Hello !
Je ne sais pas trop si je suis dans la bonne rubrique ????
Mais avant toute chose, je vous souhaite à tous une très très bonne année 😎 !
Ayant contracté le virus de l'Ouest Américain en septembre/octobre dernier, nous programmons un 2e tour en mai.
J'ai ratissé le forum et y ai glané des tonnes d'informations qui m'ont permis d'affiner mon itinéraire. Désolée de vous avoir piratés un maximum. 😊 et au passage, bravo pour tous ces beaux carnets, ces splendides photos, tout ceci me fait rêver des heures entières !😇
Et j'aurais grand besoin de l'avis des "pros" de l'Ouest avant de réserver les billets d'avion.
Merci d'avance pour vos réponses !
Voici le projet : je l'ai construit autour de la date du 18 mai pour assister au Pow Wow à Birdsprings.
Je suis un peu limitée pour les dates : pas possible avant le 13 mai, mais je peux rajouter un jour éventuellement en fin de circut.
J1 - 13 mai 2013 - Voyage et arrivée à Phoenix - Nuit à Phoenix
J2 - 14 mai 2013 - De Phoenix à SEDONA - Nuit à Sedona
Matin : Route
Après-Midi : Visite de Slide Rock State Park
J3 - 15 mai 2013 - De Sedona à Willliams - Nuit à Williams
Matin : Visite de Red Rock State Park
Après-Midi : Route vers Seligman puis Williams
J4 - 16 mai 2013 - WILLIAMS Grand Canyon en train - Nuit à Williams
Vers le Grand Canyon en train
Nous sommes restés 2 jours au GC en septembre dernier et cette fois, je voulais absolument prendre le train de Williams et juste passer quelques heures dans ce lieu magique
J5 - 17 mai 2013 - De Williams à Winslow (Painted desert) - Nuit à Winslow
Visite de Painted Desert et Petrified Forest
J6 - 18 mai 2013 - POW WOW BIRDSPRINGS - Nuit à Winslow
Pow Wow (à qques miles de Winslow)
J7 - 19 mai 2013 - De Winslow à Nageezi (Ah Shi Sle Pah) - Nuit à Nageezi
Matin : Route
Après-midi : Visite de Ah Shi Sle Pah
Après moultes hésitations, j'ai fini par zapper Chaco Culture : vraiment beaucoup de détours.
J8 - 20 mai 2013 - De Nageezi à Los Alamos (Bandelier) - Nuit à Los Alamos
Matin : Route vers Los Alamos
Après-midi : Visite de Bandelier
J9 - 21 mai 2013 - De Los Alamos à Taos - Nuit à Taos
Journée de route en passant par Chimayo, Trampas etc.
J10 - 22 mai 2013 - De Taos à Santa Fe - Nuit à Santa Fé
Route vers Santa Fé et Visite de Tent Rocks
J11 - 23 mai 2013 - Santa Fe Nuit à Santa Fé
Visite de Santa Fé
J12 - 24 mai 2013 - De Santa Fe à Albuquerque - Nuit à Albuquerque
Route vers Albuquerque et visite de la ville
J13 - 25 mai 2013 - D'Albuquerque à Socorro - Nuit à Socorro
Matin : Visite d'Albuquerque
Après-midi : Route vers Socorro (étape hôtel)
J14 - 26 mai 20 13 - De Socorro à Las Cruces - Nuit à Las Cruces
Matin : Route vers Carrizozo, visite
Après midi : Route Vers White Sands
Puis route vers Las Cruces
J15 - 26 mai 20 13 - De La Cruces à Bisbee - Nuit à Bisbee
Matin : Route vers Tombstone
Après-midi : Route vers Bisbee
J16 - 27 mai 2013 - De Bisbee à Tucson - Nuit à Tucson
Matin : Route et visite de Saguaro
Après-midi : Visite de Sonora Desert Museum
J17 - 28 mai 2013 - De Tucson à Phoenix - Nuit à Phoenix
En route, visite de Goldfield Ghost Town, Apache Trail
J18 - 29 mai 2013 - PHOENIX - Nuit à Phoenix
Visite de Phoenix
Il semblerait qu'il n'y ait pas grand chose à Phoenix. Est-ce vrai ?
Pour Sedona: un endroit que j'ai beaucoup apprécié, Cathedral Rock. Si vous marchez un peu! ça monte pas mal mais ce n'est pas très long et on a de superbes vues. Même si vous n'allez pas au bout, les vues sont superbes. Aller sur Back O' Beyond Road pour trouver le trailhead.
J5: pour Petrified Forest, tu peux jeter un oeil à mon carnet de novembre 2012. J'ai préféré le secteur nord du parc à celui proche du Visitor Center. Mention particulière à Blue Mesa, sublime!
Pour le Nouveau Mexique je n'y suis pas encore allé, mais je prépare!
Les J12 et J13 me paraissent un peu léger, apparemment pas grand chose à Albuquerque... A mon avis tu peux gagner du temps ici! D'autres confirmeront.
J17: si tu fais l'Apache Trail n'oublie pas d'aller faire un saut à Tonto NM.
Hello !
Je ne sais pas trop si je suis dans la bonne rubrique ????
Mais avant toute chose, je vous souhaite à tous une très très bonne année 😎 !
Ayant contracté le virus de l'Ouest Américain en septembre/octobre dernier, nous programmons un 2e tour en mai.
J'ai ratissé le forum et y ai glané des tonnes d'informations qui m'ont permis d'affiner mon itinéraire. Désolée de vous avoir piratés un maximum. 😊 et au passage, bravo pour tous ces beaux carnets, ces splendides photos, tout ceci me fait rêver des heures entières !😇
Et j'aurais grand besoin de l'avis des "pros" de l'Ouest avant de réserver les billets d'avion.
Merci d'avance pour vos réponses !
Voici le projet : je l'ai construit autour de la date du 18 mai pour assister au Pow Wow à Birdsprings.
Je suis un peu limitée pour les dates : pas possible avant le 13 mai, mais je peux rajouter un jour éventuellement en fin de circut.
J1 - 13 mai 2013 - Voyage et arrivée à Phoenix - Nuit à Phoenix
J2 - 14 mai 2013 - De Phoenix à SEDONA - Nuit à Sedona
Matin : Route
Après-Midi : Visite de Slide Rock State Park
Le Slide rock SP vaut la peine si on se baigne; donc à voir suivant la température.
J3 - 15 mai 2013 - De Sedona à Willliams - Nuit à Williams
Matin : Visite de Red Rock State Park
Après-Midi : Route vers Seligman puis Williams
J4 - 16 mai 2013 - WILLIAMS Grand Canyon en train - Nuit à Williams
Vers le Grand Canyon en train
Nous sommes restés 2 jours au GC en septembre dernier et cette fois, je voulais absolument prendre le train de Williams et juste passer quelques heures dans ce lieu magique
J5 - 17 mai 2013 - De Williams à Winslow (Painted desert) - Nuit à Winslow
Visite de Painted Desert et Petrified Forest
J6 - 18 mai 2013 - POW WOW BIRDSPRINGS - Nuit à Winslow
Pow Wow (à qques miles de Winslow)
J7 - 19 mai 2013 - De Winslow à Nageezi (Ah Shi Sle Pah) - Nuit à Nageezi
Matin : Route
Après-midi : Visite de Ah Shi Sle Pah
Après moultes hésitations, j'ai fini par zapper Chaco Culture : vraiment beaucoup de détours.
Dommage; j'ai bcp aimé, mais je n'ai pas vu les autres sites
J8 - 20 mai 2013 - De Nageezi à Los Alamos (Bandelier) - Nuit à Los Alamos
Matin : Route vers Los Alamos
Après-midi : Visite de Bandelier
J9 - 21 mai 2013 - De Los Alamos à Taos - Nuit à Taos
Journée de route en passant par Chimayo, Trampas etc.
J10 - 22 mai 2013 - De Taos à Santa Fe - Nuit à Santa Fé
Route vers Santa Fé et Visite de Tent Rocks
J11 - 23 mai 2013 - Santa Fe Nuit à Santa Fé
Visite de Santa Fé
J12 - 24 mai 2013 - De Santa Fe à Albuquerque - Nuit à Albuquerque
Route vers Albuquerque et visite de la ville
A Albuquerque, on peut voir Petroglyphs NM, pour ceux qui apprécient (c'était notre cas)
J13 - 25 mai 2013 - D'Albuquerque à Socorro - Nuit à Socorro
Matin : Visite d'Albuquerque
Après-midi : Route vers Socorro (étape hôtel)
J14 - 26 mai 20 13 - De Socorro à Las Cruces - Nuit à Las Cruces
Matin : Route vers Carrizozo, visite (???????????????????)
Après midi : Route Vers White Sands
Puis route vers Las Cruces
J15 - 26 mai 20 13 - De La Cruces à Bisbee - Nuit à Bisbee
Matin : Route vers Tombstone
Après-midi : Route vers Bisbee
J16 - 27 mai 2013 - De Bisbee à Tucson - Nuit à Tucson
Matin : Route et visite de Saguaro
Après-midi : Visite de Sonora Desert Museum
J17 - 28 mai 2013 - De Tucson à Phoenix - Nuit à Phoenix
En route, visite de Goldfield Ghost Town, Apache Trail
J18 - 29 mai 2013 - PHOENIX - Nuit à Phoenix
Visite de Phoenix
Il y a le Heard Museum, sur les Indiens, très bien
Il semblerait qu'il n'y ait pas grand chose à Phoenix. Est-ce vrai ?
Hi Thibaud !
Merci pour tes conseils.
Je viens de parcourir un de tes carnets : impressionnant 🙂!
Mais non ne prends pas de cours de photo : tout est super. J'aimerais bien que les miennes soient aussi belles.
Bref, peux-tu m'en dire plus pour Tonto NM ? Sur Google Earth, je ne trouve pas la route.
Pour Albuquerque et alentours, c'est la partie qui me pose le plus de problèmes😕, mais je vais peaufiner avec le carnet de Jean (PAPJ59).
Bonne journée,
Michèle
Bonjour Noëlle !
Comme je le disais à l'instant à Thibaud (Itat), vous avez tous des photos de dingue !😉
J'ai bien noté qu'il faudra vérifier la température de l'eau en cette saison pour Slide Rock.
Carrizozo : trouvée sur un autre carnet, petite ville qui semble vraiment très particulière. Comme c'est sur la route, on en profitera pour faire une halte déjeuner et se balader un peu.
On ne manquera pas le musée de Phoenix, d'autant que nous n'allons pas à Chaco Culture.
A bientôt,
Michèle😉
Bonjour Jean !
Merci beaucoup pour ce blog super. Toujours impressionnée par la qualité de vos photos et/ou blogs.😮
Je vais l'étudier et voir comment faire.
Je pense qu'il faudrait rajouter un jour de plus dans le coin. Mais venant de Nageezi, j'ai un mal fou à rationaliser tout ça. Allez, au boulot.
Je te "repropose" un itinéraire et tu me redonnes ton avis ?😉
Bonne journée,
Michèle
Alors pour Tonto NM, c'est sur l'Apache Trail (sur la 188, partie goudronnée) juste en face de Theodore Roosevelt Lake. C'est un très petit parc, peu de monde quand on y était. De très beaux cactus et des ruines indiennes (des indiesn Salado exactement) à l'issue d'une courte balade (il y a un bon dénivelé quand même, mais rien de compliqué!). J'ai beaucoup aimé la vue que l'on a de là haut sur le Lac avant en tous ces cactus saguaros.
Je vais voir ça. Pas compliqué le dénivelé, tu es sûr ? Nous ne sommes plus très jeunes et j'ai un problème de genou😠, pas énorme, mais faut faire attention quand même.
A +
Bonsoir
Tonto vaut la visite; Heard Museum aussi;
par contre Carrizozo ne vaut pas la peine ; c'est une blague qui a circulé sur voyage forum.
Bons préparatifs
Noëlle
Rebonjour Jean !
Après avoir bien regardé ton blog, j'ai modifié mon itinéraire : qu'en penses-tu ?
J8 - Lundi 20 mai 2013 - De Nageezi à Chimayo - Nuit à Chimayo
Journée cool, arrêts au hasard des route
Il y a un lac sympa en chemin et nous nous arrêterons de ci de là : ce sera une journée bien cool ; ça fait du bien de temps en temps
J9 - Mardi 21 mai 2013 - De Chimayo à Taos - Nuit à Taos
Chimayo, Trampas, Picuris Pueblo, Talpa, Rancho de Taos, San Francisco de Asis, Rio Grande Bridge, Taos
Quelle copieuse !😉
J10 - Mercredi 22 mai 2013 - De Taos à Santa Fe - Nuit à Santa Fé
White Rock et Bandelier
J11 - Jeudi 23 mai 2013 - Santa Fe - Nuit à Santa Fé
Visite de Santa Fé
J12 - Vendredi 24 mai 2013 - De Santa Fe à Albuquerque - Nuit à Albuquerque
Chochiti Pueblo, Tent Rocks
J13 - Samedi 25 mai 2013 - Albuquerque - Nuit à Albuquerque
Visite d'Albuquerque
J14 - Dimanche 26 mai 2013 - D'Albuquerque à Las Cruces - Nuit à Las Cruces
White Sands
J15 - Lundi 27 mai 2013 - De La Cruces à Bisbee - Nuit à Bisbee
Tombstone
Route vers Bisbee
J16 - Mardi 28 mai 2013 - De Bisbee à Tucson - Nuit à Tucson
Matin : Route et visite de Saguaro
Après-midi : Visite de Sonora Desert Museum
J17 - Mercredi 29 mai 2013 - De Tucson à Phoenix - Nuit à Phoenix
Sonoran Desert National Monument
J18 - Jeudi 30mai 2013 - PHOENIX - Nuit à Phoenix
Tonto et Apache Trail
J'ai rajouté Tonto sur les conseils de Itat
J19 - Vendredi 31 mai 2013 - PHOENIX - Nuit à Phoenix
Visite de Phoenix (notamment le musée indien)
Merci Jean !
Je vais peaufiner l'itinéraire. Ensuite, je sais que les hasards de la route sont toujours riches en surprises et merveilles.
J'ai bien lu ton blog et je verrai si je rencontre Johnnie 😉
Bonne journée,
Michèle
Suis nouveau mais j'ai grand peur de rater mon voyage en ne choisissant pas le bon itinéraire, je demande donc vos lumières pour voir si tout cela est faisable…
Nous partons aux Etats-Unis du 17 septembre au 5 octobre. Nous avons préparé un itinéraire avec tout ce que nous aimerions voir. Celà est-il réalisable au…
Je pars donc dans l'ouest américain du 7 au 25 juin. Du 4 au 7, je suis à New York puis nous prenons un vol intérieur. C'est la première fois que je planifie…
Deuxième edition mes excuses pour la première version qui était un copié/coller au final illisible. voici l'itineraire que nous prevoyons fin juillet/debut…
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).
hi everyone
I’m planning a world trip and I’m looking for great tips on accommodation in the United States.
Do you have any good deals to share, please?
thanks
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!
