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PLAN MY TRIP

One Adventurer's Lone Journey Against the Wind to See the National Parks.




In the golden glow of a San Francisco sunset, Jonathan Baker straddled a rented motorcycle with the goal of seeing as much of the nearby beauty as he could in the weekend, not knowing that the twist of the throttle would kickstart an odyssey—traversing the wonders of America's National Parks. From the breezy coastal lanes to the towering redwoods, those initial 48 hours became the overture to a journey etched in tire marks and the echoes of freedom.


Q: What inspired you to embark on this epic journey of visiting all the national parks on a motorcycle?


Jonathan: I was on a work trip in San Francisco and decided to rent a motorcycle over the weekend to check out a bit of the coast. I had always heard people talk about the PCH and had always wanted to see redwood trees. During the 48 hours I had the bike, I put about 900 miles on the engine because the scenery was so breathtaking I just couldn't quit riding. My next trips were planned around some National Parks around my home state of Utah, and from there the goal emerged to eventually ride through all of them.


What started as a weekend escapade trasnformed into an audacious goal—to traverse the nation, visiting every national park he could on his motorcycle.


Q: Can you share some of your most memorable experiences during this adventure?


Jonathan: Being on Kona during the eruption of Manua Loa was incredible. Talk about good timing! During one of the few nights the lava flow wasn’t hidden by the clouds, I rode up. Ash was hitting me in the face with the visor being up, and I was awestruck by the power and beauty of nature.


Q: Did you have a favorite national park that stood out from the rest, and if so, what made it special?


Jonathan: Kings Canyon really shocked me, mostly because I had never really heard of it before planning the trip. It had elements of Yosemite and Sequoia, all in one. I loved the smells of the pines and a small hike I did where I was able to observe a black bear play with her two new cubs.


Every adventure has its challenges and Jonathan's was no different. Between blown tires, broken chains, and raindrops pelting against his visor, the road wasn't just a source of joy; it was a testing ground, challenging not only his bike's resilience but his own.


Q: Were there any unexpected challenges or obstacles you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?


Jonathan: Flat tire, blown tire, broken chain, torrential rain and near-freezing Temperatures. Sometimes had to improvise, other times the only option was to call AAA.


On a motorcycle, nature isn't a distant tableau viewed through a windshield, it's an immersive experience. The smells, the temperature changes, the wind—it's not just a ride, it's a sensory feast. Exploring on his motorcycle created completely different experiences in each of the parks, even to those he had been to before.


Q: Traveling on a motorcycle is quite different from other modes of travel. How did it shape your experience and connection with nature?


Jonathan: On a motorcycle, the scenery isn't framed in by a windshield so everything just appears bigger. While you are on a bike you are literally outside in nature, noticing all of the temperature changes, different smells, and feeling the wind. I had driven through Yellowstone several times in a car, I was shocked the first time I drove through on my bike, at how different and new of an experience it was.


Each pit stop, each interaction, and each park became a chapter in the book of Jonathan's adventure. From the sprawling vistas of Carlsbad Caverns to the icy wilderness of Denali, each place imprinted itself on his memory. Jonathan became more than a tourist but started to dig deep roots into the fabric of his surroundings. These trips helped him realize that this journey was more than a bucket list; it became one of the most impactful decisions he has made in his life.


Q: Can you share a heartwarming or enlightening interaction you had with locals?


Jonathan: Once while filling up with gas, a older gentleman asked where I was from and where I was headed and explained that when he was younger he did a similar journey. He asked if he could pray for me and when I said yes, he put one hand on my head and one hand on my bike and said a prayer for me to be safe and to "ride with the angels." I didn't really know what that meant but I was touched by how much he cared about me, being a complete stranger. That was near Durango, Colorado.


The journey wasn’t just a perpetual ride; it was nights under starlit canopies, sometimes in designated camping spots, other times in the nooks and crannies that only a seasoned traveler could find.


Q: Did you ever camp within the national parks, and if so, what was it like to spend the night in these natural wonders?


Jonathan: Yes - during Covid one of the park rangers at Carlsbad Caverns said he wanted me to set up my bed on a scenic overlook so that I could watch the sunrise over the valley. It wasn't a designated camp spot, but he said he would be the only one on patrol that night and I had his permission. That was awesome. Also those bats are insane!

 

Q: Your story is a testament to perseverance and dedication. What advice would you offer to others considering a similar adventure? 


Jonathan: Make sure you have all the tools and skills you need to solve any mechanical issue you might face, especially if you are riding alone. Invest in AAA and carry a Satellite phone. Check in with friends/family or share your location so that people can follow you on your journey. Always carry some wet wipes and zip-lock bags in case of an emergency lol.


Q: What kind of preparation and planning went into a multi-year road trip to visit all the national parks?


Jonathan: I really only had to plan about 10 days at a time, and a lot of the planning was just figuring out the order of the parks that I wanted to hit. I never planned on where I would sleep or what I would eat, but would figure it out as I went. Usually I'd sleep next to the bike and just eat gas station food. The most planning I had to do was when I went to the east coast and had to store the bike in a storage unit for a month so I could fly home for a few months and go back to work before continuing that leg of the journey.


Jonathan had to push boundaries to accomplish this huge feat, it became a delicate balancing act. With only two weeks of vacation per year, this meant pushing his limits--riding for 12 to 14 hours to maximize park time and see them all.


Q: How did your journey impact your perspective on conservation and the importance of preserving these natural spaces?


Jonathan: I've always been a big proponent of conservation, these trips just made me appreciate the natural spaces more than ever. Wish there could be more law enforcement to keep people on trails and away from wildlife.


Each park had its own character, a unique piece in the mosaic of America's wild beauty. From the grandeur of Rainier to the misty allure of Olympic, each stop was its own adventure.


Q: What Parks would you go back to see again?


Jonathan: Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Yosemite (smells) Smoky Mtns, Glacier, Olympic, Acadia, Death Valley.


Now, as the dust settles, Jonathan has a new chapter to write. A chapter that involves sharing the wonders he discovered with family and friends.


Q: What's next on your adventure bucket list?


Jonathan: Take family and friends to the national parks to enjoy them together now.



One mile, one park... these moments add up and the numbers underpin this epic tale. What would it look like to traverse the nation, visit every national park, and live the dream of the open road?


Miles:

  • Over 12,000 miles traveled

Hours on Motorcycle:

  • Over 155 hours logged

Hotel (when used):

  • approx. $125 a night

Fuel:

  • At $5,000 for fuel, with 250 fill-ups at 40 mpg

Food:

  • Approximately $3,000 for food, a mix of gas station snacks and canned goods

Motorcycle:

  • A KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

Supplies:

  • Tools for the bike, a satellite phone for connectivity,pannier, and essentials like wet wipes and zip-lock bags



Jonathan's journey wasn’t just about visiting parks; it was about getting to know America, intimately. Each park, each town, each interaction contributed to a deeper understanding of the country he calls home.


From the Bay Area's cool breeze to the epic heights of the Smoky Mountains, from the fiery spectacle of a Hawaiian eruption to the deep crevices of the Grand Canyon, Jonathan's journey was a tapestry woven with the threads of adventure, resilience, and a love for the open road. Much of the experience Jonathan gained can't be taught/learned any other way than going out and becoming apart of it.


His motorcycle, more than a mode of transport, became a conduit connecting him to the pulse of America. As his wheels traced the contours of the land, Jonathan's epic adventures continue to echo through the canyons--a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most profound stories are written not with pens and paper but with the hum of engines and the winding roads of the great American landscape.







Follow for more of Jonathan's epic adventures.

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Dec 29, 2022

ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP GUIDE TO SEE ALL NATIONAL PARK



The United States is home to some of the most beautiful and iconic national parks in the world. With 63 national parks scattered across the country, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit and how to plan your trip. But fear not! With a bit of planning and research, you can map out an epic road trip that will take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes the US has to offer.


Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.


Before diving into the details, it’s important to note that this guide will focus on the national parks that are accessible by car in the contiguous United States. While national parks in Alaska, Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa are just as spectacular, they require different modes of transportation and a different level of planning.




1. The Best Routes

Mapping out the best routes to visit all the national parks in the contiguous US can be a daunting task. But with the right tools, it can be done. We’ve put together a map (insert map here) that shows the best routes to take for a national park road trip. It’s important to note that this is not the only way to visit all the parks, but it’s a good starting point.


When planning your route, keep in mind that some parks may require detours or backtracking, depending on road access and park location. It’s also important to note that some parks may be closed during certain times of the year due to weather conditions, so it’s important to check the park’s website before planning your visit.

2. The Contiguous National Parks

There are 63 national parks in the US, but not all of them are accessible by car. The following is a list of all the national parks in the contiguous US that are accessible by car:


Contiguous National Parks - Accessible by Car

Acadia National Park Arches National Park Badlands National Park Big Bend National Park Biscayne National Park Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Bryce Canyon National Park Canyonlands National Park Capitol Reef National Park Carlsbad Caverns National Park Channel Islands National Park Congaree National Park Crater Lake National Park Cuyahoga Valley National Park Death Valley National Park Denali National Park and Preserve Dry Tortugas National Park Everglades National Park Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve Gateway Arch National Park Glacier National Park Grand Canyon National Park Grand Teton National Park Great Basin National Park Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guadalupe Mountains National Park Haleakala National Park Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Hot Springs National Park Isle Royale National Park Joshua Tree National Park Katmai National Park and Preserve Kenai Fjords National Park Kings Canyon National Park Kobuk Valley National Park Lake Clark National Park and Preserve Lassen Volcanic National Park Mammoth Cave National Park Mesa Verde National Park Mount Rainier National Park North Cascades National Park Olympic National Park Petrified Forest National Park Pinnacles National Park Redwood National and State Parks Rocky Mountain National Park Saguaro National Park Sequoia National Park Shenandoah National Park Theodore Roosevelt National Park Virgin Islands National Park Voyageurs National Park Wind Cave National Park Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Yellowstone National Park


3. Choosing Your Path: Scenic, Popular Attractions, or Quickest

When planning your national park road trip, you'll have to decide on the approach you want to take: scenic, popular attractions, or quickest route. Each option has its own merits, so let's explore them:

  • Scenic Route: If you want to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, the scenic route is the way to go. This option may take you slightly longer, but it will reward you with stunning vistas, picturesque drives, and hidden gems along the way. It's perfect for those who want to experience the journey as much as the destination.

  • Popular Attractions: If you're eager to visit the most iconic national parks and famous landmarks, the popular attractions route is for you. This route focuses on the must-see destinations, allowing you to tick off the bucket-list items and experience the most renowned features of each park. It's a great option if you're short on time or prefer the convenience of well-established tourist infrastructure.

  • Quickest Route: For those with limited time or who prefer a more efficient trip, the quickest route is the way to go. This route prioritizes reaching each park efficiently, minimizing driving time and maximizing park visitation. It may not include all the parks' hidden gems, but it allows you to cover more ground in less time.

Ultimately, the choice of route depends on your personal preferences, available time, and what you want to get out of your national park road trip. You can even combine elements from each route to create a customized itinerary that suits your needs.


4. Timing Is Everything: Best Season to Start

The timing of your national park road trip can greatly impact your experience. The US is vast and diverse, and each season brings its own charm and challenges. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

  • Winter: If you're starting your trip in winter, it's advisable to begin in the southern states and gradually work your way north. This allows you to avoid harsh winter weather and take advantage of milder temperatures in the southern parks. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to witness unique winter landscapes and possibly enjoy fewer crowds.

  • Summer: Starting your trip in the summer? Begin in the northern states and make your way south. This way, you can escape the scorching heat in the southern parks and enjoy cooler temperatures in the northern parks. Summer offers longer daylight hours, ideal for extended hikes and outdoor activities.

However, it's important to note that weather conditions can vary greatly within each park and region, so always check the local forecast and park websites for the most up-to-date information.


5. Budget-Friendly Accommodations and Tips

Embarking on a national park road trip doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some tips and suggestions for keeping your trip budget-friendly:

  • Camping: National parks offer a range of camping options, from developed campgrounds to more primitive backcountry sites. Camping is often the most affordable accommodation choice, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature and save on lodging costs. Be sure to check reservation requirements and availability in advance.

  • Lodges and Cabins: Some national parks have lodges or cabins available for those seeking a comfortable stay. While these options may be slightly pricier than camping, they often provide convenient amenities and a cozy atmosphere. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.

  • Budget-Friendly Meals: Plan your meals ahead to minimize expenses. Packing a cooler with snacks and easy-to-prepare meals can save you money on dining out. Additionally, many parks have picnic areas where you can enjoy meals while taking in the natural surroundings.

  • National Park Pass: Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. This annual pass grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks, for a one-time fee. This pass is a great investment if you plan to visit multiple parks throughout the year, as it provides significant cost savings compared to paying individual entrance fees.

  • Plan Ahead: Research the park's website for information on entrance fees, camping fees, and any additional costs you may incur during your visit. Having a clear understanding of the expenses associated with each park will help you budget accordingly.

  • Gas and Transportation: Keep in mind that fuel costs can be a significant portion of your budget, especially during a long road trip. Consider the distance between parks and plan your route to minimize unnecessary backtracking. Additionally, driving at a steady pace and maintaining your vehicle's efficiency can help save on fuel expenses.

  • Local Dining and Supplies: When it comes to meals and supplies, explore local options outside the parks. Prices may be more reasonable in nearby towns or cities, allowing you to enjoy budget-friendly meals without compromising on quality.

  • Traveling in Groups: If you're traveling with family or friends, consider sharing costs for accommodations, transportation, and meals. Splitting expenses can make your national park road trip more affordable for everyone involved.

Remember, experiencing the beauty of national parks doesn't have to be a luxury reserved for a select few. With careful planning, budget-conscious decisions, and a bit of flexibility, you can embark on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of the US national parks while staying within your means.


By following these suggestions and tailoring them to your specific needs, you can embark on the ultimate national park road trip that allows you to make the most of your time, resources, and appreciation for the natural world.


So, start mapping out your journey, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to embark on an epic road trip that will take you through the heart of America's most stunning landscapes. The national parks await, ready to awe and inspire you with their beauty and grandeur. Safe travels, and may your national park road trip be an experience of a lifetime!


[Disclaimer: Please check the official websites of national parks for the most up-to-date information regarding park accessibility, fees, and guidelines.]


Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.


All rights reserved © My National Parks Adventure. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited, by human or A.I.


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