EV Road Trip to U.S. National Parks: Explore the Best of the American West

Choosing an EV for your road trip means choosing a more affordable and relaxing form of travel. You'll enjoy the peaceful hum of the motor while driving past towering sequoias, dramatic mountain ranges, deep canyons, and wild bison grazing in the distance.

With the ChargeHub  trip planner, mapping out your route is easier than ever. 

Bonus: Most hotels and campgrounds near national parks now offer charging stations.

The ideal time to visit U.S. national parks depends on the region you’re heading to and your personal preferences. Spring and fall are great choices if you want to avoid the crowds and extreme weather conditions. Summer brings longer days, making it perfect for extended hikes, but you’ll need to watch out for the heat in desert regions like Utah and Arizona.

In winter, some parks may be partially closed. Tioga Road in Yosemite, for example, is often inaccessible between November and May. So it’s always a good idea to check for road closures before you set off.

Here are ten incredible national parks in the American West that are EV-friendly and full of natural wonders. This flexible itinerary lets you craft your own journey, with scenic roads, must-see hiking trails, and accessible charging stops.

Yosemite National Park: a stunning introduction to the West

Famous for its waterfalls and massive granite cliffs, Yosemite is a nature lover’s dream.
Don’t miss the hike to Glacier Point for one of the most stunning views of the entire valley.

Charging: Available at nearby lodges and in towns like Oakhurst.
Park fee: $35 USD per vehicle (7-day pass).

Sequoia & Kings Canyon: giants and scenic drives

Explore ancient groves of giant sequoias, some of the largest trees on Earth, and drive the jaw-dropping Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.

Charging: Available in Visalia and near park entrances.
Park fee: $35 USD per vehicle (7-day pass).

Death Valley: desert extremes and hidden beauty (via Mammoth Lakes)

Stop in Mammoth Lakes before descending into one of the hottest and driest places on Earth.
Despite the heat, Death Valley is surprisingly rich in wildlife and wildflowers (especially in spring).

Charging: Along Route 395 (Olancha, Lone Pine) or Pahrump/Las Vegas.
Note: High temps may reduce EV range.
Park fee: $30 USD per vehicle (7-day pass).

Zion National Park (Utah): red rock and rugged trails

Zion’s towering cliffs and epic hikes make it a Southwest gem.
Try The Narrows for a water hike, or Angels Landing for a thrilling climb.

Charging: Available in Springdale. Free park shuttle into Zion Canyon.
Park fee: $35 USD per vehicle (7-day pass).

Bryce Canyon: otherworldly sunrise views

Famed for its “hoodoos”, tall rock spires painted in warm hues, Bryce Canyon is best seen at sunrise.

Charging: Bryce Canyon City and Tropic.
Park fee: $35 USD per vehicle (7-day pass).

Capitol Reef & Canyonlands: hidden gems with big views

Less crowded than other parks, these two offer unique trails and sweeping viewpoints.

Charging: Moab is well equipped with charging stations, especially along Route 70.
Park fees: Capitol Reef: $20 USD | Canyonlands: $30 USD per vehicle (7-day pass).

Arches National Park: natural sculptures galore

Just outside Moab, Arches boasts over 2,000 natural rock arches formed over thousands of years.
Don’t miss Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, Double Arch, or Landscape Arch.

Park fee: $30 USD per vehicle (7-day pass).

Monument Valley: iconic western scenery

Straddling Utah and Arizona, this Navajo-managed site features towering sandstone buttes.
A guided tour is recommended if your EV has low clearance, as the scenic drive is unpaved.

Charging: nearby town of Bluff.
Entry fee: $8 USD per person.

Grand Canyon National Park: Earth’s greatest chasm

Enter via the South Rim to admire the mighty Colorado River carving its way through the canyon.

Charging: Available in Tusayan and at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
Park fee: $35 USD per vehicle (7-day pass).

Grand Teton & Yellowstone: untamed beauty

Wrap up your journey with these two wildlife-rich parks.
See geysers, rivers, rugged peaks, and one of the largest alpine lakes in North America.

Charging: Jackson Hole.
Park fees: $35 USD per vehicle for each park (7-day pass).

• Campgrounds: Budget-friendly, close to nature—book early!

• Hotels: Many now include EV charging as a standard amenity.

• Park lodges: Immersive but pricier.

• Airbnb & glamping: Often come with EV-ready amenities.

A little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to stay stress-free:

• Use the ChargeHub app to find stations.

• Check the charging station map before every trip and schedule your charging stations in every city in the United States.

• Limit drives to under 400 km/day when possible.

• Use a dedicated EV trip planner guide.

• Look for fast-charging stations (Level 3) on main routes.

• Charge overnight at hotels or campgrounds.

• Bring a mobile charger or backup battery just in case.

Traveling across U.S. national parks in an electric vehicle offers a one-of-a-kind, immersive journey through dramatic and diverse landscapes, from Yosemite’s waterfalls and Utah’s red rock valleys to Arizona’s deserts and the Rockies’ alpine views.

Before you go, grab the America the Beautiful Pass ($80 USD), which grants access to all national parks for one year (except Monument Valley, which requires a separate ticket).
So ready for adventure? Plug in, plan your route, and let the road lead you to awe-inspiring nature.