{"id":10170,"date":"2024-11-03T21:17:07","date_gmt":"2024-11-03T21:17:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/?p=10170"},"modified":"2024-11-04T12:43:46","modified_gmt":"2024-11-04T12:43:46","slug":"the-ultimate-road-trip-exploring-all-u-s-national-parks-and-forests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/the-ultimate-road-trip-exploring-all-u-s-national-parks-and-forests\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Road Trip: Exploring All U.S. National Parks and Forests"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Embarking on a road trip to visit every U.S. national park and forest is a dream adventure for nature enthusiasts and travelers alike. With 63 national parks and 154 national forests spread across the country, this journey promises awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and countless opportunities for adventure. Here\u2019s a guide to the ultimate road trip that covers them all, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.\n\n\n\n</p><h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'><strong>Planning the Ultimate Route\n\n\n\n<p>To efficiently cover all national parks and forests, the route must be thoughtfully planned. Starting on the West Coast, known for its dense concentration of parks, and gradually making your way east, ensures a logical flow. This trip is best broken down into regional segments:\n\n\n\n</p><h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'><strong>1. Pacific Northwest\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"900\"' height='\"428\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/storage.googleapis.com%5C/stateless-wheretogonext-me%5C/2024%5C/11%5C/589fe623-pacific-northwest1.webp%5C%22" alt='\"pacific' northwest class='\"wp-image-10197\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-wheretogonext-me\/2024\/11\/589fe623-pacific-northwest1.webp' https: sizes='\"auto,'>\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>National Parks: Olympic, Mount Rainier, North Cascades, Crater Lake\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Forests: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Gifford Pinchot, Deschutes, Umpqua\n\n\n\n\n<p>Start your journey in Washington with Olympic National Park\u2019s diverse ecosystems\u2014rainforests, beaches, and mountains. Continue to Mount Rainier for its iconic volcanic peak, then to North Cascades, known for rugged mountain terrain. Cross into Oregon for Crater Lake\u2019s deep blue waters. Don\u2019t miss the scenic drives through the dense forests of Mount Baker-Snoqualmie and Deschutes.\n\n\n\n</p><p class='\"aff\"'><a href="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/www.booking.com%5C/searchresults.en.html?landmark=188798&amp;aid=7944451&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2%5C%22" target='\"_blank\"' rel='\"noreferrer' noopener>Find the best accommodation \n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'><strong>2. California Dreaming\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"900\"' height='\"600\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/storage.googleapis.com%5C/stateless-wheretogonext-me%5C/2024%5C/11%5C/2cca574f-california-dreaming.webp%5C%22" alt='\"california' dreaming class='\"wp-image-10188\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-wheretogonext-me\/2024\/11\/2cca574f-california-dreaming.webp' https: sizes='\"auto,'>\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>National Parks: Redwood, Lassen Volcanic, Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Channel Islands\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Forests: Shasta-Trinity, Sierra, Inyo, Angeles, San Bernardino\n\n\n\n\n<p>California offers an impressive variety of parks. From the towering redwoods to the geothermal wonders of Lassen, the iconic granite cliffs of Yosemite, and the desert landscapes of Joshua Tree and Death Valley. Visit the Channel Islands for a unique coastal experience. The national forests provide lush landscapes and additional hiking opportunities.\n\n\n\n</p><p class='\"aff\"'><a href="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/www.booking.com%5C/searchresults.en.html?landmark=11169&amp;aid=7944451&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2%5C%22" target='\"_blank\"' rel='\"noreferrer' noopener>Find the best accommodation\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'><strong>3. The Southwest Splendor\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"900\"' height='\"600\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/storage.googleapis.com%5C/stateless-wheretogonext-me%5C/2024%5C/11%5C/364545f9-the-southwest-splendor.webp%5C%22" alt='\"the' southwest splendor class='\"wp-image-10189\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-wheretogonext-me\/2024\/11\/364545f9-the-southwest-splendor.webp' https: sizes='\"auto,'>\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>National Parks: Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Petrified Forest, Saguaro\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Forests: Coconino, Kaibab, Dixie, Manti-La Sal\n\n\n\n\n<p>The Southwest is home to dramatic desert landscapes and geological marvels. Start at the Grand Canyon\u2019s breathtaking vistas, then explore the canyons and arches of Utah\u2019s national parks. Don\u2019t miss the saguaro cacti forests in Arizona and the vibrant petrified woodlands in the Petrified Forest.\n\n\n\n</p><p class='\"aff\"'><a href="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/www.booking.com%5C/searchresults.en.html?landmark=66281&amp;aid=7944451&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2%5C%22" target='\"_blank\"' rel='\"noreferrer' noopener>Find the best accommodation\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'><strong>4. The Rocky Mountains\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"900\"' height='\"599\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/storage.googleapis.com%5C/stateless-wheretogonext-me%5C/2024%5C/11%5C/2c18b408-the-rocky-mountains.webp%5C%22" alt='\"the' rocky mountains class='\"wp-image-10190\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-wheretogonext-me\/2024\/11\/2c18b408-the-rocky-mountains.webp' https: sizes='\"auto,'>\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>National Parks: Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Forests: Bridger-Teton, Gallatin, Flathead, Arapaho\n\n\n\n\n<p>Head north to the towering peaks of the Rockies. Yellowstone and Grand Teton offer geothermal wonders and stunning alpine scenery. Glacier National Park is known for its pristine wilderness, while Rocky Mountain National Park is a haven for hikers and wildlife lovers.\n\n\n\n</p><p class='\"aff\"'><a href="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/www.booking.com%5C/searchresults.en.html?landmark=16069&amp;aid=7944451&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2%5C%22" target='\"_blank\"' rel='\"noreferrer' noopener>Find the best accommodation\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'><strong>5. The Great Plains\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"900\"' height='\"600\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/storage.googleapis.com%5C/stateless-wheretogonext-me%5C/2024%5C/11%5C/e2663af8-the-great-plains.webp%5C%22" alt='\"the' great plains class='\"wp-image-10191\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-wheretogonext-me\/2024\/11\/e2663af8-the-great-plains.webp' https: sizes='\"auto,'>\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>National Parks: Badlands, Wind Cave, Theodore Roosevelt\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Forests: Black Hills, Custer\n\n\n\n\n<p>Explore the rugged beauty of the Badlands and the unique underground world of Wind Cave. Theodore Roosevelt National Park showcases the vast grasslands and rugged terrain that inspired the conservationist president.\n\n\n\n</p><p class='\"aff\"'><a href="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/www.booking.com%5C/searchresults.en.html?landmark=65820&amp;aid=7944451&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2%5C%22" target='\"_blank\"' rel='\"noreferrer' noopener>Find the best accommodation\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'><strong>6. The Midwest and Great Lakes\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"900\"' height='\"599\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/storage.googleapis.com%5C/stateless-wheretogonext-me%5C/2024%5C/11%5C/1ed56e73-the-midwest.webp%5C%22" alt='\"the' midwest class='\"wp-image-10192\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-wheretogonext-me\/2024\/11\/1ed56e73-the-midwest.webp' https: sizes='\"auto,'>\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>National Parks: Voyageurs, Isle Royale, Indiana Dunes, Cuyahoga Valley\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Forests: Superior, Chequamegon-Nicolet, Huron-Manistee\n\n\n\n\n<p>The Midwest offers a mix of aquatic adventures and forested landscapes. Explore the boundary waters of Voyageurs, the isolated beauty of Isle Royale, and the lush greenery of Cuyahoga Valley.\n\n\n\n</p><p class='\"aff\"'><a href="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/www.booking.com%5C/searchresults.en.html?region=2444&amp;aid=7944451&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2%5C%22" target='\"_blank\"' rel='\"noreferrer' noopener>Find the best accommodation\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'><strong>7. The Southeast\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"900\"' height='\"600\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/storage.googleapis.com%5C/stateless-wheretogonext-me%5C/2024%5C/11%5C/defeb00d-the-southeast.webp%5C%22" alt='\"the' southeast class='\"wp-image-10193\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-wheretogonext-me\/2024\/11\/defeb00d-the-southeast.webp' https: sizes='\"auto,'>\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>National Parks: Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, Everglades, Biscayne, Dry Tortugas\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Forests: Pisgah, Cherokee, Ocala\n\n\n\n\n<p>Experience the biodiversity of the Everglades and the underwater wonders of Biscayne and Dry Tortugas. The Great Smoky Mountains offer lush forests and abundant wildlife, while Mammoth Cave provides an extensive underground network of caves.\n\n\n\n</p><p class='\"aff\"'><a href="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/www.booking.com%5C/searchresults.en.html?landmark=255516&amp;aid=7944451&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2%5C%22" target='\"_blank\"' rel='\"noreferrer' noopener>Find the best accommodation\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'><strong>8. The Eastern Seaboard\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"900\"' height='\"600\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/storage.googleapis.com%5C/stateless-wheretogonext-me%5C/2024%5C/11%5C/15cd04e3-the-eastern-seaboard.webp%5C%22" alt='\"the' eastern seaboard class='\"wp-image-10194\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-wheretogonext-me\/2024\/11\/15cd04e3-the-eastern-seaboard.webp' https: sizes='\"auto,'>\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>National Parks: Shenandoah, Acadia, Congaree\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Forests: George Washington, Green Mountain, White Mountain\n\n\n\n\n<p>Journey through the rolling hills of Shenandoah, the rugged coastlines of Acadia, and the ancient floodplain forests of Congaree. The national forests along the Eastern Seaboard offer serene hiking trails and scenic drives.\n\n\n\n</p><p class='\"aff\"'><a href="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/www.booking.com%5C/searchresults.en.html?landmark=71488&amp;aid=7944451&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2%5C%22" target='\"_blank\"' rel='\"noreferrer' noopener>Find the best accommodation\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'><strong>9. The Alaska Adventure\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"900\"' height='\"600\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/storage.googleapis.com%5C/stateless-wheretogonext-me%5C/2024%5C/11%5C/b6cf4f92-the-alaska-adventure.webp%5C%22" alt='\"the' alaska adventure class='\"wp-image-10195\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-wheretogonext-me\/2024\/11\/b6cf4f92-the-alaska-adventure.webp' https: sizes='\"auto,'>\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>National Parks: Denali, Glacier Bay, Kenai Fjords, Wrangell-St. Elias, Gates of the Arctic, Kobuk Valley, Katmai, Lake Clark\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Forests: Tongass, Chugach\n\n\n\n\n<p>Alaska\u2019s vast wilderness is a must-visit for its towering peaks, massive glaciers, and abundant wildlife. From Denali\u2019s iconic mountain to the coastal beauty of Kenai Fjords, each park offers unparalleled natural splendor.\n\n\n\n</p><p class='\"aff\"'><a href="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/www.booking.com%5C/searchresults.en.html?landmark=190649&amp;aid=7944451&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2%5C%22" target='\"_blank\"' rel='\"noreferrer' noopener>Find the best accommodation\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'><strong>10. The Hawaiian Escape\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"900\"' height='\"587\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/storage.googleapis.com%5C/stateless-wheretogonext-me%5C/2024%5C/11%5C/400dcde9-the-hawaiian-escape.webp%5C%22" alt='\"the' hawaiian escape class='\"wp-image-10196\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-wheretogonext-me\/2024\/11\/400dcde9-the-hawaiian-escape.webp' https: sizes='\"auto,'>\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'>\n<li><strong>National Parks: Haleakal\u0101, Hawai\u2019i Volcanoes\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Forests: None (Hawai\u2019i has national parks but no national forests)\n\n\n\n\n<p>End your road trip in the tropical paradise of Hawaii. Haleakal\u0101 offers stunning sunrises and volcanic landscapes, while Hawai\u2019i Volcanoes showcases active volcanic activity and lush rainforests.\n\n\n\n</p><p class='\"aff\"'><a href="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/www.booking.com%5C/searchresults.en.html?landmark=15438&amp;aid=7944451&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2%5C%22" target='\"_blank\"' rel='\"noreferrer' noopener>Find the best accommodation\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'><strong>Additional National Forests to Include\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the parks mentioned above, many national forests such as Tahoe, Ozark-St. Francis, and Allegheny provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and scenic drives. These forests often surround or connect national parks, offering extended exploration and adventure.\n\n\n\n</p><p>This epic road trip spans thousands of miles, covering the diverse landscapes of the United States. From the deserts of the Southwest to the glaciers of Alaska, and the tropical paradises of Hawaii, every stop offers a unique glimpse into the natural beauty and ecological diversity of America\u2019s protected lands. With careful planning, this journey becomes more than just a road trip\u2014it\u2019s a lifetime adventure that connects you with the most awe-inspiring environments in the country.\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>Embarking on a road trip to visit every U.S. national park and forest is a dream adventure for nature enthusiasts and travelers alike. With 63 national parks and 154 national forests spread across the country, this journey promises awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and countless opportunities for adventure. Here\u2019s a guide to the ultimate road trip [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10172,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"The Ultimate Road Trip: Exploring All U.S. National Parks and Forests","_seopress_titles_desc":"Embark on the ultimate road trip to explore all U.S. national parks and forests. Discover breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and adventure-filled routes across America, from the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone and beyond.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[7396,7393,7399,7400,7401,7397,7398,7394,7395],"class_list":["post-10170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-usa","tag-best-road-trip-in-america","tag-exploring-us-national-forests","tag-national-parks-travel-guide","tag-nature-travel-adventure","tag-road-trip-itinerary","tag-scenic-road-trips-usa","tag-ultimate-road-trip-usa","tag-us-national-parks-road-trip","tag-visit-all-us-national-parks"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10170"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10170\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10212,"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10170\/revisions\/10212"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ogfacts.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></strong></h3></a></p></strong></li></strong></li></ul></figure></strong></h3></a></p></strong></li></strong></li></ul></figure></strong></h3></a></p></strong></li></strong></li></ul></figure></strong></h3></a></p></strong></li></strong></li></ul></figure></strong></h3></a></p></strong></li></strong></li></ul></figure></strong></h3></a></p></strong></li></strong></li></ul></figure></strong></h3></a></p></strong></li></strong></li></ul></figure></strong></h3></a></p></strong></li></strong></li></ul></figure></strong></h3></a></p></strong></li></strong></li></ul></figure></strong></h3></a></p></strong></li></strong></li></ul></figure></strong></h3></strong></h3>