Best National Park Trips: 10 Adventures Across North and South America
The classic US park trips
Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are the two parks that justify a full week on their own. Yellowstone works best early June through mid-September; the park is massive, and a week lets you cover the geyser basins, Lamar Valley wildlife, and either Yellowstone Lake or Mammoth. Expect $1,800 to $3,500 per person for a week with mid-tier in-park or gateway lodging and a rental car. The Grand Canyon's South Rim is a two to four-day visit on its own but pairs well with Sedona, Monument Valley, or Zion into a full week ($1,600 to $3,000 per person). The North Rim is a different experience and only open May through October.
Alaska for wilderness at a bigger scale
Denali and the Kenai Fjords are the two Alaska picks for travelers who want wildlife and glaciers without an expedition cruise. Denali week trips (lodging in Talkeetna or inside the park, day trips into the park on the shuttle system) run $2,000 to $4,500 per person. Kenai Fjords is coastal; it pairs well with Seward and Homer and includes glacier-cruise day trips. Both are at their best mid-June through early August when daylight stretches to 20 hours.
Canadian Rockies
Banff National Park is the single highest-return park trip in North America: iconic lakes (Louise, Moraine), accessible glaciers, well-maintained hikes, and lodging options from campgrounds to the Fairmont. A week built around Banff and Jasper runs $2,200 to $4,500 per person. Peak season (July and August) is the busiest; September is often the ideal month with fewer crowds and reliable weather.
The expedition-style pick
Patagonia (Torres del Paine) is the week-long wilderness trip for travelers who have already done the US parks and want something bigger. Expect $4,500 to $12,000 per person for a week on an eco-lodge or guided-trek itinerary; weather is reliable from December through March. The famous W Trek, Grey Glacier, and Cuernos del Paine views live up to the hype.
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