A 661-mile journey through the American West has been named the 2026 Road Trip of the Year by RVshare, a rental and booking platform specializing in road travel. Dubbed “The Hidden Side of the West,” the itinerary weaves together iconic national parks with historic highways, offering travelers a carefully planned route that emphasizes scenic variety while avoiding the heaviest crowds.
The drive begins in Flagstaff, Arizona, tracing portions of the legendary Route 66 before heading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Less frequented than the South Rim, this section of the park offers a quieter experience and expansive views that appeal to travelers seeking a more reflective encounter with one of America’s most famous landscapes. From there, the route continues to Zion National Park in Utah and then to Nevada’s Great Basin National Park, showcasing a transition from towering canyon walls to wide-open desert and alpine scenery.
As the journey progresses, travelers follow Route 93 before ultimately reaching Route 50, widely known as “the loneliest road in America.” Stretching across vast, sparsely populated terrain, Route 50 has become a symbol of solitude and freedom, making it a fitting conclusion to a road trip designed around open spaces and uninterrupted views. According to RVshare, the itinerary was intentionally crafted to balance distance, scenery, and pacing, making it well-suited for extended exploration.
The recognition comes as Route 66 approaches its 100th anniversary. First opened in 1926, the highway runs from Illinois to California and remains a defining element of American road culture, as documented by the National Park Service. Centennial celebrations have renewed interest in the route, drawing both nostalgia-driven travelers and first-time explorers.
Beyond this featured journey, RVshare noted that national parks continue to play a central role in road travel trends. Destinations such as Arches National Park in Utah, Congaree National Park in South Carolina, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and California’s Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks remain among the most sought-after stops. Together, these trends reflect a growing preference for road trips that combine natural landmarks, historical routes, and the flexibility to explore at one’s own pace.
