Epic Road Trip from Chicago: Yellowstone, Smoky Mountains & Grand Canyon in a Rental Van

06 May-2025

For a bucket-list adventure, few trips beat a national-parks road trip from Chicago. A rented van carries the whole group and gear to some of America’s most spectacular scenery. Here’s a route worth the miles.

Stop 1: Great Smoky Mountains

Head southeast to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — misty peaks, waterfalls, and endless hiking, the most-visited park in the country.

Stop 2: Grand Canyon

Point the van west to the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the true wonders of the world — sunrise over the rim is a memory the whole group will keep.

Stop 3: Yellowstone

Finish at Yellowstone National Park for geysers, hot springs, and wildlife — a fitting grand finale to an epic trip.

Why a van for the parks

One van keeps everyone together across the long miles, with room for camping and hiking gear. Our Sprinters add a smooth, quiet ride and Crosswind Assist for the open highway.

Go the distance

Because we’re Illinois-based, you can drive our vans anywhere across the USA and into Canada — no special license needed for personal use, and up to three additional drivers free.

Which van should you pick?

For comfort, the 15-passenger Mercedes-Benz Sprinter; for value, the 15-passenger Ford Transit. Browse the full fleet.