Exploring the National Park Highway: A Journey Through Stars, Landscapes, and Discovery

The first time I took a road trip through the American Southwest, it was a drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Along the way, I passed through Sedona, where I stopped briefly to check out some shops and the main attractions. But honestly? Sedona wasn’t my vibe. It felt too touristy, and I was craving something quieter and more laid-back.

Once I left Sedona and got further into northern Arizona, everything changed. The drive became peaceful, with wide-open spaces, small-town charm, and views that felt endless. From my base in Flagstaff, I explored Horseshoe Bend, the Grand Canyon, and Glen Canyon Dam. Each stop left me more inspired than the last. That trip sparked my love for road tripping through the Southwest, where every turn reveals something beautiful.

So when I stumbled across a post about US Route 89, often called the “National Park Highway,” I was immediately curious. This scenic highway connects 10 national parks, stretching from Flagstaff to the Canadian border in Montana. For someone who loves sunsets, stargazing, and stunning landscapes, it sounded like the perfect kind of journey.

What is the National Park Highway?

US Route 89 runs for more than 2,000 miles and is often described as one of the most beautiful drives in America. It starts in Flagstaff, Arizona, and winds through Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. Along the way, it passes by legendary national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone.

What sets this route apart is the diversity of what you see. In one trip, you can go from red rock deserts to alpine lakes and thermal geysers. For me, it wasn’t about trying to see everything. I wanted a route that gave me adventure, beauty, and space to recharge without feeling rushed.

How I Planned This Trip

This trip came together through a mix of curiosity, intention, and asking myself a few key questions. Much of what I uncovered, like solo travel safety tips, inclusive accommodations, scenic drives, and budget-friendly glamping options are now apart of a more detailed planning breakdown. If you want to dig deeper into the logistics and booking side, check out the companion post: The Route 89 Travel Guide.

1. What do I want to experience?

   I wanted to feel awe. I pictured myself standing in Bryce Canyon at sunrise, floating down a quiet river in the Tetons, or seeing a night sky so clear I could spot constellations I’d never seen before.

   
   

2. What fits in a 1 to 1.5 week trip?

   With 10 national parks on the route, I had to narrow it down. I chose Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone. These gave me the best mix of geography, photo-worthy views, and meaningful experiences.

   
   

3. Where will I feel safe and welcome?

   As a solo Black traveler, this matters deeply. I prioritized accommodations and destinations that are known for being inclusive and highly rated by travelers from a wide range of backgrounds.

   
   

4. What will inspire me the most?

   From the hoodoos of Bryce to the alpine reflections at Jenny Lake, I prioritized landscapes and experiences that felt creatively and spiritually expansive.

   
   

5. How do I balance rest and adventure?

   This trip includes some incredible hikes and once-in-a-lifetime activities. But I also carved out time to slow down, enjoy a peaceful drive, sit by a fire, or just take in a view without rushing off to the next stop.

   
   

The Itinerary: 10 Days of Awe and Ease

Looking for exact drive times, detailed hotel suggestions, and activity recs? Be sure to check out the companion post, The Route 89 Travel Guide, for a full planning breakdown.

Views along the Way, pt. 1

Zion National Park (Days 1–2)

• Why Go: Towering red cliffs, peaceful canyons, and epic hikes

• What You’ll Love: Angels Landing for the thrill, The Narrows for the beauty, and the views that shift every hour with the light

• Where to Stay: Cliffrose Lodge in Springdale. It's close to the park, scenic, and highly rated for its hospitality

• Also Consider: Ziplining in Springdale for incredible views and a fun adrenaline boost

• Ask me about: alternate hikes if Angels Landing is too intense or how to get early access to shuttle tickets

Bryce Canyon National Park (Day 3)

• Why Go: Known for its surreal hoodoo rock formations and unbeatable stargazing

• Top Picks: Hiking the Navajo Loop Trail and staying in a dome tent at Bryce Glamping, where you can stargaze from your bed

• Eat: Stone Hearth Grille. Quiet, upscale, and ideal for catching golden hour over dinner

• Best View: Sunrise at Bryce Point will leave you speechless

• Things to consider for your trip: booking during a new moon for peak stargazing and wearing layers even in summer nights

Capitol Reef National Park (Days 4–5)

• Why Go: A quieter, less-traveled park with vivid red cliffs and historic orchards

• Remember to Check Out: The Fruita orchards, Hickman Bridge Trail, and the cozy, immersive experience of staying in a geodesic dome at The Wildland Dome

• Adventure Option: Horseback riding through Capitol Reef’s backcountry for an unforgettable, peaceful connection with the land

• Ask me about: my favorite stops on the scenic drive and how to pick fruit in the park

Arches & Canyonlands (Days 6–7)

• Why Go: Home to iconic formations and views that make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet

• What You’ll Love: Watching sunset at Delicate Arch, sunrise at Mesa Arch, and staying at Moab Under Canvas for luxury glamping with wide-open skies

• Must-Do: A sunrise hot air balloon ride over the red rock canyons for unbeatable photos and perspective

• Things to consider for your trip: planning your Arches entrance in advance (timed entry) and taking a scenic flight for a different perspective

Grand Teton & Yellowstone (Days 8–10)

• Why Go: Alpine peaks, lakes, geysers, and the kind of views that make you pause

• Don’t Miss: A float trip on the Snake River and seeing Old Faithful erupt in real life

• Stay: Explorer Cabins in West Yellowstone. Safe, cozy, and a perfect home base

• Ask me about: the best sunrise pullouts in the Tetons and tips for avoiding crowds in Yellowstone

Views along the Way, Pt. 2

Why This Trip Resonates

For a full guide to where to stay, eat, and explore each park, check out the companion post: The Route 89 Travel Guide.

The parts of this trip that speak to me most aren’t necessarily the biggest attractions. It’s the quiet pauses at overlooks, the moments of stillness by a fire, the shift in the sky from pink to blue to black.

This journey will be about more than just seeing the parks. It’s about the permission to slow down. To breathe. To take it all in at your own pace. You don’t have to see every park. You don’t need to rush.

What matters is creating space for beauty, for peace, and for joy in motion.

If you’ve been thinking about taking a trip like this but aren’t sure where to start, I’d love to help. Whether you want to follow this route or build something entirely your own, I can help you craft a journey that feels expansive, empowering, and aligned with the season you’re in.

Your next adventure is waiting.