Few getaways will give you and your family such quality time in nature like taking a road trip from Phoenix to Grand Teton National Park. There are several national parks, national monuments, and other attractions that you'll want to visit along the way. Once you hit Utah, there's an array of national parks that you'll want to go out of your way to visit. Don’t forget to stop for some fresh air at national forests like Dixie National Forest and Fishlake National Forest.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is the first major stop that you'll be making on this road trip itinerary from Phoenix to Grand Teton National Park. Considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world, this is a destination hot spot on many people’s bucket lists. The park is 1,904 square miles, and it's considered a very spiritual place to visit. Temperatures within the canyon are often 25 to 30 degrees lower than at the rim. There are about 1,000 caves within the canyon, but only one is open to exploring. If you want to hike, there are 55 trails within the canyons to explore.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park was established as a national park in 1919. Today, the park preserves 229 square miles of stunning red rocks. Experienced hikers will want to check out Angels Landing, which is nearly 1,500 feet above the Virgin River. Though the hike is just over two miles, it has many drop-offs, exposed edges, and slick rock, making it one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. However, the views are incredible and well worth seeing if you can manage the climb. In the park, there are also sandstone cliffs that are 2,000 feet tall that rock climbers adore. There's even an underground cave system that visitors can rappel into, swim, and explore.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park, which used to be known as Wayne’s Wonderland, was first established as a national park in 1971. The landscape of this park uniquely looks like coral because there are water-pocket folds in the rocks. While visiting the park, make sure to hike to Hickman Bridge, a 125-foot tall arch found in the 241,904-acre park. Bird enthusiasts will love this park because there are over 230 different bird species that live here. There are even fruit trees in the park, and visitors can pick fruit and take it with them for a small fee.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park spans approximately 227,598 acres, which is basically the equivalent of 172,121 football fields, so this park may take a while to explore. It was named a national park in 1964. The Needle District is made up of banded rock pinnacles that are east of the Colorado River. The Maze district is west of the river, and it consists of canyons that are not all accessible. Horseshoe Canyon is on the westernmost side of the park, and it’s a location with amazing views. You'll also want to see the Mesa Arch before you end your visit to this park.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is located about 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park. It’s home to the Teton Range, which is part of the Rocky Mountains. This area was established as a national park in 1929, and if you look at the top of the mountains, you'll see 12 small glaciers in the peaks. Bird lovers will find a swath of avian species in this park as well.
Slide Rock State Park
During this Phoenix to Grand Teton National Park road trip, there's a fairly unique state park that's worth visiting. Slide Rock State Park was originally an apple orchard, but even though you can still enjoy picking apples from here, the highlight of the park is the slide rock that visitors enjoy sliding down as a means to cool off from the hot sun. There are also hiking trails to explore in the park.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a great stop to make, especially if you have kids who want to explore the desert. You can sled down the dunes, look for animal tracks, or simply play in the sand. There's a tiger beetle found here that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Ponderosa pines can also be seen among the dunes, and they even have challenges to see if you can find the pines using a GPS. This is a great place to ride bikes, hike, or explore on an ATV.
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is a small park that's just over four square miles. It has sandstone sentinels that watch over the park and resemble what some would consider goblins. Biking and hiking are common activities here, and there's even a disc golf challenge that you can consider.
Wasatch Mountain State Park
Wasatch Mountain State Park is a 21,000-acre park that features a great deal of wildlife. Some activities to enjoy in the park include bird-watching, fishing, hiking, and even golfing. There are also three historical sites in the park, which include a restored barn, an apple orchard, and a hydroelectric plant.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
This is a national monument that's designed to preserve Native American history. It’s a 20-room home that's nestled into the cliffs of this area. The castle is 90 feet up in the limestone cliffs, and there are plenty of trails that you can hike to get a better view of the castle.
Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave is a lava tube that's located in Utah’s Dixie National Forest. It has over a quarter of a mile's worth of passages to explore, and the tunnels were formed less than 2,000 years ago. Make sure to bring a jacket because these tunnels stay cool all year.
Butch Cassidy Childhood Home
You’ve likely heard of the outlaw Butch Cassidy. As you make your way through Panguitch, Utah, you'll have the chance to visit his childhood home. He was raised in this small home with 12 other siblings.
Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff is the first major city you'll encounter during your Phoenix to Grand Teton National Park RV road trip, and it’s in northern Arizona. In the area, you can visit Walnut Creek National Monument and Coconino National Forest. Flagstaff campgrounds are plentiful, so consider places like Woody Mountain RV Park, especially if you need to stay cool during the heat of the summer. Mormon Lake RV Park is another great place to keep cool in the area. If you need to locate dump stations along your route you can find locations in Arizona here.
Provo, UT
When you reach Provo, you're going to want to explore the Salt Lake City area as well as Utah Lake. There's plenty to do in this area during the summer months; during the winter, you can try skiing down the slopes. With all of the activities that you can enjoy in the area, finding a Provo campground to stay at is practically a requirement and allows you a chance to visit a dump station. Check out Mountain Shadows RV Park, Mountain Valley RV Resort, or River’s Edge RV Resort for options that your entire family will enjoy.
Jackson, WY
Jackson is a city known for its outdoor activities. It’s fairly easy to find a place to rent a horse, and Grand Teton National Park is about five miles away from the city, making it a great destination for your ride. Throughout the year, there’s always something to do in the Jackson Hole area; you can go on tours and experience the local animal species on a wildlife tour in the summer. In the winter, there are day trips and even dogsledding opportunities to pursue. A fine example of a viable Jackson campground is Jackson Hole/Snake River KOA. This campground has 83 sites with full hookups and both 30- and 50-amp connections. You’ll also have no problem parking in your spot; there are both back-in and pull-through sites available. If you need to locate a dump station while in Jackson, you can click here.
Covered Wagon RV Park
Just south of downtown Phoenix, AZ, is Covered Wagon RV Park. This campground is a great spot to stay at to start the trip in Phoenix. The area has an amazing view of the mountains and 52 shaded RV spots with full hook-ups. The amenities of the campgrounds include a pool and on-site special events, WiFi, and well-maintained bathroom/laundry facilities.
Verde Ranch RV Resort
Verde Ranch RV Resort is a beautiful resort with a luxury feel. The campground offers plenty of things to do along with phenomenal facilities. On-site you can find a heated pool as well as 2 hot tubs, a waterpark, a clubhouse and general store, a dog park, horseshoes and shuffleboards, and bathhouse/laundry facilities. Verde Ranch RV Resort is complete with beautiful views of the mountains.
Woody Mountain Campground
Located in a beautiful forest with amazing tall trees throughout the campground, Woody Mountain Campground is a terrific spot to stay along the trip. The area is surrounded by plenty of great hiking and outdoor opportunities. The campground itself has plenty to offer; such as an on-site restaurant and snack stand, a dog park and playground, bathhouse and laundry facilities, and special events hosted by the campground.
Dark Sky RV Campground
Located in Kanab, UT, just on the border of Arizona and Utah, is Dark Sky RV Campground. The campground is placed on 40 acres of untouched land with beautiful views of the area. Dark Sky RV Campground offers an on-site store and dog park, laundry/bathroom facilities, and special events hosted by the campground.
Cedar Break RV Park
Located is the south-western corner of Utah is Cedar Break RV Park. The campground is surrounded by beautiful views and has plenty of things on-site to do. The area is terrific for exploring, hiking, and mountain biking on the trails. The campground offers access to hiking trails, bathhouse/laundry facilities, and an on-site general store.
Provo River Resort
Provo River Resort is located South-East of Salt Lake City in Utah. The campground has amazing views and plenty of outdoor activities. The campground features zip-lining, kayaking, fishing, and a playground. This campground is ideal for those looking for outdoor adventure.
Phillips RV Park
Phillips RV Park is the last on this list on the way towards Grand Teton National Park, located near the border of Utah and Wyoming. The campground offers full hook-up RV spots plus spots for tents. The campground is complete with a dog park and playground, basketball, and great bathhouse/laundry facilities.
When you follow this road trip itinerary from Phoenix to Grand Teton National Park, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Phoenix or Grand Teton National Park.
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