We’ll be going on a road trip in September this year (if all goes well, yes, I know it’s a bit superstitious, but I can’t help it, especially with the current family circumstances).
There’ll be four of us: my husband, our two grown kids (20 and 24), and me.
The flights aren’t booked yet because I’m still hesitating over the dates (it’s down to a day or two). They should be finalized by the end of this week or sometime next week.
J1 - Friday, August 29: Brussels-SLC via Amsterdam with KLM (I’d love your opinions on this airline since I’ve never flown with them before) – arrival scheduled for early afternoon.
J2 - Saturday, August 30: SLC-Moab
J3 - Sunday, August 31: Arches – we’ll see if we can get tickets; otherwise, we’ll wake up at dawn (entries possible without a reservation before 7 am)
J4 - Monday, September 1: Arches
J5 - Tuesday, September 2: Moab - Grand Teton – night booked
J6 - Wednesday, September 3: Grand Teton – night booked
J7 - Thursday, September 4: Grand Teton - Jackson
J8 - Friday, September 5: Jackson
J9 - Saturday, September 6: Jackson – evening: Rodeo (tickets booked)
J10 - Sunday, September 7: Jackson - Yellowstone – night booked at Lake Yellowstone
J11 - Monday, September 8: Yellowstone – night booked at Canyon Lodge
J12 - Tuesday, September 9: Yellowstone – night booked at Canyon Lodge
J13 - Wednesday, September 10: Yellowstone – night booked at Old Faithful Snow
J14 - Thursday, September 11: Yellowstone – night booked at Old Faithful Snow
J15 - Friday, September 12: Yellowstone - SLC
J16 - Saturday, September 13: departure from SLC
J17 - Sunday, September 14: arrival in Brussels
As I mentioned in the intro, the departure and return dates aren’t set in stone yet. Normally, we’d leave on August 29, which would mean visiting Moab and Arches. Otherwise, we’d leave on August 30 and stay in SLC. Around SLC, we’d explore the area, but I’ll admit I’m a bit stuck on what to do there.
For the return, we’d leave SLC on Saturday, September 13, or Sunday, September 14. Our youngest starts classes on Monday, September 15, but he doesn’t mind starting a day later.
Some things are already booked and paid for and can’t be changed (or only with difficulty), so please keep that in mind in your comments. 😕
I’d love to hear about your experiences with a few questions:
* Is it too ambitious to include Arches in the road trip? Especially since the drives are long, particularly the Moab-Grand Teton stretch.
* What do you recommend doing around SLC?
* Same for Jackson. We’ve decided to spend two full days there to take a break between the national parks.
* For the return, I was wondering if spending a day in SLC before heading back to Europe might be a good idea.
SLC to Moab—I actually think it’s a long detour that doesn’t make much sense given your plan to head to Yellowstone afterward...
On the other hand, Day 5 is unreal... You’ll never make it from Moab to Grand Teton in one day (8 hours 15 minutes of driving...). That means you’ll have to skip your second day in Moab to head back up in two days.
So you’ll only have one day in Moab.
Too bad you’ve already booked—personally, I would’ve cut a day in Jackson to make the return trip from Moab.
Why Grand Teton and then Jackson?... Where will you be staying in Grand Teton?
Two days in Grand Teton is fine, but two days in Jackson isn’t super interesting unless you already know what you want to see there...
Four days in Yellowstone works. There’s plenty to see.
Otherwise, near Salt Lake City, the must-see is the Bonneville Salt Flats (at least a 2-hour drive to get there).
Antelope Island State Park is also nice and not too far.
I won’t be much more help.
The Yellowstone and Grand Teton area is magical.
Good evening,
Your itinerary has a few oddities (sorry 😕 ).
SLC to Moab is no problem—it’s totally doable.
It’s a shame to spend only 2 nights in Moab when there’s quite a bit to see.
Moab to Jackson is a bit crazy because even if it’s listed as 8h30, you should always budget more time with stops. In September, I did SLC to Jackson and found it already pretty long.
The weirdest part is Grand Teton and Jackson. Actually, they’re the same thing, and Jackson is just like a big touristy village. Other than grabbing a drink and doing some shopping, there aren’t really any proper visits. I stayed in Moran and during the day, I’d do one or two short hikes, go down to Jackson for a beer, and head back up to Moran. Just to give you an idea of the distances. It all depends on where your accommodation is. If you need two, it’s better to start in the south (Jackson), closer when arriving from SLC, then finish in the north before heading to Yellowstone.
I’d say 5 nights in Grand Teton might be a bit much, but you can’t really change much since you’ve got reservations on the first and last nights.
Yellowstone is good.
I think you could include Arches in this trip, which would mean you’d see 3 completely different and stunning parks.
For Salt Lake City, there might’ve been a way to save a night somewhere, but you’re locked in now.
The ideal would’ve even been to stop there on the way back from Moab to break up the drive, and after a quick visit, you wouldn’t have needed to spend time there before your departure.
Not sure if this helps...
Anyway, you’re going to have a great trip! !
I’m revisiting my itinerary with your suggestions in mind.
Moab wasn’t part of the original plan. It was an idea if we arrive in the U.S. on Friday, August 29th, since I’d rather not start the trip with a "long" stay in SLC...
Thanks for your feedback!
Moab isn’t set in stone yet, and in my plan, it’s 3 nights—two full days to see Arches.
I totally agree that Moab to Grand Teton is crazy—that’s actually why I haven’t booked Moab yet 😉
Why two nights in Jackson? Just to take a break, really. Chill out before hitting more long hiking days.
Hi there,
After making the trip from SLC to Moab, I wouldn’t cut the stay there short—it’d mean too much driving for too little time. From Moab, there’s not just Arches; there’s also Canyonlands, and you don’t even have to go to the Needles, which adds extra driving.
At Grand Teton, there are plenty of half-day hikes that aren’t necessarily long or difficult: Taggart Lake, String Lake, Phelps Lake, Jenny Lake. It’s always nice to see a mountain lake in the morning and explore Jackson in the evening—and that’s totally doable in Grand Teton.
Anyway, you’ve got all the info you need to plan your trip!
After your comments, I took another look at my itinerary. After much deliberation (which I’ll spare you the details of to save you from convulsing), I’ve now settled on this:
D1 - Saturday, August 30: Brussels-SLC via Amsterdam with KLM
D2 - Sunday, August 31: SLC
D3 - Monday, September 1: SLC
D4 - Tuesday, September 2: SLC - Grand Teton - night booked
D5 - Wednesday, September 3: Grand Teton - night booked
D6 - Thursday, September 4: Grand Teton - Jackson
D7 - Friday, September 5: Jackson
D8 - Saturday, September 6: Jackson - evening: Rodeo (tickets booked)
D9 - Sunday, September 7: Jackson - Yellowstone - night booked at Lake Yellowstone
D10 - Monday, September 8: Yellowstone - night booked at Canyon Lodge
D11 - Tuesday, September 9: Yellowstone - night booked at Canyon Lodge
D12 - Wednesday, September 10: Yellowstone - night booked at Old Faithful Snow
D13 - Thursday, September 11: Yellowstone - night booked at Old Faithful Snow
D14 - Friday, September 12: Yellowstone - SLC
D15 - Saturday, September 13: departure from SLC
D17 - Sunday, September 14: arrival in Brussels
I’ve shortened the trip by one day, leaving on Saturday instead of Friday.
I’m skipping Arches, which we’ll do (hopefully) next time.
In SLC, we’ll spend a day exploring the city on foot, plus a hike around the lake and Antelope Island, among other things.
I’m sticking with my plan for Grand Teton - Jackson - Yellowstone.
I get that it might seem illogical, but staying two or three nights in Jackson before heading to Yellowstone works for us. The main goal of the trip is to spend time together since we don’t see each other much during the year. We haven’t finalized activities around Jackson yet. For now, I have a reservation in Grand Teton, near the entrance to Yellowstone. In the end, yes, we’ll be doing some back-and-forth, but it’s on a gorgeous route where we probably won’t see the same thing twice.
Since nothing’s set in stone, I could still tweak my plans. So don’t hesitate to share your thoughts! 😊
Well, no, I’m not doing Canyonlands. Or Arches, for that matter...
but nothing’s set in stone yet. Since I don’t have the flight tickets yet, anything’s still possible.
Another option would be to fly with United and do:
Day 1: Brussels - Chicago
Day 2-3-4: Chicago
Day 5: Chicago - Jackson (domestic flight) - settle in Grand Teton
Day 6-7: Grand Teton / Yellowstone
Day 8-9: break in Jackson
Day 10: return to Yellowstone
Day 11-12-13-14: Yellowstone
Day 15: head down to SLC
Day 16: SLC - Brussels flight (United)
Hello again,
Well, I see you’re not really taking the advice into account, but that’s your choice and your trip. I get the feeling you’re having trouble picturing the topography of the places. Several of us have already been there (like me), which is why we’ve been explaining certain things. Now, as they say, it’s up to you...
Did you realize there’s a 2-hour drive between Yellowstone and Jackson, and 70 miles (112 km) one way?
Did you find a car to rent in Jackson? And to return in SLC?
It’s not that I’m ignoring the advice—it’s just that I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed because the topography of the places is actually giving me trouble.
First off, no, I haven’t booked any flight tickets or a car yet.
The only thing that really matters to me is the stay in Yellowstone, so I keep reworking the road trip to try and align it with my companions’ wishes (spending relaxed time and taking breaks), friends’ "tips," what I read, and your advice.
My road trip has changed again. It’s still just a plan—nothing’s set in stone, everything’s adjustable except for Yellowstone (and even then, if there’s still space, the reservations could be moved).
Here’s my latest itinerary: there’s a lot of driving, so I’m letting it sit for now and I’m open to your thoughts.
Day 1 - Friday, August 29: Brussels to SLC, arriving early afternoon.
Day 2 - Saturday, August 30: Drive from SLC to Monument Valley - overnight in MV
Day 3 - Sunday, August 31: Monument Valley - overnight in MV
Day 4 - Monday, September 1: Monument Valley - drive to Moab - overnight in Moab
Day 5 - Tuesday, September 2: Arches - overnight in Moab
Day 6 - Wednesday, September 3: Arches - overnight in Moab
Day 7 - Thursday, September 4: Drive to SLC - overnight in SLC
Day 8 - Friday, September 5: Drive from SLC to Jackson - overnight in Jackson
Day 9 - Saturday, September 6: Grand Teton - evening: Rodeo (tickets reserved) - overnight in Jackson
Day 10 - Sunday, September 7: Grand Teton day - then move on to Yellowstone - overnight in Yellowstone
Day 11 - Monday, September 8: Yellowstone - overnight in Yellowstone (reserved)
Day 12 - Tuesday, September 9: Yellowstone - overnight in Yellowstone (reserved)
Day 13 - Wednesday, September 10: Yellowstone - overnight in Yellowstone (reserved)
Day 14 - Thursday, September 11: Yellowstone - overnight in Yellowstone (reserved)
Day 16 - Saturday, September 13: SLC
Day 15 - Friday, September 12: Yellowstone to SLC
Day 17 - Sunday, September 14: Departure from SLC
Day 18: Monday, September 15: Arrival in Brussels
Hello,
No, it still doesn’t add up... Monument Valley is 6h15 according to Google. You should count at least 8 hours with photo stops and breaks.
I don’t think you fully realize the distances... Consider breaking up the trip at Capitol Reef, for example. That way, you won’t have to drive the same route twice—SLC to Moab to Monument Valley.
I had a little fun tweaking your itinerary:
Day 1 - Friday, August 29: Brussels to SLC, arriving early afternoon.
Day 2 - Saturday, August 30: Head toward Capitol Reef to split the drive in two.
Day 3 - Sunday, August 31: Spend the day visiting Capitol Reef (it deserves at least a full day...).
To motivate the troops, show them photos of Hickman Natural Bridge, Cathedral Valley Road, Factory Butte, Moonscape Overlook...
You could even spend a week there! I can help you optimize this day if you’d like.
Stay near Caineville (as close as possible to the next day’s route).
Day 4 - Monday, September 1: Head to Monument Valley (about 3h40 of driving). The scenery along this route is stunning. Spend the whole afternoon exploring (half a day is enough to soak in the park). Stay overnight in Monument Valley—if you book the park hotel, it’s even better so you can fully enjoy it and catch the sunrise over Monument Valley before leaving.
Day 5 - Tuesday, September 2: Drive to Moab (if you leave Monument Valley at a reasonable time, it’s about 2h30 of driving, and you can spend your first day at Arches).
You’ll need to plan your visits carefully to make the most of it.
Day 6 - Wednesday, September 3: Arches/Canyonlands—overnight in Moab.
At the very least, make sure to visit Dead Horse Point, which is just before the entrance to Canyonlands. It’s magical and only takes an hour or two to enjoy the landscapes.
Day 7 - Thursday, September 4: (In the morning, I recommend visiting Corona Arch before hitting the road) toward SLC—overnight in SLC.
After that, I didn’t touch anything...
Day 8 - Friday, September 5: SLC to Jackson—overnight in Jackson.
Day 9 - Saturday, September 6: Grand Teton—evening: Rodeo (seats reserved)—overnight in Jackson.
Day 10 - Sunday, September 7: Day in Grand Teton, then head to Yellowstone—overnight in Yellowstone.
Day 11 - Monday, September 8: Yellowstone—overnight in Yellowstone (reserved).
Day 12 - Tuesday, September 9: Yellowstone—overnight in Yellowstone (reserved).
Day 13 - Wednesday, September 10: Yellowstone—overnight in Yellowstone (reserved).
Day 14 - Thursday, September 11: Yellowstone—overnight in Yellowstone (reserved).
Day 16 - Saturday, September 13: SLC.
Day 15 - Friday, September 12: Yellowstone to SLC.
Day 17 - Sunday, September 14: Departure from SLC.
Day 18: Monday, September 15: Arrival in Brussels.
Don’t hesitate if you need any info 😉
Quick question, what type of car are you renting?
For Monument Valley and Capitol Reef, you’ll need at least an SUV.
Hi!
I recommend checking out the Bonneville Salt Flats. We hit over 200 mph on the salt lake!! Then go attend a Sunday morning service in Salt Lake CITY. Check the schedule online. An unforgettable moment with tears and chills 😊
Have you seen the hotel prices in Jackson Hole? They’re super expensive 😅
At Yellowstone, I suggest getting up early because the parking lots fill up fast and it gets a bit annoying 😅. We were happy to leave 😊. Have a great trip!
Hi everyone, we were in Yellowstone from September 5 to 11, 2024, and didn’t have any parking issues or traffic jams anywhere. It really depends on the time of year, and it’s good to know for planning your travel times. That said, you’re never totally safe from running into a herd of bison camping in the middle of the road! 😄
Jackson is a very expensive town, while Moab isn’t, and Arches is a fantastic park. I’d spend more time in Moab to enjoy a relaxed family trip instead of Jackson. I have a great memory of a budget-friendly apartment-hotel with a pool in Moab.
Between Moab and Jackson, you could stop in Logan—nothing stunning to see, but it’s really affordable, with hotels at 90 € for a double queen room including a pool and jacuzzi, plus a nice, short hike to the Wind Caves.
If someone mentions the raspberry festival near Bear Lake (which you’ll pass by), skip it. With climate change, the raspberries are gone, and it’s turned into a small fair with a few stalls and activities.
Finally, I agree with the SUV choice—while in Moab, we drove through a shallow stream to reach a hike. On the way back, the water on the road was knee-deep, and we were lucky to have an SUV to get through!
Back from the USA, here’s the actual itinerary we followed:
Day 1 - Friday, August 29: Brussels - SLC via Atlanta with KLM. Arrived in SLC at 8 PM - picked up the car (SUBARU Outback AWD) - got to the hotel at 10 PM (Hyatt Regency).
Day 2 - Saturday, August 30: Tour of SLC - Antelope Island - night in SLC (Hyatt Regency)
Day 3 - Sunday, August 31: Drive to Yellowstone via Idaho Falls - night at Canyon Lodge
Day 4 - Monday, September 1: Yellowstone - night at Canyon Lodge
Day 5 - Tuesday, September 2: Yellowstone - night at Canyon Lodge
Day 6 - Wednesday, September 3: Yellowstone - night at Canyon Lodge
Day 7 - Thursday, September 4: Yellowstone - night at Canyon Lodge
Day 8 - Friday, September 5: Grand Teton - night in Jackson (The Lodge at Jackson Hole)
Day 9 - Saturday, September 6: Grand Teton - evening: Jackson Rodeo - night in Jackson (The Lodge at Jackson Hole)
Day 10 - Sunday, September 7: Drive to Vernal - night in Vernal (The Hitching Post)
Day 11 - Monday, September 8: Dinosaur - drive to Moab - night in Moab (SpringHill Suites by Marriott)
Day 12 - Tuesday, September 9: Arches - night in Moab (SpringHill Suites by Marriott)
Day 13 - Wednesday, September 10: Arches - night in Moab (SpringHill Suites by Marriott)
Day 14 - Thursday, September 11: Canyonlands - night in Moab (SpringHill Suites by Marriott)
Day 15 - Friday, September 12: Drive to SLC - night in SLC (Méridien)
Day 16 - Saturday, September 13: Bonneville - night in SLC (Méridien)
Day 17 - Sunday, September 14: Departure from SLC - night (on the plane)
Day 18 - Monday, September 15: Arrival in Brussels via Amsterdam
We also made sure to take some relaxed moments at the hotel pools (for those who might think our stays in SLC were too long...) or on the hotel terraces to simply enjoy being together. Our trip wasn’t about rushing to see everything—after all, as the saying goes, "grasp all, lose all," and besides, it’ll just make us want to go back!
I bet you found the Bonneville loop as grimy as I did...
I just passed through quickly. Given the state (all that brown salt), I didn’t stick around long and headed somewhere else...
Yeah, the route wasn’t exactly pristine white. We just did a round trip and that was it. Plus, since we had a snail-paced car, we couldn’t exactly speed anywhere either 😉
Yeah, I didn’t stay long either. I loved it in 2022—there was a thin layer of water on the salt, and the clouds were reflecting. This is the second year in a row I’ve gone back, and every time it’s a letdown 😕 Cloudy skies, rain, and the whole circuit’s just brown...
It doesn’t take away from the vastness, but it’s way less beautiful.
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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).
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!
