Summer is coming to an end and may be you feel a little nostalgic that vacations are over and it is time to go back to school, work and your regular routine. But guess what? This is also a great time to plan your next road trip itinerary.
You see, a lot of famous landmarks attract crowds of tourists and that requires advance reservations, sometimes a year in advance, because lodging options including camping and RV sites do sell out fast.
Right now you can start building a road trip passing through some of North America’s greatest attractions and make it truly unforgettable.
Many incredible natural wonders, including captivating canyons and dizzying waterfalls, may be discovered on this continent. Be sure to include these seven attractions on your road trip itinerary.
1. Niagara Falls
As you get closer to the impressive Niagara Falls, an aura of nature supermact permeates the area. This natural wonder is nothing short of breathtaking in its force and beauty. Millions of gallons of water are falling with great force as you stand at the edge of Niagara Falls, feeling the mist on your face and hearing the thunderous boom.
But rather than simply admiring this wonder from a distance, come up close and personal by taking a boat excursion to see the falls from a completely different angle. Sailing across turbulent waters and getting doused in spray while surrounded by nature’s unbridled energy can make you feel exhilarated.
You can also take a helicopter flight above Niagara Falls to get a bird’s eye view and appreciate its magnificence. It becomes clear why these famous falls have enchanted people for decades as you fly above them.
Be sure to see Niagara Falls from both the U.S. and Canadian side because the experience and views will be very different and both a totally worth it.
Visits to Niagara Falls will create a lasting impression on your road trip experience for sure.
2. The Grand Canyon
At least once in a lifetime every person’s road trip plan should include a stop at the Grand Canyon, a breathtaking natural wonder. This massive, majestic canyon is almost 277 miles long and extends more than a mile deep. You feel like you have entered another universe as you gaze at the breathtaking surroundings.
When you stand on the rim, you may view a spectacular display of colors and rock formations that the Colorado River has sculpted over millions of years. The red, orange, and brown layers combine to form a captivating tapestry that is almost unreal in appearance.
There are several methods to explore the Grand Canyon. You can take a thrilling helicopter trip to gain a bird’s-eye perspective of this natural wonder. Or enjoy a stroll along one of the many hiking routes that offer various degrees of difficulty.
3. Monument Valley
Monument Valley is a beautiful, almost otherworldly environment on the border of Arizona and Utah. Many Western films have included its iconic red sandstone formations, making it recognizable to movie buffs and nature lovers.
Each turn on the circular road surrounding the park presents a fresh, breathtaking view. In contrast to the dazzling blue sky, the towering buttes rise magnificently from the desert floor.
Amid these natural marvels, feeling anything other than amazement is impossible. It should be your third destination if you are a nomad soul and love to live in a car.
You can enjoy Monument Valley’s beauty up close by exploring the area on foot. Hiking routes zigzag through confined gorges and around enormous rock formations, offering chances for striking photographs at each turn. And if you’re fortunate enough to go during sunrise or sunset, get ready for an unparalleled spectacle as the colors of the rocks change in response to the shifting light.
4. Yellowstone National Park
A true miracle of nature, Yellowstone National Park spans the borders of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It is a must-see stop on every road trip itinerary because of its magnificent scenery and uncommon wildlife encounters.
Yellowstone’s assortment of geothermal phenomena is one of its most notable attractions. These hot springs, from the well-known Old Faithful geyser to the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring, are aesthetically pleasing and a reminder of the park’s volcanic heritage.
Yellowstone is home to a staggering variety of species in addition to its geothermal marvels. There is a chance for visitors to see bison grazing peacefully or to see elusive wolves or grizzly bears. The park’s rich environment offers many possibilities for photographers and wildlife lovers.
5. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a magnificent marvel of nature in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Yosemite offers breathtaking scenery that will astound you with its ancient big sequoia trees, towering granite cliffs, and majestic waterfalls.
El Capitan, a gigantic granite formation that draws climbers worldwide, is one of the park’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s amazing and inspiring to see these daredevils mount the sheer face of this behemoth.
Yosemite Falls, one of North America’s tallest waterfalls, is located within the park. Watching and hearing thousands of litres of water cascade into the valley below is incredibly mesmerising.
Yosemite offers a vast network of hiking paths that display its many ecosystems for visitors looking for adventure on foot. Everything from strolls through wildflower-filled meadows to strenuous climbs up steep peaks with panoramic vistas is available here for hikers of all skill levels.
6. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is one of the Pacific Northwest’s true gems. Everyone may enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty at this lovely park in Washington.
Olympic National Park’s breathtaking shoreline is one of its distinctive attractions. It’s a delight for beach and wildlife lovers alike with its rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and lovely tide pools. You can stroll along the seaside paths, unwind on the sand, and enjoy the breathtaking sights.
Lush forests found inland are home to various plant and animal species. The old-growth rainforests have towering trees covered in mosses and ferns, giving off a mystical ambiance straight out of a fairytale. Walking through these old trees is like travelling through time.
7. Banff National Park
Your North American road trip schedule should end in Banff National Park. This park provides a genuinely beautiful wilderness experience and is in the stunning Canadian Rockies. Majestic mountains, gorgeous lakes, unforgettable hikes – you can find it all in Banff National Park
Relax in the town of Banff itself after a day of discovering the park’s natural splendors. Enjoy mouthwatering fare at neighbourhood eateries or relax with a hot dip in one of the many natural hot springs dotted around the neighbourhood.
Awe-inspiring vistas, abundant wildlife sightings, and amazing adventures are just a few of the characteristics Banff National Park perfectly captures.
Conclusion
The big question is – can you visit all these landmarks in 1 road trip? Technically, nothing is impossible depending on how much time and resources you have. Otherwise, you can do them in chunks. For instance, Monument Valley and Grand Canyon can easily be done together. Olympic, Banff and Yellowstone national parks make a nice Northwestern “triangle”.
Each of the mentioned North American Landmarks are worth the visit. Make sure you visit them at least once in your lifetime, whether together or one a year. The good thing is, you will always have something to “live for”, so to speak. The anticipation, the planning make it all exciting, every time, all the time.
Happy travels!
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