Unlock America’s Wildest Secrets: 28 National Park Road Trips That Will Transform Your Soul and Ignite Your Adventure Spirit
What to Pack for a National Park Road Trip
Depending on the time of year and what national parks you’re visiting, you’ll need to pack different supplies for your national park road trip. For the best experience, these are some essentials you’ll want most of the time no matter what season it is and where you’re traveling.
- Water – Carry at least one gallon of water per person per day; if you plan to camp on your national park road trip, bring additional water for washing dishes and yourself.
- Food – Always bring plenty of food and have an extra supply of dry food in case you are in a remote area with minimal services. For snacks, carry high-calorie foods like bars, nuts, and dried fruits.
- Hiking Daypack – A good hiking daypack is essential for these national park road trips. I’d recommend a 20-25 liter pack. Osprey makes some great ones; men, check out the Osprey Talon and women check out the Tempest 20. If you want something bigger, check out our round up of the best hiking backpacks.
- Hiking Shoes – Whether you’re hiking or walking on paved paths, comfortable, durable hiking shoes are another essential for any of these national park road trips. Every foot is different so try them on and break them in before heading out. Hiking boots are great for ankle support. Hiking shoes, like trail runners, are awesome if you want something a bit lighter.
- First Aid Kit – Check out the MyMedic first aid kit for your go-to first aid supplies for these national park road trips.
- Warm Clothing – Layers are essential when visiting these national parks with varying temperatures, seasons, and elevation ranges. These are some great midlayers to pack for any national park road trip.
- Sun Hoodie – Protect your skin from the sun in the summer with a thin lightweight sun hoodie with UPF protection. I love Mountain Hardware’s Crater Lake Hoodie for both men and women.
- Merino Wool – In the winter, merino wool is a great option. It dries quickly and keeps you very warm. I always wear my Smartwool baselayers when visiting national parks in cooler months.
- Hiking Pants – Quick-drying hiking pants protect from the sun, vegetation, and sharp rocks when hiking in the national parks.
- Rain Jacket – Whatever season it is, always bring a rain jacket. The weather can always change and it doubles as a good wind shell layer.
- Puffy Coat – A down or synthetic puffy is also essential when visiting national parks. Even during the warmer months, some parks get very cold at night. I’ve worn both down and synthetic puffy’s from Patagonia over the years and love their products.
- Hat – In the summer, pack a baseball cap. In the cooler months you’ll want a winter hat.
- Sunglasses – Don’t forget to protect your eyes from the sun when visiting the national parks.
- Sunscreen – Whether you’re in the desert, mountains, or near water, always bring sunblock.
- Map – Download offline maps and carry paper maps in the areas of these national park road trips. Both types of maps are great options when out of cell service. For hiking, download AllTrails offline maps.
- Headlamp – Always carry a headlamp. It’s very helpful at camp or if you get stuck on the trail later than expected.
Final Thoughts on a National Park Road Trip
It’s time to start planning your next national park road trip! Whether you plan to hike mountains, take a relaxing scenic drive, explore caves, or go swimming in waterfalls there are plenty of national park road trip options all across the country.
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