Impossible de faire fonctionner le moteur de recherche (pb technique ?) alors que je sais qu'il y a plein d'infos sur le sujet. Et je suis un peu dans l'urgence!
J'essaye d'aider des amis (1 couple, 2 ados, 1 jeune) à établir leur parcours 15j dans l'ouest (éventuellement un petit peu extensible) et je butte sur le parcours de LV à SF (ou l'inverse) courant août. Je ne connais pas car nous l'avons fait en avion et jamais visité Yosemite (autre option possible, mais à 5 ça chiffre vite ...).
J'envisage à la louche très grand modèle :
J1 : Départ de LV, visite de DV et nuit dans DV ou à la sortie Nord (genre Bishop)
J2 : Soit route pour SF (Google donne 10h de route env.)
Soit route et visite de Yosemite, nuit sur Yoshemite (où ?)
J3 : Fin de visite de Yosemite, route pour SF
Ce serait quoi le plus intéressant, bien sûr en passant par Death Valley.
J'ai souvent lu que Yosemite présentait un intérêt limité en plein été (sec, pas de cascades). A conseiller quand même, surtout en y passant si peu de temps ?
Auparavant (juste pour donner des éléments de contexte) : Arrivée à LA ou Phoenix ou LV (c'est en cours de réflexion) puis un tour classique des parcs genre : GC, MV, Brice, Page, éventuellement Moab.
Et un vol interne est exclu ? Car là, c'est vraiment la course 😕 quelle que soit l'autre option choisie.
Je confirme Yosemite en été a un intérêt limité si on ne randonne pas
Comme c'est le voyage hyper speed, on ne va pas faire le difficile.
Sur 3 jours, je dirais depart de LV le matin, passage dans la DV sans trop s'arreter (Badwater, Zabriskie point, sand dunes) Lone pine, et nuit Mammoth lake.
Le lendemain, BODIE le matin, et la traversée de la TIOGA l'AM.
Nuit à El portal.
Le 3° jour Route sur SF.
@Itat : Le vol interne est également une option. Seul problème début août à 5 en regardant vite sur Google Flight on est aux alentours de 500 euros (effet dollar ?) en intégrant le taxi à SF, du coup je souhaihe proposer une option alternative et ils choisiront.
et si tu mets en balance: 3j de loc voiture + l'essence + 2 nuits d'hôtel (pour 5) + les repas pour 2j1/2 = ça fait combien ???Comparer 1h35 de vol (United à 84€ par ex) et 560miles/11h00 de roulage, yapaphoto !à + Jean.
et si tu mets en balance: 3j de loc voiture + l'essence + 2 nuits d'hôtel (pour 5) + les repas pour 2j1/2 = ça fait combien ???Comparer 1h35 de vol (United à 84€ par ex) et 560miles/11h00 de roulage, yapaphoto !à + Jean.
Au moins par la route , tu vois du pays 🙂 , parce que le vol interne 😕
Merci à vous également. A titre perso, je choisirai le vol (je le disais, ça a été notre choix la dernière fois). Surtout qu'il y a des vols très tôt, ou très tard qui permettent de ne pas "gâcher" la journée.
Eux, pensaient à la voiture, mais je crois qu'ils n'avaient même pas imaginés que ça pouvait se faire en avion!
Après, je me limite à proposer les deux, à montrer nos expériences (les vôtres et la mienne) les + et les - et se sont eux qui décideront.
Euh...Sur un voyage de 15 jours, il y aura toujours le même nombre de nuits d’hôtel et de repas..
simplement, ils ne seront pas au même endroit.
Il faut comparer les frais de route : essence essentiellement, car sur un voyage aussi court, je conseillerais de garder la voiture à SF pour gagner du temps...
Bonsoir Caussat,
Vegas San Francisco lorsqu'on a si peu de temps est toujours un dilemme.
En avon, 5 personnes le prix du passage peut etre substanciel.
En voiture, en effet, 11 heures de route, certaines portions de la route vallent le voyage..
Le moyen le plus rapide (C'est celui que je prends chaque fois) est de passer par Bakersfield et de continuer sur le Hwy 58 jusqu'a Buttonwillow de remonter par le Freeway I-5 jusqu'au Hwy 152 West jusqu'a Gilroy et de remonter le Freeway 101 jusqu'a San Francisco. Cela evite toute la circulation du cote de Livermore et les approches de San Francisco et du Bay Bridge. Cela bien sur si l'on veut aller directement a San Francisco.
Pour Yosemite, apres avoir la route jusqu'a Bakersfield il faut remonter jusqu'a Fresno et de prendre le Hwy 41 pour Oakhurst la ou ils peuvent passer la nuit. Arriver a Mariposa ou a El Portal serait encore mieux s'ils en avaient le temps.
Une arrivee a Phoenix serait aussi une bonne option car de la ils peuvent aller directement au Grand Canyon.
Pour leurs visites de San Francisco, voir mon blog sur Sa notre ville.
Cordialement
Alex
http://durandale2.blogspot.com/
How heavy do I journey on the way,
When what I seek (my weary travel’s end)
Shakespeare sonnet 50, vers 1- 2.
Merci pour ces infos.
J'avais aussi envisagé une arrivée à Phoenix ou Las Vegas, voire une boucle à partir d'une de ces 2 villes. Mais ils veulent visiter et LA, et SF !
Mais ça y est, ils sont en train de réfléchir à rallonger la durée . Yessss!
Je suis du même avis que Jean : je trouverais vraiment dommage de gâcher 3 jours sur les "seulement" 15 prévus, en faisant le long trajet LV>SF par la route (il faut minimum 4 jours pour faire ce trajet sans trop gâcher les visites).
Le mieux en 15 jours est qd même :
- soit de se contenter de la boucle classique avec les 3 villes SF, LA et LV + la côte (sans Death Valley ni Yosemite) :
J1 : Arrivée à Phoenix (ou Las Vegas)
J2 : Phoenix - Grand Canyon
J3 : Grand Canyon - Monument Valley
J4 : Monument Valley - Page
J5 : Page - Bryce Canyon
J6 : Bryce - Zion
J7 : Zion - Las Vegas
J8 : Las Vegas
J9 : Las Vegas - LA
J10 : LA
J11 : LA - Côte Pacifique - nuit à Cambria ou San Luis Obispo
J12 : Cambria - Côte Pacifique - SF
J13 : SF
J14 : SF
J15 : retour depuis SF
- soit de zapper la côte et LA pour pouvoir voir Death Valley et Yosemite :
J1 : Arrivée à Phoenix (ou Las Vegas)
J2 : Phoenix - Grand Canyon
J3 : Grand Canyon - Monument Valley
J4 : Monument Valley - Page
J5 : Page - Bryce Canyon
J6 : Bryce - Zion
J7 : Zion - Valley of Fire - Las Vegas
J8 : Las Vegas
J9 : Las Vegas - Death Valley
J10 : Death Valley - Lee Vining
J11 : Lee Vining - Yosemite
J12 : Yosemite (matin) - SF
J13 : SF
J14 : SF
J15 : retour depuis SF
- soit de zapper la Côte, LA, Yosemite et Death Valley, mais inclure la scenic rd 95 et prévoir un vol interne pour voir SF
J1 : Arrivée à Phoenix (ou Las Vegas)
J2 : Phoenix (ou Las Vegas) - Grand Canyon (survol, points de vue côté ouest)
J3 : Grand Canyon points de vue côté Est – Little Colorado - - Lee's Ferry (Cathedral Wash) - Page
J4 : Page (Lac Powell), possibilité de visiter The Wave (si obtention du permis) ou bien d'autres merveilles , 2ème nuit à Page
J5 : Page (Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend) – Monument Valley
J6 : Monument Valley - Muley Point- Goosenecks - Valley of the Gods - senic drive 95 (Hite) – nuit à Torrey (Capitol Reef)
J7 : Capitol Reef (scenic drive ou Cathedral Valley si vous louez un 4x4) , 2ème nuit à Torrey
J8 : Torrey – Burr trail - Scenic Bwy 12 - slot canyon Willis Creek - Bryce Canyon (arrivée fin de journée)
J9 : Bryce Canyon (un des plus beaux parcs) , 2ème nuit à Bryce Canyon
J10 : Bryce – Zion – Valley of Fire (de 17h au sunset) – Las Vegas
J11 : Las Vegas , 2ème nuit à LV
J12 : vol interne Las Vegas - SF
J13 : SF
J14 : SF
J15 : retour depuis SF
- soit idem, mais avec Death Valley + LA, à la place de SF (et il n’y a pas de vol interne) :
J12 : Las Vegas – Death Valley
J13 : Death Valley - LA
J14 : LA
J15 : retour depuis LA
- soit idem, mais sans vol interne > SF, et on peut ajouter Moab :
J1 : Arrivée à Las Vegas (ou Phoenix)
J2 : Las Vegas – Hoover Dam – Rte 66 – Grand Canyon Rive Sud
(ou Phoenix – Apache Trail – Sedona – Grand Canyon en 2 jours, et on supprime le J12 ou J13)
J3 : Grand Canyon – Little Colorado – éventuel détour par Coal Mine Canyon ou par Lee’s Ferry (avec possibilité de rando Cathedral Wash) – arrivée à Page fin de journée
J4 : Page
J5 : Page (Antelope Canyon + Horseshoe Bend) – Monument Valley
J6: Monument Valley – Goosenecks – Muley Point – Natural Bridges ? – Mule Canyon ? – Moab
J7: Moab
J8: Moab
J9: Moab – Little Wild Horse/Goblin Valley – Torrey (Capitol Reef: scenic drive)
J10: Torrey – Burr trail – Scenic Bwy 12 – éventuel détour via la HITRR (> Devil’Garden), ou via la CCR (> slot canyon Willis Creek) – sunset à Kodachrom Basin ou à Bryce Canyon
J11: Bryce Canyon (matin randonnée ds l’amphithéâtre des hoodoos ) – Rte > Zion
J12: Zion (rando Observation Point ou Angel’s Landing ou The Narrows) – Rte > Hurricane
J13 : Hurricane – Yant Flat – Valley of Fire – Las Vegas (arrivée de nuit)
J14 : Las Vegas
J15 : retour depuis Las Vegas
Il est évident que si le séjour passe à 17 ou 18 jours, ça change la donne et ouvre de nouvelles possibilités (en mixant les divers itinéraires donnés)
Ouest USA 2009 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2800143#2800143
5ème trip USA, 09/2013 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6186946#6186946
Il y a 2 ans, à 5, nous avions choisi un vol Las vegas San Francisco. Nous avions pas mal marché et bougé avant, rarement 2 soirs dans le même hôtel...
Nous avions pris la compagnie Southwest, aucun souci, bagages inclus, on a même embarqué le siège auto (réhausseur) et la glacière, le tout en soute, c'était pas garanti mais l'avion n'était pas plein.
Il y a plusieurs vols directs par jour, on avait choisi en fonction de l'horaire mais surtout du prix ! à 5 ça change tout, de mémoire c'était dans les 100 $.
Et cet été (parce que nous y sommes retournés, on a chopé le virus !), nous avons fait Las Vegas San Francisco en voiture, mais en plusieurs jours : une nuit à Mammoth Lake, 2 nuits à Yosemite, nous avions visité Death Valley il y a 2 ans, nous n'y sommes pas retournés (nous y avions dormi).
Je te confirme que la route est fort longue... vraiment longue, pas de réseau téléphonique et pas beaucoup de trafic non plus, je craignais un peu de tomber en panne au milieu de nulle part, parce que c'est montagneux ! ça monte, ça descend et ça tourne... et pas beaucoup de station essence non plus, faut prévoir.
Peut-être n'avions nous pas pris la route la plus courte, mais il me semble que si...
11 heures de route ? je dirais au moins, mais on s'arrête quand même, nous n'avons donc pas pris la même option qu'Alex par Bakersfield.
Yosemite, ne rester qu'une nuit en venant de Las Vegas, pas le temps de randonner, ça veut dire fait comme les cars d'asiatiques, aller à Yosemite Falls qui en été se résume à un peu d'eau seulement, pas sûr que cela vaille le coup, mais c'est quand même Yosemite, c'est dommage... et ensuite, je dirais 4 heures de route environ.
mais nous avions bien aimé Bodie (nous sommes tombés sur le Bodie day, les gens costumés...) et mono Lake, ça permet de varier un peu.
Si nous avions un jour à refaire ce trajet, je pense que nous reprendrions l'avion, mais c'est tout personnel... la preuve, ne l'ayant pas fait il y a 2 ans, nous avons eu envie d'y aller et ne le regrettons pas...
A nouveau, merci à tous. Là j'ai de quoi argumenter et de quoi proposer des circuits.
Si avec ça ils ne choisissent pas l'avion 🤪 😛 ... Après, c'est leur choix ...
Je vais allez à Las Vegas dans le cadre de mon travail. J'ai la possibilité de reste 4 ou 5 jours supplémentaires. Je dois quitté las vegas en fin de journée…
Je voudrais faire un road trip avec des amis l'année prochaine de san franscisco à los angeles passant part las vegas, je voudrais faire tous les parks…
Avez vous des adresses sympas de restaurants, fast food, the patisserie...o... lieux insolites qu'il ne faut pas rater sur Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Monterey,…
Je souhaite faire Las Vegas / San Francisco en voiture dans la nuit du 11/01/20 au 12/01/20 en passant par Bakersfield et passer la nuit. Sachant que nous…
Nous faisons l'ouest américain cet été et nous aimerions savoir quelle route est préférable pour faire Las Vegas - San Francisco (sachant que j'ai vu que ça…
salut a tous
je prepare un tour du monde et je recherche des bons plans pour les logements aux etats unis
avez vous des petits prix a me partager svp
merci
Hello! The itinerary is pretty much set for August 2026. Yeah, I know it’s gonna be *super* hot. But it’s the only time we can get away.
So, here’s the plan: Montpellier-CDG-Dallas.
Stay from July 31 to August 26, 2026:
Car rental – check,
Hotels – check,
Itinerary – almost check,
Photo gear – check,
Budget – check, 🤪
Meal planning – meh, we’ll see...
Walmart, of course, for the cooler when we arrive.
And now, without too much detail...
Fort Worth:
The Longhorns and the Stockyards;
JR’s ranch (for the missus);
Medal of Honor Museum – Arlington.
Houston and NASA Space Center:
See the Gulf of Mexico/America.
San Antonio and the missions.
Fort Stockton for an overnight stop.
El Paso via Guadalupe Mountains:
El Paso and White Sands.
Tucson and the Pima Air & Space Museum:
Tombstone, Bisbee.
Phoenix:
Still working on the program.
Sedona:
Round trip around the area via Flagstaff and Williams, or the Grand Canyon (already done) – we’ll decide on the spot.
Albuquerque:
Santa Fe,
Turquoise Trail,
Los Alamos.
Amarillo via Route 66:
Old Route 66 in the city;
Big Texas Ranch Steak 😏.
Dallas:
JFK Museum;
Perot Museum;
West End district.
And through it all – the road, the road, and more road!!!
We’ll adapt day by day based on our mental and physical state (we’re not exactly spring chickens).
Hello everyone! Really damaged due to flooding caused by runoff after forest fires (a total mess!), does anyone in this friendly forum have any updates on the Apache Trail between Apache Junction and Roosevelt Dam? Is there still a section of the road that’s tough to navigate?
We're leaving at the end of June and will be driving the route between Buffalo and Cody. We’ve already booked our accommodations and a rodeo in Cody, but during the day, we’ll be driving between the two and I’m unsure about the itinerary.
Which route do you think is the most pleasant, interesting, or scenic between:
- The northern route via Highway 14 with Sheridan, Lowell, etc.
- The southern route with Highways 16/20/14, passing by Loaf Mountain Overlook, Powder River Pass, Ten Sleep Canyon...
We’ll be in a car, so we should be able to drive on any road.
Thanks for your input!
I’m almost done planning our September road trip. After our 3-night visit to Sequoia, we’ll have a stopover night in Coalinga (to break up the drive). We’ll be staying two nights in Monterey and would like to stop along the way to visit one side of Pinnacles National Park. We’re torn between the West entrance and the East entrance, and we’d like to do a short hike of no more than 2 hours since we don’t want to arrive too late in Monterey.
This park is split into two distinct zones with no connection between them, and the mileage from Coalinga to Monterey is pretty much the same for both. Which area do you recommend visiting—east or west? And which route is the most scenic?
I’ve spotted two short hikes:
- East: Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop
- West: Balconies Cliffs Cave Loop
Has anyone been there, or do you have another hike to suggest?
Thanks in advance, and have a great afternoon!
Marcalamar 🙂
After our first trip as a young couple to the West in 2007 (yes, that doesn’t make us any younger!), we’re planning to go back in 2028, but this time as a family of four! (We have two boys who’ll be 5½ and 13 years old in the summer of 2028.)
Our plan is to combine a few big cities (SF and LA, maybe San Diego) with national parks and state parks, mostly!
Ideally, we’d like to leave at the end of June and head back to France around July 19–20, so we can enjoy the first week of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Since we already did the "loop" in 2007, there are must-see places we absolutely want to revisit—and especially share with our kids: Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and above all, the Grand Canyon, which is still the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen on Earth!
On the other hand, some places didn’t leave a big impression on us for various reasons, so we’re not making them a priority: Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, for example.
We’re planning ahead, but might as well be smart about it😏
Do you have any tips for a fun and doable itinerary over about 20–25 days with kids, without rushing?
Hi everyone! 🙂
Just a quick question about King Canyon and Sequoia National Park.
Before our night in Miramonte, we plan to visit King Canyon. The next stop will be two nights in Three Rivers to explore Sequoia National Park. I wanted to go all the way to Roaring River Falls on the King Canyon Scenic Byway and then turn back to head to Miramonte. Since we’re coming from Oakhurst, Google Maps says it’s 300 km and 5 hours of driving. Since we also want to hike to see the sequoias (Big Stump Area and Grand Grove) before tackling the King Canyon Scenic Byway, the timing’s going to be tight. How far do you recommend going before turning back to miss as few points of interest as possible on the King Canyon Scenic Byway? Thanks for your advice, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
Hi everyone!
After years of hoping, waiting, planning, then changing, saving, and searching for the best possible route... we're FINALLY off this summer for a 5-week road trip in the West.
I had planned a trip to Colorado in 2021 but canceled due to COVID, so with time passing and my eldest’s high school graduation approaching fast, I figured it was now or never!
Anyway, the itinerary has been modified and extended to please everyone (I’m no longer the only one making decisions!!)
Here’s our final route:
Day 1 - 7/12/2026 - Brussels / Los Angeles
Day 2 - 7/13/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 3 - 7/14/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 4 - 7/15/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 5 - 7/16/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 6 - 7/17/2026 - Los Angeles / Kingman
Day 7 - 7/18/2026 - Kingman / Grand Canyon
Day 8 - 7/19/2026 - Grand Canyon / Page
Day 9 - 7/20/2026 - Page
Day 10 - 7/21/2026 - Page / Monument Valley
Day 11 - 7/22/2026 - Monument Valley / Durango
Day 12 - 7/23/2026 - Durango
Day 13 - 7/24/2026 - Durango
Day 14 - 7/25/2026 - Durango
Day 15 - 7/26/2026 - Durango / Glenwood Springs
Day 16 - 7/27/2026 - Glenwood Springs
Day 17 - 7/28/2026 - Glenwood Springs / Moab
Day 18 - 7/29/2026 - Moab
Day 19 - 7/30/2026 - Moab
Day 20 - 7/31/2026 - Moab
Day 21 - 8/1/2026 - Moab
Day 22 - 8/2/2026 - Moab / Vernal
Day 23 - 8/3/2026 - Vernal / Grand Teton
Day 24 - 8/4/2026 - Grand Teton
Day 25 - 8/5/2026 - Grand Teton / Cody
Day 26 - 8/6/2026 - Cody / Yellowstone
Day 27 - 8/7/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 28 - 8/8/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 29 - 8/9/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 30 - 8/10/2026 - Yellowstone / Salt Lake City
Day 31 - 8/11/2026 - Salt Lake City / Bryce Canyon
Day 32 - 8/12/2026 - Bryce Canyon / Zion
Day 33 - 8/13/2026 - Zion
Day 34 - 8/14/2026 - Zion
Day 35 - 8/15/2026 - Zion / Las Vegas
Day 36 - 8/16/2026 - Las Vegas
Day 37 - 8/17/2026 - Las Vegas / Los Angeles
Day 38 - 8/18/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 39 - 8/19/2026 - Los Angeles / Brussels
Day 40 - 8/20/2026 - Brussels / Home
We’ll be alternating between house swaps, motels, and campgrounds. I’ve booked all the accommodations (except the campground at Bryce since sunset bookings open only 14 days in advance) and the first activities, as well as the most touristy ones.
I’m currently putting together my day-by-day roadbook and having some trouble planning certain days, like in LA or Las Vegas. Choosing hikes isn’t easy either—it’s tough to decide!
We’re really excited but could definitely use your help with choices and optimizations!!
Hello.
I’d like to travel along I-15N from San Diego to Las Vegas with my mom, who’s 67. We’ve explored Northern California and the California Coast over the past two years and now want to continue through the desert.
There are several attractions along the way:
- Mormon Rocks
- Desert Discovery Center and visit the Old Woman meteorite
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Mojave Desert
- Mojave National Preserve
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Silverwood Lake
My mom has back issues that prevent her from hiking or walking on trails with elevation changes. Is it possible to visit these places by car, or are the routes flat enough?
I’d love for her to experience the desert with an itinerary adapted to her condition. I’m also open to other points of interest that aren’t mentioned. We have 3-4 days for the trip, so we’re not in a rush—just want to explore.
I’d love to take a road trip and visit Nova Scotia. I’d appreciate some info on the best cities to see and the most interesting spots. The trip should last about 10 to 15 days, staying in hotels or motels. Thanks in advance!
We’re being relocated to Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
We’ll be taking the flight from Nantes to Montreal and then from Montreal to Saint Pierre.
Could you recommend a hotel near the departure terminal that allows dogs?
Hi,
My 16-year-old son is flying to Grand Rapids with other kids his age. There’s a layover in Detroit. There’s no unaccompanied minor service available. Is it pretty easy to navigate Detroit Airport to catch the connecting flight to Grand Rapids (domestic flight)? There are several of them who speak English well.
Thanks for your replies,
Good evening, everyone! 🙂
Just a few last questions to wrap up our Lake Tahoe visit plans.
**Parking:**
We’d like to walk to Eagle Falls and then Eagle Lake. I’ve spotted two parking lots that seem close to each other and give access to the trailhead. Where and how do we pay for entry to Emerald Bay State Park and Inspiration Point?
**Viewpoints on the East Side:**
Are most of the viewpoints (Balancing Rock, Granite Cave, Bonsai Rock, etc.) right by the road, or do you have to hike to reach them?
**Donner Memorial State Park:**
Is it worth making a detour to Truckee to visit this park and the Truckee historic downtown?
Hi there. I'm shocked by the price of the Upper Antelope Canyon tour—$175 for less than an hour… You might say, "if you can’t afford it…" But the real question is whether it’s really worth it, because $350 for two makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off. For those who’ve done both Lower and Upper, can you tell me if the price difference is really justified? Thanks
Hi everyone! 🙂
As you can see, we're heading back from September 6th to the 27th.
Everything’s booked for September—flights, accommodations, and the car. As I plan, I’ll be asking the experts for help. This is our second trip to California, but most of the stops are new to us.
We’ll start directly from San Francisco to our first overnight stop, Davis, before heading to Lassen Volcanic Park for 4 nights. Our flight lands at 12:50 PM.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Davis – overnight stop
Day 2: Red Bluff – exploring Lassen Volcanic Park (scenic drive to Lake Helen)
Day 3: Susanville – scenic drive through the park via the South Entrance, points of interest, and hikes
Day 4: Susanville – Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes hike
Day 5: Susanville – Warner Valley (hikes)
Day 6: South Lake Tahoe
Day 7: South Lake Tahoe
Day 8: Mammoth Lake
Day 9: Mammoth Lake
Day 10: El Portal via Tioga Road
Day 11: El Portal
Day 12: El Portal
Day 13: Oakhurst
Day 14: Miramonte
Day 15: Three Rivers
Day 16: Three Rivers
Day 17: Coalinga
Day 18: Monterey
Day 19: Monterey
Day 20: San Francisco
Day 21: San Francisco
Day 22: Departure
For hikes in Lassen Volcanic Park, I’ve planned:
Bumpass Hell, Cold Boiling Lake (Day 2)
Paradise Meadow (maybe not going all the way), Devastated Area, and the loop around Reflection and Manzanita Lakes (Day 3)
Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes (Day 4)
Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Spring Lake (Day 5)
I’ve read there are trails to access the trailheads for Cinder Cone (11 km) and Warner Valley. Are these easy trails for an SUV?
Are there any other must-see spots or things we shouldn’t miss?
That’s where I’m at for now. Thanks for your replies, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
I’m a total USA addict. I’ve already done several road trips, including the East Coast and West Coast.
I’m here today because I’m planning to go back for another road trip on the West Coast. Possibly with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. It’s still just a plan for now, but I’m working on an itinerary in the meantime. Ideally, I’d leave in 2026, but I don’t have the exact dates yet—maybe April-May or September-October.
My last trip to the West Coast was in September 2014. We went for 2 weeks, but this time it’d be 3 weeks. What made me want to go back was simply a colleague who just left today. As I’m writing this, he’s on the plane. I’m so happy for him, but now all I can think about is going back.
Since I recently went to NY, I noticed that prices have really gone up. I assume the same is true for the West Coast? For 2 people over 3 weeks, what budget should I expect? We’re the type to watch our spending and find great tips.
I think we’ll arrive in San Francisco like the first time and leave from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
Thanks for advising me on the booking—should I reserve a room in the hotel or go for a cabin for the best view?
Should I get breakfast or not?
What do you think of the restaurant?
Hello, if the off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts are still around 😉, I’d love some info on tackling these trails. I’m not super familiar with the rules, risks, or what to expect—I’m looking for firsthand experience from folks who’ve done it on their own once or multiple times.
Hi everyone!
I’m planning a week-long family trip to NYC in October 2026. The focus is on museums and soaking up the New York vibe. I’ve been checking Airbnb, but the prices in Manhattan are through the roof. Since I don’t know NYC well, is it "wise" to look outside Manhattan? Any neighborhoods you’d recommend?
After our first trip to the West, we’d love to go back to see other must-see spots!
The stay would be from May 11 to 20, 2026—it’s short, but hey...
M11: Lyon to Las Vegas (overnight in Vegas)
T12: Route 66 – overnight in Grand Canyon (GC)
W13: Visit GC – overnight in Page
Th14: Visit Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend – overnight in Monument Valley (MV)
F15: Visit MV – overnight in Moab
Sa16: Visit Arches / Dead Horse Point – overnight in Bryce
Su17: Visit Bryce – overnight in Zion
M18: Visit Zion / Valley of Fire – overnight in Vegas
Tu19: Return flight
What do you think? Could we add one more night somewhere? We’re not big hikers, so we’ll mostly explore the parks using shuttles.
Also, we’re all set—passports are good. Do you think one classic Visa card and one premium Visa card will be enough for coverage?
Thanks so much for your feedback, and happy holidays!
Hi North America forum crew,
Just a little post that might interest some of you:
Travelers to the United States | Photo Now Mandatory Upon Entry and Exit | La Presse
I assume many of you already know, but the America the Beautiful annual pass, which was $80, will increase to $250 starting January 1, 2026.
So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's in your best interest to buy your pass in December 2025, since it will still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you purchase it in December 2025.
This price increase only applies to non-U.S. residents.
Additionally, for those who planned to visit just one park, a $100 surcharge per person will apply to access a list of 11 national parks...
For example, if there are 4 of you in a car, you’ll have to pay $35 + $400,
which comes to $435 to visit one of the 11 parks on the list (I don’t have all of them... Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.).
Total madness.
The goal is to push people who only visit one park into buying the annual pass.
Last point: free entry days are over for non-residents!
Hi everyone, I’m traveling to Los Angeles and would like to rent a vehicle at the airport. However, I have a Boursobank Ultim deferred debit card, so I’d love to know if it’s possible for those who’ve experienced this recently. Thanks for the info!
I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find their individual numbers or routes anywhere.
Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
I’m planning a road trip through the American national parks starting from Denver in June 2026.
The price of the pass is jumping from 80 € to 250 € on January 1st, 2026!!!
Is it possible to buy the pass online before the end of the year to lock in the 80 € rate? If so, where and how do I go about it?
Thanks for your tips.
Arnale
I’m planning a road trip for July 2026 in northern Florida. Could you let me know if my itinerary makes sense?
Day 1: Orlando
Day 2: Amelia Island
Day 3: Amelia Island
Day 4: Tallahassee
Day 5: Panama City Beach
Day 6: Panama City Beach (visit to Destin)
Day 7: Crystal River (stop in Cedar Key on the way)
Day 8: Crystal River
Day 9: Anna Maria (stop in Clearwater)
Day 10: Anna Maria (St. Pete)
Day 11: Anna Maria
Day 12: Orlando
Day 13: Orlando
Day 14: Orlando
Day 15: Departure
We just finished 9 days in the American West and wanted to share our experience because we had an amazing time.
I know some of you might ask, why use an agency? Honestly, we didn’t really feel like doing all the driving and planning, especially since we didn’t know the area at all. And since our English isn’t great, having French-speaking guides was a big comfort.
We found Emmanuelle and Isabelle, and wow, they were fantastic. It was just the two of us with them, so it was a truly VIP, ultra-personalized experience. They treated us like royalty from start to finish. These two live in Las Vegas and know the region like the back of their hand. They told us they’ve spent over 15 years exploring every corner of the American West, and it really shows. Their knowledge of geology, park history, and local anecdotes is just impressive. It’s nothing like someone reciting a memorized script. They answer all your questions and really adapt to what you want to see or do.
What we really loved: the vehicle was super comfortable, and the little details made a difference—like snacks and even a homemade cake! Though, to be fair, we devoured the cake right away, so that counts.
Since they know the sites inside out, they took us at the right times to avoid crowds. So we could enjoy peaceful picnics at Grand Canyon viewpoints without being packed in with 200 people. Plus, on top of the must-see spots, they showed us some hidden gems that were absolutely stunning—places we never would’ve found on our own. They’re true locals who know all the best tips.
The service was really personalized. They adapted to our pace and preferences, and we could stop whenever we wanted to take photos. It’s the luxury of being in a small private group—you’re not just a number on a big bus.
In short, we really felt like we were traveling with friends rather than professional guides. Everything’s included in the price (hotel pickup, meals, park entries, etc.), so the value for money is fair.
We loved it so much that we’re already planning to come back next year to explore other areas with them. I think we’ve caught the American West bug—it’s all we can think about, and we can’t wait to return.
If you’re looking for a French-speaking tour with real personalized service and guides who know the region like no one else, we highly recommend them. We had unforgettable moments. They also design road trips for those who don’t want a guide. And they handled our hotel reservations in Las Vegas too. If you want genuine advice from friendly locals, we’re giving them a 200% recommendation!
