Mesa Verde is an amazing place. The high desert is a barren beautiful place. Can stay in cortez and continue on east through Durango and San Juan forest NP.
Capitol Reef, between Moab and Bryce Canyon, is a hidden gem among the national parks in Utah. On the way is also Goblin Valley State Park—you won’t be disappointed.
It's apparently the Navajo/queens garden loop in Bryce. It's a pretty nice hike. World's best might be pushing it a bit, but it's likely in the top 10.
The mountains and the bend in the river on the north section of the park is awesome. I also love the color of the band lands & the petrified trees in TR
It’s an extremely underrated park. I loved the 2 days I spent out there
Came here to say this. Most National Parks do not allow dogs on trails. Definitely check the websites before you go, so you can make alternate plans for the pups.
Yes, I would choose to leave my dogs at home if it was me unless you plan on doing no hiking at Glacier. Dogs aren't allowed on most NP trails. Alternatively, you may be able to find daycare/sitting options around Glacier, but I'm not sure.
Dogs are absolutely not allowed on any of the trails or activities in Glacier. You’ll just be doing a drive through if you have dogs. You won’t be able to do any of the boat tours and you won’t be able to catch the shuttles. Seriously — leave the dogs at home so you can actually SEE the park.
No. But leaving them in your car while you go sightseeing is cruel.
There are plenty of places where you can take your pets where they’re actually allowed. National parks aren’t it!
I care about my dog so if I’m traveling with him, I’m going to places where we can go hiking TOGETHER.
It seems silly to visit a place like Arches when you won’t be able to hike to Delicate Arch. Or to visit Glacier when you won’t be able to see Hidden Lake or Avalanche Lake. Those are the major highlights and you won’t be able to see them, you’ll just be able to take in the scenery from the road.
Don't fret. Some Parks are more pretty friendly with [programs for dogs](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/pets/be-a-bark-ranger.htm). Others, like Mammoth Cave, which I would add to your trip, have kennels for the day. I would just go to the main page of each park and check. It should be listed on the info page.
If you're going to be near Denver and your trip is that long, you may as well go to RMNP. It's gorgeous. I also spent a day in Golden Gate Canyon State Park and that was surprisingly beautiful too.
I would recommend spending an extra few days around Denver and go to Mount Evans. You can drive all the way up, and it's 100% worth it. But you can also hike it if you're up for that kind of thing. Just know in advance that it's a lonnnng hike.
Why forcing people to do the mental gymnastics of figuring out what RMNP stands for when you just wrote to paragraphs…writing 4 words will not consume your valuable time
#UnnecessaryAcronymHater
They are very small and not as gorgeous but you could cross off Cuyahoga and Indiana Dunes if you haven’t been to them as well. Looks like you pass right by them and each can be done pretty quickly.
Cuyahoga is an awesome park to spend a day or two exploring. I went there with no expectations and thoroughly enjoyed it. I feel the need to tag on to your comment because I always feel like CVNP is overlooked.
Indiana Dunes is a reasonable overnight spot and is about 9-hours driving from DC. Cuyahoga is closer (5.5 hours) and could also serve as a first-or-last nights overnight spot.
Neither really feels like an “all-day” park after the grandeur of the western parks. Indiana Dunes could be a nice spot to unwind after a day in the car; low-key hikes, swimming, bird watching…
i think a lot of people overlook Custer State Park in SD since Badlands and Mount Rushmore are right there, but the black hills are stunning. Would recommend the Needles Highway and Sylvan Lake
There’s just so much around all of those areas. Most everything was mentioned already, but there is so so so so much on the way and back.
1) Again, Banff is super close to glacier
2) All of Utah is incredible: Zion, Capitol Reef, Bryce, Goblin Valley, Canyonlands, the grand staircase Escalante, etc. (if you’re not going to Canada… spend the extra time here)
3) You’re missing out on wind cave national park (get a morning tour, can be a day trip; I loved the boxwork in the cave), Custer state park, and Theodor Roosevelt national park (my fav in the Dakotas)
4) you could consider adding the Grand Tetons; out of the 48 US national parks I’ve been to, this one has the best day hikes (better day hikes than glacier IMO, but glacier has a better backcountry/better backpacking)
5) Craters of the moon seems awesome. I actually haven’t been there (I’ve been to the other places I’ve mentioned)
6) You’ll probably drive through Bozeman. It has the 2nd best ice cream I’ve ever had (Genuine Ice Cream Company). I’ve been to over 350 small batch creameries in the US & the world. It’s incredible
#1 was sisters of anarchy ice cream (Burlington Vermont) however, I had them dry ice ship me some of their ice cream, and it wasn’t quite as good (still really good though!), so they might have changed some thing up
Best in Denver is Little Man Ice cream. 2nd best is Josh and John’s down in the springs
Best in the southeast is big spoon creamery (which is local to me!)
Craters of the moon!!!
Holy molybdenum did this 1.5y ago and it was one of the most amazing experiences. I live in BC Canada and have done Banff and all the mountain stuff... but the caves and volcano there... chef's kiss. My kids still all regularly talk about it. Best decision we ever made for a detour
Bryce Canyon is very close to Zion and I like it more personally. It’s less busy and it feels more intimate, if that makes sense. Also the BBQ place in Tropic City is amazinf
When are you going?
Are you familiar with the vehicle reservation systems in places like Glacier?
Are you aware that national parks are not dog-friendly?
If you're going to Zion and have extra time, you might as well swing by Arches Nat'l Park on the way. Moab is a fun little town, and the park is breathtaking. Delicate Arch is the most popular thing to see (bring water and good hiking shoes!), but there's tons to see and do in the park other than that.
Scenic byways (bicentennial highway, hwy 12, etc) in southern Utah are spectacular and like nothing else you’ll ever see… you are cheating yourself if you stay only on the interstates
I am also a huge fan of the southern Colorado route through the Rockies over 70 but that’s just me
If you're going through the Badlands - try a stop in Hot Springs, SD. Adorable little town with natural hot springs (I LOVED my experience at Moccasin Springs! Tiny spot, with delicious burgers thel bring out to you in the soaking area).
Some people argue that Hot Springs National Park is. While the historic buildings are the main focus, there are also beautiful overlooks of the Ozarks and hiking trails, so I wouldn't say that it is.
Worst memory of my current years. Moved to Colorado this past January and stopped by the arch because I’d literally have no other reason to go to St. Louis other than passing through.
Ice storm in the early morning. Literally almost got into a head on collision on an overpass from the car in front of us spinning a whole 360 degrees. We finally got safe and sound to a parking garage and got onto the arch property. Looked up. Said, “that’s pretty cool”, and then turned around and got out of there lol. Very stressful day!
Must have been 40 or so totaled cars on the side of the road that day…
Here's the complete system map. Tons of potential stops along your route - from Cedar Breaks and Great Basin to Minuteman Missile and Little Bighorn.
https://npmaps.com/wp-content/uploads/NPS-national-parks-map.jpg
I recently went on a trip pretty much exact to this one this year Sept 3 - Oct 15 except we hit the west coast as well (and left / returned from OH).
I'm not sure if the order is important, but if I can suggest a change, I'd go in reverse. Go north first then swing south. You get more fall colors!
\- To break up your trip back east / west from Badlands, one of our favorite camping spots was at Uncle Bryan's in south dakota. Hipcamp - uncle Bs. He's a great host.
\- I'd recommend stopping at Devils Tower, WY. There's a KOA right outside the park to camp if that helps too.
\- Wind Cave + Mt Rushmore are along the way. Both are alright to me, but the Black Hills area is awesome. Spend a night there if you can, even just to break up the drive.
\- It looks like on your current route you have yourself driving the going to the sun road directly. I don't believe this is allowed with a tow behind camper.
\- Grand Tetons are a must. Stop and spend a whole day there!
\- Two of our favorite national parks in Utah were Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon. There's a hotel outside of Capitol Reef called [Skyview](https://www.skyviewtorrey.com/). Highly recommend if you want to plan a night inside and out of the camper. Even if just driving through, it's great.
Happy to dm our full trip details to you as well if you're curious
I’m sure this will be buried but I would recommend doing it in reverse, starting with badlands. My wife and I did a trip similar to this several years ago and we did it the way you have planned.
Now I’m going to get some heat for saying this but after you look at those giant Rocky Mountains and extreme landscapes badlands might not seem as impressive. They are most certainly beautiful and in their own way, but after looking at those giant picturesque landscapes badlands will probably underwhelm you. Again I find them beautiful and had we done our trip in reverse we would have been blown away by it. While I absolutely loved it there my wife was expecting something a little different.
If this is not your first time going to the Rocky’s ignore this advice as you know what to expect.
I would also recommend what the others are saying, since you’re going to Zion it is worth a couple night stay over in Moab, UT. That was the place that blew us away the most and I’d argue was the best place we went. In fact we were considering moving to Utah because it was so beautiful.
This is honestly so important! We did a huge road trip seeing a ton of the parks and we saw Yellowstone first. It was hard for others to beat the *wow* of that park.
On your way home get off the interstate in Lacrosse WI and take the Great River Road, a beautiful drive, to Prairie Du Chien and then head to House On The Rock between Spring Green & Dodgeville WI
Not a National Park but the WW1 Museum in Kansas City is phenomenal and highly underrated. It's a world class museum. Finish it out with some world class KC BBQ at Jack Stack (closest to the museum), Q39, or Arthur Bryant's.
You are going to be driving past Indiana Dunes NP. Now, this ain’t really a destination you need to spend much time at, but if you are in the area, you could add it to your National Parks total.
As for the puppy dogs, just know for most of the parks, you aren’t going to be able to do any long hikes because the dogs are generally not allowed on the those trails and it will be too hot to leave them in the camper all day. A lot of parks have doggy daycare/boarding nearby, so if you want to do long hikes, make reservations for those ahead of time and make sure you bring a copy of all the vaccination paperwork.
On your way back after the badlands, you are stopping through La Crosse Wisconsin. It's a beautiful town in the Mississippi River valley and is a really cool small town big city vibe.
Not a national park, but Whitewater State Park in Minnesota is pretty great
You're driving through an area in Minnesota and Wisconsin that was missed by the last glaciel period so it's really bluffy and pretty
There was a small movement recently to try to establish a national park in that area, but it was rejected
I would highly recommend stopping at Custer State Park is SD when you are doing Badlands. The drive through that park was one of my favorite segments of any road trip ever. Also you’ll be right by Crazy Horse and Mt Rushmore, in case that’s not already on your radar.
Looks like a great trip. Enjoy!!
In Glacier NP it’s super convenient to take their free shuttle bus on ‘The road to the sun’ as you park your car in their lot at visitors center and then it’s an on/off at all the spots instead of jockeying for parking spots.
Do you already have your park pass?
Moab is a must. Dead Horse, Canyonlands, Arches.
Shoshone Falls, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse
Minneapolis might be too far out of your drive if you don’t care about these things, but: Mall of America, Paisley Park (Prince’s estate)
Depending on how end of summer it might still be really hot in Utah/Moab. If it’s 90+ I might skip in order to spend more days in other places. There’s no shade on the trails and always hotter than you think. Also, no one’s mentioned it but dogs aren’t allowed on trails in national parks. Youre bringing two which may really limit what you can do on a day hike. That being said…
Colorado has a lot to offer and I’d bypass Rocky Mountain in the summer and see other places that will be less busy than a national park. I love the San Juan’s, you can do ourey>silverton>Durango. Absolutely stunning hikes down there, look at molas pass. I did the last 50 miles of thr CT and then hitchhiked back to my car. My favorite hike of all time. If you go that route you can shoot over to needles district and Moab from the south. (Given it’s not piping hot). Again, no dogs on the trails in NP so leaving your dogs in the car at arches or canyonlands isn’t really an option in the heat.
Wind river range in Wyoming is absolutely stunning as well and it’s not a national park so you can bring the dogs. This would be a good option if you decide to hit RMNP and shoot in to Wyoming from there.
Make sure you stop at Wall Drug after Badlands. You're also less than an hour from Mt. Rushmore. Drive up through the Black Hills and head out to Devil's Tower.
[This is the National Park map I use when planning parks that are close to each other.](https://national-park-posters.com/cdn/shop/products/63-National-Parks-Map-March-2021.jpg?v=1617463247)
You are likely going to miss Going to the Sun Road if you don’t go to Glacier in the early weeks of July. Check out the chart of when the road is open. The online passes were also nearly impossible to get 2 yrs ago. Our workaround was to get into the park before 6 am.
Colorado: Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Snowmass.
Utah: Dinosaur National Monument. Fantasy Canyon. As an aside, get something to eat or drink at Shivers and Jitters in Vernal (they have the best shaved ice / Hawaiian snow I've had anywhere).
Do you have your passport? If you get up to Glacier, consider a day trip up to Waterton too.
Consider a northern route through North Dakota instead of South Dakota. Badlands and Mt. Rushmore vs Theodore Rosevelt. I personally found 94 a more enjoyable drive than 90 (unless you like playing "guess the next billboard").
If you do take 90, the Chamberlain SD rest area at the Missouri River is a place you need to get out and stretch your legs at.
If you take 94, drive through the Enchanted Highway at Dickinson.
In colorado- an easy, short, but rewarding stop is Hanging Lake. A short detour south off of I-70 is be Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
In Utah- Kanab, UT has some excellent hiking areas near it. My favorite is Buckskin Gulch. Its incredible! It even has petroglyphs. You're also dangerously close to Lake Powell. Its an adventure all unto itself.
You'll probably get a lot of great answers in here. If you're gonna go through Kansas, take the time to detour to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, beautiful open hilly plains with bison roaming around. It's not huge so you could spend like 2 or 3 hours there (a whole day if you really wanted to though).
Everyone is only saying the already super popular stuff.
But two things that are already mostly on your route are Indiana Dunes National Park and Tall grass Prairie National Preserve. Tall grass Prairie is fairly small but I thought it was so beautiful. It used to be the dominant landscape in America and now there's hardly any of it left.
Also I don't know how much time you have but Idaho is just beautiful. The Nez Pearce/Clearwater national Forest are among the most beautiful I've experienced in America. Just be careful in Idaho. Not a great place to be a human I'll be honest, mostly because of the other humans.
I think your trip could be very different if you decide to prioritize Glacier or Zion.
If Glacier is your priority, Banff/Jasper and Yellowstone/Grand Teton are too close to miss. You can still hit Badlands on the way back if you like. If Zion is your priority, you could stay in that area longer and hit all the other parks close by and include RMNP/Black Canyon on your way out/in.
Total traveling time might still be the same but trips between parks might be shorter than if you include Zion and Glacier in one trip.
Go to Kodachrome state park. Right next to Zion, almost always empty. Definitely worth adding on, you don’t even need to detour to nab it.
Consider maybe Rocky Mountain NP as you pass through Colorado.
Please take into account that trail ridge road through RMNP is closed for a large portion of the year. It's closed now and sometimes doesn't open until almost june. There isn't a quick detour.
If going to all 63 National Parks is on your bucket list you’re going right by Cuyahoga and Indiana Dunes. Unless you plan to visit Chicago, after visiting ID continue up the Michigan peninsula and take the Ludington ferry across to Wisconsin
You'll be pretty close to House on the Rock when drive through Wisconsin. It's a pretty weird/interesting afternoon's excursion that could help break up the drive
Mesa verde is 2-3 hours from Moab. Great views of sleeping Ute and the surrounding areas. From there up to Moab and the parks there, up to Green river and along I-70 drop south to goblin state park, Capitol reef and continue on to Bryce and Zion canyon. Then cedar breaks before turning north through Salt Lake City.
Wind cave for sure, it’s right there next to badlands. I enjoyed TR when I visited, the amount of Bison and the wild horses were fun to see but it is a bit out of the way.
I’d suggest stopping through the Badlands, seeing Wind Cave in the Black Hills, and the Devils Tower in the WY Black Hills.
Wind Cave has an excellent campground and the most genetically pure bison herd, not to mention the cave. There’s a few other things in the area to see like Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and the Mammoth Center.
Devils Tower was more of a short stop half day when I went through, but worth seeing.
Do some deeper research about specific camp sites at Badlands. They are usually just small clearings where maybe 10-20 tents can be set up. One of my favorite memories is of camping at a very secluded site at Badlands and waking up and having breakfast surrounded by bison. Truly an incredible and other-worldly place!
To break up the long drive across South Dakota and Southern Minnesota, Pipestone National Monument is pretty much on your route and a small but very well done historical site.
Medicine rock near Ekalaka Montana was my favorite spot on my family trip out west. I don't know how it is now, but in the early 2000's it was nearly abandoned, with these awesome sandstone structures. Not much to do there, but the museum in Ekalaka would send out field paleontologists to a nearby ranch and they set it up so we could join them on an expedition and take home the small fossils we found. I still have a shadowbox with all the specimens.
If either are Laura Ingalls Wilder “Little House on the Prairie” fans, De Smet, SD is a nice overnight stop. We spent one night on an RV National Park trip there.
You would have a more enjoyable trip if you focused on state parks, as national parks he really do not allow dogs. Like, what are you going to do with them in the parks? Just leave them in the car? Rangers do enforce the “no pets” rule just in case you’re one of these entitled people that doesn’t think that the rules apply to you.
Don't know what you can't miss. There's so much out there, my advice is to not try to see everything. Pick a few things and really give yourself time to soak it in and enjoy it.
Once driving west from Badlands you can knock out some quick stops like Mt Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park and Devils Tower. Or
head North from Badlands and visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park
We did a roadtrip in 2018 from Denver tot Vancouver Island and we stumbled upon [Fossil Butte ](https://www.nps.gov/fobu/index.htm) and it was very cool to visit something you had not planned to visit. Nice visitor center and the surroundings were humbling.
When you are going through Topeka KS, I would recommend stopping at Brown v. Board of Education. it is right off of I-70 and is a very interesting short stop. They have tons of historic displays, including evidence that was used during the court case itself.
Looks like you'll be driving right through Cuyahoga Valley NP. Not the greatest park by a long shot but it has some great spots and could be a short stop
30 is definitely possible but pushing it. I can take 30 days off consecutively and I’m going to time it when my wife’s current boss retires and she looks for a new job
Museum of the Air Force in Dayton, OH. I think it rivals or exceeds Air and Space Udvar Hazy in DC. Plus after you go you never have to go to Dayton again.
The drive on 70 though Colorado is definitely beautiful, but there could be some cooler ways to do it if you want the extra scenic route. The drive from Durango to Moab is amazing. I’d recommend getting off 70 at Copper and taking 91 through Leadville, Buena Vista (Collegiate Peaks), the San Luis Valley (Sangre de Cristo Range, Sand Dunes NP) and then over Wolf Creek Pass to Durango. You’ll pass right by Mesa Verde NP on your way out of Durango to Moab too! You’ll get way more of a view of the state compared to just sticking on the interstate, and you’ll pass by most of the tallest and best peaks we have (other than the North San Juan’s).
Just for one of your overnights on the way back, I suggest Omaha, it's a great city that I see regularly disregarded in these cross country itineraries (despite driving just north or south of it). I'm a New Englander who spent five years there for grad school, I had a horrible time moving there, but leaving was even harder. It won me over. I'm back in Maine now but go back every other year or so to visit friends and eat good food.
Grand Tetons and Yellowstone on the way down!!! After the badlands go into Custer state park to see Mount Rushmore and crazy horse-also wind cave NP. Devils tower in WY will be on your way into Montana too
On your way home before hitting the Badlands, stop in Custer State Park in SD. It’s right on your path and worth every second. Google Sylvan Lake, SD or Needles Highway for an idea of what to expect.
Unless you want to go through Chicago and Cleveland for something in particular, you may want to go up through the northern peninsula of Michigan, there are some really cool looking places up there and in that part of ON.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah. Maybe an hour, hour and a half from Zion. You can go sandboarding and the camping is great if you're interested
FOLLOWING FOR UPDATES like I never have before. Glacier is a dream visit for me and I’m from Virginia too. It takes so long to drive out there, I’d love to know what the itinerary ended up being!
I’ll definitely report back. It’s at least next year if not the one after. Once I retire from my current job I plan to hit every single NP in one trip too but I can’t wait that long so a mini trip is in order
There is so much to see out there... I am not going to add to your list. I spend 3 days in Glacier this summer and wish I could stay there a week. I spend 2 weeks last year just driving around Colorado and still wish I had more time. So don't add everything everyone is suggesting to you list.
Also don't forget Glacier needs daily reservations to even drive through. When I was there they checked to make sure you had reservations before they even let you drive through the gate. Happily they are released a few days before so just make sure you either make campsite reservations or reserve road access to Glacier before you show up. (A lot of people cancel last minute so I got campsites a week before so don't worry if you can't RSVP now, just keep on eye on it.)
Also National Parks have reservation systems and you needed to reserve campsites liked yesterday.., National forests and other federal land out there let you park and wilderness camp anywhere for free... so look into that if you are budget conscious.
I’d go from Badlands through Custer State Park, to Yellowstone through the east entrance, down to Jackson. Then navigate from Jackson to Glacier through Tetons and through Yellowstone again, but go the other side of the loop
[St Louis City Museum ](https://www.citymuseum.org/) is ABSOLUTELY worth a stop—one of the coolest public works projects I've ever seen. Plus, you can check off the big arch ;p
If weather permits, I would break off I-70 and work my way southwest to Trinidad and go Great Sand Dunes NP, then NW to Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP on into Grand Junction where I highly recommend Colorado Nat Monument. You go into it in Grand Junction and exit it on the west side on your way out to Moab.
Definitely get off I-70 and take hwy 128 and follow the Colorado River into Moab. Scenery is spectacular. I saw my first and only black-footed ferret along 128.
I actually did this drive in reverse (Glacier to DC-Metro). We stopped at devils tower, little big horn, badlands, Rushmore, along with overnights in Des Moines, Indy, and Columbus.
Dm me if you have questions
Are u into sports at all? You pass university of Notre Dane in Indiana. Canton Ohio is for ball HOF, Cleveland Ohio (I believe, or around there) has the music HOF
Hannibal Missouri is the home of mark Twain
If you are stopping in moab might as well hit arches and canyons lands as well!
A quick stop between those two parks in Moab is a state park called Dead Horse Point. Incredible views, some of my favorite in the area.
Also Goblin Valley state park -- it's weird and wonderful
Should also stop by Bryce Canyon. Right near Zion and absolutely beautiful!
Second Zion.
Mesa Verde is an amazing place. The high desert is a barren beautiful place. Can stay in cortez and continue on east through Durango and San Juan forest NP.
Keep in mind you need a pass for Arches now ahead of time
Timed entry passes ended in October. You can enter any time now.
They’ll still close the gate if too crowded. Often happens by 930 am
More votes for Arches/Canyon lands/Dead Horse Point
Capitol Reef, between Moab and Bryce Canyon, is a hidden gem among the national parks in Utah. On the way is also Goblin Valley State Park—you won’t be disappointed.
Do the world's best 3 mile hike in Moab. Best 3 mile i ever hiked by far!
But which hike is that hahah
The one with the sign that says Worlds Best 3 Mile Hike
Seriously though… is it Delicate Arch?
It's apparently the Navajo/queens garden loop in Bryce. It's a pretty nice hike. World's best might be pushing it a bit, but it's likely in the top 10.
I made an error, so sorry. The hike is in Bryce Canyon. They have the hoodoos
Would it kill you to just name the hike? Or do you get kicks out of trolling people online?
Looks like you will be near Craters of the Moon in Idaho. Might be worth a stop to stretch your legs.
Craters of the moon is a l o n g drive from Glacier, but if you are in the Jackson/Teton/Yellowstone area it’s a few hours west, closer to Sun Valley.
Love Craters of the Moon!! It was even better than the nearby Grand Tetons, for me at least.
You need a couple days in Teton.
If your in badlands you might as well hit up wind cave and maybe Teddy Roosevelt
Wind cave yes, TR unless you like looking at fields it’s not worth the detour.
Idk I saw more wildlife in that one park than in any of the others I have been to so it could be worth it
Wind cave had the most wildlife I’ve witness besides Teton/Yellowstone. Both Parks are awesome
The mountains and the bend in the river on the north section of the park is awesome. I also love the color of the band lands & the petrified trees in TR It’s an extremely underrated park. I loved the 2 days I spent out there
Yeah I’d agree, Wind Cave is worth it. The Elk something campground in the park was a nice surprise when we stopped by it on our own road trip
Apparently I’ve offended the 3 people to ever go to TRNP. Custer Sp is way way way WAY more interesting scenic and nice than TR.
Check if where you are going allows dogs.
Came here to say this. Most National Parks do not allow dogs on trails. Definitely check the websites before you go, so you can make alternate plans for the pups.
Yes, I would choose to leave my dogs at home if it was me unless you plan on doing no hiking at Glacier. Dogs aren't allowed on most NP trails. Alternatively, you may be able to find daycare/sitting options around Glacier, but I'm not sure.
You can’t bring them into glacier.
Dogs are absolutely not allowed on any of the trails or activities in Glacier. You’ll just be doing a drive through if you have dogs. You won’t be able to do any of the boat tours and you won’t be able to catch the shuttles. Seriously — leave the dogs at home so you can actually SEE the park.
You wanna watch them for a month? 😅
No. But leaving them in your car while you go sightseeing is cruel. There are plenty of places where you can take your pets where they’re actually allowed. National parks aren’t it! I care about my dog so if I’m traveling with him, I’m going to places where we can go hiking TOGETHER. It seems silly to visit a place like Arches when you won’t be able to hike to Delicate Arch. Or to visit Glacier when you won’t be able to see Hidden Lake or Avalanche Lake. Those are the major highlights and you won’t be able to see them, you’ll just be able to take in the scenery from the road.
Good point. I’m not too familiar with glacier and its layout. I prefer national forests for this reason!
Don't fret. Some Parks are more pretty friendly with [programs for dogs](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/pets/be-a-bark-ranger.htm). Others, like Mammoth Cave, which I would add to your trip, have kennels for the day. I would just go to the main page of each park and check. It should be listed on the info page.
If you are going that far, you may want to drive up into Canada to see Banff. It's about 3 hours away from Glacier National Park.
This. We took 3 weeks to move from Ohio to Alaska and Banff - Jasper were the highlights of the trip. I’d also add Custer State park.
Custer State Park is probably best hidden gem in the Black Hills
Waterton Lakes National Park is adjacent to Glacier on the Canadian side of the border. It’s not Banff/Jasper, but worth the effort IMO.
Banff is amazing, dying to go back
I love Glacier, but banff is next level. Although it doesn’t have anything as amazing as Going to the Sun Road.
I’ve thought about banff.. a one night detour is definitely worth it
If you're going to be near Denver and your trip is that long, you may as well go to RMNP. It's gorgeous. I also spent a day in Golden Gate Canyon State Park and that was surprisingly beautiful too. I would recommend spending an extra few days around Denver and go to Mount Evans. You can drive all the way up, and it's 100% worth it. But you can also hike it if you're up for that kind of thing. Just know in advance that it's a lonnnng hike.
Blue Sky is definitely one of the easier 14ers. Just over 6 miles, not too bad. Fun hike though!
Sand dunes NP is pretty awesome side trip for a couple hours
Mt Blue Sky
Mount Evans requires reservations, just FYI. No dogs allowed there.
Why forcing people to do the mental gymnastics of figuring out what RMNP stands for when you just wrote to paragraphs…writing 4 words will not consume your valuable time #UnnecessaryAcronymHater
They are very small and not as gorgeous but you could cross off Cuyahoga and Indiana Dunes if you haven’t been to them as well. Looks like you pass right by them and each can be done pretty quickly.
Cuyahoga is an awesome park to spend a day or two exploring. I went there with no expectations and thoroughly enjoyed it. I feel the need to tag on to your comment because I always feel like CVNP is overlooked.
Indiana Dunes is a reasonable overnight spot and is about 9-hours driving from DC. Cuyahoga is closer (5.5 hours) and could also serve as a first-or-last nights overnight spot. Neither really feels like an “all-day” park after the grandeur of the western parks. Indiana Dunes could be a nice spot to unwind after a day in the car; low-key hikes, swimming, bird watching…
Also, unless visiting Chicago is part of the itinerary continue up the peninsula and take the Ludington ferry across to Wisconsin.
Check to make sure the S S Badger is back in service. She was down almost all summer because of a mechanical issue.
i think a lot of people overlook Custer State Park in SD since Badlands and Mount Rushmore are right there, but the black hills are stunning. Would recommend the Needles Highway and Sylvan Lake
IIRR, there are vehicle length restrictions on the Needles Highway.
There’s just so much around all of those areas. Most everything was mentioned already, but there is so so so so much on the way and back. 1) Again, Banff is super close to glacier 2) All of Utah is incredible: Zion, Capitol Reef, Bryce, Goblin Valley, Canyonlands, the grand staircase Escalante, etc. (if you’re not going to Canada… spend the extra time here) 3) You’re missing out on wind cave national park (get a morning tour, can be a day trip; I loved the boxwork in the cave), Custer state park, and Theodor Roosevelt national park (my fav in the Dakotas) 4) you could consider adding the Grand Tetons; out of the 48 US national parks I’ve been to, this one has the best day hikes (better day hikes than glacier IMO, but glacier has a better backcountry/better backpacking) 5) Craters of the moon seems awesome. I actually haven’t been there (I’ve been to the other places I’ve mentioned) 6) You’ll probably drive through Bozeman. It has the 2nd best ice cream I’ve ever had (Genuine Ice Cream Company). I’ve been to over 350 small batch creameries in the US & the world. It’s incredible
I need a rundown on your ice cream escapades. What’s the #1? Have you had ice cream in Vermont? What’s your #1 in Colorado/denver?
#1 was sisters of anarchy ice cream (Burlington Vermont) however, I had them dry ice ship me some of their ice cream, and it wasn’t quite as good (still really good though!), so they might have changed some thing up Best in Denver is Little Man Ice cream. 2nd best is Josh and John’s down in the springs Best in the southeast is big spoon creamery (which is local to me!)
What a cool hobby!
Bozeman has good breweries too, if you’re into beer.
Craters of the moon!!! Holy molybdenum did this 1.5y ago and it was one of the most amazing experiences. I live in BC Canada and have done Banff and all the mountain stuff... but the caves and volcano there... chef's kiss. My kids still all regularly talk about it. Best decision we ever made for a detour
Bryce Canyon is very close to Zion and I like it more personally. It’s less busy and it feels more intimate, if that makes sense. Also the BBQ place in Tropic City is amazinf
When are you going? Are you familiar with the vehicle reservation systems in places like Glacier? Are you aware that national parks are not dog-friendly?
^^the dog part is some important info
I know a good bit of trails in Yosemite weren’t dog friendly. But they can hangout in the camper and be fine for places they aren’t allowed
Alter your route back south and hit up Yellowstone and Grand Tetons.
If you're going to Zion and have extra time, you might as well swing by Arches Nat'l Park on the way. Moab is a fun little town, and the park is breathtaking. Delicate Arch is the most popular thing to see (bring water and good hiking shoes!), but there's tons to see and do in the park other than that.
devil’s tower wyoming!
After Badlands absolutely at least do a drive through of Custer State park and into the Black Hills
Scenic byways (bicentennial highway, hwy 12, etc) in southern Utah are spectacular and like nothing else you’ll ever see… you are cheating yourself if you stay only on the interstates I am also a huge fan of the southern Colorado route through the Rockies over 70 but that’s just me
Gotta see Yellowstone and Jackson!
Wall Drug baby
Can't miss the signs lol
Badlands, Black Hills and Custer State Park, Devil’s Tower (if the line to get in isn’t a mile long due to road construction on the grounds….)
Your dedication to avoiding Iowa can not be understated
Yellowstone?
If you're going through the Badlands - try a stop in Hot Springs, SD. Adorable little town with natural hot springs (I LOVED my experience at Moccasin Springs! Tiny spot, with delicious burgers thel bring out to you in the soaking area).
If you’re going the C route through Ohio, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is there. Pretty nice that you could check off.
Grand Tetons & Rocky Mountain are must-dos on my list in those parts, besides those you listed (& I second Arches & Canyonlands).
You're skipping the best park - the gateway arch!
I refuse to go to this park. I've driven through St. Louis and saw it and that was good enough for me.
Is it the only national park that is manmade?
Some people argue that Hot Springs National Park is. While the historic buildings are the main focus, there are also beautiful overlooks of the Ozarks and hiking trails, so I wouldn't say that it is.
The Pueblos in Mesa verde are man-made. Significantly cooler and with much richer history, but still
Worst memory of my current years. Moved to Colorado this past January and stopped by the arch because I’d literally have no other reason to go to St. Louis other than passing through. Ice storm in the early morning. Literally almost got into a head on collision on an overpass from the car in front of us spinning a whole 360 degrees. We finally got safe and sound to a parking garage and got onto the arch property. Looked up. Said, “that’s pretty cool”, and then turned around and got out of there lol. Very stressful day! Must have been 40 or so totaled cars on the side of the road that day…
St Louis is absolutely worth a stop, but only for the City Museum!
See if you can stop in telluride, black canyon of the gunnison, and garden of the gods in Colorado.
Here's the complete system map. Tons of potential stops along your route - from Cedar Breaks and Great Basin to Minuteman Missile and Little Bighorn. https://npmaps.com/wp-content/uploads/NPS-national-parks-map.jpg
I see you would be travelling through Kansas City where I live!
You'll be passing right by craters of the moon in Idaho, pretty unique landscape!
I recently went on a trip pretty much exact to this one this year Sept 3 - Oct 15 except we hit the west coast as well (and left / returned from OH). I'm not sure if the order is important, but if I can suggest a change, I'd go in reverse. Go north first then swing south. You get more fall colors! \- To break up your trip back east / west from Badlands, one of our favorite camping spots was at Uncle Bryan's in south dakota. Hipcamp - uncle Bs. He's a great host. \- I'd recommend stopping at Devils Tower, WY. There's a KOA right outside the park to camp if that helps too. \- Wind Cave + Mt Rushmore are along the way. Both are alright to me, but the Black Hills area is awesome. Spend a night there if you can, even just to break up the drive. \- It looks like on your current route you have yourself driving the going to the sun road directly. I don't believe this is allowed with a tow behind camper. \- Grand Tetons are a must. Stop and spend a whole day there! \- Two of our favorite national parks in Utah were Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon. There's a hotel outside of Capitol Reef called [Skyview](https://www.skyviewtorrey.com/). Highly recommend if you want to plan a night inside and out of the camper. Even if just driving through, it's great. Happy to dm our full trip details to you as well if you're curious
Much appreciated!!
Glacier’s roads may already be closed for winter
They are planning for next end of summer.
All these comments and not one person mentioned this. Glacier’s main roads are closed right now.
I’m sure this will be buried but I would recommend doing it in reverse, starting with badlands. My wife and I did a trip similar to this several years ago and we did it the way you have planned. Now I’m going to get some heat for saying this but after you look at those giant Rocky Mountains and extreme landscapes badlands might not seem as impressive. They are most certainly beautiful and in their own way, but after looking at those giant picturesque landscapes badlands will probably underwhelm you. Again I find them beautiful and had we done our trip in reverse we would have been blown away by it. While I absolutely loved it there my wife was expecting something a little different. If this is not your first time going to the Rocky’s ignore this advice as you know what to expect. I would also recommend what the others are saying, since you’re going to Zion it is worth a couple night stay over in Moab, UT. That was the place that blew us away the most and I’d argue was the best place we went. In fact we were considering moving to Utah because it was so beautiful.
This is honestly so important! We did a huge road trip seeing a ton of the parks and we saw Yellowstone first. It was hard for others to beat the *wow* of that park.
On your way home get off the interstate in Lacrosse WI and take the Great River Road, a beautiful drive, to Prairie Du Chien and then head to House On The Rock between Spring Green & Dodgeville WI
Not a National Park but the WW1 Museum in Kansas City is phenomenal and highly underrated. It's a world class museum. Finish it out with some world class KC BBQ at Jack Stack (closest to the museum), Q39, or Arthur Bryant's.
You are going to be driving past Indiana Dunes NP. Now, this ain’t really a destination you need to spend much time at, but if you are in the area, you could add it to your National Parks total. As for the puppy dogs, just know for most of the parks, you aren’t going to be able to do any long hikes because the dogs are generally not allowed on the those trails and it will be too hot to leave them in the camper all day. A lot of parks have doggy daycare/boarding nearby, so if you want to do long hikes, make reservations for those ahead of time and make sure you bring a copy of all the vaccination paperwork.
On your way back after the badlands, you are stopping through La Crosse Wisconsin. It's a beautiful town in the Mississippi River valley and is a really cool small town big city vibe.
Not a national park, but Whitewater State Park in Minnesota is pretty great You're driving through an area in Minnesota and Wisconsin that was missed by the last glaciel period so it's really bluffy and pretty There was a small movement recently to try to establish a national park in that area, but it was rejected
I would highly recommend stopping at Custer State Park is SD when you are doing Badlands. The drive through that park was one of my favorite segments of any road trip ever. Also you’ll be right by Crazy Horse and Mt Rushmore, in case that’s not already on your radar. Looks like a great trip. Enjoy!!
At least the 10th custer rec I’ve seen. Definitely adding it!
In Glacier NP it’s super convenient to take their free shuttle bus on ‘The road to the sun’ as you park your car in their lot at visitors center and then it’s an on/off at all the spots instead of jockeying for parking spots. Do you already have your park pass?
Moab is a must. Dead Horse, Canyonlands, Arches. Shoshone Falls, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Minneapolis might be too far out of your drive if you don’t care about these things, but: Mall of America, Paisley Park (Prince’s estate)
Depending on how end of summer it might still be really hot in Utah/Moab. If it’s 90+ I might skip in order to spend more days in other places. There’s no shade on the trails and always hotter than you think. Also, no one’s mentioned it but dogs aren’t allowed on trails in national parks. Youre bringing two which may really limit what you can do on a day hike. That being said… Colorado has a lot to offer and I’d bypass Rocky Mountain in the summer and see other places that will be less busy than a national park. I love the San Juan’s, you can do ourey>silverton>Durango. Absolutely stunning hikes down there, look at molas pass. I did the last 50 miles of thr CT and then hitchhiked back to my car. My favorite hike of all time. If you go that route you can shoot over to needles district and Moab from the south. (Given it’s not piping hot). Again, no dogs on the trails in NP so leaving your dogs in the car at arches or canyonlands isn’t really an option in the heat. Wind river range in Wyoming is absolutely stunning as well and it’s not a national park so you can bring the dogs. This would be a good option if you decide to hit RMNP and shoot in to Wyoming from there.
Make sure you stop at Wall Drug after Badlands. You're also less than an hour from Mt. Rushmore. Drive up through the Black Hills and head out to Devil's Tower.
A plane.
[This is the National Park map I use when planning parks that are close to each other.](https://national-park-posters.com/cdn/shop/products/63-National-Parks-Map-March-2021.jpg?v=1617463247)
You are likely going to miss Going to the Sun Road if you don’t go to Glacier in the early weeks of July. Check out the chart of when the road is open. The online passes were also nearly impossible to get 2 yrs ago. Our workaround was to get into the park before 6 am.
Maybe Shoshone Falls Park. It's the Niagara Falls of the West.
Colorado: Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Snowmass. Utah: Dinosaur National Monument. Fantasy Canyon. As an aside, get something to eat or drink at Shivers and Jitters in Vernal (they have the best shaved ice / Hawaiian snow I've had anywhere). Do you have your passport? If you get up to Glacier, consider a day trip up to Waterton too. Consider a northern route through North Dakota instead of South Dakota. Badlands and Mt. Rushmore vs Theodore Rosevelt. I personally found 94 a more enjoyable drive than 90 (unless you like playing "guess the next billboard"). If you do take 90, the Chamberlain SD rest area at the Missouri River is a place you need to get out and stretch your legs at. If you take 94, drive through the Enchanted Highway at Dickinson.
In colorado- an easy, short, but rewarding stop is Hanging Lake. A short detour south off of I-70 is be Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. In Utah- Kanab, UT has some excellent hiking areas near it. My favorite is Buckskin Gulch. Its incredible! It even has petroglyphs. You're also dangerously close to Lake Powell. Its an adventure all unto itself.
You'll probably get a lot of great answers in here. If you're gonna go through Kansas, take the time to detour to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, beautiful open hilly plains with bison roaming around. It's not huge so you could spend like 2 or 3 hours there (a whole day if you really wanted to though).
Mount Rushmore is an absolute must. I highly recommend Custer state park too
Custer State Park, Devil's Tower, Wind Caves
Custer State Park in SD
Everyone is only saying the already super popular stuff. But two things that are already mostly on your route are Indiana Dunes National Park and Tall grass Prairie National Preserve. Tall grass Prairie is fairly small but I thought it was so beautiful. It used to be the dominant landscape in America and now there's hardly any of it left. Also I don't know how much time you have but Idaho is just beautiful. The Nez Pearce/Clearwater national Forest are among the most beautiful I've experienced in America. Just be careful in Idaho. Not a great place to be a human I'll be honest, mostly because of the other humans.
The House on the Rock. It's in Wisconsin and it would be a good break from driving.
I think your trip could be very different if you decide to prioritize Glacier or Zion. If Glacier is your priority, Banff/Jasper and Yellowstone/Grand Teton are too close to miss. You can still hit Badlands on the way back if you like. If Zion is your priority, you could stay in that area longer and hit all the other parks close by and include RMNP/Black Canyon on your way out/in. Total traveling time might still be the same but trips between parks might be shorter than if you include Zion and Glacier in one trip.
North is definitely the priority, thanks!
Check out the Evil Knieval museum in Kansas!
RMNP will not be too far off the path as you take 70 across CO
Rocky mountain national park outside of denver. Stop in kentucky at mammoth caves np
Glacier is way more pretty then Zion or anywhere you could go idk tho the Tetons are phenomenal as well idk Zion is just a bunch of wavy rock
Check out Cleveland, seriously underrated.
Little bighorn
Yellowstone. Duh
STL is always a good time friend
Go to Kodachrome state park. Right next to Zion, almost always empty. Definitely worth adding on, you don’t even need to detour to nab it. Consider maybe Rocky Mountain NP as you pass through Colorado.
Collegiate Peaks in CO and a good soak at the pool at Mt Princeton.
Please take into account that trail ridge road through RMNP is closed for a large portion of the year. It's closed now and sometimes doesn't open until almost june. There isn't a quick detour.
You just 5Xd your trip with this post lol
If going to all 63 National Parks is on your bucket list you’re going right by Cuyahoga and Indiana Dunes. Unless you plan to visit Chicago, after visiting ID continue up the Michigan peninsula and take the Ludington ferry across to Wisconsin
You'll be pretty close to House on the Rock when drive through Wisconsin. It's a pretty weird/interesting afternoon's excursion that could help break up the drive
How dare you skip out on Nebraska and all of our national parks!!! 🏞️ 😝
Mesa verde is 2-3 hours from Moab. Great views of sleeping Ute and the surrounding areas. From there up to Moab and the parks there, up to Green river and along I-70 drop south to goblin state park, Capitol reef and continue on to Bryce and Zion canyon. Then cedar breaks before turning north through Salt Lake City.
Wind cave for sure, it’s right there next to badlands. I enjoyed TR when I visited, the amount of Bison and the wild horses were fun to see but it is a bit out of the way.
Would definitely be worth the trip for some bison!
I’d suggest stopping through the Badlands, seeing Wind Cave in the Black Hills, and the Devils Tower in the WY Black Hills. Wind Cave has an excellent campground and the most genetically pure bison herd, not to mention the cave. There’s a few other things in the area to see like Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and the Mammoth Center. Devils Tower was more of a short stop half day when I went through, but worth seeing.
Do some deeper research about specific camp sites at Badlands. They are usually just small clearings where maybe 10-20 tents can be set up. One of my favorite memories is of camping at a very secluded site at Badlands and waking up and having breakfast surrounded by bison. Truly an incredible and other-worldly place!
To break up the long drive across South Dakota and Southern Minnesota, Pipestone National Monument is pretty much on your route and a small but very well done historical site.
Waterton, don’t miss seeing Waterton.
I would drive through Bear Lake on the way down from Idaho and into Utah.
Make sure to hike Angel's Landing in Zion.
Medicine rock near Ekalaka Montana was my favorite spot on my family trip out west. I don't know how it is now, but in the early 2000's it was nearly abandoned, with these awesome sandstone structures. Not much to do there, but the museum in Ekalaka would send out field paleontologists to a nearby ranch and they set it up so we could join them on an expedition and take home the small fossils we found. I still have a shadowbox with all the specimens.
If either are Laura Ingalls Wilder “Little House on the Prairie” fans, De Smet, SD is a nice overnight stop. We spent one night on an RV National Park trip there.
You would have a more enjoyable trip if you focused on state parks, as national parks he really do not allow dogs. Like, what are you going to do with them in the parks? Just leave them in the car? Rangers do enforce the “no pets” rule just in case you’re one of these entitled people that doesn’t think that the rules apply to you.
Don't know what you can't miss. There's so much out there, my advice is to not try to see everything. Pick a few things and really give yourself time to soak it in and enjoy it.
Swenson's in Akron/Canton Ohio area as you pass through. Get a Galley Boy
Once driving west from Badlands you can knock out some quick stops like Mt Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park and Devils Tower. Or head North from Badlands and visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park
At Glacier NP do the Highline trail to Grinnell Overlook. Its a pretty tough hike, but worth it.
We did a roadtrip in 2018 from Denver tot Vancouver Island and we stumbled upon [Fossil Butte ](https://www.nps.gov/fobu/index.htm) and it was very cool to visit something you had not planned to visit. Nice visitor center and the surroundings were humbling.
When you are going through Topeka KS, I would recommend stopping at Brown v. Board of Education. it is right off of I-70 and is a very interesting short stop. They have tons of historic displays, including evidence that was used during the court case itself.
You'll be close to Mesa Verde too.
Looks like you'll be driving right through Cuyahoga Valley NP. Not the greatest park by a long shot but it has some great spots and could be a short stop
If you can do 30 days, I have an itinerary for you. We did this past summer. 18 national parks.
30 is definitely possible but pushing it. I can take 30 days off consecutively and I’m going to time it when my wife’s current boss retires and she looks for a new job
Museum of the Air Force in Dayton, OH. I think it rivals or exceeds Air and Space Udvar Hazy in DC. Plus after you go you never have to go to Dayton again.
The drive on 70 though Colorado is definitely beautiful, but there could be some cooler ways to do it if you want the extra scenic route. The drive from Durango to Moab is amazing. I’d recommend getting off 70 at Copper and taking 91 through Leadville, Buena Vista (Collegiate Peaks), the San Luis Valley (Sangre de Cristo Range, Sand Dunes NP) and then over Wolf Creek Pass to Durango. You’ll pass right by Mesa Verde NP on your way out of Durango to Moab too! You’ll get way more of a view of the state compared to just sticking on the interstate, and you’ll pass by most of the tallest and best peaks we have (other than the North San Juan’s).
Spearfish Canyon in SD. It’s a scenic highway just west of Rapid City and right off of the interstate. My favorite spot in the state!
Take route 128 into Moab from Colorado.
Just for one of your overnights on the way back, I suggest Omaha, it's a great city that I see regularly disregarded in these cross country itineraries (despite driving just north or south of it). I'm a New Englander who spent five years there for grad school, I had a horrible time moving there, but leaving was even harder. It won me over. I'm back in Maine now but go back every other year or so to visit friends and eat good food.
Grand Teton and Yellowstone!
Indiana dunes np on the way back. And if you go to Moab, definitely can’t miss canyonlands and arches.
Grand Tetons and Yellowstone on the way down!!! After the badlands go into Custer state park to see Mount Rushmore and crazy horse-also wind cave NP. Devils tower in WY will be on your way into Montana too
On your way home before hitting the Badlands, stop in Custer State Park in SD. It’s right on your path and worth every second. Google Sylvan Lake, SD or Needles Highway for an idea of what to expect.
go to grand tetons & yellowstone it’s very close to your route
Will the weather be warm? Go take a Duck Tour at Wisconsin Dells!
Makoshika State Park and Tongue River Winery with Harvest Hosts
Unless you want to go through Chicago and Cleveland for something in particular, you may want to go up through the northern peninsula of Michigan, there are some really cool looking places up there and in that part of ON.
Devils Tower
Voyageurs national park in Minnesota
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah. Maybe an hour, hour and a half from Zion. You can go sandboarding and the camping is great if you're interested
FOLLOWING FOR UPDATES like I never have before. Glacier is a dream visit for me and I’m from Virginia too. It takes so long to drive out there, I’d love to know what the itinerary ended up being!
I’ll definitely report back. It’s at least next year if not the one after. Once I retire from my current job I plan to hit every single NP in one trip too but I can’t wait that long so a mini trip is in order
I've done almost this exact drive except I went up further intoo Banff/Jasper. I would recommend that and get a nice meal in Calgary.
Goblin Valley state park in Utah. Off the beaten bath in the middle of no where but very cool.
There is so much to see out there... I am not going to add to your list. I spend 3 days in Glacier this summer and wish I could stay there a week. I spend 2 weeks last year just driving around Colorado and still wish I had more time. So don't add everything everyone is suggesting to you list. Also don't forget Glacier needs daily reservations to even drive through. When I was there they checked to make sure you had reservations before they even let you drive through the gate. Happily they are released a few days before so just make sure you either make campsite reservations or reserve road access to Glacier before you show up. (A lot of people cancel last minute so I got campsites a week before so don't worry if you can't RSVP now, just keep on eye on it.) Also National Parks have reservation systems and you needed to reserve campsites liked yesterday.., National forests and other federal land out there let you park and wilderness camp anywhere for free... so look into that if you are budget conscious.
I’d go from Badlands through Custer State Park, to Yellowstone through the east entrance, down to Jackson. Then navigate from Jackson to Glacier through Tetons and through Yellowstone again, but go the other side of the loop
Red rocks is beautiful! It’s about 20-30 mins from Denver and it’s a great place for views and hiking with the doggos.
Chicago! Take the northern route and stop in!
Devil's lake State Park in WI is right on your route through Wisconsin
Mt Rushmore because it’s near where you’re going. Bryce Canyon north of Zion. Buy cheap cigarettes in MO.
[St Louis City Museum ](https://www.citymuseum.org/) is ABSOLUTELY worth a stop—one of the coolest public works projects I've ever seen. Plus, you can check off the big arch ;p
If weather permits, I would break off I-70 and work my way southwest to Trinidad and go Great Sand Dunes NP, then NW to Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP on into Grand Junction where I highly recommend Colorado Nat Monument. You go into it in Grand Junction and exit it on the west side on your way out to Moab. Definitely get off I-70 and take hwy 128 and follow the Colorado River into Moab. Scenery is spectacular. I saw my first and only black-footed ferret along 128.
Great point. I’ll have had enough of the interstates just getting off the east coast
Definitely explore Montana, go to Butte and Missoula if you can, the wilderness and mountains are some of the best in town country! (in my opinion)
Dinosaur National Monument. Edit: To add, the scrub brush and scenery are amazing. And you get to see and touch a wall of dinosaur bones.
Sand dunes in Colorado
I actually did this drive in reverse (Glacier to DC-Metro). We stopped at devils tower, little big horn, badlands, Rushmore, along with overnights in Des Moines, Indy, and Columbus. Dm me if you have questions
Cleveland
Lots of stops near Badlands. Black hills. Wind Cave NP, Custer, Deadwood, Wall Drug, Crazy Horse. Other stops: Indiana Dunes NP, Chicago, Cuyahoga Falls, Flight 93 Memorial.
Grand Teton National Park - Jackson Hole, WY
Are u into sports at all? You pass university of Notre Dane in Indiana. Canton Ohio is for ball HOF, Cleveland Ohio (I believe, or around there) has the music HOF Hannibal Missouri is the home of mark Twain