I traveled through 15 states in the U.S.A. during my Year Off and had an amazing time in every one. But some states just stand out above the rest. Here’s my list of the top 7 states to visit and experience during an American road trip.
1. Colorado
The “Mile High” state is well known for it’s plethora of outdoor activities and incredible scenery. And it’s a four-season state. Spend the winter skiing or snowboarding or the summer hiking the Colorado Trail. Spring is best for white water rafting, and what better time to go ripping down some single-track on a mountain bike than in the fall when the aspen trees are golden yellow?
Must-sees: Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado National Monument, Colorado Rockies game.
Must-dos: climb a 14er, go skiing in Steamboat Springs, “surf” the sand at Great Sand Dunes National Park, white water raft the Arkansas River, hike the Colorado Trail.
2. California
From the deserts of the south to the volcanoes of the north, and from the coastlines of the west to the mountains of the east, California has it all. It’s possible to spend 6 months in California alone and still be left with plenty to do. Make California a top priority for your road trip. It won’t disappoint!
Must-sees: giant sequoia trees in Sequoia National Park, Yosemite Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Mt. Shasta, Mammoth Lakes.
Must-dos: climb Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states, hike the John Muir Trail, rock climb in Joshua Tree.
3. Washington
The diversity of the landscape in Washington is astounding. You can spend a morning exploring the tropical rain forests on the Olympic Coast then the afternoon hiking around Mt. Rainier. The hiking and camping opportunities are endless, and the food and drink scene is amazing.
Must-sees: Seattle, Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park.
Must-dos: climb Mt. Rainier, go hiking in North Cascades National Park, explore the beaches of the Olympic Coast.
4. Wyoming
The wild-west atmosphere is still alive in Wyoming. Home to America’s first national park, Yellowstone, and arguably America’s most beautiful national park, Grand Teton, Wyoming is a must-visit. A couple of weeks is not enough for this state. Plan on staying a month.
Must-sees: Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole.
Must-dos: spend a night in the backcountry of Lamar Valley in Yellowstone, hike the Teton Crest Trail.
5. North Carolina
Home to the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Spend some lazy days at the beach on the Atlantic coast or head west to the mountains. There are over 800 miles of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so get out of your car and get hiking!
Must-sees: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville.
Must-dos: Go hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, go white water rafting then sample the craft beer scene around Asheville, go scuba diving around a shipwreck off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean.
6. Utah
The Big Five National Parks in Utah (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches) are some of the most spectacular in the United States. Go on an epic day hike in Zion National Park or get lost for weeks at a time in Canyonlands. Some of the best dispersed camping in the country is in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. It would be easy to spend months in the state so at least give yourself one whole month to explore.
Must-sees: Peek-a-Boo and Spooky slot canyons in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, the Narrows in Zion National Park, Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.
Must-dos: backpack Paria Canyon in southern Utah, drive the backcountry roads in Capitol Reef National Park, float the Green River in a kayak through Canyonlands National Park, go mountain biking in Moab, go skiing in Salt Lake City.
7. Arizona
The Grand Canyon State is best known for the big ditch, Grand Canyon National Park. It’s an absolute wonder, and is a must-see on any Epic Great American Adventure Road Trip. Make sure to hike down into the canyon though, don’t just stand there on the rim and look in. The magic lies within!
Must-sees: Grand Canyon National Park, Saguaro National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Sedona, Saguaro National Park.
Must-dos: backpack in Grand Canyon and spend a couple of nights by the Colorado River, do a 2 week white water rafting trip through the Grand Canyon, hike the Arizona Trail, visit any number of the Native American archeological sites located throughout the state.
Ready to start planning your Epic Great American Adventure Road Trip?
Check out my all-inclusive planning guide and packing list.
What states would you add to your list and why? Please leave in the comments section below!