There’s something about summer that begs for an open road: longer days, golden-hour light that lingers, and landscapes filled with possibility. A great summer road trip is about checking off iconic sights, but it’s just as much about the moments in between, like roadside discoveries, unplanned stops, and connecting with nature. From the sculpted red rock of the desert Southwest to the glacier-carved peaks of Montana and the coastal mountains of New England, these are some of the best summer road trips in the U.S., paired with unforgettable places to stay along the way.
Why Glamping and Road Trips Go Hand in Hand
On a great road trip, the adventure doesn’t end when you turn off the engine. It carries on after sunset, when you step out into the fresh air and watch the stars come out. That’s where glamping comes in. With safari-inspired tents with private decks, king-size beds, private bathrooms, and locations near national parks, Under Canvas makes it easy to stay close to nature without sacrificing comfort, so returning to camp feels like part of the journey rather than a pause from it.
Grand Circle Road Trip: Five National Parks in the American Southwest
The Grand Circle Road Trip packs a lot into its 950-mile route: towering sandstone arches, slot canyons, hoodoos, high-alpine plateaus, and bucket list-worthy hikes like The Narrows. This epic loop begins in Moab, Utah, dips into northern Arizona (hello, Grand Canyon), and winds back up through Utah’s Monument Valley for some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the American Southwest.
National Parks on the Grand Circle Road Trip
The Grand Circle connects Utah’s Mighty 5: Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park, plus you make stops in Lake Powell, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon.
How long do you need for the Grand Circle Road Trip?
10 days is just enough time to enjoy the highlights of each location, but it’s a fast-paced itinerary. Two weeks allows you to slow down, go deeper into the parks, and linger in towns like Moab and Springdale without feeling rushed.
Summer is peak season, but also the hottest season. Be sure to pack more than enough water and always stop for fuel before you need it.
Where to stay on the Grand Circle Road Trip?
Begin the journey in Las Vegas or Moab. Either way, the route covers the same stops, with only the order changing. Plan to spend your nights in Moab, near Bryce Canyon in Widtsoe, UT, near Zion in Springdale, near Lake Powell, and close to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim in Valle, AZ.
For places to stay along the route, explore our Grand Circle of Under Canvas, home to the world’s first DarkSky-certified resorts.
Yellowstone to Glacier Road Trip: Montana’s Crown of the Continent
Few summer road trips feel as cinematic as the drive from Yellowstone to Glacier. This epic 500-mile Montana road trip links two parks while exploring a landscape of wide-open valleys, glacial lakes, abundant wildlife, and towering mountain ranges. This journey explores two sides of Yellowstone National Park, so you can experience both its bursting geysers and the wildlife-filled Lamar Valley, often called America’s Serengeti.
Start in Bozeman, MT, before heading to Paradise Valley, the gateway to Yellowstone’s north entrance and the Yellowstone River. After exploring highlights like Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, and the iconic Roosevelt Arch in the north, drive roughly 80 miles to the park’s west side and base yourself in West Yellowstone, where you can witness jaw-dropping hydrothermal features like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.
For more trip-planning details, check out our guide to Yellowstone entrances.
From West Yellowstone, head north toward Glacier National Park, known as the Crown of the Continent. This is the longest stretch of the journey, but it rewards with Big Sky views, a worthwhile stop in Helena, and a scenic drive through Flathead National Forest before arriving at your accommodations near Glacier.
How long do you need for the Yellowstone to Glacier Road Trip?
Plan for 7 to 10 days to fully enjoy this route. A week allows you to hit the highlights of both parks, while 10 days gives you time for longer hikes, wildlife watching, and a slower pace through Montana’s mountain towns.
Summer is the prime season here, when Glacier’s wildflowers are in full bloom, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open, revealing glacier-fed lakes, jagged peaks, and hiking opportunities at every turn.
New England Road Trip: White Mountains to Acadia National Park
New England may be famous for fall foliage, but summer is when its mountains and coastlines shine. This 400-mile road trip begins in Boston and moves north through New Hampshire’s White Mountains before arriving on Maine’s rugged coast and Acadia National Park and departing from Bangor International Airport.
When you leave Boston, it’s easy enough to take a detour to Salem for a dose of dark history (without the October crowds). From there, it’s just over 2.5 hours to reach the White Mountains, home to scenic drives like the Kancamagus Highway, historic train rides, waterfall hikes, and cool forest air. After spending a few days in the White Mountains, hop back in the car for the remaining 230 miles to Acadia, where you can enjoy fresh oysters and coastal trails for sweeping ocean views.
How long do you need for the White Mountains and Acadia Road Trip?
Plan for 6 to 8 days. This gives you enough time to explore Boston and the White Mountains at a relaxed pace before spending several days hiking, biking, and unwinding oceanside in Acadia without feeling too rushed.
Summer days here are ideal for hiking trails like the Beehive, kayaking, biking, watching a Cadillac Mountain sunrise, and taking a boat cruise along the coast. Evenings bring salty air, lobster boil dinners at Under Canvas Acadia, and a slower pace that feels worlds away from city life, all within just a few hours.
A Glamping Road Trip with Under Canvas
For the ultimate summer road trip, plan your route around Under Canvas camps along these destinations, from the red rock landscapes of the Grand Circle to the alpine peaks of Montana and the coastal mountains of New England.
Staying at two or more Under Canvas locations gets you 20% off your multi-camp stay. It’s an easy way to turn a road trip into an easy, elevated outdoor experience, with each stop offering its own connection to the surrounding landscape.
To book your multi-camp adventure, contact the Under Canvas reservations team at 888-496-1148 or reservations@undercanvas.com.
Make This Summer One to Remember
A summer road trip is more than a vacation, it’s a collection of moments: sunrise coffees, a good playlist on a scenic drive, trails that lead somewhere unexpected, and nights spent under star-filled skies. Whether you’re drawn to the desert Southwest, the wild heart of Montana, or the coast of New England, these routes offer some of the most rewarding road trips in the U.S.