Je prévois de partir aux Etats-Unis pour trois semaines. Nous serons deux. Les dates exactes ne sont pas fixées mais ça sera début 2016 (donc pas de Tioga Road). Je m'y prends largement en avance mais je veux commencer les réservations dès que les dates seront fixées pour faire quelques économies.
Je sais que vous en voyez beaucoup mais je voudrais vous faire valider mon itinéraire. Je pense avoir bien travaillé, donc je suis confiant pour les étapes mais j'aimerai avoir vos remarques (notamment sur le timing des visites).
Je remercie ceux qui m'ont aidés sans le savoir, Bastinj (pour ces exemples d'itinéraires) et Itat pour son blog, et les autres.
En espérant que vous ne soyez pas rebuté par la longueur de la description de l'itinéraire.
J'ai mis en Italique les activités que nous ne ferons que si nous avons le temps.
Merci d'avance pour vos réponses.
Clément
J1 : Arrivée San Francisco
- Arrivée environ 13h (je me base sur les 1er vols de 2016)
- Navette jusqu’au centre de location
- Mission Disctrict : muraux à Balmy Street - Mission Dolores Park
- Twin Peaks
J2 : San Francisco
- Muir Woods National Monument (2h)
- Muir Beach : Muir Beach Overlook
- Stinson Beach - Bolinas
- Point Reyes National Seashore (si le temps n’est pas brumeux) : Point Reyes Lighthouse - Earthquake Trail - Mount Vision Road
- Tiburon
- Sausalito : Marin City - Vista Point
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Conzelman Road) : Battery Spencer View - Point Bonita
- Golden Gate Bridge (paiement à faire sur internet)
J3 : San Francisco
- Fisherman’s Wharf : Pier 33 - Pier 39 - Ghirardelli Square
- Cable-car - Lombard Street
- Chinatown : Chinatown Gateway - Union Square
- Financial District : Transamerica Pyramid - Ferry Building Marketplace - Embarcadero - Bay Bridge
- Telegraph Hill : Coit Tower
- Alcatraz (18h30 - 21h)
- Treasure Island (vue)
J4 : San Francisco
- Presidio : Fort Point
- Baker Beach
- Cliff House
- Golden Gate Park : Japanese Tea Garden - Conservatory of Flowers - Stow Lake...
- Haight-Ashbury : Alamo Square (Painted Ladies)
- Mission Disctrict : muraux à Balmy Street - Mission Dolores Park (si pas eu le temps le 1er jour)
- Santa Cruz (pour avoir plus de temps le lendemain pour visiter la côte) : Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
J5 : Santa Cruz - Cambria (5h07 - 363km)
- Monterey
- Carmel-by-the-sea : Carmel Mission - Carmel Beach
- Point Lobos (2h) : Sea Lion Trail (1km - 30min) - Cypress Grove Trail (1.3km - 30min) - North Shore Trail (2.2km) - Bird Island Trail (1.3km - 30 min)
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- Pfeiffer Beach (Suivre Sycamore Canyon Road, Big Sur jusqu'au bout)
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park : McWay Cove (30min)
- San Simeon : Piedras Blancas (éléphants de mer)
- Cambria
J6 : Cambria - Los Angeles (4h32 - 388km)
- San Luis Obispo
- Guadalupe Dunes
- Solvang
- Santa Barbara : Old Mission Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara Courthouse - Stearns Wharf - East Beach
- Malibu : Zuma Beach - Point Dume State Beach - Malibu Pier - Malibu Lagoon
J7 : Los Angeles
- Universal Studios (Studio Tour - Attractions)
OU
- Warner Bros Studios (2h30)
- Downtown (3h) : Carroll Avenue (maisons victoriennes) - Pueblo de Los Angeles - Walt Disney Concert Hall - Staples Center
J8 : Los Angeles
- Santa Monica
- Venice Beach
- Beverly Hills (2h) : Beverly Hills Sign - Rodeo Drive
- Hollywood Boulevard (2h) : Walk of Fame - TCL Chinese Theater
- Mullholland Drive (Hollywood Bowl Overlook) - Mullholland Highway (stationner Ledgwood Drive et Mulholland Hwy) Runyon Canyon
- Griffith Observatory (Point de vue)
J9 : Los Angeles - Grand Canyon Village (7h30 - 727km)
- Oatman - Kingman : Mr D'Z Dinner - Seligman - Williams
- Sunset : Mohave Point ou Hopi Point
J10 : Grand Canyon
- Sunrise : Yaki Point (Navette orange) - South Kaibab Trailhead, descendre dans le canyon jusqu'à Cedar Ridge - jusqu’à Skeleton Point (4h)
- Mather Point et Yavapai Point (Navette orange ou voiture)
- Hermits Road (Navette rouge)
- Sunset : Pima Point
J11 : Grand Canyon Village - Monument Valley (+1h) (3h06 - 285km)
- Desert View Drive (2h)
- Valley Drive (2h30 - 3h)
- Wildcat Trail (5km - 2h)
- Sunset : The View OU Visitor Center
J12 : Monument Valley - Page (2h - 196km)
- Sunrise : The View
- Mexican Hat
- Goosenecks State Park (40min)
- Valley of The Gods (2h)
- Moki Dugway - Muley Point (1h)
- Horseshoe Bend
- Sunset : Scenic View Lake Powell
J13 : Page - Tropic (2h38 - 250km)
- Lower Antelope Canyon (1h30 - 2h)
- Lake Powell : Barrage de Glen Canyon, Lone Rock, Scenic View
- Via Cottonwood Canyon Road (3h) (si elle est pratiquable : pas de pluie avant)
- Mossy Cave (1h)
J14 : Bryce Canyon
- Sunrise Point
- Queen's Garden Trail + Navajo Loopo (3h - 5km - moyen) :
- Sunrise Point - Queen’s Garden Trail - Aller retour vers Queen Victoria - Navajo Loop - Wall Street (si ouvert) - Sunset Point - Sunrise Point par la Rim
- Scenic Drive (Descendre au Sud et s’arrêter aux points de vue en remontant)
- Sunset Point
J15 : Tropic - Springdale (1h49 - 144km)
- Peek A Boo Loop (9km - 3h30 - moyen) : Départ Bryce Point
- Scenic Drive : Mount Carmel - Zion Canyon
- Arrêt juste avant le tunnel pour Canyon Overlook (1h - 1.6km)
J16 : Springdale - Las Vegas (-1h) (3h24 - 298km)
- Angel’s Landing (8km AR - 4h) : Arrêt navette “The Grotto” - Scout Lookout (7km AR - 3h) - Angel’s Landing (1km AR - 1h)
OU Observation Point (12km - 5h - Difficile)
OU Emerald Pools (5km - 2h30) : Arrêt navette “Zion Lodge”
OU Riverside Walk (3.3km - 1h15) : Arrêt navette “Temple of Sinawava”
- Valley of Fire : Elephant Rock - Seven Sisters - Mouse’s Tank (1.9km - 50min) - Rainbow Vista Fire Canyon - Silica Dome - White Dome (2km - 1h) - Crazy Hill Trail (1km - 50min - Pas de sentier) (Fire Cave - Thunderstorm Arch - Crazy Hill) - Fire Wave (1h AR - Sunset)
J17 : Las Vegas
- Strip
- Fremont Street
J18 : Las Vegas - Furnace Creek (2h11 - 299km)
- Via Tecopa - Shoshone - Jubilee Pass Road
- Badwater (15 - 45min)
- Devils Golf Course (10min)
- Artist Drive (30min)
- Golden Canyon (3.2km - 1h)
- Dante's View (30min)
- Zabriski Point (10min - Sunset)
J19 : Furnace Creek - Lone Pine (1h52 - 170km)
- Mesquite Sand Dunes (15min - 2h - Sunrise)
- Hubehebe Crater and Little Hebe Crater (1.6km - 1h)
- Mosaic Canyon (1.6km - 1h)
- Father Crowley Vista Point
- Alabama Hills (2h) : Whitney Portal Arch - One Mile Arch - Arch Tail : Mobius Arch (Sunset)
J20 : Lone Pine - Three Rivers (4h23 - 432km)
- Moro Rock (350 marches - 45min - Moyen)
- Crescent Meadow (3.2km - 1h15 - Facile)
J21 : Sequoia ST
- Big Trees Trail (2.4km - 1h - Facile)
- Congress Trail - General Sherman Tree (3.2km - 1h30 - Facile)
- Tokopah Falls (5.5km - 2h15) - Buena Vista Peak (3.2km - 1h20) - General Grant Tree Trail (0.8km - 30min - Facile)
OU
- General Grant Tree Trail (0.8km - 30min - Facile) - Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (3h AR)
J22 : Fresno - San Francisco (4h07 - 415km)
Départ : environ 15h
Itinéraire très bien préparé. Chargé mais tout n'est pas obligatoire 😉 vous aviserez sur place, surtout que si le circuit a lieu début 2016, les journées seront encore courtes... Attention à la neige aussi à plusieurs endroits, il vaudrait mieux faire ce circuit en avril voire mai !
Juste une remarque: Le vol retour devrait avoir lieu en J23 ou alors il faudrait être en J21 à San Francisco, ne pas prévoir de longue route le jour d'un vol international
Itinéraire très bien préparé. Encore une fois, ton blog m'a bien aidé.
Merci 🙂
Chargé mais tout n'est pas obligatoire 😉 vous aviserez sur place, surtout que si le circuit a lieu début 2016, les journées seront encore courtes... Attention à la neige aussi à plusieurs endroits, il vaudrait mieux faire ce circuit en avril voire mai !
Si ça te dérange pas, peux-tu me dire quelles journées te paraissent trop chargées?
Je voudrais partir fin Avril, début Mai en effet, mais ça sera peut être avant en fonction des vacances de ma copine.
Juste une remarque: Le vol retour devrait avoir lieu en J23 ou alors il faudrait être en J21 à San Francisco, ne pas prévoir de longue route le jour d'un vol international
Je suis parti sur un voyage du Samedi au Samedi donc normalement pas de J23. Ça m'embête de faire à peine une journée complète à Sequoia mais si tu penses que c'est plus raisonnable nous partirons dans l'après-midi de J22 pour SF.
Je ne comprends RIEN aux durées de vos parcours en véhicule ( j11 : 3h06/285 km ou j22 : 4h05/415 km , etc ) . Pensez-vous le dernier jour , par exemple , faire 415km en 4h06 ? C'est ABSURDE ! Donc , je répète je ne comprends RIEN à ces trajets/durées .
J16 le soir et j17 : avec sa résille protectrice , old végas ( fremont ) peut se visiter dans la journée mais le strip ne devient extraordinaire qu'à la tombée de la nuit donc le soir de j16 , profitez en et rebelotte le soir de j17 .
Amitiés .
Mais pas de soucis, car tu as mis plein de lieux en italique donc pas obligatoires 😉
Je pense par exemple au J16 ...
Pour le J21, tu peux partir de Sequoia en fin d'après-midi pour rouler de jour jusqu'à Fresno ... A partir de Fresno peu importe si tu roules de nuit, tu seras sur des autoroutes 😉
Je ne comprends RIEN aux durées de vos parcours en véhicule ( j11 : 3h06/285 km ou j22 : 4h05/415 km , etc ) . Pensez-vous le dernier jour , par exemple , faire 415km en 4h06 ? C'est ABSURDE ! Donc , je répète je ne comprends RIEN à ces trajets/durées .
J'ai oublié d'enlever les durées qui ne sont plus correctes. Pour les 415km en 4h06 c'est le trajet Three Rivers - Aéroport de SF (je me suis basé sur Google Maps).
J16 le soir et j17 : avec sa résille protectrice , old végas ( fremont ) peut se visiter dans la journée mais le strip ne devient extraordinaire qu'à la tombée de la nuit donc le soir de j16 , profitez en et rebelotte le soir de j17 .
Amitiés .
Oui j'étais parti la dessus sauf que je voudrais faire fremont le soir.
J'était parti sur Angel’s Landing le matin et l'après-midi VoF (Elephant Rock - Seven Sisters - Rainbow Vista - Fire Wave et une des 2 autres randos si on a le temps)
Pour le J21, tu peux partir de Sequoia en fin d'après-midi pour rouler de jour jusqu'à Fresno ... A partir de Fresno peu importe si tu roules de nuit, tu seras sur des autoroutes 😉
Pour Fremont , Itat a raison mais je n'ai pas tort : show-laser vers 19h45 qui dure +- 20mn donc vers 20h30, aller ( votre voiture ou bus urbain ) au centre du STRIP ( Caesar , Bélagio , etc ) .
Ceci dit , l'intérieur des casinos est aussi extraordinaire à 10h qu'à 22h . Ce que je veux dire , c'est que vous pourrez profiter de la ville 2 soirs si vous y arrivez même vers 22h le premier soir : les casinos se visitent gratuitement 24h/24 .
Je reviens sur les trajets en voiture: 415km/4h06 , c'est du 100km/h DE MOYENNE .
Par expérience , en France comme aux USA , si vous laissez le compteur sur 100km/h , vous faites du 85km/h de moyenne : il y a TOUJOURS des ralentissements , l'envie d'une mini halte photo/cigarette/café , etc et je parle uniquement sur autoroute
Enfin , il y a des portions qui sont à 55 miles et parfois à 50 miles plus l'approche d'un grand aéroport plus attente pour la restitution du véhicule loué , paperasse , etc .
Donc , un conseil : le dernier jour , comptez 6h de "trajet" : il vaut mieux poireauter un peu à l'aéroport que manquer le vol !
Amitiés
Je pense qu'on commencera la visite le J16 au soir en visitant les hôtels proche du notre (surement le Flamingo).
J17 matin : grasse matinée et piscine
J17 après-midi : visite du Strip puis en fin d'après-midi on va à Fremont puis de retour sur le strip pour le reste de la soirée.
Pour les durées de trajets, j'avais juste noté les durées Google Maps pour avoir une idée approximative des distances.
Très bien ! Car sauf peut-être 2 casinos un peu lointains ( à pied ) comme le Luxor et à côté celui en forme de château de Disney , TOUS ceux vraiment intéressants à visiter sont autour du Flamingo + en face du Belagio la féérie des jeux d'eau + pas loin le spectacle gratuit des Pirates + etc
La tour est plus loin : vue nocturne exceptionnelle . Il y a aussi le remarquable Cirque du Soleil .
Bref , il y a de quoi !
Fremont est vite visité car les intérieurs de ces casinos plus "antiques" n'ont rien de tremblant . C'est la vue de leurs façades depuis la rue à résille qui vaut le coup .
PS Puisque c'est dans +- 10-12 mois , amusez-vous à calculer une distance via autoroute en France par Google et faites le trajet SANS dépasser le 100km/h , le 65 miles et voyez le résultat
"vaut le coup ?" c'est comme monter à la tour Eiffel ou à l'Empire state : c'est pour le panorama et , je répète , c'est bien mieux au crépuscule et la nuit : LV est une ville clinquante , blingbling .
De toute façon , c'est sur le strip même entre Fremont et l'ensemble Caesar-Belagio-Flamingo alors , puisque vous serez motorisé , pas de problème et même si vous ne l'étiez pas comme ce fut mon cas à ma dernière visite , il y a des bus qui parcourent le Strip jusqu'à 23h/minuit ou les taxis.
PS Se relaxer le lendemain de l'arrivée , oui mais je répète que la visite intérieure des casinos est IDENTIQUE 24h/24 . Savourer les intérieurs du caesar et du belagio par exemple prend 30mn pour chacun , le double si vous êtes avec une femme car il y a de ces vitrines de boutiques de luxe...attention les yeux ! et le compte en banque ! et comme il y a +- 10 casinos exceptionnels sur le strip , faites le calcul : un peu moins de piscine !
J'ai une question sur ma deuxième journée. Est-elle réalisable tout en profitant de chaque visite ou est-ce que Point Reyes me fait faire un trop gros détour ?
A prendre en compte le fait que ce sera le premier jour sur place et que nous serons donc réveillé très très tôt.
J2 : San Francisco
- Muir Woods National Monument (2h)
- Muir Beach : Muir Beach Overlook
- Stinson Beach - Bolinas
- Point Reyes National Seashore (si le temps n’est pas brumeux) : Point Reyes Lighthouse - Earthquake Trail - Mount Vision Road
- Tiburon
- Sausalito : Marin City - Vista Point
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Conzelman Road) : Battery Spencer View - Point Bonita
- Golden Gate Bridge (paiement à faire sur internet)
Ah, c'est vous qui avez créé ce blog fantastique ?
Un grand merci pour vous, car il s'est avéré très utile (une mine d'infos) complet et intéressant (même pour un non-campeur) ... Bref, très précieux pour la préparation de mon séjour qui démarre ... lundi prochain !
Merci encore, Dom
Rester, c'est exister. Mais voyager, c'est vivre -Georges Brassens
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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?
