The Ultimate National Park Road Trip: How to See all 51 National Parks in the Continental U.S.

The United States is home to 63 national parks, most of which are located within the continental U.S. From expansive desert landscapes to some of the tallest mountains in the country to islands right off the coast, there is so much to see.

The U.S. National Park Service manages over 400 units, including national parks, monuments, and recreation areas. They all hold a different designation based on what is being protected, whether it’s natural landscapes, historical relics, or some combination. The 63 places that hold “park status” are located throughout the United States and are a mix of both natural and historic significance.

While it would be a long haul, it is more than possible to do a massive road trip that connects all of the national parks in the continental U.S. In 2019, I personally drove through all of the contiguous 48 states solo with the goal of visiting as many parks as I could. While I didn’t hit all of them on that first go, I’m now 52 parks in and work as an adventure guide in many of our western parks.

So, from California to Florida to Maine, this is the ultimate national park road trip. Pack your bags, gas up the car, and don’t forget your hiking boots—let’s go.

Things You Didn’t Know Zion NP

Zion National Park is spectacular. So spectacular, in fact, that millions of people visit it each and every year. The towering red sandstone cliffs within Zion are a perfect example of the stunning diversity within the U.S. National Parks.

You can go to Zion to challenge yourself with dangerous hikes or daring rock climbs, to wade through the Virgin River and shimmy between slot-canyon walls in the Narrows, or to simply take your time and gawk at the scenery. You can even just show up, hang out at the lodge, and ride the shuttle around.

Whether you’re a Zion-lover or a soon-to-be visitor, here are five things you may not have known about Zion National Park.

100 Amazing Facts About America’s National Parks

The team here at Outdoors.com has curated an inspiring list of 100 facts and things to love about America’s treasured National Parks. Consider this as your invitation to make this the year you get outside and explore what Wallace Stegner called “the best idea we ever had.”

Featured Guide: The Best Running Gear for Cold Weather Miles

If you love being outside as the endorphins hit those few minutes into your run, you aren’t going to want to quit just because it’s winter. Think of all the steps you’d be missing out on! That means it’s time to get yourself proper cold-weather running gear.

Running in the cold can be exhilarating. But if you’ve tried running in colder temps and ended up either sweating buckets or freezing your tail off, you probably had the wrong gear. As temperatures drop, and as heat loss accelerates, the body can’t compensate fast enough. 

Dressing with finesse to keep your core warm can mean the difference between a fantastic winter run and pretty much the worst morning of your life with cold fingers, a body dripping in sweat, or burning ears and you swearing you’ll never run again.

Getting prepared for a winter run is difficult, but with the right gear, you might just find you prefer it.

We have summarized all the best gear for your winter runs to simplify your hunt and list tips for winter layering and how to buy the best gear.

If you get nothing else, our top picks for gear include a great baselayer like the Smartwool Intraknit Merino Crew, the Saucony Peregrine 12 ST for running in snow, and the Seirus Innovation Xtreme All Weather Waterproof Gloves to protect your hands.

The right gear for your winter run will allow you to focus on your technique and won’t be uncomfortable, irritating and bulky. Here’s the best gear and advice on all the cold-weather running gear you need this 2024 winter.

Winter Running Gear at a Glance

• Best Stink-Free Base Layer: Smartwool Women’s Intraknit Merino 200 Crew Men’s and Women’s

• Best Lite Jacket: Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover Men’s and Women’s

• Best Vest for Men: Brooks Shield Hybrid Vest 2.0

• Best Vest for Women: Lululemon Down for it All Vest

• Best Men’s Running Bottoms: Janji Trail Tights, Janji Transit Tech Pants

• Best Women’s Running Bottoms: Sweaty Betty Women’s Gary Yoga Pants, Under Armour Women’s ColdGear Compression Leggings

• Best Gloves for Smartphone Usage: Seirus Innovation Xtreme All Weather Waterproof Glove Men’s and Women’s

• Best Beanie: Smartwool Thermal Merino Beanie

• Best Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks Men’s and Women’s

• Best Running Shoes for Snow & Ice: Saucony Peregrine 12 ST

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