Hand-Drawn Map for Self-Driving Tour of National Parks in the Western United States
A unique hand-drawn map for self-driving tours of national parks in the western United States, designed by myself.
The western US, whether you join a small loop or a big loop tour, for example, from Los Angeles - San Francisco - Lake Tahoe - Yellowstone - Salt Lake City - Antelope Canyon - Grand Canyon - Las Vegas - Los Angeles, whether it's 8 or 10 days, it's a rushed, superficial visit. You go to the spots, but the impressions aren't deep enough, probably because you don't have enough time to appreciate each scene with reverence for nature, observing quietly and feeling deeply. Such a pity.
Moreover, the western US has many national parks that require careful planning so you don't miss the beauty right next to you—once missed, you'll regret it, since driving back takes a lot of time.
If you have enough time, travel in a vacation mood, listen to your heart, stop and go, and feel the beauty of nature—this way your soul will gain more joy and satisfaction. Therefore, I have divided the western US into several regions, each region's travel route covering several national parks, so that you have more time for relaxation during the road trip. This is my experience from multiple trips to the West. Of course, if time permits, you can connect the routes and design your own comfortable travel plan.
For tips on visiting each national park and nearby accommodation, please refer to other travel notes.
Feel free to share the image, just give a like.
Originally the image was clear, but Ctrip's image upload makes it blurry—no way around it.
Q. How much is the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass? It costs $80, allows 4 adults/1 vehicle, valid for 12 months. The full name is The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
Q. Is it necessary to buy the annual pass? If you visit 3 or more national parks within 12 months, the pass is worthwhile, for example: Yosemite National Park entrance fee $35, Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee $35, Yellowstone National Park entrance fee $35.
Q. Where to buy the America the Beautiful Pass? 1. For those living in the US, you can buy online. 2. For those from other countries, you can buy directly at the park entrance (passport required).
Q. How much is the America the Beautiful Pass? Price $80, allows 4 adults/1 vehicle, valid for 12 months. + 4 adults/1 vehicle: means the pass holder plus 3 other adults must be in the same vehicle when entering the park (separate vehicles require separate tickets). Children 15 and under are free. + Valid for 12 months: from the month of purchase to the last day of the 12th month. + Full name: The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
Q. Can non-US citizens buy the annual pass? Yes.
Q. Is it necessary to buy the annual pass? If you visit 3 or more national parks within 12 months, the pass is worthwhile, for example: Yosemite National Park entrance fee $35, Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee $35, Yellowstone National Park entrance fee $35.
Q. Where to buy the America the Beautiful Pass? 1. For those living in the US, you can buy online. 2. For those from other countries, you can buy directly at the park entrance (passport required).
Q. How to use the annual pass? Most parks have an Entrance Station (staffed). Show the pass along with your passport or other photo ID (the ID name must match the signature on the pass). If the entrance is unattended (outside working hours), after parking, place the pass on the windshield (signature facing outward).
The National Park Service (a government agency) maintains the national parks. Their mission is: "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." "Within designated areas, no mining for minerals, oil, or timber is allowed; no wealthy people can enclose a yard and build a pool villa next to beautiful scenery; locals near the parks are not allowed to sell corn or charge for parking; animals cannot be hunted or fully domesticated; resources must be preserved for the future, for the enjoyment of America's future generations, or reserved for use when needed..." Hmm, does this strike a chord with you?
National Parks Ranking and Distribution Map
Last updated: July 10, 2022
US National Parks Ranking:
1. Great Smoky Mountains NP (Tennessee)
2. Zion NP (Utah)
3. Yellowstone NP (Wyoming)
4. Grand Canyon NP (Arizona)
5. Rocky Mountain NP (Colorado)
6. Acadia NP (Maine)
7. Grand Teton NP (Wyoming)
8. Yosemite NP (California)
9. Indiana Dunes NP (Indiana)
10. Glacier NP (Montana)
11. Joshua Tree NP (California)
12. Olympic NP (Washington)
13. Cuyahoga Valley NP (Ohio)
14. Hot Springs NP (Arkansas)
15. Bryce Canyon NP (Utah)
16. Arches NP (Utah)
17. New River Gorge NP & PRES (West Virginia)
18. Mount Rainier NP (Washington)
19. Shenandoah NP (Virginia)
20. Capitol Reef NP (Utah)
21. Hawaii Volcanoes NP (Hawaii)
22. Badlands NP (South Dakota)
23. Death Valley NP (California)
24. Gateway Arch NP (Missouri)
25. Saguaro NP (Arizona)
26. Sequoia NP (California)
27. Everglades NP (Florida)
28. Canyonlands NP (Utah)
29. Haleakalā National Park (Hawaii)
30. Theodore Roosevelt NP (North Dakota)
== Parks beyond the top 30 often visited by Chinese travelers ==
32. White Sands NP (New Mexico) (Reason for not being in top 30: remote location, but truly white sand dunes)
35. Crater Lake NP (Oregon) (Reason for not being in top 30: shouldn't be... it was in the top 30 before)
42. Redwood NP (California) (Reason: although in California, location is somewhat remote)
43. Kenai Fjords NP (Alaska) (Reason: fewer people visit Alaska...)
44. Lassen Volcanic NP (California) (Reason: although in California, location is somewhat remote)
52. Denali NP & PRES (Alaska) (Reason: fewer people visit Alaska...)
61. North Cascades NP (Washington) (Reason: popular among locals in Seattle...)
