If you’ve ever dreamed of combining desert magic, dramatic landscapes, and one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders—all in just one week—this road trip delivers. We explored three U.S. National Parks in a single adventure, starting from the Bay Area and looping through California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Day 1–2: Joshua Tree National Park
Our journey began with a long drive from the Bay Area to Joshua Tree National Park. The moment we entered the park, the unique silhouette of Joshua Trees, massive boulder formations, and the warm desert air set the tone for the trip.
We camped for two nights under the desert stars, waking up to the pastel glow of sunrise over the Mojave. Highlights included:
- Hiking among giant rock formations
- Watching the sunset from Keys View
- Stargazing—Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park, and the night sky was breathtaking.
Days 3–4: Death Valley National Park
From Joshua Tree, we made our way to Las Vegas for a quick stop before heading into Death Valley National Park. Known as the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S., Death Valley is a surreal place that feels like another planet.
We camped for two nights, exploring incredible landscapes:
- The peaceful beauty of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at sunrise
- The otherworldly salt flats at Badwater Basin
- The colorful hills of Artist’s Palette
Even in the heat, the park’s beauty was undeniable—and the quiet desert mornings were pure magic.
Days 5–6: Grand Canyon National Park
After another pass through Las Vegas, we headed to Williams, Arizona—a small, charming, and welcoming city that served as our gateway to the Grand Canyon.
From Williams, we drove daily to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park for two days of exploration. Standing at the rim for the first time was humbling—the scale is hard to put into words. We hiked sections of the Rim Trail and soaked in panoramic views from spots like Mather Point and Desert View Watchtower.
Day 7: Las Vegas & the Drive Home
On our way back to California, we spent some time exploring Las Vegas—its vibrant lights, buzzing energy, and endless food options were a fun contrast to the peaceful parks we had just visited. After a final night in the city, we made the long drive back to the Bay Area, hearts full from an unforgettable week.
Whether you’re chasing adventure, seeking solitude, or simply want to tick three incredible parks off your bucket list, this 1-week National Park road trip is an epic journey worth every mile.
🖊️ Written by Shree Neupane and Reeta Sharma
📍Outdoor enthusiasts, road trippers, and founders of Trail and Tread