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Plan to Visit All 63 National Parks: Routes & Timing

How to visit all 63 national parks?

Visiting all 63 U.S. national parks is a long-game travel project that rewards planning, flexibility, and a realistic timeline. The simplest approach is to treat it like a series of regional trips, gradually building toward the full list rather than trying to “do it all” in one epic loop.

1) Decide on a timeline and travel style

Start by choosing a pace: a multi-year goal (common for weekend and vacation travelers) or an accelerated plan (for remote workers, retirees, or long road trips). Your timeline will shape everything else—how often you fly, how many long drives you tolerate, and how much seasonal variation you can use to your advantage.

2) Group parks into geographic clusters

Clustering parks reduces costs and travel fatigue. Pair nearby parks in the same trip (for example, the Utah parks together, or Washington’s Olympic/Mount Rainier/North Cascades). Then schedule bigger “destination” parks—Alaska, Hawaii, American Samoa, and the remote islands of Dry Tortugas and Channel Islands—as dedicated trips with extra buffer days.

3) Plan around seasons, access, and reservations

Many marquee roads and trails are seasonal, and some parks require timed entry, ferry reservations, or limited-capacity flights. Build your calendar around shoulder seasons when possible to avoid peak crowds, but keep weather realities in mind (snow, monsoons, hurricanes, wildfire smoke, and daylight hours).

4) Create a repeatable trip checklist

Use a consistent system: park pass (America the Beautiful), lodging strategy (camping vs. hotels), essential gear for your activities, and a simple method for tracking what you’ve completed (spreadsheet or app). Repeatability keeps momentum high across dozens of trips.

5) Use one detailed master plan

For a practical breakdown of routes, hard-to-reach parks, timing tips, and a step-by-step strategy, use this guide: How to Visit All National Parks.

FAQ

What is the best time of year to visit national parks?

Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) often offer milder weather and fewer crowds, but the “best” time depends on the park’s climate and road access. Always check seasonal closures and timed-entry requirements before locking dates.