bonjour a tous,
apres de nombreuses recherches sur notre merveilleux forum, ouestusa, cr de ITAT, cendryon et veileen, mapquest et google map et tripadvisor, je suis prete.
petite question de depart a mon cheri:"que veux tu voir?", sans hésitation il me repond, "le yellowstone et monument valley, et toi?", "moi, le lake tahoe , arches et canyonland".
je décide donc de combiner tout ca ensemble, c la première fois que nous partons si longtemps, j'étais indépendante et ne savais pas prendre plus de dix jours de congés.
Dimanche 22 mai,
depart de bruxelles arrivée a las végas 18h35, normalement😉, avec us airway mon dernier vol,5h de retard.
chercher la voiture chez avis(4*4), le walmart le plus proche pour l'achat de la glacière(6005 S Eastern), puis hotel golden nugget.prendre un circadin, que les sportifs prennent pour les jetlag, c parfait, j'avais le meme probleme que veileen
question:
si j'ai bien compris le 4*4 doit etre 4WD avec un deuxieme levier de vitesse trois position?
lundi 23 mai, las vegas=death valley=bishop 312 miles
direction pahrump=shoshone spring, prendre la 178 jusque jonction=prendre la 190 jusque Zabriskie point.
nous partirons tres tot le matin pour profiter du lever du soleil
hotel: pas determiné, j'ai noté le mountain view ou el rancho motel
mardi 24 mai, bishop=mono lake=bodie=lake tahoe 180 miles
visite de mono lake, petite virée dans le yosemite, si c ouvert (40% de chance)ce n'est pas prévu donc on verra bien.
petite ballade en voiture au bord du lac
hotel:je n'ai pas reservé,968 park hotel ou ambassador motor
mercredi 25 mai, lake tahoe
ahhh, il y a longtemps que je voulais le faire, location de vtt, et promenade, direction Emerald bay
jeudi 26 mai, tahoe=virginia city=reno=winnemucca 240 miles
tahoe=virginia city,45 miles
visite de cette petite ville classée
virginia city=reno ,29 miles
reno, je ne l'ai jamais vu, on dejeunera sur place
reno=winnemuucca
endroit de transit pour dormir, hotel town house ou holiday motel
vendredi 27 mai, winnemucca=jackpot 240 miles
transition, arret dans cette bourgade, repos et soleil avant les choses sérieuses
hotel, cactus pete ou four jaks
question:si vous connaissez quelques choses a visiter entre c deux points
samedi 28 mai, jackpot=twin falls, id=jackson 302 miles
1)jackpot=twin falls:visite de shoshone falls, les chutes d'eaux magnifiques a la fonte des neiges
2)twin falls=jackson
hotel:motel 6
suivant les conseils de veillen, direction :apres l'aeroport pour essayer d'apercevoir des elans
question:un autre endroit pour les élans?
dimanche 29mai, jackson=west yellowstone 128 miles
hotel:yellowstone park pour trois nuits.
1)west thumb
2)kepler cascade
3)old faithfull
4)grand prismatic, ballade fairry fall pour prendre la photo, mais surtout pour le plaisirs des yeux
lundi 30 mai mammoth hot spring, tower roosevelt, lamar valley
mardi 31 mai, le mont washburn et canyon village
en lisant le cr de cendryon, j'ai su que si il y avait une promenade a faire ce serait celle la
mercredi 1 juin, west yellowstone=cody 132 miles
hotel:cody cowboy village
1)old town trail
2)musée buffallo bill
3)rodeo, je n'en ai jamais vu, et ca commence le premier juin
jeudi 2 juin cody=dutch john 343 miles
hotel bien connu sur le forum, red canyon lodge, j'ai reservé il y a une semaine, j'ai eu de la chance, il restait de la place.
vendredi 3 juin dutch john=vernal=green river 220 miles
1)visite petroglyph dry fork(ouestusa merci)
2)vernal musée dinosaures
hotel, river terrace, un cou de coeur tripadvisor
samedi 4 juin green river=sego canyon=arches=moab
1)sego canyon(ouestusa)
2)entrée a arches par salt valley road
3)devils garden trail jusque double 0 arch
on verra l'heure et nos forces restantes, direction l'hotel ou l'on continuera la visite de arches
hotel inca inn trois nuit
dimanche 5 juin island in the sky, delicat arch fin de journée
lundi 6 juin needles et potash road
je suis consciente apres vous avoir lu que, trois jours ce n'est pas assez, mais voila on fera avec, on se levera tres tot pour pofiter un maximun
mardi 7 juin moab=valley of the gods=monument valley 146 miles
hotel:bon on a cassé la tirelire, the view
mercredi 8 juin monument valley=torrey 198 miles
1)goosenneks
2)natural bridges national monument
3)little égypte
4)goblin valley
hotel:austin's chuck wagon lodge(cendryon)deux nuits
jeudi 9 juin cathedral valley et scenic drive
la aussi c un peu trop court
vendredi 10 juin torrey=springdale 193 miles
par la hw 12
escalante, petrified forest
hotel: pionner lodge, dommage pour majestic view lodge qui était full.nous y étions venu en octobre, il y a deux ans, magnifique hotel et le meilleur steack de l'ouest aux dires de mon chéri, comme le 10 juin c notre anniversaire de mariage, nous irons donc, ce soir la, manger son fameux steack😉
samedi 11 juin zion, ballade des narrows
la ballade que j'ai vraiment eu envie de faire en lisant les cr
dimanche 12 juin zion=las vegas 159 miles
voila c fini, retour a vegas pour quelques jours de farniete avan de reprendre l'avion
note:parfois les distances sont longues mais rouler aux states est un bonheur et nous conduisons tout les deux
jeudi 9 juin cathedral valley et scenic drive
la aussi c un peu trop court
Non 😎 C'est ce que j'ai fait en démarrant à 8h00 au Visitor Center pour les infos sur la piste et je ressortais à 14h10 pétantes sans avoir déjeuner 😛
Pique-nique, qq détours et j'étais sur la Scenic Drive pour 16h00 avec le retour pour le coucher de soleil pile-poil !
juste quelques détails
Jackpot est un village à casinos à la frontière du Nevada et de l'Idaho - pour qq km de plus poussez jusqu'à TwinFalls et aller voir Shoshone falls en arrivant, la visite ne demande pas plus d'une 1/2 heure
Le lendemain vous pouvez passer par Crater on the Moon
Dommage de passer à Vernale et de zapper le Dinosaur NM
A Green River, le River Terrace est mon resto préféré, mais pas mon hôtel habituel
Needles et Potash road, ce n'est pas la même direction - si vous avez un vrai 4x4, ou seulement un SUV moyen, oser descendre le Shafer Trail
Quand les pistes sont praticables, il faut toute une journée de visite à Cathedral Valley
Bern
PS.Moi aussi j'ai beaucoup écrit sur tous ces endroits
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
bonjour bern,
merci pour les infos,
pour idaho falls, c une bonne idée de ne pas stopper a jackpot
pour dinosaur nm, oui c dommage, mais plutot que de passer deux heures a l'intérieur, je préfère le zapper et y revenir pour quelques jours, lors d'un prochain voyage.
le shafer trail nous fait un peu peur.
ps:je ne voulais vexer personnes dans les cr, je suis tombée sur ces trois la, que j'ai mis en discussion a suivre pour les retrouver.il y en a tellement, je vais d'ailleurs lire le tiens, tout de suite, 😉merci pour les infos
Tu as un prevu un tres bon itineraire ? Jai une amie qui vit pres du Lake Tahoe (elle est de Reno), elle trouve le paysage magnifique avec pleins de choses a y faire, et d apres les fotos, ca ma lair cool ...
Seulement petite question : Ton itineraire est basé principalement sur les paysages et parc nationaux ...
Tu n'as pas pensé a LA avec les studios unviersal, San Francisco, Santa Monica, ... histoire de profiter de la mer aussi, la cote est magnifique ...
Ok, c'est vrai que Dinosaur demande plutôt 2 jours que 2h.
Je ne suis pas un pro du 4x4, loin de là, mais la descente du shafer trail est à la portée de tout conducteur,
avec une voiture un peu haute (sauf par temps d'orage). Mais quel souvenir, au point d'y être retourné l'année suivante.
Pour Cathedral Valley, je ne vais pas aussi vite que Vazyvite, mais je n'ai pas pu le faire en 2008 et 2009 en raison de l'état des pistes,
c'est pour ça que j'y ai consacré toute une journée en 2010
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
bonjour ontheroad,
nous avons déja voyagé aux states, nous voulons faire un voyage randonnée et nature, a part a zion, ou nous avons deja été, le reste est 100% découverte.
Ta journée du 29 mai est trop chargée: le secteur Old Faithful regroupant le bassin Old Faithful + Biscuit Basin (avec en option Mystic Falls) et Black Sand Basin prend une journée entière! Donc en arrivant de Jackson... 🤪
La journée du 30 mais est moins chargée, tu peux reporter des choses ici comme Grand Prismatic par exemple! N'oublie pas Norris Geyser Basin!
Super itinéraire, mais l'omission de Bryce Canyon est-elle délibérée ?
Circuit dans l'Ouest : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2744058
Floride-Louisiane : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=3536861
Une semaine à New York : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=4550454
New York, again http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5593646
- même réflexion que Itat: la journée du 29 est vraiment trop chargée. Ns avons mis 2 jours pour faire ce programme:
J1: en venant de Colter Bay, route directe vers le Yellowstone (donc pas de temps à consacrer à la visite de Grand Teton qui avait été vu la veille)
visite de West Thumb
arrêt à Kepler cascade
grimpette sur la colline pour voir Grand Prismatic depuis les hauteurs, puis poursuite de la balade jusque Fairy Falls et Imperial Geyser (il faut compter 4H, attention aux moustiques très nombreux en été... peut-être moins en mai?)
Et on n'a même pas eu le temps de voir une éruption du Old Faithful
Nuit au Old Faithfull Snow Lodge
J2: région de Old Faithfull jusque 16H
- samedi 4 juin: dommage : vs allez visiter Devils Garden pdt la fournaise😐
" entrée a arches par salt valley road ": vs voulez dire par le nord du parc? Attention, cet accès est une piste...
- " lundi 6 juinneedles ": dommage de ne pas prévoir la visite des Needles le lendemain . C'est sur la route vers Monument Valley
Ouest USA 2009 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2800143#2800143
5ème trip USA, 09/2013 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6186946#6186946
bonsoir a tous,
deja, merci de vos conseils,
Virginat,
nous avons déja visité le bryce et j'ai du faire des choix😉, pas facile d'ailleurs
bastinj et itat,
je vais reporter le grand prismatic pour le lendemain matin, avant de partir sur mammoth.
pour arches:entrée par la salt valley road,
j'ai repéré la route sur google map, j'espere qu'elle est praticable, si quelqu'un a une info, je prends.
nous comptons quitter green river au plus tard a sept heure,45 minutes jusque sego canyon.
j'epère etre a devils garden a 10h max, petite question, c déja trop chaud?
pour les needles c possible et je pourrais faire valley of the god en revenant de monument valley
" arches:entrée par la salt valley road, .... j'espere qu'elle est praticable, "
Rien n'est moins sûr... il me semble avoir lu qu'elle est bien ensablée....Avec un AWD, il ne devrait sans doute pas y avoir de problème, mais avec une berline🤪l A confirmer par un expert!
" j'epère etre a devils garden a 10h max, petite question, c déja trop chaud? "
Oui, il fait déjà chaud... mais surtout vs aurez du mal à trouver une place sur le parking... Vs devrez sans doute attendre qu'une place se libère...
Et à midi, la chaleur est +++. donc, pour aller jusque Landscape Arch, pas de problème... mais si vs comptez aller jusque Double O Arch, vs aurez chaud!!! (prendre bcp à boire)
Ouest USA 2009 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2800143#2800143
5ème trip USA, 09/2013 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6186946#6186946
nous avons déja visité le bryce et j'ai du faire des choix😉, pas facile d'ailleurs
OK, je comprends mieux 😉
Circuit dans l'Ouest : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2744058
Floride-Louisiane : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=3536861
Une semaine à New York : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=4550454
New York, again http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5593646
bastinj,
oui nous avaons loué un 4*4, mais je vais poser la question sur le forum pour la salt valley road.
si il fait trop chaud, je peux intervertir avec le jour suivant et faire island.
merci
Que pensez-vous de ma 1ère ébauche de parcours: 10/08: Arrivée SALT LAKE CITY 14h10 Prendre la voiture à l'aéroport puis direction JACKSON HOLE (450 km), nuit…
Voila, notre roadbook est bouclé, pouvez vous me donner votre avis? JOUR 1: Dimanche 13 Septembre Paris Los Angeles PROGRAMME Lever de soleil: 6H36 Note…
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J'ai pu constater combien vos conseils étaient utiles alors je me lance pour vous soumettre mon projet d'itinéraire qui a déjà été modifié une première fois…
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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).
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.
Merci de me conseiller pour la réservation pour la plus belle vue faut il réserver une chambre dans l'hôtel ou choisir une cabane ?
Prendre le petit déjeuner ou pas ?
Que pensez vous du 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!
I’m currently looking for well-located hotels near points of interest in the cities below. I’ve found a few, but the prices are really high.
Could any of you share some great addresses in the following cities?
- Los Angeles
- Las Vegas
- San Francisco
Also, do you have a preferred airline for domestic flights? If so, which one?
