The ultimate USA roadie!

Jenny Gauthier, HOT Lakers Invercargill, takes to the road and explores the Mighty Five!

Why take a USA road trip

The USA has so much to offer – and the best way to stumble across unique experiences, marvel at extraordinary vistas, explore charming small towns, and discover hidden gems is to hire a car and hit the open road! 

When you think of the all-American road trip, ‘getting your kicks on Route 66’, instantly spring to mind. But Utah’s Scenic Byways offer the chance to get off the beaten track and truly explore USA icons & the natural beauty of the Mighty Five!

Travel expert tips

Starting from Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, explore Utah’s Scenic Highways and Byways. There are many national parks to explore - some of the more well-known ones such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, but also lesser-known parks like Joshua Tree, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Great Basin National Park. 

You'll need to purchase a National Parks entrance ticket online or at the entrance to the park you're visiting. If taking a car, the pass is a per car cost, if visiting on foot it's a per person cost. If you are visiting more than one national park on your roadie, purchase the National Parks Pass which allows you multiple entries to multiple parks in a 12 month period.

If exploring during the summer months, make sure you have plenty of water with you as the heat can be extreme. Most National Parks don’t have any shops, so you’ll need to bring in everything you need.  

My road trip highlights

The national parks of Zion and Bryce Canyon are the most popular, and, beyond simply gawping, are great for hiking, adventure sports, and wildlife – you’ll see coyote, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and, if you’re really lucky, mountain lion. 

Utah has five national parks to choose from and all are very different. From wave after wave of deep canyons, towering mesas, cliffs, and spires of Canyonlands National Park, to the magnificent hoodoos at Bryce Canyon, the spectacular Angels Landing, and The Narrows hikes at Zion National Park. 

For day hikers, Canyonlands National Park is a dream come true. The Needles district has more hiking trails (about 120kms) and a better variety of trails than the Island in the Sky and Maze districts. But Island in the Sky offers a variety of well-maintained trails including the famous Mesa Arch. 

If you’re looking for something a little more extreme - head to Zion National Park. From the short hike up to Angels Landing where you’ll need chains to help guide you to the top where you're rewarded with spectacular views, to the longer 2-6 hour Narrows hike through the river where all you can see is the cliffs around you. 

For some of the best star-gazing you'll ever see make sure you overnight in Bryce Canyon National Park. Due to the pristine air and lack of development near the park, you have just on near perfect views of the stars.

Best time to go

April-May & September-October.

Inspired to hit the open road? Embark on the ultimate USA road trip and uncover breathtaking landscapes, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable adventures. Connect with our USA specialists today to start planning your journey!