Discussions similar to: sur tour guidé Monument Valley
FR
Need help planning a Phoenix trip
Hi there, We decided this week to use our miles for a trip to Phoenix. We're putting our itinerary together in a hurry, and it's not coming together at all. I'd really appreciate some help if possible, please.

Back in 2007, we did a classic trip: LA, Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce, Zion, Las Vegas, Yosemite, and San Francisco. This time, we only have two weeks and don’t want to rush from one place to another...

(*-sites not yet visited) Arriving in Phoenix tomorrow morning - Monday the 14th - and leaving for Paris on Monday the 29th. - 14/09: Phoenix* - 2 nights to recover from the trip > Heard Museum, Botanical Garden, Downtown... - 16th: Flagstaff* (Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot Nat. Monument along the way) - 17th-20th: 3 nights at Grand Canyon - Maswik And here’s where it starts getting really messy: - 21st, 22nd... Monument Valley - 23rd... Canyon de Chelly* - 24th, 25th: Petrified Forest, Painted Desert* - 26th-27th: Sedona* - lots of hiking options - 28th: Evening in Phoenix, flight at 3 PM

If Monument Valley isn’t very doable this week because of rain, maybe it’d be better to go somewhere else, like straight to Canyon de Chelly, or even completely different—Zion (great hikes), Valley of Fire, Las Vegas, a night somewhere to break up the drive, Sedona, and then depart from Phoenix. Since this trip is last-minute, we’re a bit disorganized and would really appreciate any advice. Aside from Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, we haven’t booked any hotels yet, so it’s still flexible.

Thanks so much in advance!! Ruby
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Upper Antelope Canyon prices
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
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3-Week West USA Road Trip Itinerary
Hi there,

Alright, here’s my own road book for 3 weeks (late June – mid-July 2025) — looking forward to your feedback!

We’re not hikers or hardcore adventurers, so I’ve focused the itinerary on what we consider the essentials. We’re flying into SF and out of Las Vegas (because of airfare prices!) and also because I’m skipping Yosemite (doesn’t really tempt us). I’m planning a day trip to Death Valley from LV (been there before — it lets you see the highlights, and that was enough for me at the time). We’re not going as far as Canyon de Chelly — already done, and it didn’t really wow me. Just to note, this is pretty similar to a trip I’ve done before that worked well for us, but I’m open to tweaking it based on your suggestions. The duration (23 days) isn’t flexible — even one extra day sends the ticket prices skyrocketing.

Here’s what it looks like: Day 1: Arrival in SF Day 2 – Day 4: SF Day 5: Monterey (the Aquarium and the bay) – Overnight in Monterey Day 6 – Day 7: Drive down Highway 1 to Los Angeles – Overnight Day 6, e.g., in St. Simeon or nearby, and Day 7 in LA Day 8 – Day 9: LA (possibly an extra day) – Overnights in LA Day 10: Drive to Kingman and sightseeing – Overnight in Kingman Day 11: Drive to Grand Canyon and start exploring GC – Overnight in Tusayan Day 12: Explore GC – Overnight in Tusayan Day 13: Drive to Monument Valley and visit – Overnight nearby (Mexican Hat, Kayenta, etc.) Day 14: More sightseeing in the area (Valley of the Gods, Gooseneck Park) and drive to Mesa Verde – Overnight in Cortez Day 15: Visit Mesa Verde – Overnight in Cortez Day 16: Drive to Page and sightseeing – Overnight in Page Day 17: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend – Overnight in Page Day 18: Drive to Bryce Canyon NP and start exploring Bryce – Overnight in the area! Day 19: Explore Bryce => Question: It’s a 2.5-hour drive from Page to Bryce. If we leave early, can we see the highlights of Bryce on Day 18 and skip Day 19? I’ll admit, I don’t remember much (it was back in 2009!) Day 20: Drive to Las Vegas with stops along the way (a quick detour to Zion just to say we’ve been, Valley of Fire) – Overnight in LV Day 21: LV; Cirque du Soleil show in the evening – Overnight in LV Day 22: Day trip to Death Valley (or a lazy day and outlet shopping!) – Overnight in LV Day 23: Flight back at 4:10 PM, which still gives us time to enjoy the morning.

What do you think? Best regards,
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Trip report and practical tips for the American West Coast
Hi there, Just back from 25 days in May 2025 in the American West—here are some practical tips that might help you plan your trip.

Flight: 2 tickets for 1270 € with British Airways (Lyon-LA, SF-Lyon) SIM card: 12GB from Sim USA for 39 €. Useful for looking up accommodation every late afternoon. 12GB was enough for us. Car rental: Booked with BSP Autos. 21 days = 538 € for a Jeep Compass SUV picked up at LA airport and dropped off at SF airport. An SUV isn’t essential at all, but since we had one, we did take some easy dirt roads. Driving is straightforward, highways are toll-free. Gas: Averaged $3.80/gallon = 1 €/liter. We drove 6700 km and spent $500 on gas. Big price differences between states, and even between stations in the same state. We checked Google Maps/fuel for the best deals. Water: Not recommended to drink tap water. We refilled two 3L bottles regularly at visitor centers in the parks and froze two 1L bottles overnight to keep water cool during the day. Money: Bring cash for tips and gas—sometimes cheaper when paying in cash. Accommodation: Averaged $100/night. Only the first night in LA was booked in advance. For the rest of the trip, we found places to stay (mostly motels outside the parks) near where we were each late afternoon by checking availability on Booking, among others. No issues finding places in May—the advantage was the freedom to improvise. For example, we’d planned to do the loop counterclockwise: LA, Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon. But seeing the forecast (3 days of snow and freezing temps at GC), we headed straight from JT to Las Vegas, did the loop clockwise, and by the time we got back to GC, the weather was perfect. Weather: Aside from the first 3 mixed days, we had perfect weather—20-30°C, except Death Valley (37°C) and SF (15°C). Food: Depends on your appetite. For us, snacks during the day, a bigger meal in the evening, plus miscellaneous extras—our budget was $40/day. Miscellaneous: The "America the Beautiful" pass is a must—80 $. Website: For us, the best site was roadtrippin’. Our itinerary: LA, Joshua Tree, Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Arches, Colorado National Monument, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Mesa Verde, Natural Bridges, Gooseneck Point, Canyon de Chelly, Painted Desert Park, Petrified Forest Park, Sedona, Grand Canyon, Route 66, LV, Red Rock Canyon Park, Death Valley, Sequoia Park, Yosemite Park, Big Sur-Monterey, San Francisco. 25 days—we didn’t lounge around, but we didn’t rush either. We took time in each park to drive the scenic routes, visit viewpoints, and do at least one hike (max 2 hours) per park.

Happy travels!
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Feedback on my Colorado - New Mexico - Arizona road trip
Hi everyone,

Let me introduce myself. I’m 45 and traveling with my husband and my daughter, who’ll be 17 soon. We’re used to road-trip-style vacations, in the US or elsewhere. This will be our 5th trip to the US. We’ve already visited several states: New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Washington DC, Florida, Wyoming, South Dakota, California, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. I’d like to plan another trip starting from Denver to Colorado and New Mexico, which we haven’t explored yet, with a stop in a part of Arizona we haven’t visited before. So, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary if you’re familiar with the area. We’ll be traveling in the summer of 2026—admittedly not the best time for this route, but it’s the only time we can all get away for long enough. I’m also tied to the dates for Cheyenne Frontier Days, which we want to attend at the start of the trip. Thanks in advance for your input!

Day 1: Departure from Frankfurt > Arrival in Denver around 3 PM. Night in Denver

Day 2: Denver > Cheyenne Quick visit to Denver Drive to Cheyenne in the late afternoon 2-hour drive Night in Cheyenne Day 3: Cheyenne Frontier Days Night in Cheyenne

Day 4: Cheyenne > Estes Park (Rocky Mountains) Frontier Days during the day. Departure in the late afternoon for Estes Park 2-hour drive Night in Estes Park

Day 5: Hiking in the Rocky Mountains Nights in Estes Park

Day 6: Estes Park > Glenwood Springs We’ll take the day to drive the scenic route and stop at various viewpoints. Night in Glenwood Springs

Day 7: Glenwood Springs Hiking the Hanging Lake Trail + relaxing in the hot springs Night in Glenwood Springs

Day 8: Glenwood Springs > Montrose Visit Colorado NM along the way 3.5-hour drive Night in Montrose

Day 9: Black Canyon Night in Montrose

Day 10: Montrose > Farmington Visit Durango (without taking the train), Ouray, or Silverton along the way? 3.5-hour drive Night in Farmington

Day 11: Farmington > Chinle Bisti Badlands until early afternoon 3-hour drive Night in Chinle

Day 12: Chinle > Sedona Canyon de Chelly in the morning 4-hour drive Night in Sedona

Day 13 - 14: Hiking in Sedona Nights in Sedona

Day 15: Sedona > Tucson Saguaro West Park 3.5-hour drive Night at a ranch in Tucson

Day 16 - 17: Tucson City visit in the morning + ranch activities in the afternoon Nights at a ranch in Tucson

Day 18: > Wilcox Chiricahua NP 1-hour drive Night in Wilcox

Day 19: Wilcox > Alamogordo White Sands in the late afternoon 4.5-hour drive Night in Alamogordo

Day 20: Alamogordo > Carlsbad White Sands in the morning Bat viewing in the evening at Carlsbad 4.5-hour drive Night in Carlsbad

Day 21: Carlsbad > Albuquerque Cave visit in the morning Quick stop in Roswell 4.25-hour drive Night in Albuquerque Day 22: Albuquerque > Santa Fe Visit Albuquerque 1-hour drive Night in Santa Fe

Day 23: Santa Fe Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks in the morning Visit Santa Fe in the afternoon Night in Santa Fe

Day 24: Santa Fe Bandelier in the morning Visit Santa Fe in the afternoon Night in Santa Fe

Day 25: Santa Fe > Alamosa Taos Pueblo along the way Great Sand Dunes in the late afternoon Zapata Falls Night in Alamosa

Day 26: Alamosa > Denver 4-hour drive Departure around 7 PM

Looking forward to your suggestions, corrections, and feedback!
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5 weeks in the American West with family in summer 2026
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!!
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Our experience in the American West with a French-speaking guide
Hey everyone!

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!
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From Yosemite to the Canadian Rockies: Questions for Our Road Trip
Hi everyone!

Let me introduce us quickly—I’m Matteo (21, originally from Paris, but I’ve been living near the Pyrenees and the Alps for the past 3 years), and my girlfriend Justine (21, grew up in the Alps). We’re starting to get really fed up with being cooped up and sitting in chairs (yep, we’re studying physics and geography at the École Normale Supérieure in Lyon). So, we’re taking a gap year to make a slightly crazy project happen: hitting the road, meeting people, and most importantly—climbing, skiing, and exploring the mountains!

We’ve always been into the mountains: •🧗‍♂️ 6c-7a/b sport climbing, 6b trad •❄️ Skiing and ice climbing (grade 4/5) •🏔️ Alpine climbing in the Alps (Chamonix, Écrins…) and the Pyrenees—I’m training to become a High Mountain Guide

Our project in a nutshell: •Buying a van (or 4x4) converted in British Columbia around September/October 2025. Ideally, we’d go straight to the US to buy the vehicle there (but reselling might be easier if we buy in Canada). •Heading down to the US to climb at legendary spots like Yosemite, Tuolumne (if it’s too hot), Indian Creek, Moab, and Joshua Tree. •Heading back up to the Canadian Rockies around December for skiing, ice climbing, and winter alpine climbing (might be easier to buy skis there). •Selling the vehicle in Canada at the end of the trip (we need to be back in France by early March 2026 because Justine is preparing for the AMM). I’ve already been to the Rockies, but I want to go back in winter for ice climbing. It’ll probably be too cold to sleep in the van, so we’re hoping to find a small cabin, lodge, or chalet (ideally alone or shared to cut costs). Otherwise, we could work for a month or two at a hostel or something to get free accommodation and earn money to rent a place another month just for climbing. •Visa-wise: we’re hoping to get our Working Holiday Visa (WHV) (still waiting for a response) so we can work there during the trip. For the US, we’ll stay as tourists (no work visa—too complicated and expensive). Any feedback on the WHV or differences from a regular work visa would be great. •With our savings (we’re working in mountain huts this summer), we should be able to buy the van. For daily expenses, I’m hoping to tutor online (math and physics). We live pretty simply and resourcefully: we plan to sleep mostly in the van, cook for ourselves, wash in rivers, and make the most of free nature spots. We’re super motivated, pretty well-rounded when it comes to mountain sports, and we’re not afraid to live simply for a year (we’ve got other projects too: biking to Greece with our climbing gear, a trip to Patagonia for alpine climbing).

Questions and advice: Of course, a road trip like this raises a lot of practical questions. This is our first time embarking on an adventure of this scale, so we’d love to hear your experiences and tips. If any of you have done a long van trip in North America or a WHV in Canada, your insights would be incredibly helpful! Here are some of the questions we’ve got: How do we buy (and later sell) a converted van in British Columbia? We’ll probably land in Vancouver. Is it better to look for a vehicle on online classifieds, Facebook groups, or used car dealerships? Are there any pitfalls to avoid when buying? And for selling it a year later, any tips to make it go smoothly (best time to sell, paperwork, etc.)? What budget should we plan for van life in North America and Canada? If you’ve got any info or feedback on the cost of living in a van in Canada/the US, we’d love to hear it. We’re thinking about expenses like gas (a big one, I imagine!), van maintenance, car insurance, possible tolls, campgrounds or paid spots, etc. We’d like to get an idea of a daily or monthly budget so we’re not too tight. In France, we never stay at campgrounds—we prefer being alone or going where we want. Is that possible in the US and Canada? Any tips for saving money (free camping spots, useful apps…) would be great! Visas, borders, and paperwork: We’re hoping to get a WHV for Canada, but in the US, we’ll be on a tourist visa (90 days max with ESTA, I think). Has anyone combined a WHV in Canada with a trip to the US on the same trip? Anything we should know about crossing the border in a van (insurance, customs, how long we’re allowed in the US, etc.)? We want to avoid any administrative hassles, so any advice on this would be super helpful. Route and seasonality for climbing and skiing: We’re thinking of starting climbing in the US around fall 2025 (probably September/October). Is that the right season for Yosemite, Indian Creek, and Moab? Any must-see spots along the way? For winter, we’re aiming for December to March in the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper, Golden…) for skiing and ice climbing. Any tips on ice climbs or major backcountry skiing spots? We’ve got all our climbing, skiing, and alpine gear—should we bring it all or buy some stuff there? Is the “Wilderness Season Pass” for winter in the Rockies worth it? We came across this pass that offers 7 months of unlimited nights in HI mountain hostels in the Rockies. Has anyone here tried it? Are the dorms usually crowded? Working on the road: To fund the trip, we’re planning to work a bit along the way. Any tips for finding work in Canada while traveling (peak seasons at ski resorts, WWOOFing, odd jobs…)? That’s it for our (many) questions 😅! If you’ve done a similar trip—or even just parts of it (van life, climbing tour, winter in Canada…)—we’d love to hear your experiences, or even if you’re in the area and want to share a few days of climbing. All your contacts, advice, and tips will be a huge help.

Thanks in advance! We can’t wait to read your replies and refine our project with your help.

Matteo & Justine

PS: I’m looking for a summer job from August to September, preferably in a mountain hut (extra help, replacements, etc.). If you’ve got any contacts, don’t hesitate! I’ve also posted on another forum about this with my CV and cover letter (DEMANDE dxsdxsdsxdsx - Forum de www.refuges.info).
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Outfitter for Little Finland in Nevada
Hi, Is there, to your knowledge, an outfitter or several outfitters that include a visit to Little Finland in Nevada in their offerings? If so, have you had any experience with them and do you have their contact details? Thanks in advance!
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Our road trip through the American Southwest for summer 2026
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).

Return to France: Dallas-Montpellier via CDG.

Cheers!
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Hotel room in Manhattan with parking
Hi there,

I’m looking for a hotel room for my wife and me and our 2 kids to visit Manhattan (NYC). We’ll be arriving from Montreal in a rental car.

Do you have any suggestions for hotels with parking or hotels without parking but with affordable parking nearby, either in Manhattan or not too far away?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Gigi
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Which route to choose for Taos to Albuquerque?
Hi everyone, For our leg from Taos to Albuquerque, we have two options with roughly the same mileage and driving time: Either the light blue route (NM 518 then NM 76) or the dark blue route (NM 68), which would let us visit the Embudo Gas Museum. We’d love to stop at the Chimayó Sanctuary if it’s worth the small detour. We’ll have already taken NM 518 from Las Vegas to Taos. Which route is prettier and has the most points of interest? Afterward, we’ll take the Turquoise Trail between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Thanks for your input! Marcalamar :)

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Questions about SUV trails and must-sees for a California road trip
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 🙂
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Need info on the road to White Pocket and Reflection Canyon
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.
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Feedback on two-week Florida itinerary with young kids
Hi everyone,

We’re heading to Florida at the end of October with our 2- and 4-year-olds. I’d love to get your thoughts on the itinerary we’re considering.

Since we’re traveling with little ones, we’re keeping the number of stops limited to make things easier for them and avoid packing and unpacking every day.

Here’s the plan so far: Day 1: Land in Orlando at 6 PM Day 2: Orlando (rest day) Day 3: Disney World (Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starting at 4 PM, so we’ll pick one Disney park for the day) Day 4: Orlando > Anna Maria Island (stopping in St. Petersburg) Day 5: Anna Maria Island Day 6: Anna Maria Island > Fort Myers or Naples Day 7: Fort Myers or Naples Day 8: Visit Sanibel and stay overnight in Fort Myers or Naples Day 9: Fort Myers or Naples > Miami (via Shark Valley) Day 10: Miami Day 11: Miami > Keys (stopping in the Everglades?) Day 12: Day trip to Key West Day 13: Keys Day 14: Keys and return to the airport in the evening for our flight

For the Keys, I was thinking Marathon or Islamorada might be a good base with kids—less driving on the last day, too. What do you think?

For the 3 nights in Fort Myers or Naples, where do you think is better to stay? We’d like to spend one day on Sanibel and the rest relaxing. We’ve only planned 2 nights in Miami. Is that a mistake? Should we cut one night from Naples/Fort Myers to add an extra night in Miami? If so, maybe skip Sanibel. Also, does ending in the Keys instead of Miami seem like a bad idea? We’d be staying in Marathon or Islamorada, which keeps prices more reasonable since it’s a weekday. Plus, it lets us break up the drive from Naples to the Keys without adding an extra stop near the Everglades, which would mean another hotel change for the kids.

Thanks so much for your help!

Caroline
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Itinerary dilemma in Louisiana and Texas
After days of reading, I've put together the following route... the issue is that we can't find many travelers who've done this exact itinerary. We've already done a road trip on the West Coast.

My round-trip ticket to New Orleans is booked—it's my home base.

What do you think? Too much time spent in some stops, not enough in others? Could I get your thoughts?
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National parks in the American West in July: crowds and heat
Hi everyone, I’m planning a road trip along the American West Coast in July 25 and, of course, I’d love to visit the parks east of Las Vegas. The crowds—but especially the heat—are making me second-guess whether it’s a good idea (the parks). I’d really appreciate your (honest!) feedback from those who’ve been there. Is the experience ruined? Maybe it’s manageable (early morning visits)? I have no doubt the scenery will be breathtaking, but does the context let you fully enjoy it? Thanks so much in advance for sharing your thoughts!
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Which route is the most interesting between Buffalo and Cody?
Hi there,

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!

Laura
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Planning King Canyon and Sequoia National Park
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 🙂
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23-Day Itinerary in the Pacific Northwest (USA) and Western Canada
Hi everyone,

We’re heading to the Pacific Northwest (USA) and Western Canada this summer. We’ve made some progress planning, but we still have a few questions.

Our trip is mostly nature-focused—hiking, wildlife spotting (ideally bears, orcas/whales, otters, etc.), mountains, forests—and a few days in cities, though we’re not big on museums.

We’re looking at flying into Seattle (cheaper than Vancouver), then renting a car and staying in Airbnbs.

A few years ago, we traveled through eastern Canada/USA (Halifax/Montréal/Boston/Halifax) and ended up driving *way* too much and switching accommodations too often. This time, we’d like to settle in a bit more.

Here’s our current plan:

- 2 nights in Seattle to avoid hitting the road right after the flight. One day for a quick city visit, then we’ll leave early after the second night. -> Heading to Olympic National Park from the south.

- 4 nights near Olympic National Park, likely around Forks. -> Then to Port Angeles and a ferry to Vancouver Island via Victoria (maybe 1 night there).

- 7 nights in Port Alberni, which seems like a central base for exploring Vancouver Island (Tofino, Pacific Rim, Cathedral Grove, etc.). We really want to enjoy the area without constantly packing and unpacking.

The issue is, that brings us to 13–14 nights, and we’d like to spend 2 in Vancouver.

We’re wondering if we should head farther north on the island and add a few more days, or reduce our stay in Port Alberni to explore the north as well.

After that, we’d have about a week left. We’re considering a detour near the Canadian Rockies, then slowly making our way back to Seattle via North Cascades National Park.

Anyway, we’d love your input on all this!

Thanks for your suggestions,

Emilie and Thomas
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NYC-Philadelphia-Washington itinerary in winter
Hi there,

We’re planning a trip to the U.S. in January, with the constraint of needing to be in Washington by February 3rd... Normally, I’m not big on museums or indoor visits, but I think I won’t have much choice in January.

Just to clarify, I’ve already visited NYC (didn’t love it) and Philadelphia (one-day trip, and I *loved* it). My partner has never been to the East Coast.

My initial idea was to drive from NYC to Washington by rental car, stopping in Lancaster County (and a quick detour to Strasburg as a Strasbourger—😁). But the rental car prices are sky-high, plus the hassle of parking (you have to stay on the outskirts of cities to find a spot) and the winter weather. Accommodations around Lancaster were also pretty expensive, so I’ve tweaked the original plan...

Here’s our current itinerary: - Day 1: Arrive in NYC around 4 PM - Days 2–5: NYC - Day 6: Take the bus to Philadelphia, explore Philadelphia - Day 7: Visit Lancaster County with a day rental car from Philadelphia - Day 8: More time in Philadelphia - Day 9: Take the bus to Washington - Days 10–12: Explore Washington - Day 13: Fly home at 10 PM

My main questions: - Is it easy to visit Lancaster County in a day from Philadelphia with a day rental car? - Is there any point in adding a day in Baltimore? - Does this seem logical, or am I missing too much compared to my original plan of driving from NYC to Washington? - Any winter-friendly sightseeing tips for these cities?

Thanks so much for your help—I’m thrilled to be back on the forum! :)

Anna
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3-week road trip in the American West
Hey everyone!

So, I'm in the middle of planning a 3-week road trip, and of course, I have a ton of questions. But first, maybe I should start with the basics:

When: July 5–28, 2025. Who: 4 people (2 teens and 2 adults). How: Flight tickets already booked (LH and United).

Where (overnights): 07/05: Arrival in SF. Night in SF. 07/06: SF. 07/07: SF. 07/08: Early departure? for Yosemite (Mariposa) – question 1. 07/09: Yosemite. 07/10: Mammoth Lake? (Accommodation in the area? Or somewhere else like 2 nights in Death Valley?) – question 2. 07/11: Death Valley. 07/12: LV. 07/13: LV. 07/14: Zion. 07/15: Bryce Canyon. 07/16: Bryce Canyon. 07/17: Moab. 07/18: Moab. 07/19: Moab. 07/20: Monument Valley. 07/21: Page. 07/22: Grand Canyon (better to stay 2 nights in Page or Grand Canyon?) – question 3. 07/23: Grand Canyon. 07/24: Kingman. 07/25: LA. 07/26: LA. 07/27: LA. 07/28: Return to France.

And question 4: For the car rental, I think it’s better to pick it up right when we arrive (to save time). But once we get to LA, should we drop it off at the airport or earlier to avoid being stuck with it (and paying extra for parking)? (We’re staying near Venice Beach for now.)

Anyway, if you spot any other inconsistencies, let me know! But I think it should work—I’ve already read 5 or 6 travel journals, so I’m feeling pretty set. :)

Right now, I’m deep into researching the rental car. I’m tempted to go for the Tahoe, but I’m not sure which site to use... So far, it’s hovering around 2000 €—quite the budget!
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Family Road Trip: San Francisco - Portland - San Francisco
Hi there,

We’re planning a family road trip (kids aged 10 and 15) over 23 days between San Francisco and Portland (Northern California and Oregon). It’ll be a loop. We want to take our time with hikes but also enjoy the cities to relax a bit (Portland / SF).

Here’s our itinerary—I’d love your thoughts on the places we’ve picked, suggestions for stops along the way, and whether this route is doable given the distances (especially Tahoe Lake to Crater Lake and Crater Lake to Portland):

Day 1: Arrive in San Francisco midday, head to Yosemite (3 nights). Day 1/2: Yosemite Valley / Glacier Point, etc. Day 3: Tioga Road with a stop at Mono Lake (1 night in Bridgeport). Day 4: Bodie in the morning, then drive to North Lake Tahoe (2 nights in North Lake Tahoe). Day 5: Lake Tahoe. Day 6: Long drive to Crater Lake via Burney Falls? (2 nights in Fort Klamath). Day 7: Crater Lake. Day 8: Drive to Portland via Bend (4 nights in Portland). Days 9–11: Portland + Columbia Gorge. Day 12: Portland to Newport via Highway 101: Cannon Beach/Tillamook (1 night in Newport). Day 13: Newport to Golden Beach via Florence/Oregon Dunes (1 night in Golden Beach). Day 14: Drive to Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park (3 nights near Crescent City). Days 15–16: Redwood National Park (Fern Canyon / Avenue of the Giants, etc.). Day 17: Drive along the coast via Eureka / Fort Bragg (1 night in Willits). Day 18: Drive to San Francisco via Napa Valley (5 nights in SF). Days 19–22: San Francisco. Day 23: Departure.

Everything’s booked but still flexible, so I can adjust if needed.

Thanks in advance!
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Feedback on Louisiana and Texas road trip (United States)
We were lucky enough to explore the American West a few years ago... a VERY fond travel memory. The urge to return to the USA is calling us...

We're heading out in August with our two grown sons: 21 and 18 years old.

We want to discover another part of the US and I found this itinerary on a website:

Day 1 - New Orleans Day 2 - New Orleans Day 3 - Natchez Day 4 - Dallas Day 5 - Dallas Day 6 - Dallas Day 7 - Austin Day 8 - Austin Day 9 - San Antonio Day 10 - San Antonio Day 11 - Houston Day 12 - Houston - NASA Day 13 - Lake Charles Day 14 - Lake Charles Day 15 - Lafayette Day 16 - Lafayette - White Castle Day 17 - White Castle - Vacherie (Oak Alley) Day 18 - New Orleans Day 19 - New Orleans Does this seem like too many cities?

We love: big landscapes, museums, history, and shopping.

What do you think?

Gaetano
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Exploring California's major coastal cities in two weeks
We’d like to do the California coast in two weeks this September. Two adults, rental car, and Airbnb. First time except for San Francisco, where we’re starting a cruise. Is San Francisco-Los Angeles-San Diego doable? If not, what are the must-sees? Thanks! !
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Which neighborhood to stay in in Boston?
Hello,

I have the chance to visit Boston for the holidays and I'm looking for accommodation. Any neighborhoods you’d recommend?

We’ll be there for about ten days and can rent a car or use public transit if needed. What do you suggest in the area? For now, we’re sticking to the city and will decide based on the weather.

See you soon,
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3 weeks between Boston and Quebec
Hi everyone,

We’ve been racking our brains for cool ideas/itineraries for our vacation since, whether due to tourist crowds or unsuitable weather in the destination country, summer options aren’t endless (especially since we’re always forced to take most of our vacation time in July/August)...

We thought about combining a short stretch of the U.S. East Coast with Montréal/Niagara Falls/Toronto. The lakes look really pretty, but we’re worried it might feel a bit too familiar, and time-wise, it could get tight (we’d rather not spend our whole trip on the road). Still, we’re also considering a road trip in Western Canada.

What do you think of the plan below? We can add two extra nights somewhere if needed.

Thanks so much in advance!

Have a great day!

Day 1: Arrival in Boston – Night in Boston Day 2: Boston – Night in Boston Day 3: Boston – Night in Boston Day 4: Cambridge / Harvard – Night in Boston Day 5: Salem – Night in Boston Day 6: Newport – Night in Newport Day 7: Newport – Night in Newport Day 8: Cape Cod – Night in Cape Cod Day 9: Cape Cod – Night in Cape Cod Day 10: Flight to Toronto from Boston – Night in Toronto Day 11: Niagara Falls – Night in Toronto Day 12: Toronto-Ottawa – Night in Ottawa Day 13: Parc Omega – Night in Montréal Day 14: Montréal – Night in Montréal Day 15: Montréal – Night in Montréal Day 16: Montréal – Night in Montréal Day 17: Montréal – Night in Montréal
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15-Day Louisiana Road Trip
We’re two couples planning a 15-day road trip in Louisiana. Do you think 15 days is too long? I’ve seen on some sites that a week is enough. Can we extend our trip to include Texas, or is that unrealistic? Thanks for your help!😊
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Notre parcours dans le Sud Ouest des Etats-Unis pour l'été 2026
Hello Tutti !

Encore assez éloignée mais la date approche.

En résumé,

Esta Check Tickets AF Check Parking Longue durée Montpellier Check Location Auto via Hertz BSP Check Arrosage du citronnier en notre absence check Plus de chats check Vérification niveau d'eau piscine check Régime alimentaire préparatoire en cours Check List finale en cours Matos photos, Z8 + 24/70+70/200 + Panasonic compact + DJI Pocket 3 + Dashcam voiture check Road Book, en cours. Analyse météo en cours. (Feux de Forêts à suivre) A prévoir : Levé tôt pour les photos sur place (5/6heures locales)

31 Juillet Montpellier-CDG-Dallas Hôtel Fort Worth et Walmart

1er Aout Stockyards, les vaches, les boutiques, les restos... Soir, Old Town si pas fatigués.

2 Aout Musée Medal of Honor Ranch JR pour Madame Soir, Old Town si pas fatigués.

3 Aout Vers Houston On prend l'air au bord de l'eau

4 Aout Space center + golfe du Mexique ou d'Amérique selon les gouts.

5 Aout Vers San Antonio Photos soir Alamo

6 Aout Le tour des missions en vélo (enfin on verra)

7 Aout Vers Fort Stockton pour nuit étape Soirée en ville ou apéro hôtel au frais

8 aout Vers El Paso via Guadalupe Mountains Old city le soir, apéro light

9 Aout White Sand aux aurores et Musée Espace Alamogordo Scénic drive El Paso le soir après ou avant apéro.

10 Aout Vers Tucson Old city le soir, apéro light

11 Aout Prima Air Museum Old Tucson Studios Old city le soir, apéro light

12 Aout Tombstone Bisbee

13 Aout Sagaro National Park Old city le soir, apéro light

14 Aout Vers Sedona par Apache Trail ou Roosevelt Dam par l'Est Old city le soir, apéro light

15 Aout Road Trip Sedona, Flagstaff, Williams et retour Couché de soleil Airport

16 Aout Une virée sur Grand Canyon déjà vu mais on y retourne. Une boucle de balade

17 Aout Anniversaire de mon épouse surnommée le Prime Minister. Si j'oublie, je suis mort. Vers Albuquerque. Ce n'est pas à coté. Old city le soir, apéro light

18 Aout Santa Fe et retour par Los Alamos à voir.

19 Aout Albuquerque City. Musée des Snakes !!! Au pays des Crotales !

20 Aout Vers Amarillo Old city le soir, apéro light 6th Street et apéro

21 Aout Musées et Big Texas Ranch Steak !!! Old city le soir, apéro light si digestion terminée

22 Aout Vers Dallas Old city le soir, apéro light

23 Aout Musée JFK Et divers

24 aout Dallas Downtown en cours d'évaluation

25 Aout Retour France

26 Aout Arrivée Montpellier.

Et de toute façon, tout est modulable au jour le jour.

Il va faire chaud, c'est sûr. Sieste prévue de tout façon. Nous n'avons plus vingt ans ...

Tchuuss.
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