Breakneck speed

[recordtime]

We have a big family do in Montana this summer and are flying in to LA. We would like to drive up from LA but I would like to know whether you think it is sheer craziness to try and drive that distance in three days (considering I will be the only driver) and whether we should consider finding an internal flight closer in.
I am also a bit worried about driving across the desert as us Europeans are not very used to big open spaces, or deserts, and I would like to know what your advice is on this (what we should take- when we should drive it). We hope to take things a bit easier on our way down as I basically want it to be an unforgettable time and not a massive mistake! Thanks for your help and advice.

[Mark Sedenquist]

We have a big family do in Montana this summer and are flying in to LA. We would like to drive up from LA but I would like to know whether you think it is sheer craziness to try and drive that distance in three days (considering I will be the only driver) and whether we should consider finding an internal flight closer in.

Three days is almost a leisurely pace as long as you don't stop and wander too much enroute.

I am also a bit worried about driving across the desert as us Europeans are not very used to big open spaces, or deserts, and I would like to know what your advice is on this

Depending upon the route -- there isn't that much desert between LA and Montana. I am doing a similar route in about a month.

Mark

[recordtime]

Thanks Marc, after booking flights I have been having nightmares about only having done half of the route on the big day! We are planning going through Vegas-Salt Lake City and trying not to wander on the way there. We will wander on the way back! So no desert... I am nearly disapointed! I really want this trip to be fun and to remember it as a big adventure.

[Mark Sedenquist]

I have been having nightmares about only having done half of the route on the big day!

The big day? Is this a wedding in Montana?

We are planning going through Vegas-Salt Lake City and trying not to wander on the way there. We will wander on the way back! So no desert... I am nearly disapointed! I really want this trip to be fun and to remember it as a big adventure.

You will certainly see desert on that route -- how much time will you have for the "wander" portion? It would be VERY EASY to take a month to make the drive from Montana to Los Angeles and still miss most of what there is to see.

Mark

[recordtime]

It is very easy to spend a month anywhere.. unfortunately we will have to make do with two weeks... The big day is a wedding so we want to try and make the most of it and see bits that we might not have another chance to see.. thanx for the advice.

[Mark Sedenquist]

It is very easy to spend a month anywhere..

Yep. That I would grant!

unfortunately we will have to make do with two weeks... The big day is a wedding so we want to try and make the most of it and see bits that we might not have another chance to see..

OK. First night I would stay in St. George, Utah. Drive through Zion National Park the next morning and head north on US-Hwy 89. Hwy 89 has great views and moves nearly as quickly as I-15. (It is slower because of the cities and towns, but you will be OK timewise). Night #2 could be near Salt Lake City. The tour at Temple Square is worth seeing no matter what you might think of the the Mormon faith. From here, I don't know where in Montana you are headed, but I would probably suggest you push up I-15 to I-90 to your final destination. You may need to drop Temple Square and push on towards Pocatello, Idaho to make that third day more relaxing.

Return trip: Let us know where the wedding is and we can share tips for the route back to LA.

Mark