A Road Trip that Takes You to 3 National Parks
Road trips are the third most popular type of vacation Americans planned to do this year accounting for 34% of activities. Traveling by road offers many benefits including flexibility and freedom, appreciation for landscapes, and quality time with families and friends. One trip that combines the excitement of a road travel with outstanding natural landscapes is the journey that starts in Nevada and ends in California. It cover 3 of the top national parks in the US.
Planning and Logistics
Before embarking on a road trip, it is vital that you prepare your vehicle for the long journey. Service the car prior to departure to avoid technical problems while you’re on the road. If you’re getting a new ride, consider visiting online platforms that offer ratings and reviews of makes of vehicles to see which car best suits your needs, preferences, and budgets. Depending on the size of your family, you might prefer a minivan that combines performance and comfort. Alternatively, you might consider electric cars, standard utility vehicles (SUVs), or crossovers.
Death Valley National Park
Once a reliable vehicle has been sorted out, you can start planning your logistics. Death Valley National Park can be accessed from several paved and dirt road entrances. If you’re driving from Nevada, take the SR 374 from Beatty which is the nearest paved entrance to the park, roughly a 10-minute drive to cover 8.9 miles. Visit the Salt Flats of Badwater Basin, considered the lowest point in the US and relish the scenic drive to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. At Zabriskie Point, enjoy the panoramic views of Death Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Sequioa and Kings Canyons National Park
From Death Valley, drive on the CA-58W for 4.5 hours and you’ll reach the Sequioa and Kings Canyon National Park. The two parks are side by side so you can easily do them both quietly. Follow the Sherman Tree Trail to reach a coppice of giant sequioa trees. Don’t miss Grant Grove where the largest sequioa trees can be found. Admire the General Sherman, known as the largest ‘single stem tree’ in the world. Its age is estimated to be around 2300-2700 years old. Climb the Moro Rock for sweeping views of the park or explore Crystal Cave for its intricate formations. If you have the time, hike in Zumwalt Meadow and be rewarded with superb views of the surrounding mountains.
Yosemite National Park
From Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, it is just a two and a half drive via CA-180W to Yosemite National Park. The park boasts of many stunning sights, you’ll find it difficult to decide which one to see first. Nonetheless, do see El Capitan which is a granite monolith. It is also a rock climbing destination. Hike to the Half Dome and admire the breathtaking views at the top. At Glacier Point, you can see Yosemite Valley and the Half Dome while Mariposa Grove is where giant sequoia trees thrive including the Grizzly Giant, estimated to be 3,000 years old.
Indeed, road trips offer a great combination of seeing wonderful attractions along the way and visiting stunning natural parks. These three parks may cover a significant distance, but the rewards are greater with stunning and surreal landscapes, natural formations, and giant trees for you to enjoy.
