One Week National Park Roadtrip from Los Angeles
As travelers, we often believe that we have to fly away to foreign lands in order to experience the rush and excitement of discovery and adventurer. However, this mindset often leads us to neglect the opportunities that are right in our backyards. For many Americans like myself, we forget to explore the beautiful National Parks that are just hours away from where we live.
If you're like me, it's easy to say you'll get to them later or push off a National Parks trip in favor of a European summer or Southeast Asia tour, but it's a shame really. The American National Parks are true world wonders, and people travel from around the globe to bask in the glory of the Grand Canyon or experience some of Zion's incredible hikes.
This type of adventure is also far more sustainable than anything we do abroad. We can eliminate the carbon emissions of long flights, opt to camp in nature rather than supporting large hotel corporations, and our camping or park fees are all going to preserving these stunning natural sites. There is also something to be said about how exposure to these incredible parks makes each of us more determined to protect them.
I recently had the pleasure of taking a Travellers Autobarn van from Los Angeles to four different national parks. Each stop offered something new and beautiful to the trip, and it was the perfect time to unplug and immerse myself in nature.
If you are thinking about exploring some of the parks by the West Coast, here's what yuo need to know about maximizing your trip, staying in the right accommodation, saving on unnecessary costs, and experiencing the American Southwest:
Los Angeles to Zion National Park
Days 1-3
We spent the first full day with the van driving straight to Zion National Park in Utah. Zion is one of the most popular national parks in America, with 4.62million visitors in 2023. The park is very user-friendly with electric shuttles, clear markings, and friendly staff.
Where to Stay at Zion National Park
Zion is very popular, so the most popular campsites tend to book up pretty far in advance. We also wanted to do this on a budget, so we opted to do dispersed camping on public land rather than paying for a formal campsite.
Kolob Terrace Road checked all of my boxes. It is completely free and just 20 minutes from the entrance to Zion. Even though it is a first-come-first-serve campsite, we never had an issue finding a place to park the van. There are plenty of spots, many of which are shady and flat.
As with most dispersed camping spots, they don't have bathrooms or other amenities, but it's worth it for how quiet and peaceful the site is. I loved being able to see the red rock formations and stars from our site, and there is even a stream that rounds through the middle of it.
Learn more about Kolob Terrace Road and other dispersed campsites on The Dyrt.
Main Activities Zion National Park
The Narrows: The Narrows is one of Zion's most popular hikes, and for good reason. It is a very unique hike that takes place at the bottom of the gorge, and you work your way through the Virgin River by climbing over rocks against the current and without a trail. It is an out-and-back hike, so you can go as far as you'd like. The hike takes about 5-7 hours depending on how far you go, how many stops you take, and how quickly you are able to get through the water.
While you can opt to do the hike with your own gear, I recommend renting gear from one of the shops by the park. We rented from Zion Adventures, and we only got the footwear because it was so warm during our visit. I liked that we were able to pick up our gear the day before the hike and they even did a Narrows "orientation" to answer questions and give instructions for first-time hikers.
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Angel's Landing: Angel's Landing is the most iconic hike in Zion, and it ends with one of the most famous views of the park. From the top of the hike, you can truly appreciate Zion's patchwork of landscapes from its sandstone canyons to the plunging waterfalls.
Angel's Landing is a strenuous hike, and it even requires a permit. You can either apply for a seasonal permit, where you rank your preferred dates, or you may get lucky in the day-before lottery. If you're in Zion for a few days, you could enter the lottery each day just to see if you get it, but it can get competitive during popular months.
Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon
Day 3-4
We only had a day at Bryce Canyon, but I would have loved to spend more time exploring the park. While Bryce has the slot canyons and orange hues that I associate with Utah, the hoodoo formations – the odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from the forces of erosion – are what make Bryce truly unique.
Where to Stay at Bryce Canyon National Park
For Bryce Canyon, we spent the night at the Bryce Canyon RV Resort. You have to charge a camper van every three days, so we had to book accommodations that came with a charging station. We were also definitely overdue for some showers and other amenities, so this was perfect. This RV resort also has a shower, kitchen, and a pool.
Another benefit of booking a spot rather than relying on dispersed camping was that we could go into the park for sunset without being worried about finding a place to stay in the dark. This is especially helpful at Bryce Canyon with its famous hoodoo sunset spots.
Main Activities at Bryce Canyon National Park
Sunset Point: Sunset Point and Sunrise Point are two of the most popular viewpoints at Bryce Canyon, and neither of them require any proper hiking. You don't need a shuttle to access these points; you can drive right up to the parking lot and find yourself right by the rim of the canyon.
As the name suggests, these are some of the best places to enjoy the golden hues of the sunset or sunrise. While we visited in September, the views are supposed to be the best during the winter months when the hoodoos are speckled with snow.
Red Canyon State Park: If you take Highway 12 into Bryce Canyon, you will drive through the Red Canyon State Park. This is considered the most photographed place in Utah, likely because of the satisfying way that the red soil juxtaposes against the green pines. It is like a smaller version of Bryce Canyon with red rock hoodoos and arches.
There are fantastic biking opportunities between Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon, with two trails that connect the parks. The path is paved, so it is accessible to any type of bike. Mountain bikers can also use the trail to climb their way to Thunder Mountain. However, whether you bike or drive, it's a beautiful area to explore.
Mossy Cave: We did the Mossy Cave hike because it was right by our campground. It's a short hike that ends with a small waterfall and cave. To be completely honest, I found it a bit underwhelming in September, but it is supposed to be nicer in winter when the water droplets turn into icicles.
The Rodeo: Just outside of the park, there is a rodeo that happens on the weekends during the summer. They have bull-riding and other classic events. I would love to be able to sincerely say "this ain't my first rodeo," but I've actually never attended one before. It ends in August so we missed it, and I was devastated. If you're planning your trip for the summer, please check it out and report back.
Optional Stop: Horseshoe Bend
You may recognize Horseshoe Bend from laptop default screensavers or other stock images. It's an iconic sight and one of the most recognizable geographic formations in Arizona.
It is located just off of Highway 89, allowing you to take a break just about halfway between Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon. It's a nice stop if you want to break up the drive and stretch your legs. However, bear in mind that it costs $10 per car to visit, and your National Parks Pass does not cover that. I thought it was very beautiful in person, but it's also very crowded and you'll see a lot of wonderful sites on this itinerary.
Bryce Canyon to Grand Canyon
Days 5-6
Grand Canyon is so much more spectacular than anyone can capture in photos, paintings, or words. But it is also so inspiring that none of us can help but try. It deserves a spot on every bucket list, because it makes you feel small in the most humbling and awestruck of ways.
Where to Stay in Grand Canyon
Long Jim Loop is a gorgeous campsite just outside of the entrance to the Grand Canyon. I'm sure it gets busier in the summer months, but in September it was so well-maintained and spacious. The spots are really spread out among the forest and trees, and you can even hear elk walking around at night (so pack up your food!). There is also a market within walking distance.
If you are looking to stay somewhere closer to the canyon, I also recommend the Desert View campsite. I stayed here a few years ago, and it's a more traditional campsites with amenities and whatnot. You'll have to book it further in advance, but you can literally walk to the rim from the site which is pretty amazing.
Main Activities at Grand Canyon National Park
South Kaibab Trail: This is one of the most popular day hikes in Grand Canyon, largely because it's super well-maintained and allows you to hike right into the canyon. It's an out-and-back trail, but it is worth remembering that the walk back is all uphill.
You can do this as an overnight trip with the right permits and prepaparation, but most people do this as a day hike. I have only gone as far as the Ooh Aah point which is 1.8 miles down, and there isn't much shade so I didn't want to go any further than that.
Kolb Studio: Kolb Studio is an art and history exhibit located in a restored family home and photography studio. You can check their website in advance to see what exhibits they have on, but it's worth visiting no matter what.
During our visit, they had the Grand Canyon Celebration of Art. This is an annual event where they invite 20+ different artists to explore the canyon and try to capture it in different mediums and styles. Proceeds from the art sales goes right back into the arts program. You can see some of the art that is on display on their website.
Moran Point: You could spend a whole day hopping around to different viewpoints of the canyon, and each one will offer something different. Moran Point is my favorite viewpoint in the park, and I love that you can (carefully!) make your way into the canyon to enjoy the views.
I particularly recommend visiting Moran Point for sunset. You can really appreciate the size of the Grand Canyon as you watch the colors change. But honestly, there are so many beautiful sites that it's worth it to just pick one and soak it all in during golden hour.
Grand Canyon to Joshua Tree
Days 6-7
Joshua Tree is more than a national park; it is also home to a vibrant community of artists and creatives who call the desert their home. One of the coolest parts about visiting Joshua Tree was exploring the trendy spots around the town and seeing the ways that the landscape enhances people's creative endeavors.
Where to Stay in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree RV Campground is in a great location for those looking to explore the park and the town. It is just 10 minutes from the entrance to the park and 12 minutes from the heart of the Yucca Valley. Depending on how you plan your trip, this site also had hookups for power and electricity for the van.
Main Activities in Joshua Tree
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum: Noah Purifoy is an artist who spent most of his life living and working in Los Angeles and Joshua Tree. He became famous for his work that brought attention to the 1965 Watts rebellion, a series of anti-police riots in Los Angeles. He also worked with the California Arts Council where he initiated programs like the Artists in Social Institutions, which brought art into the state prison system.
He spent the last 15 years of his life creating his outdoor desert art museum. It is ten acres of large-scale sculptures constructed entirely from junked materials. The exhibit is maintained by the Noah Purifoy Foundation, and visitors can roam around his exhibit which feels post-apocalyptic, poetic, and chilling.
Tiny Pony Tavern: Tiny Pony Tavern is a gay bar in Yucca Valley just outside of Joshua Tree. They have strong drinks, yummy bar food, and loads of events throughout the week. Several of their cocktails are associated with local charities, with proceeds going to Joshua Tree wildlife or other causes.
On Tuesdays they host karaoke nights, which is really popular with local people from the area. I was impressed by how popular the bar was on a weeknight, but the party was super fun and everyone was strangely good at karaoke. No matter what night of the week you are in town, Tiny Pony Tavern is sure to make for a great stop.
Go vintage shopping: Joshua Tree has surprisingly well-curated vintage stores. Those interested in a coastal cowboy look can find endless options of cowboy boots, hats, and denim statement pieces. They have knick knacks, kitchen goods, and more cacti than you could imagine.
Just down the street from the Joshua Tree Coffee Company, you will find Time Echo Vintage and a plethora of other vintage shops. That street, 29 Palms Highway, just has a lot of cute stores in general. If you are visiting during the warmer months, this is a great way to spend the peak heat hours of the day, because you can stick to the shade and air-conditioning of the stores.
After Joshua Tree, we headed back to Los Angeles to return the van to Travellers Autobarn. Coming back to the city after a week out in nature was definitely a shock, but I was ready to shower, sleep, and start brainstorming for the next adventure.
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