The American Road Trip For Hikers: Top 10 Scenic Stops

Top 10 Scenic Stops: The American Road Trip for Hikers

Planning an Road Trip can be daunting, especially if you have time constraints, we’ve made it easy for you and listed our favourite stops to make the ideal road trip for hikers!

Below, we’ve laid out our Top 10 Stops on an American road trip for hikers in the western states. This includes stops you should make if you’ve never visited the USA, along with those off the beaten path. These are by no means the only stops nor is it a suggested itinerary. There are suggestions of stops nearby as well as hints and tips for planning each stop on your adventure!

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Top 10 Stops on an American Road Trip for Hikers

1. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Getting There

Laying claim to being one of the Seven Natural Wonders of The World, it spans over 227 miles in length. For this reason, it’s easily accessible from many major towns and cities. Having driven to it from both from the North and West, Las Vegas is the easiest place to start. This also means you are able to drive via Route 66.

Grand Canyon via Route 66

A slightly longer route, but worth it if you want the ‘romance’ of being on the historic Route 66. Starting in Las Vegas head south toward US-93. Once in Kingman follow signs for AZ-66. It’s a peaceful drive with plenty of places to stop for photos. Take the route via Peach Springs for a true American Road Trip experience!

Quick Tip:
There is a great milkshake place called Snow Cap on this stretch of road.

Entering The Grand Canyon National Park

The South Rim of the Canyon is open all year round, if travelling from Las Vegas, this is the easiest side to access.

Cost: $35 Approx. per Car

Accommodation

There are plenty of Lodges and Hotels around the canyon but we would recommend camping, for the full experience. There are several sites near Grand Canyon Village, which also means you have easy access to the public transport system around the canyon.

We would recommend:

Where: Grand Canyon / Williams KOA (1 hour south of South Rim, ideal if you are heading towards Route 66)
Cost:
~$50 for a RV Site (with hook up)
(Rewards programme with discounts available if you are planning to stay at multiple KOAs on your Road Trip)
Facilities: Flush Toilets, Showers, Laundry Facilities, Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Games Room, Wifi, Shop, Parking and more

Where: Mather Campground
Cost: $18 per night (tent site – no hook up)
Facilities: Flush Toilets, Laundry Facilities, Picnic Tables, Fire Pits, Parking and more. 

Quick Tip: It’s rare at the South Rim, but there have been Black Bear sightings over the years. Make sure to leave anything with a scent (even toothpaste!) in your vehicle to prevent attracting bears to your tent. Find more information on Bear Encounter Safety here.

Hiking Trails

There are so many hiking trails around and into the canyon. For a family friendly trail, The Rim Trail offers some lovely view points away from the busy tourist stops.  However, it is worth hiking below the rim to see the canyon from a different perspective. We hiked a portion of Bright Angel Trail, which has a fairly steep descent into the canyon. There is some shade on this path and there is a direct bus from the campground to the trail head.

Quick Tip: Do not attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day!

Route: Bright Angel Trail
Distance: 15 mile round trip for full trail
Time: 2-3 days
Level: Intermediate/Advanced (dependant on chosen destination on trail) 

Allow plenty of time to get back up and out of the canyon. (Roughly 1/3 time going down and 2/3 time coming back up.) There’s also limited water refill stops once in the canyon, so be sure to pack enough in case.

Quick Tip: Check out the free daily Ranger Programs around the canyon, there’s a great wildlife tour!

There are also trails that don’t focus around the canyon but instead the lakes and forests around it. If you have an extra day it’s worth seeing the wildlife that live in these habitats.

2. Dead Horse Point State Park, UT

General

Sculpted by the Colorado river, Dead Horse Point State Park is a magnificent stop to make on any road trip for hikers. A favourite in our Top 10 Scenic American Road Trip Stops, it’s the perfect place to watch the sunrise or set.

There’s also a gruesome but interesting story behind how it got its name too. As the local legend goes:

‘A local horse thief was caught by the sheriff. Unbeknown to the sheriff the horse thief had a stash of stolen horses tied up at his hidden ranch, up on the mesa. The horse thief went to jail but the horses remained tied up, dehydrated and hungry. They could see the river below and some decided to jump, others starved. Hence its name: Dead Horse Point.’

Getting There

Dead Horse Point State Park is about a 45 minute drive from Moab.  It’s just off the US-191. Or 245 miles South of Salt Lake City. It is definitely worth taking a slight detour to see the incredible landscape.
Entrance fee: $20 per vehicle.

Quick Tip: If you’re short on time, this can be combined after a day in Arches National Park. Just be sure to arrive before sunset!

Accommodation

Where: KOA Moab (40 minutes drive from Dead Horse Point but great location for exploring Arches NP as well)
Cost: ~$75 for RV site with hook up
(Rewards programme with discounts available if you are planning to stay at multiple KOAs on your Road Trip)
Facilities: Flush toilets, showers, pool, laundry facilities, wifi, shop, grill, picnic tables and more.

There are also two closer campsites in Dead Horse Point State Park, Kayenta Campground and Wingate Campground. Although we’ve not camped there, the Park makes the perfect desert camping spot and both campgrounds have great reviews.
Cost: approx. $35 per tent site $50 per RV site

Hiking Trails

The main hiking trails are the East Rim Trail and the West Rim Trail, which link to form one circular route. They are well signposted from the visitors centre and marked by cairns. If you follow one you end up unknowingly on the other, looping back to the visitor centre.

Route: East/West Rim Trail
Distance: 4-9 miles (dependent on if you take all the spurs)
Time: 2-4 hours (dependent on distance)
Level: Beginner

There’s also The Intrepid Trail system which provides over 16 miles of hiking and biking trails. You can find out more details of the trails here.

Fun Fact: In 2016, Dead Horse Point State Park was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. Which makes it a great spot for some night time photography!

Nearby

  • Canyonlands National Park (12 miles, 17 minute drive)
  • Arches National Park (29 miles, 35 minute drive)

3. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, UT

General

Monument Valley is an iconic symbol of the American West, so it’s no wonder it’s in our Top 10 Road Trip Stops for hikers. Known for its towering sandstone buttes and endless desert, the surrounding mesas and other rock formations truly make it a natural wonder. The famous ‘Mittens’ in the photo above can be viewed from the overlook not far from the visitors centre.

Fun Fact: Monument Valley is supposedly one of the most photographed places on earth, particularly the ‘Mittens’

Getting There

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park isn’t really near anything, it’s located on the border of Arizona and Utah. Being off the beaten path means you’ll need to make a good detour to get here. Entrance to the park is via US-163.

Cost: $20 per vehicle

This would make a good stop on a road trip for hikers if heading south from Arches National Park or North from the Grand Canyon. To make the most of this detour, keep reading to see what other destinations are nearby (ish!).

Experiences

You can self drive around the park, but for a life changing experience we would recommend taking a tour. Monument Valley Tours use local Navajo Guides and are able to give first hand information about their culture and traditions.

We did the overnight tour with them in 2016. One of the most incredible experiences of our lives. A day tour around the valley followed by a traditional Navajo dinner, entertainment and wild camping. Camping was the highlight for us, sleeping open under the night sky, absolutely breathtaking. You may even get to experience sleeping through a sand storm!

Quick Tip: Take a scarf to cover your face whilst travelling in the open sided jeeps. It gets very dusty!

Hiking Trails

Route: Wildcat Trail
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Level: Beginner

The Wildcat trail is the only hiking route that can be done without a local guide. As it’s the only trail available to the public without a guide, it’s heavily traveled and can get quite busy. Detailed steps for the trail can be found here.

Accommodation

Where: KOA Monument Valley (7 minute drive from Monument Valley)
Cost: ~$65 for RV site with hook up
(Rewards programme with discounts available if you are planning to stay at multiple KOAs on your Road Trip)
Facilities: Flush toilets, showers, shop, picnic tables and more.
Highlight: Incredible views of Monument Valley, perfect to watch the sunset with dinner.

Quick Tip: Be sure to get up early to watch the sunrise! The colour of the red rock is incredibly vivid in the mornings.

Movie Location – Forrest Gump

If you’re a Forrest Gump fan, you’ll find this famous location just outside of the park. You’re able to pull over and not only get a great photo of Monument Valley, but also see this famous movie location!

Nearby (ish) 

  • Antelope Canyon (116 miles, 1 hour 50 minute drive)
  • Canyonlands National Park (140 miles, 2 hour 35 minute drive)
  • Arches National Park (153 miles, 2 hour 40 minute drive)
  • The Grand Canyon National Park (230 miles, 4 hour drive)

4. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

General

Home to the largest concentration of Hoodoo’s on Earth, Bryce Canyon really feels like another planet. A favourite stop in our road trip for hikers, we would recommend spending several days here if you can.

Fun Fact: Hoodoo’s are natural columns of irregular and weathered rock.

Much like the Grand Canyon National Park, there are free ranger programs throughout the day. You can find more information on them here.

Getting There

The nearest International Airport is Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. From there Bryce Canyon is only accessible by car from UT-63. Once you arrive you can take advantage of the shuttle service around the park.

 

Quick Tip: If this isn’t the only National Park you’ll be visiting it might be worth investing in the America the Beautiful National Park Pass. (Cost: $80) This covers the entrance fees to most National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges. It’s valid for a year so if you’re planning on re-visiting some of the parks or some others later in the year it’ll be worth investing in one of these. They can be purchased upon entering most National Parks and would definitely be worth purchasing on any road trip for hikers.

Hiking Trails

It may only cover 145km² but there are still plenty of hiking trails. Weaving through the dramatic valley is thrilling and bound to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.  With so many to choose from for all levels, we’ve detailed our favourites below. Find more hiking trails here.

Route: Combination of Queen’s Garden and the Navajo Loop.
Distance: 2.9 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Level: Beginner / Intermediate
This loop begins and ends at Sunset Point, there’s a car park not too far from this point. Steeply descending into the canyon you might come across some of the local wildlife! The highlights of this route are; Thor’s Hammer, the Wildlife, Pine Forests, Wall Street (Slot canyon), Two Bridges and get up close and personal with the Hoodoo’s! 

Route: Fairyland Loop
Distance: 8 miles
Time: 4-5 hours
Level: Intermediate
A great circular hike if you want to get away from the crowds, it combines hiking along the rim as well as into the canyon. The trail starts at Fairyland Point on the rim and descends into the canyon, passing by the famous Tower Bridge rock.

Accommodation

Where: Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground (free shuttle bus stop outside campsite)
Cost: ~$35 for Tent Site (no hook up), ~$55 for RV site (with hook up)
Facilities: Flush toilets, showers, shop, pool, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire pits and more.

Nearby

  • Zion National Park (84 miles, 1 hour 45 minute drive)
  • Capitol Reef National Park (112 miles, 2 hour drive)
  • Antelope Canyon (158 miles, 2 hour 45 minute drive)
  • The Grand Canyon National Park (144 miles, 2 hour 50 minute drive)

5. Yellowstone National Park, WY

Fun Fact: Yellowstone became the first US National Park in 1872 and crosses the border of three states. 

General

At number 5 on our list of American road trip stops for hikers is Yellowstone National Park. There is so much to see at Yellowstone, from Geysers and Hot Springs to an abundance of wildlife. Of all of the stops on our road trip for hikers this one is worth spending the most time at, it’s impossible to see it all in a few days.

Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Quick Tip: The entrance fee does not include Grand Teton National Park which is next door, check out the America The Beautiful Park Pass previously mentioned to see if it could save you money! We have to reiterate, on any road trip for hikers this pass is definitely worth the money!

Getting There

Yellowstone National Park has five entrance zones, so is easily accessible from several states. The entrances are in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Some of these entrances are closed in winter. Plan which entrance you want to use in advance as it can take hours to drive between them. Public transport is not available at Yellowstone, so a car or bicycle is required to get around the park.

Top Sights

Old Faithful

The most popular site in Yellowstone, located in the Upper Geyser Basin, is Old Faithful Geyser. It’s frequent and predictable eruptions occur roughly 20 times a day and average 140 feet in height. As a popular tourist spot there’s car parking facilities, benches and more nearby. We recommend visiting this early in the day or as your last stop in the park, to avoid the busy spells.

Grand Prismatic Springs

Located in the Midway Geyser Basin, the layers of vivid colours make the Grand Prismatic Spring one of the most photographed features in Yellowstone. It gets busy on the boardwalks, so we recommend hiking up one of the nearby mounds to take photos and see the Spring from above.

Fun Fact: The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest Hot Spring in the United States and third largest in the World. 

Hayden Valley

This is the best area to see the wildlife in Yellowstone, the flat, open valley floor make it easy to spot herds of Bison and even the odd Grizzly Bear. It gets extremely busy during the middle of the day with motor homes and tourists so try to get there early. This is also the best time to see the wildlife too!

Quick Tip: It’s important not to get too close the wildlife, so be sure to bring binoculars!

Accommodation

Camping or staying in a Camper Van is the best way to experience Yellowstone. Camping inside the Park can be expensive and there are plenty of sites only a short drive away.

We would recommend:

Where: Madison Arm Campground
Cost:  $40 per night for a tent no hook up
Facilities: Toilets and Showers, Picnic Tables, Fire Pits and more.
Bonus: All tent sites are located on the waterfront.

Where: West Yellowstone KOA
Cost: $85 for RV site with hook up
(Rewards programme with discounts available if you are planning to stay at multiple KOAs on your Road Trip)
Facilities: Toilets, Showers, Laundry Facilities, Shop, Fire Pit, Picnic Bench, Swimming Pool and more.

Hiking Trails

There are too many hikes in Yellowstone to list them all here which is what makes a perfect stop on a road trip for hikers. We chose two family friendly trails that we have done and loved! Find more hiking trails here.
Artist Point and Point Sublime Trail

Route: Artist Point and Point Sublime Trail
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Level: Beginner
The name says it all, as the most picturesque part of Yellowstone it is the featured image for the park in this post. It overlooks Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, Artist Point can be easily reached from a car park. However, the trail continues around the rim of the canyon to Point Sublime. It’s fairly flat and a round trip will only take around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Uncle Tom’s Trail

Route: Uncle Tom’s Trail
Distance: 0.7 mile loop
Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Level: Intermediate
This steep stairway descent into Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon ends at the upclose viewpoint of Lower Falls. The short 0.7 mile round trip consists of over 300 steps and descends 500ft into the Canyon. It takes approximately 30 minutes and is fairly shaded throughout.

Nearby

  • Grand Teton National Park (7 miles, 10 minute drive)
  • Jackson Hole (47 miles, 1 hour drive)

6. Arches National Park, UT

General

A favourite in our Scenic stops on an American Road Trip for hikers, we could spend weeks exploring Arches National Park. With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches and plenty of other red rock formations, this park will amaze and inspire you. Arches National Park is a timeless landscape and is ideal for those that are keen adventurers and/or geologists.

Quick Tip: If you are planning to go in mid July, like we did, we recommend hiking before 11am and after 5pm to avoid the heat.

Like many of the other National Parks, Arches also has an informative Ranger Program.

Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle.

Check out the America The Beautiful Park Pass, which covers Arches National Park and many of the previously mentioned Parks. At only $80, for an annual pass, it could save you a lot of money!

Getting There

Located just off US 191 it’s easily accessed from the nearest town, Moab. If you’re flying, the nearest airport would be Salt Lake City (230 miles away). There’s no public transport at this National Park so you will need a car or bicycle. 

Accommodation

To save money we camped but if you’re going mid summer, it might be worth staying somewhere with air conditioning. However if you camp in mid summer, you’re up and out of the tent early anyway to avoid hiking in the heat. So having access to a pool during the midday heat was a dream.

That’s why we would recommend:

Where: KOA Moab 
Cost: ~$75 for RV site with hook up
(Rewards programme with discounts available if you are planning to stay at multiple KOAs on your Road Trip)
Facilities: Flush toilets, showers, pool, laundry facilities, wifi, shop, grill, fire pits, picnic benches and more.
Bonus: It has wifi and a pool along with onsite store that supplies firewood.

Where: Canyonlands Campground
Cost: ~$40 per night, tent site, no hook up
Facilities: Flush toilets, showers, pool, laundry facilities, fire fits, picnic benches and more.
Bonus: It has a pool and even an onsite gas station with store, to top up before hitting the road again!

Quick Tip: Try the local Bison Burger at one of the Moab burger joints or tuck into a banana split at the Moab Diner!

Hiking Trails

Delicate Arch

Route: Delicate Arch Trail
Distance: 3 miles (6 mile loop)
Time: 50 minutes each way
Level: Intermediate
As one of the most famous geological features in the world, people travel far and wide to see the icon of Utah. With little shade and a steep traverse just before the arch, it’s a fairly challenging route. All being said it’s, definitely worth the sweat. The 46ft high opening in the arch is breathtaking! Check out our guide here for more information.

Quick Tip: Hike to Delicate Arch for Sunrise or Sunset to get the full effect of the redness of the rocks. (Sunrise will be much quieter)

Devils Garden Primitive Loop

Route: Devils Garden Primitive Loop
Distance: 7 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
The longest maintained trail in Arches National Park, the loop takes around 3-4 hours to complete. At over 7 miles, it’s a difficult hike, particularly in the heat, but worth it for the solitude. Highlights of this trail include; Double O Arch, Landscape Arch, Private Arch and Dark Angel. Check out our guide here for more information.

Nearby

  • Canyonlands National Park (27 miles, 30 minute drive)
  • Arches National Park (35 miles, 1 hour 25 minute drive)
  • Capitol Reef National Park (132 miles, 2 hour 10 minute drive)
  • Dead Horse Point (25 miles, 30 minute drive)

7. Yosemite National Park, CA

General

Yosemite is known for its deep valleys, granite cliffs, waterfalls and extensive wildlife. Its glaciated landscape attracts visitors from all over the world, year round. Ideal for keen hikers and climbers, the rocky landscape is the perfect playground and ultimate destination on any road trip for hikers.

Entrance fee: $35 per vehicle (also covered under the previously mentioned, America The Beautiful Pass).

Getting There

Easily accessed from San Francisco and Las Vegas, Yosemite covers over 1,200 miles. It’s well sign posted and having driven there from San Francisco it takes roughly 4-5 hours. With several entrances, make sure to plan your route to arrive at the correct one. GPS’s aren’t always reliable as the park doesn’t have just one address.

Accommodation

Yosemite has 13 campgrounds within the park, they are spread around the valley so there is an ideal location for everyone. Our favourite is below:

Where: North Pines Campsite
Cost: ~$36 RV site (no hook up)
Facilities: No showers or laundry but they are available at the nearby Curry Village for small fee. Onsite there are toilets, firepits and picnic benches.
Bonus: Stunning views of the Half Dome above you.

Hiking Trails

There are plenty of trails in Yosemite, of a variety of distances and levels. Find details of more trails here.

Route: Taft Point and Sentinel Dome Trail
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Level: Intermediate

This was one of our favourite hikes in Yosemite! The trail includes two view points with parking in the middle and drop toilets. You can choose to do one of the points or both, we would recommend both. From Sentinel Dome, you have a clear incredible view of the Half Dome, which is just otherworldly. Then from Taft Point there are great views down the valley and of El Capitan, along with awesome photo opportunities.

Route: Top of Yosemite Falls
Distance: 7.2 miles
Times:
6-8 hours round trip
Level:
Advanced

Built around 1873, this is one of the oldest trails in the park. The historic trail leads to the top of North Americas highest waterfall. The steep climb through woodland offers glimpses of the valleys iconic landforms. It’s well worth the effort, at the top you’re rewarded with a breath-taking view of Upper Yosemite Falls.

Nearby

  • Lake Tahoe (124 miles, 2 hour 25 minute drive)
  • Sequoia National Forest (140 miles, 3 hour drive)
  • Death Valley National Park (226 miles, 3 hour 15 minute drive)
  • Extra-terrestrial Highway (261 miles, 4 hour 10 minute drive)

8. Grand Teton National Park, WY

General

With crystal clear lakes and alpine terrain, it’s no wonder Grand Teton National Park is a stop on our road trip for hikers. With a rich cultural history and over 200 miles of hiking trails, there’s something for everyone. It’s often overlooked by it’s more popular neighbour, Yellowstone National Park. However, this rugged landscape is a hidden gem packed with stunning geological features and a variety of wildlife.

Quick Tip: Stop off in the town of Jackson Hole, famous for it’s history of fur trappers and explorers. Stroll along the boardwalks following the footsteps of Cowboys throughout history.

Getting There

Just south of Yellowstone National Park, it’s easy to combine the two parks. The closest International Airport is Salt Lake City, with smaller local airlines flying into Jackson Hole Airport. Access is from Highway 89 just off the I-15. The START free bus service provides transport around Jackson Hole. Whilst the Alltran, shuttles tourists to and from Grand Teton National Park ($3 one way).

Accommodation

Camping has to be the top option for when you visit a National Park, we stayed by Snake River at a stunning Campground.

Where: Snake River KOA
Cost: $29 per tent no hook ups
Facilities: Toilets, Showers, Laundry Facilities, Snack Bar, Fishing and more. 
Bonus: They have whitewater rafting, tubing and horseback riding tours.
Just outside of the Town of Jackson Hole, it’s the perfect place to stay for easy access to the park and town.

Activities

Whitewater Rafting

Snake River has an 8 mile stretch of class III Whitewater Rafting. It’s an incredible experience. We chose to do it through the campsite as you get 10% off if you’re staying with them. There are plenty of other companies in Jackson Hole, so it’s worth researching before you go, if you’re interested. It’s perfect for people of all ages and experience!

Horseback Riding Tours

A great way to explore the park and area, Horseback Riding tours are available from several companies in Jackson Hole. (A-OK Corral Horseback Rides, Jackson Hole Pack Trips and Trail Rides, Mill Iron Ranch). You don’t need any experience and can choose from anything from an hour up to a full day tour.  Again these can also be booked through the campsite.

Hiking Trails

Route: Hidden Falls Trail
Distance:  1.3 miles round trip with boat ride (5.2 miles without)
Time: 1-2 hours
Level: Beginner
This waterfall is one of the most visited in the park. Although a fairly steep hike at times, it’s easy to follow with some steps descending to the waterfall. Beginning at Jenny Lake, there’s the option to get the shuttle boat across the lake or follow the trail around the edge. We chose to follow the trail around as we hadn’t yet explored the park, but it’s a great option for the return journey. There is also the option to continue this hike for a further mile up to Inspiration Point, if you feel up to it.

Option to extend:

You can continue up to Inspiration Point and then on into Cascade Canyon.
Distance: 10 miles
Time: up to 9 hours (option to turn back at any point as it’s an out and back trail)
Level: Intermediate

Quick Tip: There are a few Huckleberry bushes on the way up this trail, so keep an eye out for bears.

Nearby

  • Yellowstone National Park (7 miles, 10 minute drive)
  • Jackson Hole (5 miles, 8 minute drive)

9. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD

General

Surrounded by the Black Hills the four Presidents of the United States stand 60 ft tall. Carved into granite, it took over 14 years for sculptor, Gutzon Borglum and several hundred workers, to create the iconic memorial. Attracting over 3 million visitors a year it’s no wonder it’s made it into our Top 10 Scenic Stops.

Getting There

Not far from Rapid City, the nearest airport, Mount Rushmore can be easily reached using GPS as it’s regularly visited. Driving there is simple, it’s well signposted and as it’s fairly remote it is easy to spot. There’s no entrance fee to the memorial but there is a parking fee ($10 per non commercial vehicle).

Accommodation

There are no campsites within the boundaries of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. However there are plenty in the surrounding areas. Keystone is probably the nearest, if you want to stay close. We stayed in Deadwood at Hotel By Gold Dust, which is located about an hour north of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Definitely worth visiting if you’re interested in Wild West figures like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok.

Hiking Trails

Route: The Presidential Trail
Distance: 0.6 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Level: Beginner
The 422 stairs allow you to get up close to the National Monument and see the sheer scale of the faces up close. Walk alongside the blasting rubble workers left behind decades ago. Following the path winding through the pine trees, you may even spot some wildlife.

Nearby

  • Jewel Cave National Monument (33 miles, 45 minute drive)
  • Wind Cave National Park (40 miles, 50 minute drive) 
  • Deadwood (49 miles, 1 hour drive)
  • Badlands National Park (75 miles, 1 hour 30 minute drive)
  • Devils Tower National Monument (130 miles, 2 hours 15 minute drive)

10. Calaveras Big Trees State Park, CA

General

The final stop in our road trip for hikers, is one of our most memorable. Calaveras Big Trees State Park is not a well known park itself. However, the Giant Sequoia Trees that grow there are world renowned for their beauty. 

Fun Fact: Until 2017, it was home to one of only two tunnel Giant Sequoia Trees in the world, ‘Pioneer Cabin Tree’, which sadly collapsed during a storm. We were lucky enough to see it in 2016.

Getting There

Only 35 minutes from the picturesque Gold Rush town, Angels Camp, State Highway-4 takes you straight to the park. The Visitors Center and Museum is located in the North Grove.
 
Entrance fee: $10 per vehicle for a day pass.

Accommodation

Camp among the thousand year old Sequoias on one of the two sites within the park. As we only spent the day at this park whilst driving through we can’t recommend a site personally. Although, both sites within the park have great reviews, so we’ve listed key details below.

Where: North Grove or Oak Hallow
Cost: $35 per tent site, no hook up
Facilities: Toilets, Showers, Picnic Tables, Lockers and more.
You can easily book a space on one of the sites online here.

On the other hand, if camping isn’t what you’re looking for, Murphys Historic Hotel is located only a 20 minute drive away.  Since 1856 this hotel has accommodated notable guests such as Mark Twain, J.P. Morgan and former President Ulysses S. Grant. Stay in one of it’s historic rooms in the picturesque Gold Rush town of Murphys.

Hiking Trails

There are seven well maintained hiking trails within the park. Find trail guides here. We recommend the Main Trail if you only have a few hours at the park as it takes you past some of the most iconic trees in the park.

Route: Main Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Level: Beginner
The trail winds through the magnificent Sequoia Grove, with markers explaining the history of some of the more spectacular trees. On the trail you’ll spot the remains of The Pioneer Cabin Tree, the Abraham Lincoln Tree (the 4th largest tree in the world), Siamese Twins and Discovery Tree.

Fun Fact: The ‘Discovery Tree’ stump, measuring 25 ft at its base, was later turned into a dance floor. Determined by its ring count to be around 1,244 years old.

Nearby

  • Moaning Caverns (20 miles, 30 minute drive)
  • Angels Camp (23 miles, 35 minute drive)
  • Yosemite National Park (80 miles, 1 hour 50 minute drive)
  • Lake Tahoe (90 miles, 2 hour 10 minute drive)

Happy Road Tripping!

Thanks for reading through our top 10 stops on an American road trip for hikers. Hopefully you discovered new stops to make on your next adventure, or learnt more about a stop you’re already planning to make. Although this isn’t an itinerary, we hope that it will give you some inspiration for planning yours.  

Don’t forget to leave us a comment below and check out our Instagram page!

Thanks for reading,

Eve and Nick

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