Bonjour,
Notre circuit dans l'ouest américain pour aout 2012 devient possible. Il va être urgent, je pense, de le concrétiser.
Nous sommes 4 adultes (54, 51 , 22 et 20 ans) et n'avons pas une grande habitude des grands voyages. (une seule expérience 15 jours cote est des etats unis et du canada en 2010)
Nous avons deux impératifs : on ne peut pas quitter San Francisco avant le samedi 11 aout et on doit être de retour en France le dimanche 26 aout.
Voilà ce que nous envisageons (inspiration auprès des catalogues des tours opérators)
samedi 11 : San Francisco-Yosémite
dimanche 12 : Yosémite- Mammoth Lakes
lundi 13 : Mammoth Lakes-Death Valley
Mardi 14 : Death Valley - Las Vegas
Mercredi 15 : Las Vegas
Jeudi 16 : Las Vegas - Zion Park
Vendredi 17 : Ziion-Brice Canyon
Samedi 18 : Bryce Canyon-Lake Powell
Dimanche 19 : Lake powell - Monument Valley
Lundi 20 Monument Valley- Grand Canyon
Mardi 21 : Grand Canyon- Kingman
Mercredi 22 : Kingman -Los Angelès
Jeudi 23 :L A
Vendredi 24 : LA
Samedi 25 : vol pour la France
Notre souhait est de ne pas faire d'étapes trop longues, de pouvoir faire quelques randonées
Notre regret dans ce parcours c'est de ne pas aller visiter Canyonlands et Arches Park
Auriez vous une idée pour nous permettre d'intégrer ces parcs?
Que pensez vous sinon de l'architecture de notre parcours? Pourriez vous nous conseiller sur des étapes précises dans les différents parcs afin que je puisse réserver maintenant les hébergements?
Pensez vous que j'ai encore le temps de réserver par moi même les hébergements ? (nous souhaitons des motels économiques) et les vols ou bien est il préférable de passer par une agence?
Tous les conseils et renseignements seront les bienvenus puisque nous sommes vraiment novice en la matière
(inspiration auprès des catalogues des tours opérators)
ne pas trop copier ce genre de circuit, trop rapide, à loger dans des endroits pas chers pour faire un maximum de marge mais quelconques etc...
samedi 11 : San Francisco-Yosémite
Donc je suppose que vous restez quelques jours à San Francisco auparavant!
Sinon rien de totalement choquant dans votre itinéraire mais c'est quand même du rapide un peu partout.
Notamment à Yosemite (juste de quoi voir un aperçu des lieux les plus touristiques et donc très fréquentés... pas de quoi revenir enchantés du Parc qui est pourtant magnifique)
Zion (qui demande du temps pour être apprécié, car ce n'est pas un parc à points de vue mais qui demande des marches parfois longues pour en apprécier toute la splendeur. De plus pour rentrer dans le canyon de Zion vous devrez empruntés des navettes chronophages et bondés. Là aussi pas le meilleur moyen de profiter.
Bryce: c'est rapide mais de quoi faire les points de vue dans l'amphithéâtre et peut être Navajo Loop.
Page/Lac Powell: rapide mais faire au moins Horseshoe Bend et Antelope Canyon
Pour le reste ça peut aller...
de pouvoir faire quelques randonées
n'y comptez pas trop dans un planning aussi tendu 🤪. Ou alors laisser tomber Los Angeles et repartir de Vegas ou Phoenix et reporter les jours gagnés sur les Parcs.
Notre regret dans ce parcours c'est de ne pas aller visiter Canyonlands et Arches Park
Auriez vous une idée pour nous permettre d'intégrer ces parcs?
Impossible malheureusement. A moins de prendre un vol interne SF - Vegas puis de faire une boucle autour de Vegas et de repartir de là. (ce qui laisse tomber Yosemite, Death Valley et LA)
Pourriez vous nous conseiller sur des étapes précises dans les différents parcs afin que je puisse réserver maintenant les hébergements?
Yosemite: El Portal (réserver vite)
Death Valley: Furnace Creek ou Stovepipe Wells (là ça urge)
Zion: Springdale
Bryce: un des deux Best Western à l'entrée du Parc ou à Tropic
Monument Valley: The View ou le Goulding's Lodge ou à Mexican Hat (ça urge)
Grand Canyon: Grand Canyon Village ou Tusayan
Pensez vous que j'ai encore le temps de réserver par moi même les hébergements ? (nous souhaitons des motels économiques) et les vols ou bien est il préférable de passer par une agence?
ne pas passer par une agence qui prendra bien sûr sa commission...
Pour le côté économique, malheureusement en cette saison et si vous voulez loger à côté des centres d'intérêt (ce qui est fortement conseillé dans un circuit qui ne laisse pas de temps à la perte de temps 😛) il y a peu de chances que vous tombiez sur des motels économiques 😉
Bonjour,
Après de nombreux jours de recherche notre projet se finalise et a beaucoup évolué
J1 : Mardi 31 juillet : vol Paris San Francisco
J2-J36J4 : San Francisco
J5 : San Francisco- Oakurst : Balade Mariposa Groove
J6 : Oakurst -Yosemite Valley (Glacier Point et la Yosemite Valley)
J7 : Yosemite Valley -Mammoth Lakes :( Tioga road - Bodie - Mono Lake)
J8 : Mammoth Lake - Furnace Creek (San Dunes) : 😮 On ne sait pas trop quelle route choisir ? Aller voir Scotty's Castle ou pas? Ubehebe Crater est il accessible avec n'importe quel véhicule? On ne pense pas louer un 4x4
J9: Furnace Creek -Las Vegas : visite des principaux sites de la Daeth Valley
J10: Las Vegas
J11 : Las Vegas -Zion : découverte de Zion Park, puis nuit à Springdale
J12 : Zion -Bryce : Le matin peut etre retourner faire une marche dans Zion puis départ pour Bryce et dans l'après midi commencer à découvrir Bryce 😐 On recherche un logement sur Bryce , c'est assez compliqué
J13 : Bryce -Moab : 😐 On pense continuer la découverte de Bryce une bonne partie de la journée et n'arriver sur Moab qu'en soirée
J14 - J15 : Logement sur Moab : Découverte de Arches (c'est assez clair dans ma tête), pour Canyonlands c'est plus fou je n'arrive pas trop à faire un planning de visite sur 1 jour?😐
Notre fils qui sera en stage sur San Francisco ne sait pas encore s'il pourra etre libre dès le 3 aout ou seulement le 10 aout dans ce cas il nous rejoindrait sur Moab😐 Quelqu'un sait il comment il pourrait alors nous rejoinsdre ? Avion San Fancisco -Saltlt Lake City puis car vers Moab ????
J16 : Moab - Monument Valley : on envisage une visite guidée en 4x4 : 😐 Auriez vous des conseils?
😕😕 Gros souci je ne trouve plus de logement disponible sur Monument ou Kayenta ce jour là . On envisage de se rendre directement sur Page; Est jouable? Avez vous d'autres idées?
J17 : Page : Antelope Canyon : Horseshoe Bend
J18 : Page : Mon fils souhaiterait faire The Wave ou Coyotte Butte : je ne trouve aucune info dans mes guides en français. Est ce des randonnées facilement accessible à tous?? Nous sommes sportifs mais pas forecément randonneur . Des conseils, des infos . SVP
J19 : Page -Grand Canyon : La aussi je veux bien quelques conseils sur Grand Canyon: les découvertes en hélico valent elles le prix?
j20 : Grand Canyon -kingman : Grand Canyon le matin puis route vers Kingman: mon mari reve de rouler sur la route 66 . Quelle portion faire?😐
J21 : Kingman -Los Angelès
J22 -J23 : Los angelès
J24 : vol Los Angelès - New York
J25 -J26 : New York : 😐 Je n'ai pas eu le temps d'aller voir les pages adequates dans le forum . Auriez vous déjà quelques bons plans d 'hotel à tout petit prix sur New York
J27 : New york Paris départ en fin de soirée pour une arrivée sur Paris le lundi 27 au matin
Il me reste à réserver les hotels (je pense faire ça ce week end) et après à trouver les vols les moins chers et là ca se corse . Pour l'aller les vols directs sont hors de prix. Vaut il mieux prévoir une escale aux Usa ou en Europe (vols plus chers pour l'escale européenne) mais si escale aux USA quelle durée mini pour passer douane et police sans problème??
Pour le vol intérieur LA -NY , il semble que même le premier bagage soit payant. Est ce le cas sur toutes les compagnies??
Voilà j'ai posé beaucoup de questions, j'espere vos réponses et conseils nombreux.
Merci à tous
"J8 : Mammoth Lake - Furnace Creek (San Dunes) : On ne sait pas trop quelle route choisir ? Aller voir Scotty's Castle ou pas? Ubehebe Crater est il accessible avec n'importe quel véhicule? On ne pense pas louer un 4x4"
Sans 4x4, il faut passer par l'entrée ouest (Panamint spring). Ensuite, un 4x4 n'est pas nécessaire pour aller à Ubehebe Crater, mais arrivant de Mammoth Lake, tu n'auras pas trop le temps d'avancer à Scotty's Castle (ferme à 17h00) ni au cratère
"J13 : Bryce -Moab : On pense continuer la découverte de Bryce une bonne partie de la journée et n'arriver sur Moab qu'en soirée "
Attention, par la 12, tu as 5h00 de route et des arrêts (sans parler de tout ce qui se visite en chemin (Burr Trail, Capitol Reef, Goblin valley)
"Canyonlands c'est plus fou je n'arrive pas trop à faire un planning de visite sur 1 jour?"
Il faudra se limiter à Island in the Sky et Dead Horse Point SP à coté.
Il y a peut-être des avions vers Moab, l'aéroport est près de l'accés nord à Canyonland
La visite de Monument Valley peu se faire avec une voiture ordinaire -
Coucher à Page est possible, mais pas de coucher de soleil sur Monument Valley (ce qui semble incontournable pour certains)
The Wave : les pro répondront sur le système de tirage au sort
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
18 : Page : Mon fils souhaiterait faire The Wave ou Coyotte Butte : je ne trouve aucune info dans mes guides en français. Est ce des randonnées facilement accessible à tous?? Nous sommes sportifs mais pas forecément randonneur . Des conseils, des infos . SVP
Gros souci je ne trouve plus de logement disponible sur Monument ou Kayenta ce jour là . On envisage de se rendre directement sur Page; Est jouable? Avez vous d'autres idées?
Pour Monument Valley tu as essayé les 2 ou 3 motels de Mexican Hat? Tous complets? Tu regardes directement sur les sites des hôtels ou tu regardes via un intermédiaire (hotels.com, booking...)?
Gros souci je ne trouve plus de logement disponible sur Monument ou Kayenta ce jour là
J'ai jeté un oeil sur le site de l'hôtel "the view" et à vos dates il y a de la disponibilité (si vous avez le budget qui vous le permet bien entendu!) la chambre la moins chère pour 4 personnes est à 267$
Sinon, il y a quelques motels à Mexican Hat
Je regarde directement sur les sites des hotels au maximum sinon un peu sur expedia ou booking hotel. Je n'avais pas regardé Mexican Hat car venant de Moab et nous dirigeant ensuite vers Page celà me semblait faire un retour en arriere mais si le coucher de soleil sur Monument valley est incontournable je vais revoir celà . The View etait un peu cher mais si le coucher de soleil le vaut je retravaille celà;
Merci encore
Notre fils qui sera en stage sur San Francisco ne sait pas encore s'il pourra etre libre dès le 3 aout ou seulement le 10 aout dans ce cas il nous rejoindrait sur Moab😐 Quelqu'un sait il comment il pourrait alors nous rejoinsdre ? Avion San Fancisco -Saltlt Lake City puis car vers Moab ????
Il doit avoir des vols SLC / Moab
@+ le spartiate
Tout ce qui ne vous tue pas , vous rend plus fort !!
Oui,
SLC - Moab via Denver
mais il y a peut-être plus court
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Je suis en train de préparer un road-trip dans l'Ouest des USA pour les 35 ans de mon amoureux. Nous arrivons le 1er avril 2017 jusqu'au 14 avril à Los…
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Je suis un peu perdu avec le nombre de sites à voir dans l'Ouest américain. Je me suis préparé le circuit suivant, pouvez-vous me dire si c'est réalisable?…
salut a tous
je prepare un tour du monde et je recherche des bons plans pour les logements aux etats unis
avez vous des petits prix a me partager svp
merci
Hello! The itinerary is pretty much set for August 2026. Yeah, I know it’s gonna be *super* hot. But it’s the only time we can get away.
So, here’s the plan: Montpellier-CDG-Dallas.
Stay from July 31 to August 26, 2026:
Car rental – check,
Hotels – check,
Itinerary – almost check,
Photo gear – check,
Budget – check, 🤪
Meal planning – meh, we’ll see...
Walmart, of course, for the cooler when we arrive.
And now, without too much detail...
Fort Worth:
The Longhorns and the Stockyards;
JR’s ranch (for the missus);
Medal of Honor Museum – Arlington.
Houston and NASA Space Center:
See the Gulf of Mexico/America.
San Antonio and the missions.
Fort Stockton for an overnight stop.
El Paso via Guadalupe Mountains:
El Paso and White Sands.
Tucson and the Pima Air & Space Museum:
Tombstone, Bisbee.
Phoenix:
Still working on the program.
Sedona:
Round trip around the area via Flagstaff and Williams, or the Grand Canyon (already done) – we’ll decide on the spot.
Albuquerque:
Santa Fe,
Turquoise Trail,
Los Alamos.
Amarillo via Route 66:
Old Route 66 in the city;
Big Texas Ranch Steak 😏.
Dallas:
JFK Museum;
Perot Museum;
West End district.
And through it all – the road, the road, and more road!!!
We’ll adapt day by day based on our mental and physical state (we’re not exactly spring chickens).
Hello everyone! Really damaged due to flooding caused by runoff after forest fires (a total mess!), does anyone in this friendly forum have any updates on the Apache Trail between Apache Junction and Roosevelt Dam? Is there still a section of the road that’s tough to navigate?
We're leaving at the end of June and will be driving the route between Buffalo and Cody. We’ve already booked our accommodations and a rodeo in Cody, but during the day, we’ll be driving between the two and I’m unsure about the itinerary.
Which route do you think is the most pleasant, interesting, or scenic between:
- The northern route via Highway 14 with Sheridan, Lowell, etc.
- The southern route with Highways 16/20/14, passing by Loaf Mountain Overlook, Powder River Pass, Ten Sleep Canyon...
We’ll be in a car, so we should be able to drive on any road.
Thanks for your input!
I’m almost done planning our September road trip. After our 3-night visit to Sequoia, we’ll have a stopover night in Coalinga (to break up the drive). We’ll be staying two nights in Monterey and would like to stop along the way to visit one side of Pinnacles National Park. We’re torn between the West entrance and the East entrance, and we’d like to do a short hike of no more than 2 hours since we don’t want to arrive too late in Monterey.
This park is split into two distinct zones with no connection between them, and the mileage from Coalinga to Monterey is pretty much the same for both. Which area do you recommend visiting—east or west? And which route is the most scenic?
I’ve spotted two short hikes:
- East: Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop
- West: Balconies Cliffs Cave Loop
Has anyone been there, or do you have another hike to suggest?
Thanks in advance, and have a great afternoon!
Marcalamar 🙂
After our first trip as a young couple to the West in 2007 (yes, that doesn’t make us any younger!), we’re planning to go back in 2028, but this time as a family of four! (We have two boys who’ll be 5½ and 13 years old in the summer of 2028.)
Our plan is to combine a few big cities (SF and LA, maybe San Diego) with national parks and state parks, mostly!
Ideally, we’d like to leave at the end of June and head back to France around July 19–20, so we can enjoy the first week of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Since we already did the "loop" in 2007, there are must-see places we absolutely want to revisit—and especially share with our kids: Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and above all, the Grand Canyon, which is still the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen on Earth!
On the other hand, some places didn’t leave a big impression on us for various reasons, so we’re not making them a priority: Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, for example.
We’re planning ahead, but might as well be smart about it😏
Do you have any tips for a fun and doable itinerary over about 20–25 days with kids, without rushing?
Hi everyone! 🙂
Just a quick question about King Canyon and Sequoia National Park.
Before our night in Miramonte, we plan to visit King Canyon. The next stop will be two nights in Three Rivers to explore Sequoia National Park. I wanted to go all the way to Roaring River Falls on the King Canyon Scenic Byway and then turn back to head to Miramonte. Since we’re coming from Oakhurst, Google Maps says it’s 300 km and 5 hours of driving. Since we also want to hike to see the sequoias (Big Stump Area and Grand Grove) before tackling the King Canyon Scenic Byway, the timing’s going to be tight. How far do you recommend going before turning back to miss as few points of interest as possible on the King Canyon Scenic Byway? Thanks for your advice, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
Hi everyone!
After years of hoping, waiting, planning, then changing, saving, and searching for the best possible route... we're FINALLY off this summer for a 5-week road trip in the West.
I had planned a trip to Colorado in 2021 but canceled due to COVID, so with time passing and my eldest’s high school graduation approaching fast, I figured it was now or never!
Anyway, the itinerary has been modified and extended to please everyone (I’m no longer the only one making decisions!!)
Here’s our final route:
Day 1 - 7/12/2026 - Brussels / Los Angeles
Day 2 - 7/13/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 3 - 7/14/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 4 - 7/15/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 5 - 7/16/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 6 - 7/17/2026 - Los Angeles / Kingman
Day 7 - 7/18/2026 - Kingman / Grand Canyon
Day 8 - 7/19/2026 - Grand Canyon / Page
Day 9 - 7/20/2026 - Page
Day 10 - 7/21/2026 - Page / Monument Valley
Day 11 - 7/22/2026 - Monument Valley / Durango
Day 12 - 7/23/2026 - Durango
Day 13 - 7/24/2026 - Durango
Day 14 - 7/25/2026 - Durango
Day 15 - 7/26/2026 - Durango / Glenwood Springs
Day 16 - 7/27/2026 - Glenwood Springs
Day 17 - 7/28/2026 - Glenwood Springs / Moab
Day 18 - 7/29/2026 - Moab
Day 19 - 7/30/2026 - Moab
Day 20 - 7/31/2026 - Moab
Day 21 - 8/1/2026 - Moab
Day 22 - 8/2/2026 - Moab / Vernal
Day 23 - 8/3/2026 - Vernal / Grand Teton
Day 24 - 8/4/2026 - Grand Teton
Day 25 - 8/5/2026 - Grand Teton / Cody
Day 26 - 8/6/2026 - Cody / Yellowstone
Day 27 - 8/7/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 28 - 8/8/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 29 - 8/9/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 30 - 8/10/2026 - Yellowstone / Salt Lake City
Day 31 - 8/11/2026 - Salt Lake City / Bryce Canyon
Day 32 - 8/12/2026 - Bryce Canyon / Zion
Day 33 - 8/13/2026 - Zion
Day 34 - 8/14/2026 - Zion
Day 35 - 8/15/2026 - Zion / Las Vegas
Day 36 - 8/16/2026 - Las Vegas
Day 37 - 8/17/2026 - Las Vegas / Los Angeles
Day 38 - 8/18/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 39 - 8/19/2026 - Los Angeles / Brussels
Day 40 - 8/20/2026 - Brussels / Home
We’ll be alternating between house swaps, motels, and campgrounds. I’ve booked all the accommodations (except the campground at Bryce since sunset bookings open only 14 days in advance) and the first activities, as well as the most touristy ones.
I’m currently putting together my day-by-day roadbook and having some trouble planning certain days, like in LA or Las Vegas. Choosing hikes isn’t easy either—it’s tough to decide!
We’re really excited but could definitely use your help with choices and optimizations!!
Hello.
I’d like to travel along I-15N from San Diego to Las Vegas with my mom, who’s 67. We’ve explored Northern California and the California Coast over the past two years and now want to continue through the desert.
There are several attractions along the way:
- Mormon Rocks
- Desert Discovery Center and visit the Old Woman meteorite
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Mojave Desert
- Mojave National Preserve
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Silverwood Lake
My mom has back issues that prevent her from hiking or walking on trails with elevation changes. Is it possible to visit these places by car, or are the routes flat enough?
I’d love for her to experience the desert with an itinerary adapted to her condition. I’m also open to other points of interest that aren’t mentioned. We have 3-4 days for the trip, so we’re not in a rush—just want to explore.
I’d love to take a road trip and visit Nova Scotia. I’d appreciate some info on the best cities to see and the most interesting spots. The trip should last about 10 to 15 days, staying in hotels or motels. Thanks in advance!
We’re being relocated to Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
We’ll be taking the flight from Nantes to Montreal and then from Montreal to Saint Pierre.
Could you recommend a hotel near the departure terminal that allows dogs?
Hi,
My 16-year-old son is flying to Grand Rapids with other kids his age. There’s a layover in Detroit. There’s no unaccompanied minor service available. Is it pretty easy to navigate Detroit Airport to catch the connecting flight to Grand Rapids (domestic flight)? There are several of them who speak English well.
Thanks for your replies,
Good evening, everyone! 🙂
Just a few last questions to wrap up our Lake Tahoe visit plans.
**Parking:**
We’d like to walk to Eagle Falls and then Eagle Lake. I’ve spotted two parking lots that seem close to each other and give access to the trailhead. Where and how do we pay for entry to Emerald Bay State Park and Inspiration Point?
**Viewpoints on the East Side:**
Are most of the viewpoints (Balancing Rock, Granite Cave, Bonsai Rock, etc.) right by the road, or do you have to hike to reach them?
**Donner Memorial State Park:**
Is it worth making a detour to Truckee to visit this park and the Truckee historic downtown?
Hi there. I'm shocked by the price of the Upper Antelope Canyon tour—$175 for less than an hour… You might say, "if you can’t afford it…" But the real question is whether it’s really worth it, because $350 for two makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off. For those who’ve done both Lower and Upper, can you tell me if the price difference is really justified? Thanks
Hi everyone! 🙂
As you can see, we're heading back from September 6th to the 27th.
Everything’s booked for September—flights, accommodations, and the car. As I plan, I’ll be asking the experts for help. This is our second trip to California, but most of the stops are new to us.
We’ll start directly from San Francisco to our first overnight stop, Davis, before heading to Lassen Volcanic Park for 4 nights. Our flight lands at 12:50 PM.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Davis – overnight stop
Day 2: Red Bluff – exploring Lassen Volcanic Park (scenic drive to Lake Helen)
Day 3: Susanville – scenic drive through the park via the South Entrance, points of interest, and hikes
Day 4: Susanville – Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes hike
Day 5: Susanville – Warner Valley (hikes)
Day 6: South Lake Tahoe
Day 7: South Lake Tahoe
Day 8: Mammoth Lake
Day 9: Mammoth Lake
Day 10: El Portal via Tioga Road
Day 11: El Portal
Day 12: El Portal
Day 13: Oakhurst
Day 14: Miramonte
Day 15: Three Rivers
Day 16: Three Rivers
Day 17: Coalinga
Day 18: Monterey
Day 19: Monterey
Day 20: San Francisco
Day 21: San Francisco
Day 22: Departure
For hikes in Lassen Volcanic Park, I’ve planned:
Bumpass Hell, Cold Boiling Lake (Day 2)
Paradise Meadow (maybe not going all the way), Devastated Area, and the loop around Reflection and Manzanita Lakes (Day 3)
Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes (Day 4)
Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Spring Lake (Day 5)
I’ve read there are trails to access the trailheads for Cinder Cone (11 km) and Warner Valley. Are these easy trails for an SUV?
Are there any other must-see spots or things we shouldn’t miss?
That’s where I’m at for now. Thanks for your replies, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
I’m a total USA addict. I’ve already done several road trips, including the East Coast and West Coast.
I’m here today because I’m planning to go back for another road trip on the West Coast. Possibly with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. It’s still just a plan for now, but I’m working on an itinerary in the meantime. Ideally, I’d leave in 2026, but I don’t have the exact dates yet—maybe April-May or September-October.
My last trip to the West Coast was in September 2014. We went for 2 weeks, but this time it’d be 3 weeks. What made me want to go back was simply a colleague who just left today. As I’m writing this, he’s on the plane. I’m so happy for him, but now all I can think about is going back.
Since I recently went to NY, I noticed that prices have really gone up. I assume the same is true for the West Coast? For 2 people over 3 weeks, what budget should I expect? We’re the type to watch our spending and find great tips.
I think we’ll arrive in San Francisco like the first time and leave from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
Thanks for advising me on the booking—should I reserve a room in the hotel or go for a cabin for the best view?
Should I get breakfast or not?
What do you think of the restaurant?
Hello, if the off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts are still around 😉, I’d love some info on tackling these trails. I’m not super familiar with the rules, risks, or what to expect—I’m looking for firsthand experience from folks who’ve done it on their own once or multiple times.
Hi everyone!
I’m planning a week-long family trip to NYC in October 2026. The focus is on museums and soaking up the New York vibe. I’ve been checking Airbnb, but the prices in Manhattan are through the roof. Since I don’t know NYC well, is it "wise" to look outside Manhattan? Any neighborhoods you’d recommend?
After our first trip to the West, we’d love to go back to see other must-see spots!
The stay would be from May 11 to 20, 2026—it’s short, but hey...
M11: Lyon to Las Vegas (overnight in Vegas)
T12: Route 66 – overnight in Grand Canyon (GC)
W13: Visit GC – overnight in Page
Th14: Visit Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend – overnight in Monument Valley (MV)
F15: Visit MV – overnight in Moab
Sa16: Visit Arches / Dead Horse Point – overnight in Bryce
Su17: Visit Bryce – overnight in Zion
M18: Visit Zion / Valley of Fire – overnight in Vegas
Tu19: Return flight
What do you think? Could we add one more night somewhere? We’re not big hikers, so we’ll mostly explore the parks using shuttles.
Also, we’re all set—passports are good. Do you think one classic Visa card and one premium Visa card will be enough for coverage?
Thanks so much for your feedback, and happy holidays!
Hi North America forum crew,
Just a little post that might interest some of you:
Travelers to the United States | Photo Now Mandatory Upon Entry and Exit | La Presse
I assume many of you already know, but the America the Beautiful annual pass, which was $80, will increase to $250 starting January 1, 2026.
So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's in your best interest to buy your pass in December 2025, since it will still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you purchase it in December 2025.
This price increase only applies to non-U.S. residents.
Additionally, for those who planned to visit just one park, a $100 surcharge per person will apply to access a list of 11 national parks...
For example, if there are 4 of you in a car, you’ll have to pay $35 + $400,
which comes to $435 to visit one of the 11 parks on the list (I don’t have all of them... Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.).
Total madness.
The goal is to push people who only visit one park into buying the annual pass.
Last point: free entry days are over for non-residents!
Hi everyone, I’m traveling to Los Angeles and would like to rent a vehicle at the airport. However, I have a Boursobank Ultim deferred debit card, so I’d love to know if it’s possible for those who’ve experienced this recently. Thanks for the info!
I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find their individual numbers or routes anywhere.
Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
I’m planning a road trip through the American national parks starting from Denver in June 2026.
The price of the pass is jumping from 80 € to 250 € on January 1st, 2026!!!
Is it possible to buy the pass online before the end of the year to lock in the 80 € rate? If so, where and how do I go about it?
Thanks for your tips.
Arnale
I’m planning a road trip for July 2026 in northern Florida. Could you let me know if my itinerary makes sense?
Day 1: Orlando
Day 2: Amelia Island
Day 3: Amelia Island
Day 4: Tallahassee
Day 5: Panama City Beach
Day 6: Panama City Beach (visit to Destin)
Day 7: Crystal River (stop in Cedar Key on the way)
Day 8: Crystal River
Day 9: Anna Maria (stop in Clearwater)
Day 10: Anna Maria (St. Pete)
Day 11: Anna Maria
Day 12: Orlando
Day 13: Orlando
Day 14: Orlando
Day 15: Departure
We just finished 9 days in the American West and wanted to share our experience because we had an amazing time.
I know some of you might ask, why use an agency? Honestly, we didn’t really feel like doing all the driving and planning, especially since we didn’t know the area at all. And since our English isn’t great, having French-speaking guides was a big comfort.
We found Emmanuelle and Isabelle, and wow, they were fantastic. It was just the two of us with them, so it was a truly VIP, ultra-personalized experience. They treated us like royalty from start to finish. These two live in Las Vegas and know the region like the back of their hand. They told us they’ve spent over 15 years exploring every corner of the American West, and it really shows. Their knowledge of geology, park history, and local anecdotes is just impressive. It’s nothing like someone reciting a memorized script. They answer all your questions and really adapt to what you want to see or do.
What we really loved: the vehicle was super comfortable, and the little details made a difference—like snacks and even a homemade cake! Though, to be fair, we devoured the cake right away, so that counts.
Since they know the sites inside out, they took us at the right times to avoid crowds. So we could enjoy peaceful picnics at Grand Canyon viewpoints without being packed in with 200 people. Plus, on top of the must-see spots, they showed us some hidden gems that were absolutely stunning—places we never would’ve found on our own. They’re true locals who know all the best tips.
The service was really personalized. They adapted to our pace and preferences, and we could stop whenever we wanted to take photos. It’s the luxury of being in a small private group—you’re not just a number on a big bus.
In short, we really felt like we were traveling with friends rather than professional guides. Everything’s included in the price (hotel pickup, meals, park entries, etc.), so the value for money is fair.
We loved it so much that we’re already planning to come back next year to explore other areas with them. I think we’ve caught the American West bug—it’s all we can think about, and we can’t wait to return.
If you’re looking for a French-speaking tour with real personalized service and guides who know the region like no one else, we highly recommend them. We had unforgettable moments. They also design road trips for those who don’t want a guide. And they handled our hotel reservations in Las Vegas too. If you want genuine advice from friendly locals, we’re giving them a 200% recommendation!
