San Jose to Grand Canyon on Dec 24-27

[pbs]

All,

We (myself, wife and 2 kids aged 5 and 2) are planning to visit Grand
Canyon South Rim between Dec-24 and 27. Initially, I thought of starting
from San Jose on Dec 24 and stay in Las Vegas and then on 25th, go to
Grand Canyon. However, I have been to Las Vegas before and I would
like to try some other routes. Please advice on a safe and scenic route
that we can take and a place to stay for a night in between. Driving
in a day all the way to Grand Canyon may be a bit too much for the kids.

Thanks.

Sadik

[Robert Schaller]

Easiest route is down I-5 and across to I-40 through Barstow. Leave I-40 at Williams AZ and take SR64 north to the GCNP. The halfway point is Barstow, roughly.

[pbs]

Thanks Bob,

Is there something to see on the way? I am planning to start early in the
morning, and I should be in Barstow by 2.00pm or so, right? I would prefer
to reach the hotel only by 6.00pm or so. Hence, if there is some place
I can see in between, that will be nice.

Another question regarding stay at GC. I have booked both at
Bright Angel/Thunderbird lodge, which, I have been told is inside the
park and at Quality Inn, which is near to the park. The prize difference
is high; the first one is $122 and the second one is $90. Any advantage
for paying the extra and staying inside the park?

Thanks.

Sadik

[Mark Sedenquist]

Another question regarding stay at GC. I have booked both at
Bright Angel/Thunderbird lodge, which, I have been told is inside the
park and at Quality Inn, which is near to the park.

"Near to the Park" is a bit relative. I am reasonably sure that the Quality Inn that you have booked is located on Hwy 64 near Williams, Arizona, in a small community known as Grand Canyon, AZ. This location is about three hours from the south rim (2.5 hours from Bright Angel) so yes, I would think it certainly worth staying at the Thunderbird rather than driving 120 miles out of the park and then 120 miles back.

Is there something to see on the way? I am planning to start early in the morning, and I should be in Barstow by 2.00pm or so, right? I would prefer to reach the hotel only by 6.00pm or so. Hence, if there is some place
I can see in between, that will be nice.

While in Barstow, I would stay at the Holiday Inn Express on Main street (that is where I stay). Have dinner at the Idle Spurs -- a real western treat. What route are you using to go from San Jose to Barstow?

[pbs]

Thank you very much for the info.

Near to the Park" is a bit relative. I am reasonably sure that the Quality Inn that you have booked is located on Hwy 64 near Williams, Arizona, in a small community known as Grand Canyon, AZ. This location is about three hours from the south rim (2.5 hours from Bright Angel) so yes, I would think it certainly worth staying at the Thunderbird rather than driving 120 miles out of the park and then 120 miles back.

Please see below the info I obtained from their web site:

We are conveniently located just 7 miles from the rim of the Grand Canyon. One mile south of Grand Canyon Park entrance and one mile north of Grand Canyon Airport. On highway 64 in Tusayan directly adjacent to IMAX theater. We also offer, courtesy transportation to and from the airport

While in Barstow, I would stay at the Holiday Inn Express on Main street (that is where I stay). Have dinner at the Idle Spurs -- a real western treat. What route are you using to go from San Jose to Barstow?

I am flexible. Bob has suggested to take I-5 and across I-40. I am yet to look up the map though. If you know of some scenic route, please let me know.

Another alternative I was considering is to go to Death Valley, stay there
for a night and then go to GCNP. Just started looking into it; don't know
whether this is a good idea or not.

Sadik

[PNW Judy]

I have no idea if the Grand Canyon is crowded this time of year or not. Maybe someone else could help with that information.

If it is crowded, I would suggest staying in the park. When I was there, it took over an hour to just get into the park because of all the people driving in. Even thought I had a National Parks Pass and didn't have to pay, I still had to wait in the line of cars to show my pass. Of course, this was in the summer when it's probably far busier than it is now. But, since it is a holiday, it might be busy now, too?

Anyway, imho, $31 extra dollars to save the time waiting in line would be worth it if it does turn out to be a busy time.

[Mark Sedenquist]

I looked at their map -- and they are much closer to the boundary than I had remembered, but if you can, I would still suggest staying the park.

I am flexible. Bob has suggested to take I-5 and across I-40. I am yet to look up the map though. If you know of some scenic route, please let me know.

It is all scenic, although I-5 to SR-58 to I-40 is the fastest route.

Another alternative I was considering is to go to Death Valley, stay there for a night and then go to GCNP. Just started looking into it; don't know whether this is a good idea or not.

If cost is not an issue for you, staying over-night at the Furnace Creek Inn is pretty special! The accomdations at the Furnace Creek Ranch are more motel-like and still pretty fun. San Jose to Furnace Creek is about an eight hour drive. Furnace Creek to Grand Canyon is easily another eight hour drive. Given your parameters on your first post, I am not sure you really have enough time to do it all.

mark

[AZBuck]

Is there something to see on the way? I am planning to start early in the morning, and I should be in Barstow by 2.00pm or so, right? I would preferto reach the hotel only by 6.00pm or so. Hence, if there is some placeI can see in between, that will be nice.

I can think of a couple of places that both the adults and children might enjoy on the way to Barstow and that fit with the concept of natural beauty and a trip to the Grand Canyon. The first is a bit off the direct route and near to home but well worth it. It's Pinnacles National Monument which you would reach by heading south on US-101 from San Jose, and then using CA-25 south through Hollister. After visiting the park, continue south on CA-25 to CA-198 east to reconnect with I-5.

The second will take less time and is closer to your main route. It's the Tule Elk State Reserve. For this, you'd just continue past the CA-58 exit off I-5 for Bakersfield and Barstow, and take the next one, the Stockdale Highway, and follow the signs for the Reserve.

AZBuck

[pbs]

Thanks to all of you. The information you have provided was extremely useful.

Sadik

[Mark Sedenquist]

Is there something to see on the way?

Sadik, if you stay in Barstow, your route to the east will parallel historic route 66 and this site provides plenty of tips for places to explore along the way. Plus, Moderator Bob's field report about Oatman is pretty fun. Your kids will probably get a kick about the "traffic police" in Oatman, (they are the burros who seek favors and tips while slowing the traffic along the main drag).