Couple of Questions Cali Bound

[Steve G UK]

First of all what a great site, and some of the stuff has already helped us on our trip down the West Coast this Summer.

We have just two pieces of the jigsaw left and wonder what you guys think ????

We leave Vegas after breakfast Tuesday 9 Aug and have to be at LAX for a flight home late Thurs 11 Aug. Is it possible to get over to the Grand Canyon in that time even if it is only for a quick peek ?????

Most of our trip is San Fran, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, LA, OC way etc but thought having gone that far out to Vegas we should take in the Grand Canyon.

If it is possible, can anyone come up with some ideas on drives and overnights. If not, what's a good alternative as we make our way back to LAX.

Thanks in advance

STEVE G (over here in the rainy UK!!!!!)

PS Has anyone got any ideas of correct timings for travel from

1) San Fran to Big Sur (midweek)
2) Big Sur to Santa Barbara (midweek)
3) LA to Vegas (Sunday afternoon)

[Mark Sedenquist]

First of all what a great site, and some of the stuff has already helped us on our trip down the West Coast this Summer.

Thank you for that -- the folks who contribute their expertise here every day always appreciate the thanks...

We leave Vegas after breakfast Tuesday 9 Aug and have to be at LAX for a flight home late Thurs 11 Aug. Is it possible to get over to the Grand Canyon in that time even if it is only for a quick peek ?????

Yes, it is possible to drive to the south rim and get a quick taste of what this park is like. I would recommend picking up a copy of the Lonely Planet guide to the park -- probably the top 2 of such guides ever written. And I would use the search function on this Forum for information about the viewing options of Grand Canyon.

If it is possible, can anyone come up with some ideas on drives and overnights. If not, what's a good alternative as we make our way back to LAX.

From the Grand Canyon you can travel nearly the entire distance back to LAX on Route 66. Here is an article about the Arizona portion, written by Moderator Bob, and here is a trip report about the rest of the way. Plus, you could also return to LA via Joshua Tree National Park.

PS Has anyone got any ideas of correct timings for travel from
1) San Fran to Big Sur (midweek)

It really depends upon how much time you spend, enjoying the sights of the coastal cities and enjoying the views. But I would allow 6 hours for this leg. It might be possible to be done in 3, but that would be silly. Along the way is Santa Cruz, the Monterey Aquarium and the Pebble Beach drive. This could easily take all day.

2) Big Sur to Santa Barbara (midweek)

It really depends upon how much time you spent, walking the surf breaks and enjoying the views. But I would allow 7 hours for this leg of the journey. Again it could be driven in 5 hours.

3) LA to Vegas (Sunday afternoon)

This is entirely dependent upon where in LA you starting from, but generally if you drove without stopping this is a five hour jaunt.

Enjoy your adventure!

Mark

[Mark Sedenquist]

1) San Fran to Big Sur (midweek)
2) Big Sur to Santa Barbara (midweek)
3) LA to Vegas (Sunday afternoon)

Steve, I drove the route today to confirm my estimates for you. This is what I found:

San Francisco to Big Sur is 2.5 hours, but I didn't allow for wandering around Monterey or driving 17.5 mile loop at Pebble Beach. This is no longer free, (USD $7.50) BUT DO IT ANYWAY! Some of the vantage points are extraordinary and you can often find sea otters laying on their backs in the kelp eating sea urchins cradled on their stomaches. Allow 4-6 hours to see Monterey and Pebble Beach.

Big Sur to Santa Barbara. I drove it today in 6.5 hours and I stopped about a dozen times for photos and had lunch along the way.

One thing you need to be aware of -- it is often FOGGY in the summer months. That is part of the charm but you may not find the big vistas that you may have seen in guide books.

One other thing -- road construction is on-going, but most of the road is in excellent condition. I was really impressed with the over-all smoothness of the road this time!

Mark