Four in 10 US adults are planning a family vacation this year and 53% of traveling families are expected to load their cars for a road trip. The ‘great American road trip’ continues to attract travelers with endless scenery and gorgeous landscapes on the menu. Lower gas prices compared to 2018 are also contributing factors to the surge in planned road trips in addition to the flexibility of schedules and the ability to pack what you want.
The Grand Canyon
There are several ways to reach the world’s ‘most spectacular gorge’ – through Las Vegas McCarran International Airport or Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. From there, you can hire a suitable car and drive to the Canyon. If you’re doing a longer road trip for cheaper vacation costs, you will probably use the AZ 64 or US 180.
At the South Rim, enjoy the outstanding views at the Grand Canyon Village, admire the historic Watchtower which also offers an excellent viewpoint for the canyon and the Colorado River, and stop at Hermits Rest. For visitors of the North Rim which is only accessible in summer, don’t miss the superb viewpoints of Bright Angel Point, Cape Royal and Point Imperial which is the highest lookout in the park.
Yellowstone National Park
Another delightful road trip that you should do is the Yellowstone National Park renowned for its geysers, hot springs, bison, grizzly bears, elk, and wolves. Most of the park is in Wyoming with some parts in Idaho and Montana.
There is no public transportation inside the park, so driving your own vehicle is recommended. Stop at the Mammoth Hot Springs, a huge complex of hot springs and the Upper Geyser Basin which has the densest groups of geysers in the park. Other areas that you should explore include the Grand Prismatic Spring, the biggest and deepest spring in the park, Lamar Valley for its abundant wildlife and its resident gray wolf, and the Norris Geyser Basin for a chance to see the world’s tallest geyser, the Steamboat Geyser.
The Mighty Arkansas River in Colorado
The Arkansas river and Colorado river are two major rivers that run through the vast canyons of Colorado. Later on down the Colorado, you actually end up in the Grand Canyon, which was whittled down to the giant canyon walls you see today. Quite a few miles back, in the lovely state of Colorado, you can see the origins of the river. Then if you are adventurous and looking for something to do, consider trying go white water rafting in the river. There are plenty of guides and safety precautions to ensure you have the best time. Royal Gorge Rafting is one of the many spots you can go with to ensure you have the best experience.
After you finish your lovely rafting trip, try and venture out in the wilderness for some classic hiking. You can even find cabin rentals near Denver if you wanted to stay out there and experience a night in the woods while not going far from your hotel. As spooky as that sounds, camping is one of Colorado’s favorite activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Considered one of the most photographed places in the world, the Monument Valley hosts an impressive collection of sandstone rock formations rising 400 to 1,000 feet above the ground of the valley. The park comprises 92,000 acres in northern Arizona and southern Utah. It is under the jurisdiction of the Navajo Nation Reservation.
Admire the spectacular spires, buttes, desert scenes, and the surrounding mesas. Do the scenic Valley Drive, a 17-mile loop. Book a tour of the Lower Monument Valley for the amazing sunrise or hike and explore caves on a Teardrop Arch tour.
There is so much to see in the US when you’re on a road trip. But if you’re short on time, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and Monument Valley are three of the most unforgettable ones.
Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash