Orlando to Portland: Your Epic National Parks Adventure
Get ready for an unforgettable 14-day journey through America's most stunning landscapes. This route takes you through 11 incredible National Parks while keeping your furry travel companions comfortable and happy. With strategic driving days and plenty of time to explore, you'll experience everything from desert canyons to coastal redwoods—and yes, we're hitting the California parks!
🐕 Dog-Friendly Travel Tips
Keeping Your Pups Cool: Summer temperatures in the Southwest can be deadly for dogs in cars. Here's what you need to know:
- Never leave dogs unattended in the car – even with windows down, temps can reach 120°F+ in 20 minutes
- Travel during early morning and evening – start driving by 5-6 AM, take a long midday break (1-3 PM) at camp or a shaded rest area
- Bring plenty of water – freeze water bottles overnight to use as cooling elements; offer water every 30-45 minutes
- Use sunshades – reflective windshield shades reduce interior temps by 10-15°F
- Wet towels and cooling vests – keep these in your cooler for quick cool-downs
- Check paw pads – asphalt and rock can burn sensitive paws; bring booties or limit ground time during peak heat
National Park Rules: Most parks restrict dogs to paved areas and parking lots (no trails). However, many parks have dog-friendly paved walks and scenic overlooks. Call ahead to confirm pet policies at each park.
Campground Selection: We've prioritized pet-friendly campgrounds with shade and water access. Many have dog parks or designated pet areas.
Your Route at a Glance
11 National Parks across 2,800+ miles
Budget Breakdown
Keep your trip under $4,000 with smart planning
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas (2,800 miles @ 20 MPG, $3.50/gal) | $490 | Assumes vehicle gets decent mileage |
| Campground Fees (12 nights @ $25-35/night) | $360 | Mix of in-park and private campgrounds |
| National Park Entrance Fees (11 parks) | $165 | $15-30 per park; America the Beautiful Pass = $80 (covers all parks) |
| Food & Groceries (14 days) | $700 | Camp cooking + occasional restaurant meals |
| Unique Stays (2 nights: glamping/lodge) | $400 | Special experiences worth the splurge |
| Pet Supplies & Cooling Gear | $200 | Cooling vests, extra water bowls, booties |
| Miscellaneous (souvenirs, activities, tips) | $285 | Buffer for unexpected expenses |
| TOTAL | $2,600 | Well under $4,000 budget! |
Money-Saving Tips:
- Buy an America the Beautiful Pass ($80) – covers all 11 national parks instead of paying per park
- Cook meals at your campsite – saves hundreds vs. eating out
- Book campgrounds early for better rates and availability
- Fill gas tank in smaller towns (cheaper than tourist areas)
- Many overlooks and scenic drives are free – prioritize these
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your complete 18-day breakdown (extended for California!)
📍 Days 1-3: Orlando to Flagstaff, AZ
Route: Orlando → Savannah → Atlanta → Nashville → Memphis → Little Rock → Oklahoma City → Amarillo → Flagstaff (approx. 1,800 miles)
Driving Strategy: Split into 3 days with long drives (12 hours max). This gets you to the Southwest efficiently.
Stops: Savannah Historic District (2 hours), Nashville honky-tonks (2 hours), Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo (1 hour)
🏕️ Campground: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport area has several pet-friendly RV parks with shade
🐕 Dog Break Tip: Stop every 3 hours for bathroom breaks and water. The Cadillac Ranch stop is great for dogs – they can stretch in a wide-open area.
📍 Days 4-5: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Distance from Flagstaff: 80 miles (1.5 hours)
✨ Must-Do Activities:
- South Rim scenic drive – 25-mile loop with overlooks (dogs welcome on paved areas)
- Mather Point Trail – easy 0.5-mile paved walk with canyon views
- Grand Canyon Village – historic buildings and visitor center
- Sunset at Hopi Point – arrive by 7 PM for golden hour
- Sunrise at Desert View – drive out early (40 miles from village)
🐕 Dog-Friendly Strategy: Visit overlooks early (5-7 AM) and late (6-8 PM) when temps are cooler. During midday heat (11 AM-5 PM), keep dogs in shaded campground with AC running or find an air-conditioned building.
🏕️ Campground: Mather Campground (in park, pet-friendly) or Ten-X Campground (outside park, more shade)
💡 Pro Tip: The park is crowded in summer. Start your day before 6 AM to beat crowds and heat.
📍 Days 6-7: Zion National Park, UT
Distance from Grand Canyon: 150 miles (2.5 hours)
✨ Must-Do Activities:
- Zion Canyon Scenic Drive – 6-mile paved loop with shuttle (dogs allowed on some shuttles; check current policy)
- Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint – easy paved overlook
- Weeping Rock Trail – 0.5-mile paved path (dogs welcome)
- Sunset at Court of the Patriarchs – stunning red rock glow
- Sunrise at Canyon Overlook – short hike but incredible views
🐕 Dog-Friendly Strategy: Zion gets extremely hot (105°F+). Focus on early morning (5-7 AM) and evening (7-9 PM) activities. The Scenic Drive is best in early morning before it gets crowded and hot.
🏕️ Campground: Watchman Campground (in park, pet-friendly with shade) or Zion Canyon Campground (outside park, more shade)
💡 Pro Tip: Zion Canyon road has a shuttle system during peak season. Call ahead for dog policies.
📍 Day 8: Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Distance from Zion: 85 miles (1.5 hours)
✨ Must-Do Activities:
- Rim Trail – multiple paved sections with hoodoo views (dogs welcome)
- Sunrise Point – arrive by 5:30 AM for best light
- Sunset Point – return at 7:30 PM for evening glow
- Bryce Point – highest elevation (9,100 ft), cooler temps, panoramic views
- Natural Bridge – short paved walk with unique rock formation
🐕 Dog-Friendly Strategy: Bryce is at higher elevation (9,000+ ft), so it's cooler than the lower parks. This is a great day for your dogs! Morning and evening are still best, but midday heat is more manageable.
🏕️ Campground: Bryce Canyon Campground (in park, pet-friendly)
💡 Pro Tip: The Rim Trail has multiple access points. Do short segments rather than one long hike to keep dogs comfortable.
📍 Day 9: Arches National Park, UT
Distance from Bryce: 180 miles (3 hours) to Moab
✨ Must-Do Activities:
- Scenic Drive – 13 miles with pullouts (paved overlooks, dogs welcome)
- Delicate Arch Viewpoint – 0.5-mile paved trail with iconic arch views
- Balanced Rock – easy paved walk
- Park Avenue – scenic overlook
🐕 Dog-Friendly Strategy: Moab area is in a valley and gets very hot. Do Arches in early morning (5-7 AM), take a long midday break with AC, then explore Moab town in evening.
🏕️ Campground: Moab area has several pet-friendly RV parks and campgrounds. Dead Horse Point State Park nearby also allows dogs.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring extra water and cooling vests. The red rock can reflect heat and make it feel even hotter.
📍 Day 10: Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Distance from Moab: 500 miles (8 hours) – Big driving day! Route: Moab → Grand Junction → I-70 → Las Vegas → San Bernardino → Joshua Tree
✨ Must-Do Activities:
- Park Boulevard scenic drive – 8 miles with pullouts and rock formations
- Keys View – panoramic overlook of desert and mountains
- Skull Rock – easy paved interpretive trail
- Sunset at any rock formation – golden light on desert
🐕 Dog-Friendly Strategy: This is your longest driving day. Start very early (4 AM) and take a long midday break (11 AM-3 PM) in a cool location. Joshua Tree is HOT in summer – keep activities short and in early morning/evening.
🏕️ Campground: Jumbo Rocks Campground (in park, pet-friendly) or Twentynine Palms area
💡 Pro Tip: Fill up gas and water before entering the park. Services inside are limited.
📍 Day 11: Death Valley National Park, CA
Distance from Joshua Tree: 200 miles (4 hours) – Route: Joshua Tree → I-15 → Baker → Death Valley
✨ Must-Do Activities:
- Badwater Basin – lowest point in North America (-282 ft). Early morning only!
- Zabriskie Point – sunrise viewing (arrive 5:30 AM)
- Artists Palette – colorful rock formations
- Sand Dunes – scenic area (avoid midday heat)
🐕 CRITICAL Dog Alert: Death Valley is the HOTTEST place on Earth. Summer temps can exceed 130°F. This is a challenge day for dogs. Strategies:
- Start BEFORE sunrise – do Zabriskie Point at 5:30 AM
- Finish all activities by 10 AM
- Keep dogs in car with AC running or in heavily shaded rest area during 10 AM-6 PM
- Bring extra cooling vests and frozen water bottles
- Consider skipping this park if temps exceed 125°F – your dogs' safety is priority
🏕️ Campground: Furnace Creek Campground (in park, pet-friendly) or Panamint Springs Resort (outside park, cooler)
💡 Pro Tip: Check temps before you go. If it's 125°F+, consider spending extra time at Joshua Tree instead and driving straight to Sequoia.
📍 Day 12: Sequoia National Park, CA
Distance from Death Valley: 300 miles (5-6 hours) – Route: Death Valley → Lone Pine → Visalia → Sequoia
✨ Must-Do Activities:
- Moro Rock – steep but short paved walk with 360° views
- General Sherman Tree – largest tree on Earth! Easy paved loop
- Congress Trail – 2-mile easy paved loop through giant sequoias
- Tunnel Log – drive through a fallen sequoia
- Sunset among the giants – magical experience
🐕 Dog-Friendly Strategy: Sequoia is at 6,000-7,000 ft elevation with cooler temps (70-80°F). Your dogs will LOVE this! Much easier than the desert parks. Paved trails allow dogs – this is a great day for them.
🏕️ Campground: Lodgepole Campground (in park, pet-friendly) or nearby Three Rivers area
💡 Pro Tip: The giant sequoias are humbling. Spend extra time here – the scale is hard to comprehend from photos.
📍 Days 13-14: Yosemite National Park, CA
Distance from Sequoia: 150 miles (3-4 hours) – Route: Sequoia → Fresno → Yosemite
✨ Must-Do Activities:
- Yosemite Valley Loop Drive – 7-mile scenic loop with iconic views
- Tunnel View – stunning overlook of Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall
- Glacier Point Road – scenic drive with panoramic vistas (if open)
- Mirror Lake – easy paved walk reflecting Half Dome
- Bridalveil Fall – short walk to waterfall (dogs on leash)
- Sunset at Valley View – golden light on granite cliffs
🐕 Dog-Friendly Strategy: Yosemite is dog-friendly for paved areas and parking lots. The valley can get crowded – arrive early (before 8 AM). Cool temps (60-75°F) make this comfortable for dogs.
🏕️ Campground: Upper Pines or Lower Pines (in valley, pet-friendly) – book MONTHS in advance!
🌟 Special Stay Option: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (outside park) – Luxury resort with dog-friendly rooms, spa, restaurants. ~$250/night. Worth splurging for one night to enjoy a hot shower and real bed after desert camping!
💡 Pro Tip: Yosemite is VERY crowded in summer. Arrive early, do Tunnel View at sunrise, then explore valley. Stay 2 nights if possible – there's so much to see.
📍 Days 15-16: Redwood National and State Parks, CA
Distance from Yosemite: 700 miles (11-12 hours) – Major driving day! Route: Yosemite → Sacramento → Redding → Red Bluff → Eureka → Redwoods
Driving Strategy: This is your longest day. Consider splitting into two 6-hour segments with overnight stop in Red Bluff or Redding.
✨ Must-Do Activities:
- Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway – 31-mile loop through old-growth redwoods (dogs on leash on paved areas)
- Tall Trees Grove – 4-mile loop trail through massive redwoods
- Fern Canyon – 1-mile easy walk through fern-covered canyon (STUNNING)
- Gold Bluffs Beach – scenic coastal area
- Crescent City – charming coastal town with sea lions and tide pools
🐕 Dog-Friendly Strategy: Redwoods are cool (55-65°F) and forested – perfect relief after desert! Many paved areas and easy walks allow dogs. The Fern Canyon is dog-friendly and absolutely magical.
🏕️ Campground: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (pet-friendly) or nearby Eureka area
🌟 Special Stay Option: Redwood Coast Cabins (near Eureka) – Unique dog-friendly cabins in the redwoods. ~$150-200/night. Cozy alternative to camping!
💡 Pro Tip: The ancient redwoods are humbling. Walk slowly, look up, and soak in the majesty. Your dogs will enjoy the cool shade and forest smells.
📍 Days 17-18: Crater Lake National Park, OR → Portland
Distance from Redwoods: 400 miles (7 hours) to Crater Lake – Route: Eureka → Redding → Klamath Falls → Crater Lake
✨ Must-Do Activities at Crater Lake:
- Rim Drive – 33-mile scenic loop with overlooks (paved pullouts, dogs welcome)
- Crater Lake Lodge – historic building with lake views
- Watchman Trail – 0.8-mile paved walk to fire lookout
- Phantom Ship Overlook – unique rock formation in the lake
- Sunrise at Rim Village – arrive by 5:30 AM
- Sunset anywhere on the rim – stunning alpine views
🐕 Dog-Friendly Strategy: Crater Lake is at 7,700 ft elevation with cool temps (60-70°F even in summer). Your dogs will LOVE this! It's a huge relief after the desert heat. The Rim Drive is mostly paved pullouts, perfect for dogs.
🏕️ Campground: Lost Creek Campground (in park, pet-friendly) or nearby Klamath Falls area
Final Day – Portland: 350 miles (5-6 hours) from Crater Lake to Portland. Arrive by late afternoon. Explore dog-friendly Portland neighborhoods and celebrate your epic journey!
💡 Pro Tip: Crater Lake is stunning but can be crowded. Do the Rim Drive early morning (before 8 AM) for fewer people and best light. Spend the afternoon relaxing – your dogs will appreciate the cool temps!
Campground Reservations & Unique Stays
📱 Apps & Resources for Campground Reservations
Recreation.gov (Website + App) – The gold standard for reserving National Park campgrounds. Book 6 months in advance for popular parks like Yosemite and Zion. Sites often open at noon PST on the 6-month mark.
AllStays (App) – Comprehensive database of campgrounds, RV parks, and boondocking spots. Filter by pet-friendly, amenities, and ratings. Great for finding alternatives when official campgrounds are full.
Campendium (App) – Community-driven campground reviews and photos. Real user feedback helps you avoid sketchy spots. Free and paid versions available.
iCamp (App) – Search and book campgrounds across multiple systems. Saves time by aggregating options in one place.
Hipcamp (App/Website) – Unique private campgrounds and glamping options. Great for finding special experiences like yurt rentals or farm stays.
Boondockers Welcome (App) – Free or low-cost private land stays from friendly hosts. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
🎯 Reservation Strategy
- Book 6 months in advance: Recreation.gov opens bookings exactly 6 months ahead. Set phone reminders for parks you want.
- Have backup options: If your first choice is full, have 2-3 alternatives ready.
- Mix in-park and private: In-park campgrounds are cheaper but fill quickly. Private RV parks offer more amenities (full hookups, shade, dog parks).
- Consider shoulder season: Mid-week stays are cheaper and less crowded than weekends.
- Call ahead: Even with reservations, call to confirm pet policies and get setup advice.
Must-Stay Unique Accommodations
1. 🏨 Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (Yosemite, CA)
Why Stay: After 10+ days of camping in the desert, you deserve a real bed and hot shower. This luxury resort is just outside Yosemite park and welcomes dogs.
Details: Dog-friendly rooms, spa, multiple restaurants, mountain views. ~$250-350/night
Dog Amenities: Pet beds, food/water bowls, designated pet relief areas
Booking: Tenayalodge.com or call (888) 514-2167
Pro Tip: Stay one night here after Yosemite to recover, enjoy a nice dinner, and prepare for the long drive to Redwoods.
2. 🌲 Redwood Coast Cabins (Near Eureka, CA)
Why Stay: Unique glamping experience in the ancient redwoods. Cozy cabins offer a middle ground between camping and hotels.
Details: Rustic cabins with heat, electricity, and private bathrooms. Surrounded by old-growth redwoods. ~$150-200/night
Dog Amenities: Dog-friendly cabins, outdoor areas for dogs to roam
Booking: RedwoodCoastCabins.com or Airbnb
Pro Tip: After the long drive from Yosemite, this is a perfect place to rest. Wake up surrounded by ancient trees – your dogs will love exploring the forest.
3. 🏡 The Ewing House (Zion Area, UT) – Optional Luxury Stay
Why Stay: If you want one more special experience, this luxury vacation rental near Zion offers stunning views and complete privacy.
Details: Modern home with hot tub, full kitchen, panoramic views. ~$300-400/night
Dog Amenities: Fully dog-friendly with large yard
Booking: Airbnb or VRBO
Pro Tip: Consider staying here instead of a campground on your Zion night. Relax in the hot tub after hiking, cook a nice dinner, and enjoy a real bed.
💡 Booking Strategy for Special Stays
- Book 3-4 months in advance for popular spots
- Use Airbnb and VRBO for unique rentals – filter by "pets" to find dog-friendly properties
- Read reviews carefully – look for comments about pet-friendliness and cleanliness
- Contact hosts directly – ask about their dog policies and any breed/size restrictions
- Budget 2 special stays for your trip (Yosemite area + Redwoods area) to break up camping
- These splurges keep your total trip under $4,000 while giving you comfort breaks
Essential Packing List for Dogs
- Cooling gear: Cooling vests, frozen water bottles, wet towels, cooling pads
- Water & hydration: Large water containers (5-gallon recommended), collapsible bowls, electrolyte supplements
- Sun protection: Dog sunscreen, lightweight clothing, UV-blocking sunglasses
- Paw protection: Booties (for hot pavement), paw balm, first aid kit
- Comfort items: Familiar bedding, toys, treats from home
- Documentation: Vaccination records, microchip info, recent photos, vet contact info
- Shade solutions: Portable canopy/tent for campsite, reflective windshield shades
- Emergency supplies: First aid kit, tweezers (for cactus spines!), pet insurance info
- Entertainment: Durable chew toys, puzzle toys, interactive feeders to keep dogs occupied in car
Pro Tips for Success
- Buy America the Beautiful Pass ($80): Covers all 11 national parks for one year. Pays for itself after 3 parks!
- Call ahead: Pet policies change seasonally. Confirm dog rules at each park before you arrive.
- Download offline maps: Cell service is spotty in remote areas. Download Google Maps and park maps offline.
- Plan gas stops: Gas stations in remote areas can be 50+ miles apart. Fill up when you see a station.
- Book campgrounds early: Summer is peak season. Reserve spots 2-3 months in advance, especially for in-park campgrounds.
- Watch the weather: Monsoon season (July-August) can bring flash flooding in canyons. Check forecasts daily.
- Visit a vet: Consider a pre-trip vet check to ensure your dogs are healthy for the journey.
- Take breaks: Your dogs need mental and physical breaks. Spend time playing at each location, not just driving and viewing.
- Rotate driving: If you're traveling as a couple, take turns driving to stay fresh and alert.
- Document the journey: Take photos at each park! Your dogs will have an amazing adventure story.
Emergency Contacts & Resources
Emergency Vet Clinics:
- Flagstaff, AZ: Flagstaff Animal Hospital – (928) 774-3555
- St. George, UT: St. George Emergency Vet – (435) 673-8387
- Moab, UT: Moab Veterinary Clinic – (435) 259-8710
- San Bernardino, CA: San Bernardino Emergency Animal Clinic – (909) 888-7387
- Fresno, CA: Pet Emergency Clinic – (559) 486-0520
- Eureka, CA: Redwood Coast Veterinary Hospital – (707) 443-4411
- Klamath Falls, OR: Klamath Animal Hospital – (541) 883-2411
National Park Resources:
- NPS.gov – Official park websites with pet policies
- Recreation.gov – Book campgrounds
- iExit – Find services (gas, food, vet) near highway exits
- GasBuddy – Find cheapest gas along your route
Dog-Friendly Resources:
- BringFido.com – Find dog-friendly hotels, parks, and activities
- DogFriendly.com – Comprehensive database of pet-friendly places
- AllStays – App for finding pet-friendly campgrounds
Ready for Your Adventure?
This 18-day journey will be one of the most memorable experiences you and your dogs ever have. You'll see some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth – from desert canyons to ancient redwoods to alpine lakes. The key to success is planning ahead, staying flexible, and prioritizing your pups' comfort and safety.
Start booking campgrounds now (6 months in advance on Recreation.gov), download your maps, grab that America the Beautiful Pass, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Safe travels! 🏕️🐕🏜️🌲