Trajet entre Las Vegas et San Francisco par Death Valley en mars
by Trodatt
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonjour,
Après quelques jours à LA puis à Las Vegas, je compte louer un véhicule et partir de Las Vegas pour San Francisco.
Je partirai du 22 Mars de LV et arriverai le 24 Mas à San Francisco.
Je souhaiterais vraiment passer par la Death Valley même si c'est un peu plus long (10 heures en tout si j'ai bien compris).
Je souhaiterais faire une première halte à Furnace Creek, à priori c'est un bon point de transit.
Puis je souhaiterais partir le lendemain pour visiter un des parcs mais, du fait des conditions hivernales, est ce que la route sera compliquée, dans ce cas ne vaut-il mieux pas passer par Bakersfield? Mais si je passe par Bakersfield je peux faire une croix sur les parcs nationaux?
En vous remerciant pour votre aide.
Bonjour,
Après quelques jours à LA puis à Las Vegas, je compte louer un véhicule et partir de Las Vegas pour San Francisco.
Je partirai du 22 Mars de LV et arriverai le 24 Mas à San Francisco.
Je souhaiterais vraiment passer par la Death Valley même si c'est un peu plus long (10 heures en tout si j'ai bien compris).
Je souhaiterais faire une première halte à Furnace Creek, à priori c'est un bon point de transit.
Puis je souhaiterais partir le lendemain pour visiter un des parcs mais, du fait des conditions hivernales, est ce que la route sera compliquée, dans ce cas ne vaut-il mieux pas passer par Bakersfield? Mais si je passe par Bakersfield je peux faire une croix sur les parcs nationaux?
En vous remerciant pour votre aide.
Bonjour,
Il est possible de faire le chemin ainsi:
22 Mars : Départ de votre hôtel de Las Vegas (Recupérez si possible le véhicule le soir précédent ou tôt le matin, c'est une grosse journée) Départ idéalement par la 160 pour le point de vue "Dantes View". Ensuite, Zabriskie point, Devil's golf, bad water, Artist dr et finissez avec Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (Il y a d'autres point de vues ou balades mais je vous laisse regarder). Vous pouvez dormir à Lone Pine.
23 Mars: Direction South Lake Tahoe en passant par Lee Vining. Au choix, vous pouvez dormir sur place ou faire la route jusqu'à Sacramento et dormir sur Sacramento. Il y a quelques endroits où vous pourrez vous arrêter sur la 50 pour avoir un goût de Yosemite (Ce n'est pas Yosemite mais c'est le même massif).
24 Mars: Soit vous avez dormi vers South lake Tahoe et vous faites plus d'arrêt sur la 50, soit vous avez décidé de rouler jusqu'à Sacramento et vous avez plus de temps pour San Francisco (Et pourquoi pas aller directement à Muir Woods NM si vous n'avez pas fait d'arrêt sur la 50 et ainsi profiter d'un parc vraiment aménagé sur une aprem).
Bonjour,
Il est possible de faire le chemin ainsi:
22 Mars : Départ de votre hôtel de Las Vegas (Recupérez si possible le véhicule le soir précédent ou tôt le matin, c'est une grosse journée) Départ idéalement par la 160 pour le point de vue "Dantes View". Ensuite, Zabriskie point, Devil's golf, bad water, Artist dr et finissez avec Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (Il y a d'autres point de vues ou balades mais je vous laisse regarder). Vous pouvez dormir à Lone Pine.
23 Mars: Direction South Lake Tahoe en passant par Lee Vining. Au choix, vous pouvez dormir sur place ou faire la route jusqu'à Sacramento et dormir sur Sacramento. Il y a quelques endroits où vous pourrez vous arrêter sur la 50 pour avoir un goût de Yosemite (Ce n'est pas Yosemite mais c'est le même massif).
24 Mars: Soit vous avez dormi vers South lake Tahoe et vous faites plus d'arrêt sur la 50, soit vous avez décidé de rouler jusqu'à Sacramento et vous avez plus de temps pour San Francisco (Et pourquoi pas aller directement à Muir Woods NM si vous n'avez pas fait d'arrêt sur la 50 et ainsi profiter d'un parc vraiment aménagé sur une aprem).
Bonjour, merci et bonne année.
Je crois que c'est ce que je voulais, des trajets de 4 h environ en voiture (google) c'est top.
En + il y a des logements dispos à Lone Pine contrairement aux endroits en amont.
En revanche en Mars la route ne sera pas difficile?
Merci
Nous avons fait ce trajet en Mars 2017. Le 27 Mars: LV > Dantes View > Zabriskie > Devils Golf > Natural Bridge trail > Badwater > Artist Dr > Mesquite Flat Sand. En partant de Mesquite, il était déjà presque 17H. Niveau température, nous étions vers 25/27 sur tous les points sauf Dantes View où il faisait seulement 12/13 degrés. Ensuite, nous avons roulé jusqu'à Bishop. C'était LONG (d'où ma proposition de couper plus tôt) mais faisable. Nous sommes arrivés vers 19H30/20H. Ensuite, hôtel, un burger au resto à côté et dodo.
Le lendemain (28/03) nous avons fait: Bishop > Sacramento en mangeant sur South lake Tahoe. C'était bien niveau temps de route et pause. La route 395 est toujours déneigé si jamais mais fin mars, il n'y avait plus de neige. L'étape au lac tahoe était sympa. C'est un lieu vraiment cool. La 50 serpente dans la forêt, c'était pas mal aussi. Il faisait un petit 15 mais avec des vestes, c'était largement acceptable.
Concernant Muir Woods, j'ai adoré. Ils ont quelques parcours sympa et bien indiqués et voir des grands Sequoia m'a rappelé Yosemite. Sur une aprem, cela peut être un bien meilleur compromis que s'arrêter sur la 50.
Nous avons fait ce trajet en Mars 2017. Le 27 Mars: LV > Dantes View > Zabriskie > Devils Golf > Natural Bridge trail > Badwater > Artist Dr > Mesquite Flat Sand. En partant de Mesquite, il était déjà presque 17H. Niveau température, nous étions vers 25/27 sur tous les points sauf Dantes View où il faisait seulement 12/13 degrés. Ensuite, nous avons roulé jusqu'à Bishop. C'était LONG (d'où ma proposition de couper plus tôt) mais faisable. Nous sommes arrivés vers 19H30/20H. Ensuite, hôtel, un burger au resto à côté et dodo.
Le lendemain (28/03) nous avons fait: Bishop > Sacramento en mangeant sur South lake Tahoe. C'était bien niveau temps de route et pause. La route 395 est toujours déneigé si jamais mais fin mars, il n'y avait plus de neige. L'étape au lac tahoe était sympa. C'est un lieu vraiment cool. La 50 serpente dans la forêt, c'était pas mal aussi. Il faisait un petit 15 mais avec des vestes, c'était largement acceptable.
Concernant Muir Woods, j'ai adoré. Ils ont quelques parcours sympa et bien indiqués et voir des grands Sequoia m'a rappelé Yosemite. Sur une aprem, cela peut être un bien meilleur compromis que s'arrêter sur la 50.
Salut Bladkaizer,
Je viens de rentrer de voyage et te remercie pour tes infos, qui m'ont beaucoup aidées.
Pour infos si quelqu'un souhaite faire à peu près le même voyage, nous avons fait :
- 3 jours à Los Angeles suffisent avec visite d'Hollywood Bd, Santa Monica Pier, on s'est fait 1 demi-journée en Van pour visite des hauteurs de Los Angeles (maisons de stars, rapprochés du panneau Hollywood, Muholand Drive), franchement c'était pas mal pour 65 ou 70 €
- Départ en bus Greyhound confortable pour 5 1/2 de route vers Las Vegas pour 20 $
- 2 jours à Las Végas avec 2 spectacles réservés via Tripadvisor ou en direct. Hôtel à 90 $ à 1 Km du Strip mais quand j'y étais les grands hôtels avaient considérablement baissé leurs prix (40 $ au Flamingo en plein sur le strip). Sinon Vegas est génial, très bien aménagé, l'intérieurs des hôtes à voir (on a bien aimé le Caesar Palace mais trop de boutiques de luxe, celles du Planet Hollywood sont beaucoup plus accessibles et super décor avec faux ciel génial!
1 journée de plus pourrait être ajoutée pour faire un aller-retour vers Grand canyon
- Départ avec location de voiture Hertz pour 2 jours à 100 € réservée à l'avance sur le site Hertz français, pas besoin de permis de conduire International, voiture automatique super facile à conduire. Récupérée rapidement au bureau Hertz du Flamingo.
- Départ de Vegas à 9 H 00 et arrivée à Lone Pine vers 16 H 00 (dormi au Down Villa Motel super, récemment rénové, vue sur les montagnes et pas très cher). Entre temps visite de la vallée de la mort avec passage Artist's Drive etc etc...Paysages magnifiques entre Furnace Creek et Lone Pine. Routes Américaines droites et de très grande qualité, très facile de conduire ici, peu de voitures doublent, elles restent derrière. Par contre mettre le plein à Lone Pine car après il y a très peu de stations essence (que l'on paye avant d'aller se servir à la pompe).
- Départ le lendemain de Lone Pine vers 8 H 00 environ pour Reno où on laisse la voiture au Harra's hôtel (on y dort aussi pour pas très cher 80$). Par contre on arrive à Bishop et là grand panneau qui indique "Chaine required" pour la route 395....J'ai quand même essayé mais effectivement après 40 miles environ et à 5000 pieds d'alitude trop de neige. On s'arrête dans un petit village et un pompier sur place nous indique de retourner vers Bishop puis prendre la 6 puis la 95 (il avait fortement neigé dans la nuit et on allait encore monter 2 cols donc pas possible). Ce que l'on fait et on arrivera vers 15 H 30 à Reno (très facile avec le GPS sur mon téléphone). Ce chemin est plus long, passe en bordure des montagnes (dommage la 395 aurait dû être superbe au milieu des montagnes + prévu de s'arrêter à Bodie...). Bref route sans station service ni relais ou autre (sans rien, c'est le désert...) jusqu'à Hawtrone depuis Bishop.
- A Reno, il fait plus froid, juste ville étape puis départ en bus depuis la station Greyhound pour 20 $ et 5 heures (sièges confortables + WC) jusqu'à San Francisco (je voulais pas me prendre la tête dans la circulation à l'entrée de la ville). Retard de 2 H 30 au départ du bus (à Los Angeles 1 H 00).
- A San Francisco visite de 3 jours, je recommande de prendre le Big Bus (et surtout pas City sightseeing même si c 10 $ de moins, il n'y en avait jamais qui passaient...) sur 2 jours pour 75 $ (un peu cher mais c bien quand même avec visite de Sausalito (y aller pour midi pour manger tranquillement et profiter du calme du coin).
En définitive, j'étais un peu stressé au départ, mais les Américains sont vraiment sympas, pas d'embrouille, à San Francisco en 2 minutes, 2 personnes sont venues nous aider car on galérait un peu avec notre carte pour se repérer, les routes sont très très confortables, les prix sont un peu plus chers qu'en France, les assiettes au resto sont beaucoup plus remplies que chez nous, Las Végas c'est un Disneyland pour adultes, Los Angeles Ok pour 3 jours max, la Vallée de la Mort quand même c'est sympa, les températures sont un peu plus élevées qu'en France pour cette fin Mars.
Si c'était à refaire, je changerais rien, ou rajouter peut-être 1 jour au séjour pour aller à Grand Canyon depuis Vegas, dommage qu'on ait pas pu prendre la 395, ça avait l'air super bien. On voit aussi la campagne aux USA, beaucoup de Mobile-home, et/ou d'endroits anciennement habités et abandonnés, c'est une découverte. Les restos font plus propre qu'en France (par exemple les bouteilles de ketchup, moutarde sont propres).
Merci google pour les trajets à l'intérieur des villes en bus (Aéroport vers le lieu où l'on souhaite se rendre...) et les différents sites de réservation en ligne pour les hôtels.
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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!!
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.
Thanks so much. The trip would be in fall 2026
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.
Thanks so much. The trip would be in fall 2026
Hi there,
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!
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!
Hi everyone,
Quick question—I’m heading to New York soon and I’d love to know if you guys have any recommendations for websites where I can buy concert tickets?
Quick question—I’m heading to New York soon and I’d love to know if you guys have any recommendations for websites where I can buy concert tickets?
Hi there,
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?
Thanks!
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?
Thanks!
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?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
**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?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
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 🙂
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 🙂
Here's a tip for future visitors!
https://www.foxnews.com/travel/3-national-parks-slash-red-tape-americans-boldly-transforming-visitor-entry
https://www.foxnews.com/travel/3-national-parks-slash-red-tape-americans-boldly-transforming-visitor-entry
Hi everyone,
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 to everyone for your advice and help.
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 to everyone for your advice and help.
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?
Hello,
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!
Christophe
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!
Christophe
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
Hi everyone.
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!
That’s all for now.
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!
That’s all for now.
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!