Cross Country and back advice appreciated

We are taking a trip from NYC to California and back.

We are planning to drive the northern route to San Francisco, going down through California and returning across the southern route.

The part of the trip that is the most challenging to plan is coming down through California.

I'd love some advice on what to see and what to exclude on this trip.
Of course we'd love to spend days or weeks at several locations, but we only have about six weeks for the whole trip.

I'll be traveling with my 7 kids -- ages 6-17. Besides seeing the national parks, any suggestions on activities or attractions that would be memorable for the kids.
We plan to camp some of the time, but do hotels most of the time.
We haven't traveled any further west than TX before, so everything will be new to us.


As of now, we hope to stop at the following places -
Badlands, SD
Mt. Rushmore, SD
Yellowstone NP
Grand Teton NP
Lake Tahoe
Yosemite NP
San Francisco
Pacific Coast Highway
Sequoia NP
Disneyland
Sedona, AZ
Hoover Dam
Grand Canyon
Zion NP
Bryce NP
Arches NP
Mesa Verde NP
San Antonio
Back to NY


I know this is an ambitious itinerary, but I don't expect we will make this trip again any time soon, so we'd like to see as much as possible.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you!

That looks like quite the family adventure ! Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

I think at this point of your planning you need to start breaking your trip into smaller segments [maybe 4 parts] and then each segment into days just to see how you can fit it in to suit your your travel style. For example how much time you may want in each National park and how well your Kids travel in the vehicle when covering distance. With that size group I wouldn't look to travel any more than 500 miles on a 'travel' day, but personally I like to keep to highways and Byways where possible and keep it to 300-350 miles per day which allows you time for stops at smaller attractions.

National park lodging and those nearby can get booked up early in the summer months [and be more expensive] so you may want to look at options. If you plan to camp the NP's are great value but again availability is limited although you do have some 'First come first served' non reservable sites if you arrive early in the day. Keep in mind that some need a few days to really enjoy them, especially places like Yellowstone [3-4 days] and Yosemite [2-3 days]. San Antonio is a big detour, depending on how much you want to go there and what else you may want to visit after, you could look at some of the other amazing sites in and around the Colorado Rockies. If you did want to go as far south then you might look at going to Southern Utah etc after the Tetons and before Yosemite and then take a southern route from LA to Sedona and San Antonio etc.

There are thousands of other attractions along a route of this size and once you start breaking it down and seeing your timeline you will be able to look closer at what appeals and of course once you have done so, we can offer suggestions and perhaps alternatives to help 'Fine tune' your trip.

Hi Southwest Dave!

Thanks for your reply.
This will be a big adventure for us!

We have to keep San Antonio - visiting family. That is as far west as we have been.
Two summers ago we did a five week trip to TX and back stopping all through the south.
The kids traveled pretty well then. That trip was open ended and other than 1 week planned in Houston - the rest of the trip was open ended.

Due to accommodations around the parks - this trip will need to have a more solid itinerary.

I wanted to add more of CO - and Rocky Mountain NP. I'm not sure if I will have the time.
Do you think it is a "must see"?

I'd also considered coming south for Great Salt Lake. Again, not sure if there is time and if it will be a "must see".

After reading your post, I am considering rerouting to go further south after Grand Teton and doing more of CO and UT.

Fitting everything in CA efficiently has been a challenge.
Originally, I was considering coming across to CA after Grand Teton - stopping at Craters of the Moon then into Lake Tahoe. Not sure if either of those are must sees.

That plan would have us criss-crossing CA in order to do the Pacific Coast drive and Disney as well as the in state NPs. It's appears inefficient to cross the state more than 2x.

Perhaps a better plan would be to go south after Grand Teton and do CO and cross over to CA further south. That would allow us to see CO, and more of UT. We could stay inland CA and head north through the parks to Lake Tahoe and then across to San Francisco and down the coast.

This would bring us back across CA and through AZ and NM into TX.

I will work on the mileage for both to see if there is a major difference.

I will break it down into segments like you suggested and post them for tips and advice.
The first part seems relatively easy. We won't do any/many sightseeing stops until we get to SD.

Any tips on areas to splurge would be welcome also. Kids vary in age - 17, 16, 8, 7, 7, 6, 6 -- two teens and a bunch of little guys --so they have different ideas of what might be fun.

A few splurge/excursion options that we're considering--
-floating/raft - Snake River (or elsewhere)
-Monteray Aquarium
-Whale Watching
-Surf lessons (older kids)
- Disney/Universal
-MLB game (most likely in TX)
-guided tour/jeep tour to bottom of Grand Canyon

They will be able to choose 2-3 of those activities to do as a family.

Thanks again for your reply. I'll check back in after I have some solid plans/schedule

'Must see's' are different for everyone and there are so many options you will never get to see them all, so it becomes a case of prioritising what appeals to you and the family the most. Colorado is an amazing State but if you can't fit it into your timeline then it will still be there for another time. It's too tempting to try and see everything, where you end up just rushing from place to place and actually see little of anything. Get the Kids involved in the planning so that they have a vested interest in the trip which will make it more fun and exciting for everyone.

In Moab UT [near Arches] there are float/rafting trips on the nearby Colorado river and Jeep tours into Canyonlands and around Bryce canyon there are Horse riding and ATV activities. While in San Fran, a boat trip to Alcatraz is a nice excursion.

As you are visiting a number of National park sites it would make sense to purchase the annual pass for $80 which you can order on-line or simply pick it up at the first park you visit, which is actually the best option as the clock starts ticking on the day of purchase.

The only guided tour to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, to my knowledge, is the mule trip that overnights at Phantom Ranch. That trip books out a couple of years in advance, too.



Donna

Thanks Donna! I will do more research on our options there.

Thanks Dave! Those are some good options.
Your suggestion to go south into CO makes so much sense.
I wish I would have realized it sooner.
It has really helped some of the planning pieces fall into place!
Thanks!

OK, went to AAA and got a Trip Tik and state maps. (+ an atlas).
It took almost two hours to work it out.

All of the trip is fast paced. As far as the NPs, we will have approximately 1-2 days at each. Several may simply be drive thrus. Not ideal – I know - but we want to see a little of each.

Several places we will be staying with family or friends. The rest of the trip will be camping and hotels. If we are off schedule for hotel/camp reservations, we can skip some stops.

We are hoping to add a few more days in for some relaxation time at nicer hotels to break up the fast pace of the rest of the trip.
I was thinking of adding 2-3 days in Sedona and maybe another 2-3 days in CA (not sure where – maybe in Tahoe or on the coast)

Does this schedule look possible/doable? What segments should be tweaked or revised?
Thanks for any feedback, advice and insights you can offer.


1. – Yonkers, NY to Badlands NP & Mt. Rushmore
5 days

2. – Mt. Rushmore to Yellowstone & Grand Teton
4-5 days

3. – Jackson Hole to Rocky Mountain NP & Denver
3 days

4. Denver to Mesa Verde
2 days

5. Mesa Verde to Four Corners to Arches/Bryce/Zion
4 days

6. Zion to Grand Canyon to Hoover Dam
3 days

7. Hoover Dam to CA
Either start with Death Valley or skip it and go straight to Sequoia
3 days

8. Sequoia to Yosemite
3 days

9. Yosemite to Tahoe
2 day

10. Tahoe to SF
3 days

11. SF to Anaheim (Pacific Coast Highway)
4 days

12. Anaheim to Joshua Tree
1 day

13 Joshua Tree NP to San Antonio
4 days

14. San Antonio to New Orleans
1 day

15. New Orleans to Dauphin Island
1 day

16 Dauphin Island to Buffalo NY
2 days

I think you have done an excellent job and have an amazing and exciting trip to look forward to. I would be tempted to add an extra day between Mesa Verde and Zion as you could easily spend a day and a half around Moab for Arches and Canyonlands and the same in Zion. Between Arches and Bryce is Capitol Reef NP and the drive along UT24 and scenic Byway 12 is spectacular !

From Denver to Mesa Verde you could also drive the amazing 'Million dollar Highway' [US550] through the mountain towns of Ouray and Silverton. To get there you would take US285 to Poncha Springs and US50 which is also a lovely drive over Monarch Pass, through Currecanti National Recreation area and past Black canyon of the Gunnison. It would add a couple of hours to your journey to MV although you could stop short in Durango for the night. If you had the time you could also 'Splurge' on a wonderful steam train ride to Silverton.

Thank you Dave!

This is really fantastic advice. We've researched your latest pointers and the kids are very excited to drive along these routes. We're looking forward to some spectacular views! We have been looking at various train rides and this one seems to be the winner! Thank you for suggesting it!

We appreciate all the help! You've really helped us figure out the trickier parts of the trip. I'm really pleased with the way it is shaping up!

They are exciting times and it's great the Kid's are involved. If you have any other questions just ask, if not it would be great if you drop in one day and let us know how your trip went and share the highlights, even photo's. We have a 'Field reports' section for that very purpose and it helps us get through the days we are not on the road ourselves.

Holy Jesus, 7 kids on a roadtrip?! You're a stronger man than I. As for California, PCH is beautiful but it will take you much, much longer than 101 or 5 if you're going anywhere inland at all.

MoReservations,

Thanks!
Yes, well - I don't know if I am stronger - that remains to be seen. But I'm probably crazier to attempt it!

PCH -- we'd like to start in San Francisco and see as much as possible.

At the southern end -- the teens want to see Hollywood and they all want to go to Disney.
I am not 100% sure we will do Disney and am not thrilled about Hollywood. Right now, they are on the itinerary, but may get cut if we are low on time.

We will meet and stay with friends in Redlands for sure.

What is the minimum travel days coming down the coast -- with stops for site seeing -- maybe the aquarium, Hearst Castle, the seals, at least one beach stop.

At what point is it worth it to cut inland to save some time? San Luis Obispo?

We don't have time to see and do everything.
If there are any points we could be more efficient with our drive time - I'd love suggestions.

Thanks!

You would need at least one overnight stop along the coast, San Simeon for Hearst castle could work, although 2 nights would be more relaxed if you want to spend time in Monterey, the beach and do a Hearst castle tour. Yes, cutting inland from Cambria/Morro bay if you decide not to go into LA would work. If you mean to go into LA you could take 101/154 from SLO to Ventura and then pick up CA1 through Malibu beach etc. You could check out the little town of Solvang.

Disney for 9 people is going to be expensive unless you have a finger on some discount (I.e. You are military or military retired).

Hollywood, OTOH, can be a bargain if you stick to certain places: the Hollywood Walk of Fame (free), The Chinese theatre, the Hollywood sign (free). You could also do Venice Beach, Westward Beach, as those have been used for filming many movies over the years.

One word of caution: the Walk of Fame (with all the Stars' names) district is somewhat seedy. If you have teenaged girls, they should dress conservatively. Years ago my teen daughter and I went walking down in that area, and I know it wasn't me that men were whistling at!

Parking in the Walk of Fame area is all the cost involved....between $5 and $15 for the day, depending on the lot you choose and its location.


Donna

Thank you Dave and Donna,

These are some great practical tips.
I have added Solvang to the list. It definitely looks like something different!

I'm really not excited about Disney. It will definitely be expensive. We are not big "pop culture" people so Disney and Hollywood would not be a typical sort of vacation for us. However, I have 5 little boys that we recently adopted and they love, love, love Disney. I know it would be memorable and since we would be so close, it may be a good time to do it. As of now, we are leaving it open ended -- depending on time and budget as we approach that leg of the trip. AAA offers discounts, but only a few dollars off a ticket. It will save a few bucks, but won't change the overall impact on the budget

I think Hollywood would be a short stop. The older kids think it would be fun, but it is not a must see for them either.

Thanks again for the info and suggestions!

Anyone whose generosity goes so far as to adopt five little boys into their family, deserves to get Disney tickets for free. That contribution to the peace of the world is much greater than that of any military or ex military.

Lifey

Thank you for the kind words Lifey.

The boys bring us a lot of joy. We are privileged that they are sharing their lives with us.

They are always up for an adventure. They really want me to take them to China to see the Great Wall. I told them - not this year - but we'll do something else spectacular. So- this trip is it!

They are all survivors and some have mild special needs --- it is a pleasure to take them to new places and share experiences that they may have never had if we had not found our way to each other.

As far as Disney goes, I take a vote every day. I am outvoted everyday -- 7-1 -- we are going to Disney.


They are also excited about the NPs --- mountains, rivers, canyons and more. They got their NP passports and hope to do some Jr. Ranger programs when we have time. They are packing their binoculars, flashlights and picture journals to see and record everything.


I'm sure this trip will be "the best of times and the worst of times" all at once. But - I'm glad we can share the journey together.

Great to read that this issue is being voted on. The basis of democracy!

I know what you are saying. Half a century after we adopted him, my son still is a great source of love and joy, and support to me.

You have my eternal admiration. God Bless You.

Lifey

I can't help but wonder if contacting Disney with your wonderful story might get you a bit of the VIP treatment during your visit and maybe some tickets. I think they would be well deserved.

I really hope you will drop by and share your amazing adventure with us when it's convenient. We have a Roadtrip field reports section especially for that.

Thank you everyone!
We are on the road and having an unforgettable time!
The views and wildlife are spectacular!
We've tried to incorporate many of the suggestions found on the RTA forums. All of them have been winners!

We just arrived in CO. We will going to RMNP tomorrow.

I was hoping for some advice on the itinerary after that.
I plan to take Dave's advice on the route to Mesa Verde.

"From Denver to Mesa Verde you could also drive the amazing 'Million dollar Highway' [US550] through the mountain towns of Ouray and Silverton. To get there you would take US285 to Poncha Springs and US50 which is also a lovely drive over Monarch Pass, through Currecanti National Recreation area and past Black canyon of the Gunnison. It would add a couple of hours to your journey to MV although you could stop short in Durango for the night. If you had the time you could also 'Splurge' on a wonderful steam train ride to Silverton."

After that I am not sure of the best route.
After Mesa Verde --- Four Corners, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Arches, Bryce, Zion, Hoover Dam -- then cross into California by way of LV.

Is that the best route --- cutting down to Grand Canyon and then back up to Arches? --- OR -- Should I cut up to Arches first and down to Grand Canyon last before CA?

I'd like to include UT24 and Byway 12.

Eventually, after CA, I will be taking 10 across AZ and NM to TX. Should I cut up to Grand Canyon then?

Thanks for any advice.

Probably your best bet is to do those places in this order:

Mesa Verde
Four Corners
Arches
Monument Valley
Grand Canyon
Bryce Canyon
Zion
Las Vegas (Hoover Dam)

That doesn't include UT-12 or UT-24, but there will be NO shortage of scenery on this drive. And even this route includes some backtracking, such as up to Arches and Back, and into Grand Canyon NP and back out by the same road, but it is a widely scattered set of sites you want to get to. I will also note that both Four Corners and Monument Valley are Navajo Tribal Parks rather than national parks, so any pass you might have won't work at those two sites. I wouldn't include the Grand Canyon on your I-10 return route, that's a really big detour and actually puts you through Las Vegas twice (But then maybe you'd like that?) It would also cause you to miss Joshua Tree NP and the Salton Sea Valley which gets to 100-200' below sea level.

AZBuck

While Buck's route is the most efficient to get to all of the places on your list, especially if you do the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, I might look at another alternative that would then also take you along UT-12/24.

Mesa Verde
Four Corners
Monument Valley
Arches
Bryce Canyon
Zion
Grand Canyon
Hoover Dam
Vegas

If you're doing the south rim, this route adds less than 100 miles to Bucks route, and does take you along UT-12/24. You might also consider adding in Natural Bridges, between Monument Valley and Arches, as well as Canyonlands and Capitol Reef, in between Arches and Bryce.