In the early 1900s, U.S. national parks were largely playgrounds for the wealthy. Visitation often numbered in the tens of thousands, with itineraries fulfilled via expensive rail tickets, stagecoach tours, and horseback rides.
When automobiles arrived on the scene, the average American had a chance to hit the open road and see the country like never before. But in this case, the “open road” was a muddy path or dusty trail, if it existed at all. And our national parks were still wild expanses barely fit for mules.
When automobiles arrived on the scene, the average American had a chance to hit the open road and see the country like never before. But in this case, the “open road” was a muddy path or dusty trail, if it existed at all. And our national parks were still wild expanses barely fit for mules.
This National Park Road Trip Covers 12 of America’s Best Parks in One 5,600-mile Route
Here’s what you need to know to drive the route yourself.
By Jacqueline Keho
In the early 1900s, U.S. national parks were largely playgrounds for the wealthy. Visitation often numbered in the tens of thousands, with itineraries fulfilled via expensive rail tickets, stagecoach tours, and horseback rides.
When automobiles arrived on the scene, the average American had a chance to hit the open road and see the country like never before. But in this case, the “open road” was a muddy path or dusty trail, if it existed at all. And our national parks were still wild expanses barely fit for mules
So, in 1920, 12 Americans — representing groups like the National Park-to-Park Highway Association and AAA — set out from Denver, Colorado, for a 5,600-mile road trip, lassoing 12 national parks into one massive loop. Their goal? To draw publicity and tourism to the country’s public lands and to push for drivable roads that connect them
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK MUSEUM COLLECTIONS
Thus the great national park road trip was born. Today, the scenic tour through seven states remains one of the best ways to see our public lands.
The 12 stops on the national park road trip are:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Glacier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park
Crater Lake National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Yosemite National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Zion National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Petrified Forest National Park
Mesa Verde National Park
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