Road trip guidance Vegas, parks, San Fran

Question

Hi. I am planning a road trip and would. E grateful for some advice. I’m from the uk and never travelled to this part of the country.

With my family (2teenagers) we land in Las Vegas for 3 nights. We plan to pick up a car and spend 1 night at Grand Canyon via a stop at hoover.

We think it’s best to travel to Bryce canon for 1 night, missing Antelope, Page area.

Then drive to Death Valley for 1 night, followed by Yosemite for 2 nights.

We will end up back on the coast for a night to whale watch at Monterey finishing with 3 night in San Fran. We have about 15 nights in total.

Are there any tips, alternative opinions, maybe stay longer/less in places? Anything appreciated

Answer

Your road trip itinerary sounds incredible, and it's great that you're planning to see some of the most iconic national parks and landmarks in the western United States! With 15 days, you’ll have a good amount of time to explore, but I would suggest making a few adjustments to optimize travel times and experience more of the unique spots. Here are my suggestions and some additional tips:

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon (via Hoover Dam) – 3 Nights

Your 3 nights in Las Vegas sound perfect. You’ll get time to adjust and enjoy some of the city's entertainment and attractions before heading out on your road trip. The Hoover Dam is a great stop on your way to the Grand Canyon. It's only about 30-45 minutes from Las Vegas, so it's a perfect pit stop. The Grand Canyon is an incredible destination, and one night is typically enough for the main viewpoints, but if you're interested in doing any of the hikes or watching the sunrise, you could consider adding an extra half-day here.

Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon – 1 Night

Heading from Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon is a great idea. It will give you a chance to explore a different type of landscape. One night in Bryce is sufficient if you are focusing on the main highlights such as Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and the Rim Trail. If your family enjoys hiking, consider taking the Navajo Loop Trail for some spectacular views. Just be mindful of the elevation (over 8,000 feet) and pace yourself. Since you're skipping Antelope Canyon, this makes Bryce even more of a focal point.

Bryce Canyon to Death Valley – 1 Night

Next, you plan to visit Death Valley. This will be a long drive (around 6-7 hours), but it’s worth it if you’re keen on seeing this stark, unique desert landscape. I’d recommend spending the night here so you can see some of the main attractions like Badwater Basin and Dante’s View. Just be aware that temperatures can still be quite high, especially if you’re going in spring or summer, so always carry plenty of water. Since you're only staying one night, I think you’ll have enough time to hit the major spots without feeling rushed.

Death Valley to Yosemite – 2 Nights

Yosemite is absolutely stunning, and two nights should give you enough time to explore some of the park's most famous spots like Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Glacier Point. If your family is into hiking, consider tackling the Mist Trail or one of the shorter trails around the valley. The drive from Death Valley to Yosemite will be long (around 7-8 hours), so it might be worth factoring in a rest stop or two. Consider staying in or near the park to maximize your time there.

Yosemite to Monterey (Whale Watching) – 1 Night

Monterey is a fantastic choice for whale watching. You could easily make the drive from Yosemite to Monterey in about 4-5 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the town, visit the aquarium, and take the whale-watching tour. If you're there in late spring, the whale migration should be in full swing. Make sure to book your tour in advance, as spots can fill up quickly during peak seasons. One night here should be enough, unless you're keen on exploring more of the coast.

Monterey to San Francisco – 3 Nights

Finally, you’ll end up in San Francisco, which is a fantastic way to cap off your road trip. Three nights in the city will give you a chance to explore iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and ride the famous cable cars. You could also take a bike ride around the city or explore nearby areas like Muir Woods or Sausalito. With teenagers, they'll likely enjoy exploring the city, and there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Alternative Suggestions:

Consider an extra night in Yosemite: If you have the flexibility, adding an extra night in Yosemite would give you more time to explore and reduce the stress of the long drive. Yosemite is worth lingering in!
Skip or shorten Death Valley: If you're concerned about the long driving distances, especially with kids, you could consider spending more time at Bryce or adding a short stop in Zion National Park, which is not far from Bryce Canyon.
Check for road closures in Yosemite: If traveling in early spring, some areas of Yosemite might be closed due to snow, so always check road conditions in advance. Some parts of Yosemite may only be accessible via the Tioga Pass in summer, so ensure you’re going during the open season.

General Tips:

Booking in Advance: Especially for national parks, lodging can fill up fast. Make sure to book accommodations ahead of time, particularly in popular spots like Yosemite and Grand Canyon.
National Park Pass: If you're planning to visit multiple national parks, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful pass, which gives you access to all national parks for one fee.
Pack for All Weather: Weather can vary widely depending on where you are, so be prepared for everything from heat in Death Valley to cooler temperatures in Yosemite or Monterey.

Overall, it looks like a wonderful trip! Make sure to leave some time for spontaneous stops along the way, as there's plenty of hidden gems between the major destinations.

Road trip guidance Vegas, parks, San Fran

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