Alright, here’s my own road book for 3 weeks (late June – mid-July 2025) — looking forward to your feedback!
We’re not hikers or hardcore adventurers, so I’ve focused the itinerary on what we consider the essentials.
We’re flying into SF and out of Las Vegas (because of airfare prices!) and also because I’m skipping Yosemite (doesn’t really tempt us). I’m planning a day trip to Death Valley from LV (been there before — it lets you see the highlights, and that was enough for me at the time).
We’re not going as far as Canyon de Chelly — already done, and it didn’t really wow me.
Just to note, this is pretty similar to a trip I’ve done before that worked well for us, but I’m open to tweaking it based on your suggestions.
The duration (23 days) isn’t flexible — even one extra day sends the ticket prices skyrocketing.
Here’s what it looks like:
Day 1: Arrival in SF
Day 2 – Day 4: SF
Day 5: Monterey (the Aquarium and the bay) – Overnight in Monterey
Day 6 – Day 7: Drive down Highway 1 to Los Angeles – Overnight Day 6, e.g., in St. Simeon or nearby, and Day 7 in LA
Day 8 – Day 9: LA (possibly an extra day) – Overnights in LA
Day 10: Drive to Kingman and sightseeing – Overnight in Kingman
Day 11: Drive to Grand Canyon and start exploring GC – Overnight in Tusayan
Day 12: Explore GC – Overnight in Tusayan
Day 13: Drive to Monument Valley and visit – Overnight nearby (Mexican Hat, Kayenta, etc.)
Day 14: More sightseeing in the area (Valley of the Gods, Gooseneck Park) and drive to Mesa Verde – Overnight in Cortez
Day 15: Visit Mesa Verde – Overnight in Cortez
Day 16: Drive to Page and sightseeing – Overnight in Page
Day 17: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend – Overnight in Page
Day 18: Drive to Bryce Canyon NP and start exploring Bryce – Overnight in the area!
Day 19: Explore Bryce
=> Question: It’s a 2.5-hour drive from Page to Bryce. If we leave early, can we see the highlights of Bryce on Day 18 and skip Day 19? I’ll admit, I don’t remember much (it was back in 2009!)
Day 20: Drive to Las Vegas with stops along the way (a quick detour to Zion just to say we’ve been, Valley of Fire) – Overnight in LV
Day 21: LV; Cirque du Soleil show in the evening – Overnight in LV
Day 22: Day trip to Death Valley (or a lazy day and outlet shopping!) – Overnight in LV
Day 23: Flight back at 4:10 PM, which still gives us time to enjoy the morning.
To answer your question—yes. Bryce Canyon doesn’t take too much time if you’re not hiking. Even with a short walk/hike, it’s easily doable in a half-day, so you’ll save Day 19.
I’d even go further. Day 12 isn’t necessary either. By arriving at the Grand Canyon on Day 11, you can already see the highlights. You’ll just need to finish your visit early in the morning on Day 12, then head to Monument Valley, where you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day.
For the Grand Canyon, yeah, I can do the Kingman–Grand Canyon route in the morning. Visit Hermit Road in the afternoon and the next day take Desert View Road, then straight to Monument Valley. Last time I stayed for 2 full days + Desert View Road on the 3rd day, but we also did the helicopter tour, which we won’t be doing this time.
Hello my dear Friend!
So happy to catch up with you... here.
I’m having some computer issues, so I’ll get back to you in more detail about your email as soon as I can—can’t wait to chat about our shared interests!
About your itinerary, here’s what I’ve noted...
Day 19: Visit Bryce=> Question: It takes 2.5 hours to drive from Page to Bryce. If you leave early, does that allow you to see the highlights of Bryce on Day 18 and save Day 19? I’ll admit I don’t remember much (it was back in 2009!)
Day 20: Drive to Las Vegas
Yes, the drive from Page to Bryce is 150 miles/240 km/3 hours at 80 km/h.
But:
1) Right after leaving, you can stop at the Lake Powell Visitor Center and see the dam (a short guided tour is possible).
2) After 26 miles/30 minutes on the 89W, there’s a parking lot at D. Toadstool Hoodoos—a short, easy trail to explore the site at your own pace (about 1 hour, for example).
3) At the north exit of Kanab, you’ll find the Trading Post (Little Hollywood)—a fun shop with Western movie sets!
4) On the UT12 toward Bryce, there’s Red Canyon—stop at the Visitor Center and take a short, easy walk.
5) 2 km before entering Bryce and its Visitor Center, take a left onto the small road to Fairyland Point for a great view.
6) At Bryce’s Visitor Center, there’s an exhibit and a film worth checking out...
I don’t think your goal is to rush between two parks as fast as possible without stopping to enjoy the spots you’re passing through...
Quality over quantity, my friend!
Great to see you back on the forum too.
Thanks for your comments—I’ll keep them in mind. Compared to my last trip to the US (outside of NYC years ago), I’m shocked by how expensive hotels have gotten!!! And on top of that, with the dollar at 1.05… Well, I guess these are still "first-world problems" ;)
When was your last trip to the West? You might find SFO quite changed. Be careful with luggage in the car when you're out and about—it's become a mess.
If you plan to do some shopping during your trip, there are outlets in Gilroy, south of SFO.
Day 10: Did you plan to stop in Oatman?
Indeed, as mentioned before, Day 12 isn’t strictly necessary, but it’s a pacing choice. I get it.
Day 14: I loved Valley of the Gods! I even slept there.
Day 18: Have you done Cottonwood Canyon Road before? I recommend it for getting from Page to Bryce. It’s magical.
For Bryce, if you’re not hiking, one day is plenty, in my opinion.
You might find SFO quite changed. Be careful with luggage in the car when you're out and about—it's become a nightmare.
If you want to do some shopping during your trip, there are outlets in Gilroy, south of SFO.
Thanks for the heads-up about SF. Normally, we won’t have a car—I’ll pick one up on the morning of Day 5.
Ohhhh! The Gilroy Outlets!!!! My favorites in the US. The problem is we’ll be at the start of our trip and don’t want to take any risks. So, it’ll probably be the ones in Las Vegas—less exciting but closer to our starting point.
Day 10: Did you plan to stop in Oatman?
Noted, thanks! It’s an option depending on our departure time from LA!
Day 12 isn’t necessarily a must, but it’s a matter of pacing.
Day 14: I loved Valley of God!… I even slept there.
Deal! We’ll skip Day 12 and replace it with a day somewhere else—either LA for Universal or LV for the outlets!
Yeah, I’ve already been to Valley of God—it’s gorgeous and way less crowded than Monument Valley. It’ll depend on the rental vehicle since I remember a spot in the middle where it gets pretty tight… And thanks for the photo—you must’ve loved it!
Day 18: Have you done Cottonwood Canyon Road before?… I recommend it for getting from Page to Bryce. It’s magical.
No, never—I’ll add it to the list. Not sure where to fit it in, maybe leaving Page on Day 17. It’ll depend on the hotel prices in Page or Bryce!
And noted for Bryce—we’ll cut it short.
Cottonwood Canyon Road is clean and easy. You can take it to cut between Page and Bryce instead of going all the way around via Kanab.
I find this road magical.
Yeah, in Vegas, you’ll find what you’re looking for at the Outlets.
Hello, so great to see you again!
As for Bryce, it was my absolute favorite spot in the area... we even went there twice, and I wouldn’t mind going back again. Even if you only do short hikes, there are so many viewpoints, and it’s just stunning to see the sunrise and sunset—so I really wouldn’t skip staying overnight there. The first time, we only stayed one night, and the second time, two nights.
Near Monterey, I prefer Pacific Grove—another favorite of mine.
For the rest, it’s all classic spots.
I’ll admit that at Monument Valley, I’d also spend the night. We didn’t stay at The View but at Goulding’s—really nice too and cheaper.
Same here—I’m so happy to see you back on the forum! 🙂
Got it about Pacific Grove—we’ll make the detour!
For Bryce, I’m afraid I’ll only be able to spend a short day there. Actually, it’s weird because it’s the place I remember liking the least, but nothing really stood out in my memory. Maybe it was because it was so crowded, and I felt more like I was in a never-ending ant trail than in a beautiful national park.
The first time we visited Bryce, we had the same impression...
Then we went back in March 2022, and it was so peaceful and wonderful—the peaks were still lightly dusted with snow.
In Pacific Grove, we stayed at the Best Western. We loved the area so much that we changed our plans toward the end of the trip and went back there.
Small change in our plans—we’re coming back a day earlier (flight ticket prices).
So now I’m wondering if it’s still worth keeping Mesa Verde in the itinerary. I’ve already been (my partner hasn’t), and I liked it without finding it exceptional. Different, yes, but not a must-see.
Air France changed my flights, and it’s not ideal for me, so I’m considering doing the trip in reverse:
Arrival in Las Vegas - Bryce - Page - Mesa Verde (or maybe not!) - Monument Valley - Grand Canyon - Route 66 - LA - Monterey and ending in SF.
Since the M1 coastal road is closed, the appeal of doing SF → LA is less obvious.
I don’t know why, but maybe because I’ve already done it the other way, I feel like this direction is less smooth. Am I overthinking it? What do you all think?
Merry Christmas!
So we did the route both ways and honestly, there wasn’t any problem at all.
For the driver, it really doesn’t change anything anyway.
True, the passenger has a slightly worse view, but honestly, you can easily pull over, so it’s not really an issue.
And in our case, the One was open in both directions.
My question isn’t so much about the M1 (which is closed anyway, so we won’t be doing it—just a stretch starting from Monterey), but more about balancing the trip.
I’m worried that starting straight off with the overwhelming scale of Las Vegas might throw us off a bit and make the rest feel a bit "dull", just like the Grand Canyon after Monument Valley.
Plus, I’m thinking that starting in SF—a city with more "European-style" architecture—might help build up the excitement for the sights to come.
Well, since I’m not really a Las Vegas kind of person, I actually headed in the opposite direction—*up* in intensity!
San Francisco is my favorite city in the U.S....
In the end, my post is no longer necessary because Air France just found me a satisfactory solution that wasn’t offered to me before.
I guess it’s because these are flights that are listed as much more expensive, but I’m not paying any extra since the initial change was their fault. I have to admit that as soon as I made this suggestion after looking into it myself, they didn’t put up any resistance to accepting the change. I think that’s really fair of them, especially since the new ticket is 1200 € more (for two) than the one I paid.
So, I’m sticking with my original itinerary (I haven’t looked into the details or incorporated your suggestions yet), and all’s well that ends well 🙂 Um... at least until the next schedule change!!!😛
Here’s yet another draft that should be close to the final version, trying to incorporate your feedback but with various constraints! Unfortunately, Usafan and PapJ59, that means no Cottonwood Canyon or Red Canyon, and Bryce can only be a one-day stop.
What do you think?
D1 (Wednesday 25/06/2025): Arrival in SF in the mid-afternoon. Hotel near Union Square. Exploring the neighborhood, cable car round trip. Pizza. Sleep!
D2: Chinatown, Financial District, Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower, Fisherman's Wharf
D3: Mission, Golden Gate Park, Alcatraz for the last tour (departure at 7 PM, booked)
=> D2 and D3 can be swapped. To be refined.
D4: Pick up the rental car early near the hotel (it’s a Saturday, traffic should be light!). Painted Ladies, Lombard Street. Then we leave SF: Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, Muir Woods, Bolinas, Point Reyes Lighthouse (weather permitting), drive to Monterey
=> That might be a lot—we’ll adjust on the fly if needed.
D5: Aquarium, Mission San Carlos Borromeo, drive CA-1 until about Lime Creek Bridge (where it’s closed) then return to Monterey hotel.
=> It’s a weird split, but I’m stuck because of the mission’s hours.
D6: 17-Mile Drive, drive to Cambria (or San Simeon) via I-101
D7: Hearst Castle, La Purísima Mission (if not too late), Santa Barbara. Night near Los Angeles
D8: LA. Hollywood Blvd, Getty Villa (if reopened), Griffith Observatory
D9: LA. Universal Studios
D10: LA. Watch out for July 4th. Santa Monica *very* early to find parking (if we can even get close by car—check ahead), Venice, etc. in the area.
=> Night in LA. Or why not leave the city already.
D11: Drive toward Grand Canyon. Stop at Peggy Sue’s Diner, Elmer’s Bottle Ranch, Bagdad Café, Oatman. Quick pass through Kingman (museum closed) and Seligman for a well-deserved ice cream at Angel & Vilma Delgadillo’s. Night in Flagstaff or Williams.
D12: Drive to Grand Canyon and start visiting. Grand Canyon Village and Hermit Road. Night in Tusayan
=> Question: Is parking easy at GC? Should we arrive early?
D13: Helicopter tour over GC. Finish visiting GC with Desert View Drive. Drive to Monument Valley. Depending on arrival time: Visit MV. Night in the area (Mexican Hat, Kayenta, etc.—not booked yet!)
D14: Visit MV if not done the day before, Goosenecks State Park, Valley of the Gods. Drive to Cortez (Mesa Verde). Night in Cortez
D15: Visit Mesa Verde - Night in Cortez
D16: Drive to Page. Visit Horseshoe Bend, Dam, Paria RimRocks (Toadstool Hoodoos), possibly—Night in Page
D17: Morning Antelope Canyon, afternoon marina and boat ride on the lake. Either night in Page or start driving and night near Kanab (because of hotel prices! And to get closer to Bryce).
D18: Drive to Bryce and visit—Night in the area! Rodeo in the evening? Is it worth it?
=> In Kanab, Dennis is definitely closed (boo-hoo!). And the Trading Post only opens at 11 AM. Even if it opens earlier, I don’t think we’ll have time to stop.
D19: Drive to Death Valley, with (optional) a short hike at Canyon Overlook in Zion. Valley of Fire.
=> Night probably in Pahrump for budget reasons and to break up the long drive.
D20: Death Valley.
=> Night again in Pahrump or Las Vegas, depending on hotel availability.
D21-D22: LV in all its glory! Including 1 Cirque du Soleil show—Nights in LV
D23: Return. Flight at 5:59 PM, which gives us time to visit the LV Outlets
A suggestion for your trip, especially around your Day 13-14.
From GC to MV, you’ll likely pass through Tuba City-Kayenta. Would you be interested in visiting one or more nearby spots in Hopi territory (Blue Canyon, Ha Ho No Geh)?
Sure, this shifts your schedule a day later, something like:
Day 13: Helicopter tour over GC. Finish exploring GC with Desert View Drive. Drive to Monument Valley. Depending on arrival time: Visit MV. Overnight in Tuba City or Kayenta (Mexican Hat)
Day 14: Hopi visit then head to MV
This Hopi territory requires a guide, and Blue Canyon doesn’t demand you be an expert hiker.
And the landscape is just stunning!
On another note, I’m afraid you might be disappointed by the Page area: real crowds at Horseshoe Bend (nothing like what we experienced in the past) for a spot that’s not even that big, plus low water levels at Lake Powell...
In that area, I’d only keep Antelope Canyon (did you pick North or South?) and Toadstool Hoodoos (I’d also encourage you to walk 150-200m to the back west side of the main site to reach the area with white/brown rocks along the cliff edge).
On the road between Kayenta and Page, we made a quick stop at Navajo National Monument to see the Betatakin ruins—but it’s probably a smaller repeat of Mesa Verde, which you’ll have already visited...
Otherwise, it’s a fantastic route!!
Safe travels!!
"Il faut toujours viser la lune, car même en cas d’échec, on atterrit dans les étoiles" Oscar Wilde
USA 2014 / ECOSSE 2015 / ESPAGNE 2017 / USA 2018 / Bientôt Madère2021&Lanzarote2025
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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.
Merci de me conseiller pour la réservation pour la plus belle vue faut il réserver une chambre dans l'hôtel ou choisir une cabane ?
Prendre le petit déjeuner ou pas ?
Que pensez vous du 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!
I’m currently looking for well-located hotels near points of interest in the cities below. I’ve found a few, but the prices are really high.
Could any of you share some great addresses in the following cities?
- Los Angeles
- Las Vegas
- San Francisco
Also, do you have a preferred airline for domestic flights? If so, which one?
My night in Valley of God
