LA to Chicago in March...poll: Death Valley or Joshua Tree?

[Danny-Bean]

Hi All!

I'm taking a week and a half to go from LA to Chicago at the end of March and I was wondering what the must-see National Parks are...Right now I'm trying to decide on Death Valley or Joshua Tree, but I'm open for suggestions. Also, can someone recommend either the Northern route (utah, colorado, missouri) or the Southern route (Az, New Mexico, Texas)?

Thanks!

[Mark Sedenquist]

The route through Utah puts you in or near five national parks -- pretty hard to beat that choice.

I like both Joshua Tree and Death Valley -- But my money would always be on Death Valley. So much to to see and explore!

[laydownthelaw]

Just putting in my two cents of agreement with the editor.

Arches and Canyonlands are in SE Utah, within about 50 miles of each other. Moab is a town central to the parks and many people that visit the parks stay there for the night.

Bryce Canyon and Zion are a few hundred miles west of the other two. This is surely the "Don't Miss" section of your drive, particularly this time of year when the northern or mountainous parks are less accessible.

Never been to either Joshua Tree or Death Valley, but the managing partner in my law firm raves about the latter constantly. Particularly the western end of the park.

Good luck and safe driving.


AB

would be thought Denver on I-70. This is a beautiful drive. At Cisco, Utah take Hwy 128 into Moab, Utah. This is a scenic byway along the Colorado River. From Moab you can explore Arches and Canyonlands Natinal Park before taking Hwy 191 back to I-70. Stay on I-70 to just past Green River and take Hwy 24 down to Hanksville and Capitol Reef National Park. At Torrey, Utah take Scenic Byway Highway 12 down to Bryce Canyon National Park. Then take Hwy 89 down to Hwy 9 through Zion National Park. Then pick up I-15 to Vegas. If you still have time....and I doubt you will both Death Valley and Joshua Trees are nice but Utah parks are soooooo much better!

http://www.so-utah.com/


Utahtea

[Danny-Bean]

Thanks All!