# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Travel Planning

How to Plan a Road Trip to the Western National Parks

The best way to plan for your trip to the western United States is first to get a "Passport," available at any national park. Choose the parks that have the amenities that most interest you. In this region, one can experience the diversity of the cultures that inhabited this area. Most places require a weeklong stay to get the full benefit of the park, though many people try to cram it into a weekend. In cramming, you miss out on what makes each park unique. National parks include not only the parks themselves but monuments, recreational areas and historic sites.

"Passport To Your National Parks"
Maps and directions to each park
Vehicle
Tickets

Instructions

Where to go
- 1
  Choose which Western Parks, you want to see. Fifty-five parks exist in the western region, which includes California, Arizona, Hawaii, Guam and two parks in Nevada. Excellent choices include Redwood National Park to see redwood trees. For mountains and waterfalls, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are not as crammed with people as Yosemite. Petrified Forest has the oldest-known dinosaur fossils. In Joshua Tree National Park, three desert national symbols grow: the saguro, the organ pipe cactus and, of course the Joshua tree. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park includes Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Fort Point National Historic Site.
- 2
  Obtain maps so you can safely and easily get there. You can use MapQuest or GoogleMaps online or you can obtain directions from a local travel agent or AAA office.
- 3
  Decide whether you want to camp or stay in accommodations in the parks. If you choose to use the park accommodations, make reservations at least a year in advance, because most of them fill up quickly.
- 4
  Fill your gas tank and obtain your tickets. Enjoy your trip.