New 661-Mile Scenic Route Named 'Road Trip of the Year'

The itinerary includes stops at the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and the 'Loneliest Road'.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:07am

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A new 661-mile road trip itinerary called 'The Hidden Side of the West' has been named the 2026 Road Trip of the Year by rental and booking service RVshare. The trip takes travelers through several famous national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Great Basin, as well as along the famed Route 66 and Route 50 (known as 'the loneliest road in America').

Why it matters

This new road trip route provides an opportunity for travelers to experience some of the most iconic landscapes in the American West while avoiding the crowds and high prices of more popular national park destinations. The trip also coincides with the 100th anniversary of Route 66, making it a timely addition to many travelers' bucket lists.

The details

The road trip itinerary kicks off in Flagstaff, Arizona, along Route 66 before heading to the less-visited North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It then continues on to Zion National Park and Great Basin National Park, before navigating Route 93 and eventually ending on Route 50, known as 'the loneliest road in America'. RVshare says Great Basin National Park 'might be the National Parks' best kept secret' with incredible scenery similar to more crowded parks like Glacier and the Tetons.

  • The 661-mile road trip was named the 2026 Road Trip of the Year by RVshare.

The players

RVshare

A rental and booking service that devised the 'The Hidden Side of the West' road trip itinerary.

Maddi Bourgerie

A spokesperson for RVshare who praised Great Basin National Park as an 'incredible underrated park'.

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What they’re saying

“Great Basin National Park might be the National Parks' best kept secret. This incredible underrated park has everything you love from fan favorites like Glacier and the Tetons—without the crowds or the price tag.”

— Maddi Bourgerie, Spokesperson, RVshare

What’s next

The 100th anniversary of Route 66 is set to be celebrated in 2026, making this new road trip itinerary a timely addition to many travelers' plans.

The takeaway

This new 661-mile road trip route provides an opportunity for travelers to experience some of the most iconic landscapes in the American West, including several famous national parks, while avoiding the crowds and high prices of more popular destinations. The trip's focus on lesser-known gems like Great Basin National Park makes it an appealing option for those seeking a unique and memorable road trip experience.