Want a national‑park road trip that fits a long weekend without feeling rushed? These 3–5 day loops use major airports, scenic byways, and short hops between sights so you spend more time on overlooks and less time refueling. All routes are beginner‑friendly, paved, and easy to tweak based on weather. Daily driving targets sit around 2–4 hours, leaving the rest of the day for hikes, viewpoints, and cafés.
Southwest triangle from Las Vegas (3–4 days)
Pick up your Las Vegas car rental and head for Zion’s emerald canyons, Bryce’s hoodoo amphitheaters, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (seasonal). Stay one night near Springdale, one near Bryce, and a final night by the Virgin River before looping back on UT‑9. It’s the ultimate desert sampler with short day hikes like Canyon Overlook and Mossy Cave.
Day‑by‑day: Day 1 LAS → Zion (2.5 hrs). Day 2 Zion → Bryce (2 hrs). Day 3 Bryce → North Rim (3 hrs) → back toward St. George. Optional Day 4 relax and return to Las Vegas.
Grand Canyon & Sedona from Phoenix (3 days)
Reserve a Phoenix car hire and follow I‑17 to red‑rock Sedona. Continue north to the South Rim’s sunrise points, then return via Oak Creek Canyon switchbacks. Add Montezuma Castle for ancient cliff dwellings on the way back to the city. This loop keeps distances short and scenery varied.
Day‑by‑day: Day 1 PHX → Sedona stops (2 hrs). Day 2 Sedona → South Rim (2.5 hrs). Day 3 Rim viewpoints → Flagstaff lunch → Phoenix (3.5 hrs total).
Colorado Rockies from Denver (4–5 days)
From Denver, plan a Front Range loop across Trail Ridge Road (seasonal), Estes Park, and Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Mix alpine lakes with gold‑rush history and craft‑town stops. Afternoon thunderstorms are common—start hikes early and carry layers, a mid‑weight jacket, and plenty of water.
Day‑by‑day: Day 1 DEN → Estes Park. Day 2 Trail Ridge lookouts → Grand Lake. Day 3 Nederland scenic byway → Golden. Day 4 optional brewery + short hike → Denver return. Day 5 buffer for weather.
Yosemite and Big Sur from San Francisco (4–5 days)
From the Bay Area, link granite domes with ocean cliffs. Drive through the Central Valley to Yosemite Valley (arrive early), then exit via Tioga Pass (when open) or loop back and drop to Highway 1 for lighthouse views and Bixby Bridge. Expect fog along the coast—beautiful, but it slows traffic and deserves patience.
Day‑by‑day: Day 1 SFO → Yosemite Valley. Day 2 Valley hikes → Glacier Point. Day 3 Tioga (summer) or Mariposa Grove → Monterey. Day 4 Big Sur viewpoints. Day 5 back to San Francisco with beach stops.
Utah’s Mighty Favorites from Salt Lake City (3–4 days)
Use SLC to connect Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef with photo‑worthy pit stops in Moab. If time allows, add Goblin Valley’s sandstone “petrified” goblins for a whimsical hour of exploration. Night skies are phenomenal—consider one dedicated stargazing stop.
Day‑by‑day: Day 1 SLC → Moab. Day 2 Arches sunrise → Canyonlands overlooks. Day 3 Capitol Reef orchards → petroglyphs. Day 4 scenic byways return to SLC.
Smart packing & easy planning
- Book timed entries for popular parks where required.
- Carry a cooler, hats, and a sun shade; shade is sparse in the desert West.
- Print an offline map for mountain passes with spotty signal.
- Choose an SUV if your group needs extra luggage room and ground clearance.
- Respect wildlife distances and pull over only in signed turnouts.
With Hola Car Rentals you get transparent prices and travel‑ready protection, so your focus stays on viewpoints, not paperwork:
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours pre‑pickup.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum liability coverage on selected itineraries.
- Free travel insurance up to US$150,000.
- Cashback on tolls where applicable.
FAQs
Do I need a 4x4? No. These loops are designed for paved roads. If you plan to add dirt detours, check local regulations and coverage first.
When is the best time? Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. High‑elevation passes (Tioga, Trail Ridge) are typically summer‑only.
Can I do this with kids? Absolutely. Pair short hikes with ranger programs and picnic stops to keep the schedule flexible.
Wherever you begin, book with Hola Car Rentals and build a loop that fits your calendar—and your sense of wonder.
