Travel Trip Hub Logo
U.S. West Travel Guide: National Parks, Coast Drives & Scenic Road Trips | Travel Trip Hub
Destinations › North America › U.S. West
National parks Coast drives Road trips Scenic routes
Desert highway through red rock landscape in the U.S. West
USA • West

West

National parks → Coast drives → Desert sunsets → Scenic routes →

U.S. West trips that feel “worth it”

The West is built for high-intent travel planning: rental cars, national park passes, vacation rentals, and “best time to visit” decisions that actually matter. If you want fewer crowds, focus on shoulder seasons, book park lodging early, and plan your driving days like you plan your sightseeing days.

Best seasons

Spring + fall for deserts; summer for alpine; winter for ski towns and some desert parks.

Best trip length

3–5 days for one region; 7–10 days for a “loop” with multiple stops.

National parks: iconic landscapes and smart bases
Park hotels • guided tours • itineraries

If you’re doing a park trip, pick one main base town and keep drive times realistic. These are the classic anchors:

  • Yosemite (CA) — granite viewpoints, waterfalls, and day hikes; book stays early.
  • Grand Canyon (AZ) — sunrise/sunset viewpoints; consider guided tours for efficiency.
  • Zion + Bryce (UT) — dramatic canyon hikes and scenic drives in one trip.
  • Joshua Tree (CA) — desert vibes, stargazing, and weekend-friendly itineraries.
  • Olympic (WA) — rainforest + rugged coast; great for a multi-zone loop.
High CPC tip: add a “Where to stay near [Park]” section with keywords like “best hotels”, “best cabins”, “vacation rentals”, and “guided tours”.
Coast drives: classic routes with great stops
Road trips • beaches • viewpoints

The West Coast is about scenic driving, food stops, and viewpoints you can reach without complicated logistics.

  • Pacific Coast Highway (Big Sur) — coastal cliffs, photo stops, and iconic overlooks.
  • Oregon Coast — sea stacks, small towns, and easy beach walks.
  • San Diego → La Jolla → Laguna Beach — warm-weather coast with comfortable city bases.
  • Seattle → Olympic Peninsula — coastline + rainforest loop with scenic ferry options.
Desert sunsets and dramatic landscapes
Luxury stays • photography • stargazing

For deserts, timing is everything. Plan mornings and evenings outdoors, then use midday for relaxing stays or shorter drives.

  • Sedona (AZ) — red rock viewpoints, wellness stays, and easy hikes.
  • Death Valley (CA) — best in cooler months; otherworldly scenery.
  • Moab (UT) — Arches + Canyonlands; perfect for a 3–5 day outdoor itinerary.
  • Palm Springs (CA) — design hotels, pool days, and desert day trips.
Best scenic routes (road trip friendly)
Driving routes • overlooks • viewpoints

These are the “scenic routes” that consistently deliver: beautiful roads, great stops, and trips that feel premium without being complicated.

  • Utah Mighty 5 loop — parks + scenic drives, built for a 7–10 day trip.
  • Lake Tahoe loop — alpine water views, beaches, and hikes in one base.
  • California wine country weekend — scenic roads + tasting stops (designated driver required).
  • Rocky Mountain gateways — mountain towns, scenic passes, and cabin weekends.
Scroll to Top