Planning a road trip can be overwhelming. Where should you go? What should you do? What should you eat? And how will you get there? Lucky for you, we have a plan.
This year, Zoey Deutch took an Outdoorsy RV and headed up the Pacific Coast. And you can too! Here’s the plan.
Where to Go
Zoey Deutch’s trip along the Pacific Coast included SEVEN National Park stops, starting at Redwood National Park in California and ending at Zion National Park in Utah!
Zoey’s Road Trip Itinerary:
- Redwoods National and State Parks
- Glacier National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
First stop, the Redwoods.
Redwoods National and State Parks
Home to the world’s tallest trees, the Coastal Redwoods, Redwood National Park is co-managed with California state parks to protect these giant beauties. There are plenty of hikes and drives to experience this beauty.
Tall Trees Grove
The Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail was mentioned in National Geographic Magazine in 1963, which led to a push for the creation of Redwood National Park. It’s about an hour’s drive from the nearest visitor center to the trailhead, where you’ll begin the 4-mile roundtrip climb with 1600 feet of elevation gain. Also, note that the parking lot can’t accommodate RVs over 21 feet or trailers.
Bald Hills Road
If you prefer more of a scenic drive, head off on Bald Hills Road. This peaceful, scenic drive is 17-miles one way and filled with picturesque views of trees and wildlife. Stop by the Redwood Creek Overlook for more great views. You can also access Tall Trees Grove and other trails if you choose to take a hike.
Glacier National Park
In the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Montana lies Glacier National Park. Full of meadows, mountains, and many sites to see, you’ll never be short of things to do. Two stops for Zoey were Lake McDonald and Avalanche Creek.
Lake McDonald
The largest lake in the national park is Lake McDonald, so it’s obviously worth a stop and a photo op. Hike to Rocky Point via Lake McDonald Trail for a 360-degree view of the lake.
Avalanche Creek
This glacial blue creek is surrounded by a 500-year old cedar forest. You can take the 0.7-mile loop around Avalanche Creek and even stay at the first-come, first-serve campground. From there, you can head on another popular trail hike to Avalanche Lake.
Yellowstone National Park
The first-ever national park, created in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is a sight to behold. There is plenty to do whether you want to hike and sweat or just sit and watch the sunset. Zoey made two notable stops in Yellowstone: Old Faithful and West Thumb Abyss Pool.
Old Faithful
A cone geyser was the first geyser in Yellowstone National Park to be named. It has since become quite the tradition to watch Old Faithful erupt. You can do some from the view area or along the boardwalks, and the time between eruptions is usually only 30 minutes, so no reason to miss it!
West Thumb Abyss Pool
Known for its incredible depth, West Thumb Abyss Pool is a sight to see in the sunlight. You can get to the West Abyss area from the Old Faithful area via stagecoach. And based on Zoey’s Instagram post alone, we know you’ll find yourself in awe of the pool’s blue-hued beauty.
Grand Teton National Park
Not far from Yellowstone National Park, you’ll find dramatic landscapes across Grand Teton National Park. Experience it any way you like; whether that’s by hiking, biking, or driving, there is a lot to do and see.
Cascade Canyon Trail
Cascade Canyon Trail is one of the most highly rated hikes, and rightly so. This trail will take you to the base of Grand Tetons, and with about 10 miles you to trek, you’ll likely spot a moose or three among the surrounding stunning nature.
Teton Park Road
For breathtaking scenery from your RV window, take Teton Park Road around the park. Many trailheads, pull-offs, and overlooks are along this road, so you’re never short of opportunities to take it all in.
Capitol Reef National Park
Utah’s hidden treasure, Capitol Reef National Park, is full of natural architecture.
Cassidy Arch Trail
A 3.1-mile hike, this trail to Cassidy Arch is worth the strenuous uphill venture. Take in the views of the open canyon and Cassidy Arch below.
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
Take the Scenic Drive through Capitol Reef. Two dirt spur roads, Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge, will lead you to canyons and trailheads. On all three, you’ll come across 11 worthwhile stops from rock formations to dune lines.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Crimson-colored formations make up Bryce Canyon. You’ll find especially breathtaking views at sunrise and sunset.
Fairyland Loop Trail
Reportedly a must-do hike, Fairyland Loop Trail takes you through 8 miles of canyon. Many recommend starting at Sunrise Point and going counterclockwise for incredible views of the sunset and hoodoos by Fairyland Point.
Rainbow Point
The drive to Rainbow Point is a gorgeous one. At this southern point, you’ll have a sprawling view of the canyon. Walk to Yovimpa Point to see the famous Grand Staircase. On the drive back down, you can stop at the other viewpoints along the way.
Zion National Park
Utah’s first national park, Zion is a must-visit. The vast landscape offers much to explore, from canyons to sandstone cliffs.
Angels Landing
The world-renowned, 5-mile long, Angels Landing hike is a must-do. Though we must warn you, this is a difficult one with a steep climb to the top. Once you’ve made it to Scout Lookout, you can make the trek up the cliff to the top of Angels Landing. Hold onto the chain as you make your way up the cliff for the best view of Zion Canyon.
Watchman Trail
At the end of Watchman Trail, you’ll reach a viewpoint of the Temples and Towers, lower Zion Canyon, Watchman Peak, and Springdale. Walk the loop trail at the top, and you’ll also get a unique view of the Court of Patriarchs and Angels Landing.
What to Eat
There are plenty of easy RV recipes you can incorporate into your trip. RV skillet pizza for dinner and apple crumble for dessert? Yes, please!
Zoey got her pick of cherries, apple crumble, and cider at Hidden Acres Orchards, a solar, wind, and biodiesel-powered farm in Washington! If you’re headed up the Oregon Coast, this 50-year old, family-owned farm is a tasty pit stop. Or you can bake before you go!
Homemade Caramel Apple Crumble
If you saw Zoey’s caramel apple crumble, you’re probably drooling. You can make an apple crumble for the road, or you can make something like it on the road! To make a campfire cinnamon apple pie, all you need is:
- ½ Apple, sliced
- 2 crescent rolls, uncooked
- Cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Caramel
Homemade Apple Cider
If you saw her apple crumble for the road, you probably also say her homemade apple cider and, again, are probably drooling. This is a perfect drink to enjoy in your RV on a chilly, desert night, and it’s easy to make! The only ingredients you need are:
- water
- apples
- oranges
- spices
- brown sugar
You can heat your cider over the campfire or your RV stove.
What to Drive
If you’re new to RVing, a sprinter van is perfect! Sprinters are easy to drive and provide enough space for 3 people to comfortably sleep or enjoy a slice of apple crumble.
Zoey rented a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter rental. You can find many custom builds that have a queen-sized bed, microwave, sink, ventilation, refrigerator, and storage. Most will have the option to convert the bed into a dining area.
What to Pack
For this trip, you don’t need to pack much! After all, you’ll be spending most of your time in the great outdoors.
Some clothing essentials are:
- hiking boots
- hiking pants
- layers of clothing
- a good hat
- a backpack
Some hiking essentials include:
- snacks and water
- sunscreen
- a first aid kit
- a flashlight
- navigation tools
- a multi-tool
Don’t forget your National Park pass! And if you really want to roll like Zoey Deutch, throw in a cute outfit or two for some instagrammable photos in your Sprinter rental.
Head Up the Coast
Zoey’s Deutch’s trip up the Pacific Coast is the perfect blueprint for your own RV road trip. Rent an Outdoorsy sprinter van, make some apple cider, and hit the road!
