Itineraries · Hikes · Best time to go
US National Park Guides
Plan your trip to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Teton, Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains with day-by-day itineraries, trail guides and honest local advice.
National parks reward a little planning. Knowing which shuttle to catch, which trail fills up by 8am and which month brings the best weather can turn a rushed visit into the trip you actually imagined. That’s exactly what these guides are for.
Each park below has its own set of guides: a complete things-to-do overview, a day-by-day itinerary, the best hikes, when to go and where to stay. Start with the overview, then go deeper on the parts of the trip that matter most to you.
Utah
Zion National Park
Towering red cliffs, river hikes and one of the most famous trails in the country. Zion is Utah’s busiest park, so timing and the shuttle system matter.
Plan the details: best time to visit Zion, Zion weather by month, hotels near Zion, closest airport to Zion, Las Vegas to Zion, Zion with kids and the Zion map guide.
Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park
The world’s largest collection of hoodoos, best seen from the rim at sunrise and from the trails that drop into the amphitheater below.
Plan the details: best time to visit Bryce Canyon, Bryce Canyon weather by month, the best viewpoints, Bryce Canyon with kids and the Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip.
Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park
Jagged peaks rising straight out of the valley, alpine lakes and some of the best wildlife watching in the West, just south of Yellowstone.
Plan the details: best time to visit Grand Teton, weather by month, Grand Teton in September, Grand Teton in October, fall colors, wildlife guide, Grand Teton with kids, where to stay and the Yellowstone and Grand Teton road trip.
More parks
Eastern National Parks and Nearby Gems
Mountain parks on the East Coast and a quieter Utah park that most travelers drive straight past.
Heading to Capitol Reef? Pair it with Goblin Valley and our Hanksville itinerary for a quieter side of Utah.
National Park Planning Tips
- Check entry rules before you go. Some parks use timed entry, permits or reservations for popular roads and trails, and the rules can change from year to year.
- Arrive early. Parking at the busiest trailheads often fills by mid-morning in peak season. Starting at sunrise also means cooler temperatures and better light.
- Book lodging first. Hotels and campgrounds near the big parks sell out months ahead, especially for summer and fall weekends.
- Pick your season carefully. Utah’s desert parks are best in spring and fall, while Grand Teton’s roads and trails are fully open mainly from late spring to early fall. Our best time to visit guides break it down month by month.
- Download maps offline. Phone signal is weak or missing across large parts of most national parks.
Want the drive as much as the destination? See our road trip guides, or browse every day-by-day itinerary on the site.
National Parks FAQ
Which national park should I visit first?
If you want dramatic scenery and plenty of easy-to-reach viewpoints, Zion and Grand Teton are great first parks. Bryce Canyon is ideal for a shorter visit, since its best views are right along the rim.
How many days do I need in a national park?
One full day covers the highlights of Bryce Canyon. Zion and Grand Teton deserve two to three days if you want to hike as well as sightsee. Each park’s itinerary guide above shows what fits into each trip length.
Can I visit Zion and Bryce Canyon on the same trip?
Yes. The two parks are less than two hours apart by car, which makes them one of the easiest pairings in the country. Our Zion to Bryce Canyon guide covers the route and the best stops.