in Arizona. There are a multitude of activities to do, such as river rafting, camping, backpacking, and day hikes. Take a trip to the Grand Canyon Skywalk for first-rate views across the canyon.
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is located on the east rim of the Grand Canyon where the Colorado River makes a sharp turn. This is one of the best places in Arizona and the Grand Canyon to get some stunning pictures of the canyon. Take a break from your road trip to see this gorgeous view!
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is another popular attraction in Arizona. Go on day hikes, visit the Navajo Village Heritage Center, or go on a guided tour that is offered throughout the canyon. Antelope Canyon is also near Lake Powell, a popular spot for boating and camping.
Wyoming
The next stop on our list is Wyoming. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park are the two main attractions in this state. Full of beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, a Wyoming road trip will be sure to keep you fully entertained. Keep an eye out for Yellowstone’s vibrant hot springs and the Grand Tetons’ stunning views.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is well known for its famous geyser, Old Faithful, which goes off every hour or so, guaranteeing that you will be able to see it spout off whenever you visit. Don’t miss the vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring or the gorgeous Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Take a drive through Lamar Valley for a chance to see bison, elk, and even an occasional bear!
Grand Tetons
Found in Northwestern Wyoming, near Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is known for its crystal clear lakes surrounded by the towering magnificence of the Grand Tetons. Phelps Lake, Oxbow Bend, and Jenny Lake are just a few of the popular features that Grand Teton National Park has to offer.
South Dakota
South Dakota is best known for being the home of Mount Rushmore, a huge sculpture with the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln depicted on the face of a mountain. However, South Dakota has much more than just this national monument. It is also home to Custer State Park, Rapid City, and the historic Deadwood, a small town known for its gold rush history.
South Dakota is the perfect road trip destination because it features national monuments, lush state forests, and rich historical background. Rent a couple of ATVs and go explore the Black Hills of South Dakota or take a trip into Deadwood to experience a town where Wild Bill and Calamity Jane roamed the streets. Free daily shows are performed on Main street where actors perform events from Deadwood’s notorious history. Explore the charming landscapes of Custer State Park and visit Devils Tower and Crazy Horse Monument as well!
Montana
Montana is home to the beautiful Glacier National Park. Glacier is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the whole world. Popular attractions here feature Many Glacier, Hidden Lake Overlook, Avalanche Lake, and the famous Lake McDonald. Glacier National Park has over 700 miles of hiking trails, more than enough to keep anyone busy for a few days. For those who prefer not to hike, take a Red Bus tour that takes you along the Going-To-The-Sun road to the top of the park!
Our last stop ventures a little bit outside of the USA into Canada! Just a few miles from the Canadian border you will find Waterton Lakes National Park. This national park introduces you to the peaks and valleys of the Canadian Rockies. Here you will find glassy lakes and dense forests. Travel a little farther into Canada to visit the famous Banff National Park. This park’s most popular spots include Lake Moraine and Lake Louise. Make sure to pay Banff a visit for a picture-perfect road trip experience!
This ends our top 5 USA road trips to take in 2021! All of these locations deserve a spot on your own road trip bucket lists and they all are definitely worth the drive. Get ready to pack up your car and hop on the road! Acanela and Wander Camp are here to help with all your road trip needs, so book today for a fully planned expedition to the national park of your choice!
Post written by Abby Kimball