Exploring the stunning landscapes of America’s national parks is a journey like no other. With a $80 one-year National Park Ticket, valid for up to four people, we managed to experience the beauty of these parks without breaking the bank. Our epic road trip began in Forest City, IA, and took us on a 3,616.2-mile (5.819 KM) adventure through some of the most iconic parks in the United States. Here’s a glimpse into our unforgettable journey.

Our Journey Begins

Our adventure began in Gibraltar, with a flight to Chicago via London. From there, we took a Cessna to Mason City (MCW) and started our 3-week road trip from Forest City, IA, in a camper van. Our route took us through the following parks:

1. Arches National Park (Utah)
2. Badlands National Park (South Dakota)
3. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
4. Death Valley National Park (California, Nevada)
5. Zion National Park (Utah)
6. Custer State Park (South Dakota)
7. Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada)
8. Monument Valley, Navajo Tribal Park

We also had a 3-day break in Las Vegas, with a quick stop at the Hoover Dam. We then traveled to Lake Tahoe, explored San Francisco, and drove down the scenic West Coast to our final destination in Los Angeles.

Arches National Park (Utah)

Known for its stunning natural sandstone arches, Arches National Park is a hiker’s paradise. With over 2,000 arches, the park offers trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Highlights include the Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Devil’s Garden. Wildlife sightings included chipmunks, lizards, and various bird species, adding to the park’s natural charm.

Badlands National Park (South Dakota)

The unique landscape of Badlands National Park, characterized by its sharply weathered rock hills and pinnacles, is a sight to behold. The park’s dramatic scenery is complemented by its rich fossil beds and abundant wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. The sight of bison grazing in the vast plains was truly unforgettable.

Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Featuring majestic mountains, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife, Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s dream. Drive along the Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in North America, and keep an eye out for elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. The stunning vistas and sightings of elk and moose in their natural habitat were highlights of our visit. Regrettably, we were unable to cross the Rocky Mountains and had to turn back midway as the pass was obstructed by excessive snowfall.

Death Valley National Park (California, Nevada)

As the hottest and driest national park in the US, Death Valley offers a unique and otherworldly experience. Explore the salt flats at Badwater Basin, the colorful Artist’s Palette, and the towering sand dunes. Despite its harsh conditions, the park is teeming with life, including lizards, coyotes, and roadrunners. The stark beauty of the desert landscape was mesmerizing.

Zion National Park (Utah)

With its towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and scenic vistas, Zion National Park is a haven for adventurers. Hike the famous Angels Landing, explore the Narrows, or simply soak in the beauty of Zion Canyon. Wildlife in Zion includes mule deer, rock squirrels, and a variety of bird species. The sight of mule deer grazing near the trails was a memorable experience.

Custer State Park (South Dakota)

Known for its scenic drives and abundant wildlife, including the famous bison herd, Custer State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities from hiking to fishing. The park’s diverse wildlife also includes pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, and wild turkeys. Driving through herds of bison and spotting pronghorns added excitement to our journey.

Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada)

This park is famous for its vibrant red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, and unique rock formations. The Fire Wave trail is a must-see. Wildlife in Valley of Fire includes desert bighorn sheep, lizards, and various bird species. The striking red rocks and sightings of bighorn sheep were highlights of our visit.

Monument Valley, Navajo Tribal Park

Iconic for its towering sandstone buttes, Monument Valley offers a deep connection to Native American culture and stunning desert landscapes. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes, foxes, and eagles. The awe-inspiring buttes and the cultural richness of the Navajo people made this park a unique and memorable destination.

Practical Tips for Your Journey

National Park Ticket: Purchasing the annual National Park Ticket for $80 is a cost-effective way to explore multiple parks. It covers entrance fees for a year and is valid for up to four people. You can purchase it online or at any national park entrance.

Accommodation: We opted to park our camper van at truck stops to save on accommodation costs, which also added a unique element to our adventure. Starting our mornings with a big coffee from the truck stop became a cherished routine.

Conclusion

With a total of 63 national parks across the United States, our journey covered just a fraction of the incredible natural beauty this country has to offer. From the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the arid landscapes of Death Valley, each park offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first road trip, America’s national, state, and tribal parks promise adventure, discovery, and memories that will last a lifetime.