Discover the breathtaking National Parks in Western America
Posted on May 18, 2023
If you like nature, adventurous hikes and spectacular views, then the national parks in Western America are an absolute must-see. During our trip to Western America in 2019, we visited several parks, all of which were impressive. In this blog I will take you with me on our journey. Discover the breathtaking National Parks in Western America!
Yosemite National Park
The first national park we encountered during our trip in Western America was Yosemite National Park, located just a four-hour drive from Monterey. In this park it seems as if you have stepped straight into a painting with beautiful streams, waterfalls and mountains. Before you go, I recommend checking the park's website for special notices and to determine the best entrance. Also keep in mind that the road to the park has many turns. We stayed in the charming village of Oakhurst, just a 27-minute drive from the park.
Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Park
From Oakhurst we drove on to Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Park, a drive of about three hours. In this park we discovered the largest trees in the world, the sequoias. It was amazing to realize how small we were next to these giants of trees. Although this park was a bit disappointing for us, the giant sequoias were definitely worth it. Our hotel was in the town of Visalia, about an hour's drive from the park.
Death Valley
After admiring the largest tree in the world, we continued our trip to Las Vegas. However, a long day in the car was rewarded with a beautiful stopover: Death Valley! Death Valley is also officially considered a national park. We were impressed by the extreme temperatures and the unique landscape. I can say for sure that you should not skip this place, even if you are afraid of melting!
Zion National Park
From Las Vegas, we drove about two and a half hours to our next destination: Zion National Park. This park offers a variety of hiking opportunities at different levels. It is truly recommended for nature lovers. Visit the park’s website for more information. We stayed in the quaint village of Springdale.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Just a two-hour drive from Zion National Park, we found my favorite national park: Bryce Canyon. This park is a hiker’s paradise, with its beautiful hoodoos, pyramid-shaped rock formations formed by erosion. The views here never bore you. If you want to know more about the park, check its website.
Monument Valley
After two days in Page, see our blog with the total route, it was time to continue our trip to Monument Valley, a beautiful area that symbolizes the Wild West. You can drive your car through Monument Valley and enjoy the breathtaking views this national park has to offer. Our base of operations was the village of Kayenta.
Grand Canyon
From Monument Valley, we drove about two and a half hours to one of the world’s most famous national parks: the Grand Canyon. From our base in Flagstaff, we explored this gigantic park in two and a half days. We found wonderful hiking trails on the official website, including a route to the popular Ooh Aah Point. We ended our visit to the Grand Canyon with a breathtaking helicopter flight over the canyon. It was one of the most impressive experiences of my life.
Joshua Tree National Park
Our trip ended in beautiful Joshua Tree National Park, just a three-hour drive from the Grand Canyon. Here you will find the unique Joshua Trees and the impressive teddy cacti. The park offers countless opportunities to enjoy nature and is a perfect ending to an unforgettable trip.
