The Ultimate National Parks 2026 Jeep Cherokee Hybrid Road Trip

A scenic road trip through Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming celebrating America’s 250th anniversary

There is something undeniably American about loading up, choosing a direction, and hitting the open road for a 2026 Jeep Cherokee Hybrid Road Trip.  Add a few iconic national parks, historic Western towns, towering mountains, wildlife, roadside adventures and some of the most recognizable landmarks in the country, and you have the perfect way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

For this adventure, we set out on an epic National Parks road trip in the 2026 Jeep Cherokee Hybrid. We started our adventure in Colorado and made our way through South Dakota and Wyoming in the all new Jeep Cherokee. Along the way, we explored Hill City, Deadwood, Keystone and Mount Rushmore, crossed into Wyoming to see Devils Tower and Cody, spent time exploring Yellowstone National Park—including the legendary Old Faithful—and then continued south to Grand Teton National Park.

It was one of those road trips that is a journey through some of the landscapes and stories that help define the American West. And with the 2026 Jeep Cherokee Hybrid as our road-trip companion, the drive became just as much a part of the adventure as the destinations. This was the first time I had the chance to drive this new model Jeep with the all new hybrid powertrain and standard AWD. I have driven Jeep vehicles since the early 90’s, and this 85th anniversary edition was a perfect fit for celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary.

Why a National Parks Road Trip Is the Perfect Way to Celebrate America 250

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, there is no better time to explore the country by road.

America’s national parks preserve some of our most spectacular landscapes, from granite mountains and geothermal wonders to forests, wildlife habitats and wide-open Western landscapes. A road trip allows you to experience those places at your own pace rather than simply flying from one destination to another.

Our route was especially memorable because it combined American history, national parks, outdoor adventure and classic Western towns.

We began in Colorado before heading north into South Dakota, where the Black Hills became our first major destination. From there, we continued west into Wyoming, eventually reaching Yellowstone and Grand Teton before making our way back to Colorado.

The route offered a little bit of everything: historic towns, scenic drives, iconic landmarks, wildlife, hiking opportunities and plenty of reasons to pull over and explore.

Hitting the Road in the 2026 Jeep Cherokee Hybrid

The journey began in Colorado with the all-new Cherokee Hybrid. We were ready for the miles ahead knowing our fuel mileage wouldn’t be a worry.

For a road trip like this, the vehicle becomes part of the experience. There are long stretches of highway, mountain roads, changing elevations and plenty of opportunities to leave the pavement behind for scenic overlooks and outdoor adventures. With the all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive capabilities, we knew we would be safe in all kinds of weather we may hit.

One of my favorite things about a road trip is not knowing exactly what you’ll find around the next corner. You might start the morning surrounded by mountains, spend the afternoon exploring a historic mining town and finish the day watching the sunset over a national park. That’s exactly the kind of freedom we were looking for on this trip.

The Cherokee Hybrid was a natural fit for a journey focused on exploring the outdoors while still providing the comfort and versatility needed for a multi-state road trip. The wireless Apple CarPlay allowed us to feel confident in the navigation of our road trip.  And the cargo capacity was more then we needed, even traveling with a weeks’ worth of supplies, and our 2 dogs. 

And when you’re covering this many miles, having a vehicle that is comfortable for long stretches of highway is just as important as having one ready for adventure.

Related – The Ultimate 250th Anniversary National Parks Road Trip

Leaving Colorado

We started out on the city streets of Colorado, and the fuel economy was amazing as we weaved through the traffic to get to the open road. The panoramic sunroof gave us just enough sunlight and allowed us to enjoy the stars when we hit the desolate areas of Wyoming.

First Stop: Hill City, South Dakota

After making our way north from Colorado, we arrived in Hill City, South Dakota, one of the charming communities tucked into the Black Hills. We stayed a cute little cabin with a connected Taproom.

Hill City makes an excellent home base for exploring the region. The town has a distinctly Western personality, with historic buildings, local shops, restaurants and plenty of opportunities to learn more about the history of the Black Hills.

One of the best things about visiting Hill City is its location. You’re surrounded by some of South Dakota’s most famous attractions, making it easy to spend the morning exploring town and the afternoon heading out on another adventure. If you have time, I recommend taking the 1880 Train ride to Keystone and back.

The landscape changes dramatically as you travel through the region, with towering ponderosa pines, granite formations and winding roads creating a scenic backdrop for the journey.

For anyone planning a South Dakota road trip, Hill City deserves a spot on the itinerary.

Deadwood: Step Back Into the Old West

From Hill City, we headed to Deadwood, a town where history seems to come alive around every corner. Deadwood is famous for its connection to the Old West and the legendary characters who passed through the town during the Black Hills Gold Rush era. Walking through Deadwood feels like stepping into another chapter of American history.

The town’s historic downtown is filled with colorful storefronts, restaurants, casinos and historic buildings. But what makes Deadwood particularly interesting is the stories. This is where names such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane became part of the American West legend. You can even catch reenactments of card games, shootouts, and tour the cemetery where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried.

Deadwood is also a great reminder that an American road trip isn’t only about beautiful scenery. It’s about discovering the communities, people and stories that shaped the country.

Keystone and the Road to Mount Rushmore

Next, we headed toward Keystone, South Dakota, another popular destination in the Black Hills. Keystone is perhaps best known as the gateway to one of America’s most recognizable landmarks: Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

As you approach Mount Rushmore, it is difficult not to appreciate the scale of what you’re seeing. The massive faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are carved into the granite face of the Black Hills, creating one of the most iconic images in the United States.

Standing in front of Mount Rushmore during America’s 250th anniversary year makes the experience even more meaningful. It’s a place that invites you to think about the history of the country—not just the accomplishments, but also the complicated stories and challenges that have shaped America over the past 250 years.

For our America 250 road trip, Mount Rushmore was an important stop because my husband was in the Military, and they do a nighttime ceremony where they celebrate every brand of the military, and our amazing country. 

From Mount Rushmore to Devils Tower

From South Dakota, we continued west into Wyoming toward another iconic American landmark: Devils Tower National Monument. The dramatic rock formation rises from the surrounding landscape and is unlike almost anything else you’ll see on the trip.

The drive itself is part of the fun. One of the best things about a National Parks road trip is watching the landscape change as you cross state lines. And the landscape really changes on this route. The Black Hills gradually give way to the wide-open landscapes of Wyoming.

Devils Tower stands prominently against the sky and seeing it in person gives you a much better appreciation for its size and unusual geology. It is one of those destinations that makes you glad you chose to drive rather than simply fly between major cities.

 

Cody, Wyoming: The Gateway to Yellowstone

From Devils Tower, we continued toward Cody, Wyoming, a town with strong ties to the American West. And my favorite town on earth. Cody, WY holds a special place in my heart, and I love that I get to share it with my husband on this trip. We booked an Airbnb in Cody to make it a base for the next few days because I wanted to be able to leave the dogs while we explored Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.

Cody is an ideal stop before heading into Yellowstone National Park. Founded by William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the town embraces its Western heritage and serves as a gateway to one of America’s most famous national parks.

Driving To Cody Wyoming

The drive into Cody is an adventure in itself. And the 2026 Jeep Cherokee handled the curvy and steep roads like a champ. The adaptive cruise control helped us through the windy parts of the journey. The turbo hybrid system made the long drive through the mountains enjoyable and gave us the peace of mind to be able to really enjoy the experience. 

As the miles roll by, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with mountains rising in the distance and the landscape beginning to feel like the classic image of the American West. Cody is also a great place to slow down before entering Yellowstone. Grab dinner at the historic Irma Hotel and Saloon. Take a walk through the town and stop for an Old Fashioned at the famous Chamberlin Inn, where Ernest Hemingway stayed and wrote many years ago.

After several days of driving, exploring and sightseeing, it was nice to spend time in a community that feels like home to me. If you have the time, I suggest catching the Cody Stampede Rodeo during the summer. You could also spend the morning exploring the Buffalo Bill Center of the West Museum. It’s like 5 museums in one, and worth every minute you spend there. 

Related – Cody Wyoming Road Trip

Yellowstone National Park: A Bucket-List Destination

Few places in America can compare with Yellowstone National Park. Established in 1872, Yellowstone was America’s first national park and remains one of the country’s most extraordinary natural treasures. Once inside the park, the scenery changes constantly. There are forests, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife and geothermal features seemingly everywhere you look. And then there are the geysers.

We wanted to take our time enjoying the scenery and experiencing the park beyond its most famous attraction. Around nearly every turn, there was another reason to stop, take a photograph or simply enjoy the view.

And then there was the wildlife. Seeing animals in their natural habitat is one of the things that makes a Yellowstone road trip so memorable. You never quite know what you might encounter as you travel through the park. As we drove through Yellowstone, we saw big horn sheep, this was my husband’s favorite sighting, as they came right up to the Jeep. 

We also saw a couple grizzly bears, a black bear, a bunch of bison, and a moose.

Old Faithful

No visit to Yellowstone would be complete without seeing Old Faithful. The famous geyser has become one of the most recognizable natural attractions in the United States, and watching it erupt is one of those classic American travel experiences.

Even though you’ve probably seen photographs and videos of Old Faithful countless times, seeing the eruption in person is different. There’s the anticipation as everyone gathers, the excitement when the water begins to rise and then the dramatic eruption itself. It is a reminder of just how powerful and fascinating the natural world can be.

The Road to Grand Teton National Park

Leaving Yellowstone behind, we continued south toward Grand Teton National Park. If Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal wonders, Grand Teton is all about dramatic mountain scenery.

After the geothermal landscape of Yellowstone, the dramatic peaks of the Tetons provided a completely different perspective on the American West. The Teton Range rises spectacularly above the surrounding landscape, creating one of the most photographed mountain scenes in America. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee looks amazing in front of the large peaks of the Grand Tetons.

Driving through Grand Teton is the kind of experience that makes you want to slow down. There are scenic overlooks, lakes, mountains, wildlife and wide-open spaces that seem to stretch forever.

It’s easy to understand why both Yellowstone and Grand Teton belong on virtually every national parks bucket list.

The Scenic Drive Back to Colorado

Eventually, every road trip has to come to an end. We realized that driving the 2026 Jeep Cherokee was the perfect choice for this epic road trip. The standard four-wheel-drive system came in handy when we hit some touchy weather, and the fuel efficiency allowed us to enjoy this trip without breaking the bank.

The heated steering wheel came in handy when we got into the mountains of Yellowstone as they had snowed the day before we got there, and it was still pretty cold.

The front seats were very comfortable, and the ground clearance made way for a very smooth drive, even on rough pavement. The all terrain tires came in handy for some of the parking areas we had to park in. I could see myself having this vehicle as a daily driver and using my Jeep Wrangler for just fun. 

The digital rearview mirror did take some getting used to. I began to really like it after the first couple of times using it.

From Grand Teton, we began making our way back toward Colorado, bringing our America 250 National Parks road trip full circle.

The return drive gave us time to reflect on everything we had experienced.

We had driven through three states, visited historic Western towns, stood beneath Mount Rushmore, experienced the unique landscape of Devils Tower, explored Yellowstone, watched Old Faithful erupt and stood beneath the towering peaks of Grand Teton.

And we did it all by road. That’s what makes a National Parks road trip so special. The destinations may be the reason you start planning, but the journey between them becomes part of the story.

 

Why This Should Be on Your 2026 Travel Bucket List

If you’re looking for a memorable way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, consider taking your own American road trip.

You don’t necessarily have to follow our exact route. That’s the beauty of traveling by car. You can customize the journey based on your interests. The amount of time you have and the places you’ve always wanted to see.

But this Colorado-to-South-Dakota-to-Wyoming route is an incredible combination of history, scenery and adventure.

From Hill City and Deadwood to Mount Rushmore and Devils Tower, the first part of the journey celebrates the history and culture of the American West.

Then the trip shifts into an outdoor adventure through Cody, Yellowstone and Grand Teton, showcasing some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the country.

And throughout it all, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee Hybrid provided the perfect road-trip companion for exploring America’s wide-open spaces.

Related – Road Tripping Yellowstone Style

The Ultimate American Road Trip

There are vacations you take to relax, vacations you take to see something new and vacations you take because you want an adventure.

This trip was all three. But more than anything, it was a celebration of the freedom to explore. As America celebrates 250 years, there is something special about getting behind the wheel of a true American vehicle like the 2026 Jeep Cherokee and discovering the country for yourself.

A Few Tips For a Great 2026 Jeep Cherokee Hybrid Road Trip

• Drive through a historic town.
• Stop at a roadside overlook.
• Explore as many national parks as you can.
• Watch Old Faithful erupt.
• Stand beneath the Tetons and take in the beautiful view.
• Take the long way home, if you have time, I recommend a drive through Wind River.

Because sometimes the best way to celebrate America isn’t simply to look back at its history. It’s to get out there and experience the incredible places that make this country worth exploring. So pack your bags, fill up the tank, grab your camera and hit the road. America’s 250th anniversary is the perfect excuse to discover your own piece of the American West.

Plan Your Own America 250 National Parks Road Trip

Suggested route:
Colorado → Hill City, South Dakota → Deadwood → Keystone → Mount Rushmore → Devils Tower, Wyoming → Cody → Yellowstone National Park → Old Faithful → Grand Teton National Park → Colorado

Trip highlights:

• South Dakota Black Hills
• Hill City
• Deadwood
• Keystone
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Devils Tower National Monument
• Cody, Wyoming
• Yellowstone National Park
• Old Faithful
• Grand Teton National Park
• Scenic Western drives
• America 250 celebrations
• 2026 Jeep Cherokee Hybrid