J-118 avant le départ!!! Je décompte les jours depuis 450...
Il s'agit ici de notre 4ème voyage dans l'Ouest et j'aurais aimé soumettre mon itinéraire à vos avis/conseils/critiques expertes.
Le fait est qu'on aimerait visiter des sites hors du commun, méconnus (ou peu connus) des touristes. Je me suis énormément basée sur le fabuleux site 'ouestusa' ainsi que ce que j'ai pu lire sur ce forum.
Vous verrez que l'on passe 6 nuits à Vegas. C'est évidemment un choix délibéré pour nous (soleil, farniente après 1 longue année de travail).
Si vous avez des idées, des conseils pour rendre ce séjour encore plus inoubliable, je suis preneuse :)
JOUR 1 : samedi 27/7/2013
Vol VS043 11:45 Londres – Las Vegas 14:10
Prise en charge de la voiture
Nuit au Flamingo (Las Vegas)
JOUR 2 : dimanche 28/7/2013
Farniente
Tir ?
Nuit au Flamingo (Las Vegas)
JOUR 3 : lundi 29/7/2013
Farniente
Spectacle 'Le Rêve'
Nuit au Flamingo (Las Vegas)
JOUR 4 : mardi 30/7/2013
Las Vegas – Kanab
-Snow Canyon
Nuit à Kanab (Treasure Trail Motel)
JOUR 5 : mercredi 31/7/2013
-Essai The Wave en matinée à la Paria Station (si résultat loterie négatif)
-Buckskin Gulch
Route 89 vers Page puis House Rock Valley Road (piste sur 8 miles)
Nuit à Kanab (Treasure Trail Motel)
JOUR 6 : jeudi 1/8/2013
The Wave sinon alternative :
-Cathedral Wash** (attention, compter 1,5 heure de route voir plus depuis Kanab)
OU
-Edmaïer's Secret
Nuit à Page (The Page Boy Motel)
JOUR 7 : vendredi 2/8/2013
Lake Powell - Houseboat
JOUR 8 : samedi 3/8/2013
Lake Powell - Houseboat
JOUR 9 : dimanche 4/8/2013
Lake Powell - Houseboat
JOUR 10 : lundi 5/8/2013
Cottonwood Road jusqu'à Tropic (US89 vers Page)
-Arrêt à Governor Arch
-Kodachrome State Park
Ou Route 89 si mauvais temps (+- 2h30)
Nuit à Tropic (America's Best Value inn & suites)
JOUR 11 : mardi 6/8/2013
-Mossy Cave
-Red Canyon (ressemble à Bryce)
OU
-Willis Creek (slot canyon)
Nuit à Tropic (America's Best Value inn & suites)
JOUR 12 : mercredi 7/8/2013
Visite de Lower Calf Creek (11 km A/R)
Hell's Backbone road ? => à voir
Nuit à Boulder (Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch)
JOUR 13 : jeudi 8/8/2013
-Hole in the rock road jusqu'à Devil's Garden et Pickaboo Gulch? => vérifier si véhicule normal ok
OU
-Burr Road (18 premier miles) et Strike Valley Overlook trail
OU
-Capitol Reef
Nuit à Boulder (Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch)
JOUR 14 : vendredi 9/8/2013
Départ tôt de Boulder jusqu'à Moab
-Little Wild Horse Canyon + Bells Canyon (boucle)
-Crack Canyon
OU
-Sego Canyon (1/2 heure)
-Arches National Park: Delicate Arche au coucher de soleil
Nuit à Moab (Days Inn)
JOUR 15 : samedi 10/8/2013
Canyonland ou saut en parachute
Nuit au Days Inn
JOUR 16 : dimanche 11/8/2013
Moab
Mill Creek Canyon
OU
Location de jeep et Canyonland
Nuit au Days Inn
JOUR 17 : lundi 12/8/2013
Départ très tôt de Moab jusqu'à Mexican Hat
Sur la route :
-Moonhouse Ruins (ruines indiennes)
-Road Canyon (ruines indiennes)**
-Muley Point (point de vue)
Nuit à Mexican Hat (Hat Rock Inn)
JOUR 18 : mardi 13/8/2013
Mexican Hat jusqu'à Sedona
Nuit à Sedona (Desert Quail Inn)
JOUR 19 : mercredi 14/8/2013
Sedona
West Fork et Oat Creek randonnée
Nuit à Sedona (Desert Quail Inn)
JOUR 20 : jeudi 15/8/2013
Sedona – Seligman
Nuit au plus proche du départ de la randonnée vers Havasupai
JOUR 21 : vendredi 16/8/2013
Descente très tôt dans le canyon
Havasupai (nuit au Lodge)
JOUR 22 : samedi 17/8/2013
Havasupai (nuit au Lodge)
JOUR 23 : dimanche 18/8/2013
Remontée en début de matinée
Passage à Oatman
Nuit ?
JOUR 24 : lundi 19/8/2013
Las Vegas
Downtown Vegas
Nuit au Golden Nugget
JOUR 25 : mardi 20/8/2013
Las Vegas
Randonnée dans Valley of Fire (balade 'the fire wave')
Nuit au Bellagio
JOUR 26 : mercredi 21/8/2013
Las Vegas
Shopping
Nuit au Bellagio
attention : la loterie pour The Wave se tient au Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center de Kanab ! Plus à la Paria Ranger Station...
autre chose :
-Hole in the rock road jusqu'à Devil's Garden et Peekaboo Gulch? => vérifier si véhicule normal ok
qu'appelles tu "véhicule normal" ? 😐
pas trop de souci pour aller à Devil's Garden (plus sympa le soir un peu avant le coucher de soleil), mais pour aller au parking du trailhead de Peekaboo, il faut un véhicule avec une bonne garde au sol... la dernière fois qu'on y est allé, le SUV qu'on avait (Chevrolet Traverse) ne pouvait pas passer les ornières et les trous ! on a dû y aller à pied...
donc si tu entends par véhicule normal, une berline, fais attention aussi à l'accès à Strike Valley Overlook (s'arrêter au 1er parking !), la Cottonwood Canyon Road qui peut être en mauvais état (bien se renseigner), Willis Creek, Moonhouse Ruins...
perso, je trouve qu'il y a beaucoup (trop) de temps à Las Vegas 😐
et si vous voulez visiter Valley of Fire correctement (d'autant plus en plein été !), il vaudrait mieux inclue une nuit à Overton...
@+
Vnoa
"A la liberté de provocation, répond la liberté d'objection"
"Les cons, ça ose tout. C'est même à ça qu'on les reconnaît"
"Le con ne perd jamais son temps, il perd celui des autres"
Carnet de Voyage: De Mile High City à Sin City (Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada) -> voir mon profil
Beaucoup d'endroits similaires à notre itinéraire de cet été.
Comme je l'ai posté il y a une bonne quinzaine de jours, tu pourrais peut-être t'inspirer de conseils qui m'ont été donnés.
http://voyageforum.com/forum/voyage_dans_ouest_americian_avis_aux_specialistes_D5875861/
Si vous respectez votre timing, on se croisera d'ailleurs à Havasupaï car quand vous y descendrez, nous on sera dans la montée ...
Nous avons préféré prendre un speedboat même si le confort est plus "spartiate" et qu'il faut prévoir sa nourriture/cuisson. Plus facile à manœuvrer, plus rapide, sans fardage ; à moins que vous n'ayez déjà utilisé ce type d'engin.
En tout cas, vous arranger pour faire vos papiers la veille car autrement votre première journée sera bien entamée et le dernier jour il faudra le rendre avant 17h vraisemblablement.
En tout cas, vous devriez vous régaler.
JOUR 11 : mardi 6/8/2013
-Red Canyon (ressemble à Bryce)
Les couleurs sont agréables en fin d'après-midi.
JOUR 13 : jeudi 8/8/2013
-Hole in the rock road jusqu'à Devil's Garden et Pickaboo Gulch? => vérifier si véhicule normal ok
OU
-Burr Road (18 premier miles) et Strike Valley Overlook trail
Comme vous l'a déjà dit Val, l'état de la piste peut être très variable (mais je suppose que vous connaissez 😉). En 2009, nous l'avons fait avec un van mais un ranger avait eu l'air vraiment surpris.
JOUR 14 : vendredi 9/8/2013
-Sego Canyon (1/2 heure)
Ne vaut que si tu t'intéresses aux pétroglyphes.
Dans ce cas et si vous avez un 4X4, pourquoi pas Horseshoe Canyon ?
JOUR 15 : samedi 10/8/2013
Canyonland ou saut en parachute
Nous avons fait un vol de 2h au-dessus de Canyonlands et avons adoré ; cela fait parti de nos meilleurs souvenirs.
Effectivement, je ne comprends pas comment j'ai pu zapper une info aussi importante que le changement de lieu pour le tirage de la loterie pour CBN... :/ soit, merci de me l'avoir fait remarquer!
Et pour ce qui est du véhicule, nous avons loué une Mustang... d'où mes inquiétudes pour certains tronçons de route... mais comme d'habitude, il faudra être vigilant et analyser la situation au cas par cas.
Enfin pour ce qui concerne Las Vegas, je sais qu'on y reste longtemps mais c'est vraiment une ville qu'on ADORE... et après un an de travail intensif, ça nous fait du bien de se retrouver sous le soleil brulant, un bon resto le soir, un spectacle, du shopping etc :) avant d'entamer l'Aventure... et bien sur ainsi au retour pour se reposer...
Merci beaucoup pour ta contribution!
Je vais aller jeter un oeil, bien que je suis déjà allée lire ton itinéraire :)
Ce serait sympa de se croiser sur le chemin à Havasupai héhéhéhé
Pour le Lake Powell, nous avons loué un Houseboat ainsi qu'un 'personal watercraft' que nous allons tirer.
C'est la deuxième fois que nous louons un Houseboat sur le Lake Powell et c'est tout simplement MAGNIFIQUE!!!! Une expérience incroyable.
Par contre, si vous avez des spots exceptionnels pour la nuit à me recommander, je suis preneuse :)
Pour le véhicule, comme expliqué plus haut, nous avons loué une Mustang... donc impossible de s'aventurer bien loin... malheureusement.
contente de t'avoir signalée le changement de lieu du tirage au sort pour CBN !
par contre, je ne comprends pas trop le choix de la Mustang, véhicule pas du tout adapté pour faire du "off the beaten path" 😐... même pour la House Rock Valley Road (The Wave, Buckskin Gulch, Edmaier's Secret), ça peut être "chaud" (selon l'état de la piste)... et à nouveau il faudra bien se renseigner pour la Hole in the Rock Road, Strike Valley Overlook, la Cottonwood Canyon Road, Willis Creek, Moonhouse Ruins, Little Wild Horse Canyon et surtout Crack Canyon...
quant à Las Vegas, chacun ses goûts ! 😄
perso, je préfère le calme et un beau paysage ! 😉
@+
Vnoa
"A la liberté de provocation, répond la liberté d'objection"
"Les cons, ça ose tout. C'est même à ça qu'on les reconnaît"
"Le con ne perd jamais son temps, il perd celui des autres"
Carnet de Voyage: De Mile High City à Sin City (Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada) -> voir mon profil
désolé pour cette réponse tardive, mais je voulais terminer la première page de notre site web sur le lac Powell pour le mettre en ligne (et c'est chose faite depuis ce matin 😉).
si vous avez des spots exceptionnels pour la nuit à me recommander
Comme nous avions un sppedboat, les conditions sont vraiment différentes de celles pour un houseboat, un tout petit coin nous suffisait.
Deux points éventuellement, même si je pense que le premier sera trop loin pour vous :
- à l'embouchure d'Explorer Canyon, une petite plage au pied de Garces Island
- dans Padre bay, presque au fond, non loin de Cookie Jar Butte.
Suite à vos remarques, et je vous en remercie, j'ai corrigé mon itinéraire. - 1 jour à Mojave - 1 jour à Sequoia + 1 jour à Zion + 1 jour à Bryce Je ne peux…
Mon mari et moi organisons un auto tour dans l'ouest américain du 04/09/2013 au 26/09/2013 soit 22jours. je poste ci dessous le détail de notre périple et je…
Décolles dans 2 semaines avec ma copine. Pensez-vous que ce parcours tient la route? J1 Arrivée à Los Angeles (19h) J2 Los Angeles J3 Hearst Castle + Big Sur…
Le forum est génial, et grace à vous j'ai réussi a faire mon itinéraire pour l'ouest américain pour 3 semaines pleines sur place, avec 2 enfants (14 et 9 ans).…
Voici mon planning pour nos vacances de juillet à aout 2013. Nous ne souhaitons pas courir en permanence et pouvoir profiter de chaque site. N hésitez pas à me…
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!
