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SF to Denver: Park Hopper

Kick off your cross-country epic by heading straight into the heart of the Sierra Nevada. We're talking massive granite cliffs and ancient sequoias.

8days
28stops
DAY01

San Francisco → Yosemite Valley Lodge

Overnight in Yosemite Valley Lodge
  1. 08:00
    San Francisco· start
  3. 13:00
    Mariposa Grove
  5. 16:00
    Tunnel View
  7. 18:00
    Yosemite Valley Lodge· overnight
Valley Eats
  • Degnan's Kitchen · Solid deli sandwiches for a trail lunch in the Valley.
  • The Mountain Room · Upscale dining with a view of Yosemite Falls. Pricey but worth it.
Daily Budget
Park Entry
$35
DAY02

Yosemite Valley → Lee Vining

Overnight in Lee Vining
  1. 09:00
    Yosemite Valley· start
  3. 11:00
    Olmsted Point
  5. 13:00
    Tenaya Lake
  7. 17:00
    Lee Vining· overnight
Roadside Gems
  • Whoa Nellie Deli · Inside a gas station, but the fish tacos are legendary.
Fuel & Snacks
Gas
$50
DAY03

Lee Vining → Furnace Creek

Overnight in Furnace Creek
  1. 08:00
    Lee Vining· start
  3. 11:00
    Alabama Hills
  5. 16:30
    Zabriskie Point
  7. 18:30
    Furnace Creek· overnight
Desert Fuel
  • Erick Schat's Bakery · Famous sheepherder bread. Grab a loaf for the road.
  • Badwater Saloon · Cold beer and burgers in the hottest place on Earth.
Park Fees
Death Valley Entry
$30
DAY04

Furnace Creek → Springdale

Overnight in Springdale
  1. 08:00
    Furnace Creek· start
  3. 12:00
    Valley of Fire
  5. 16:00
    Zion Canyon
  7. 18:30
    Springdale· overnight
Springdale Eats
  • Oscar's Cafe · Huge portions of Mexican food. The garlic burgers are wild.
Daily Spend
Zion Entry
$35
DAY05

Springdale → Bryce Canyon City

Overnight in Bryce Canyon City
  1. 09:00
    Springdale· start
  3. 10:00
    Canyon Overlook
  5. 14:00
    Bryce Amphitheater
  7. 17:00
    Bryce Canyon City· overnight
Plateau Dining
  • Bryce Canyon Coffee Co · Best caffeine fix before hitting the rim trails.
  • Stone Hearth Grille · Fine dining with incredible views of the plateau.
Park Fees
Bryce Entry
$35
DAY06

Bryce Canyon → Moab

Overnight in Moab
  1. 08:00
    Bryce Canyon· start
  3. 10:30
    The Hogback
  5. 14:00
    Capitol Reef
  7. 19:00
    Moab· overnight
Roadside Treats
  • Kiva Coffeehouse · Incredible architecture and even better views of the Escalante.
  • Gifford House · You MUST get a fruit pie here. They sell out fast!
Transit Budget
Gas
$60
DAY07

Delicate Arch → Dead Horse Point

Overnight in Dead Horse Point
  1. 07:00
    Delicate Arch· start
  3. 10:30
    The Windows
  5. 15:00
    Island in the Sky
  7. 18:30
    Dead Horse Point· overnight
Moab Favorites
  • Moab Coffee Roasters · Great breakfast burritos and strong brew.
  • Milt's Stop & Eat · Old-school burgers and buffalo milkshakes. Classic.
Daily Budget
Arches Entry
$35
DAY08

Moab → Denver

  1. 08:00
    Moab· start
  3. 11:30
    Glenwood Canyon
  5. 14:00
    Vail Village
  7. 18:00
    Denver
Colorado Eats
  • Sweet Coloradough · In Glenwood Springs. Best donuts in the state, hands down.
  • Avanti F&B · Modern food hall in Denver with a killer rooftop view.
Final Stretch
Gas
$70
Heads Up
  • Day 6: 5h 30m driving — plan rest stops
  • Day 8: 5h 30m driving — plan rest stops
  • Book park reservations (Yosemite/Arches) early
  • Check Tioga Pass status (seasonal)
  • Hydrate constantly in the desert