Summer trip

[Southwest Dave]

I agree what has already been said and that's it's your trip for you to decide where to go and then we can help you put it together and make suggestions. However, if it was me I would fly into Vegas or Phoenix and visit the Grand canyon and the National parks of Utah and if you haven't been before, it's likely to be totally different to what you are used to. The drives and scenery are quite remarkable ! That said, you would need to check flight, rental and lodging availability asap, especially if you are going during peak season ? Thats the downside, it will be extremely busy and HOT!! Hmmm.........

[Mishlg]

I agree what has already been said and that's it's your trip for you to decide where to go and then we can help you put it together and make suggestions. However, if it was me I would fly into Vegas or Phoenix and visit the Grand canyon and the National parks of Utah and if you haven't been before, it's likely to be totally different to what you are used to. The drives and scenery are quite remarkable ! That said, you would need to check flight, rental and lodging availability asap, especially if you are going during peak season ? Thats the downside, it will be extremely busy and HOT!! Hmmm.........

Thank you. We were just discussing, that we could hit Vegas. I was there 2 years ago and so much had chnaged since the last few times I was there.
I worked in Corp Travel for 23 years and been a lot of places. We always do a big trip the end of Aug (except last year) Been cruising, road trips, etc.
We want it to be beautiful and fun. With things to do in each stop we make…stay over nights in a few places..try amazing food, etc. Does that make sense?

[Mishlg]

Chiming in here...

If you are having trouble deciding which trip to make when, other than rock-paper-scissors, you could start making phone calls or doing research online for air schedules and fares.

The other thing to consider these days are RENTAL CARS. Several online articles I've read have spoken about the shortage of rental cars and the need to book THOSE first, and *then* the airfare. You can reserve a car without the need to pay for it in advance. Not so with the airfare. If you book and pay for your airfare, and then you can't get a rental car, you are stuck with useless airline tickets.


Donna

Yes thank you!

[travelingman]

Keep in mind, you're talking significantly longer distances than your California trip. Mt Rushmore to the Grand Canyon is more than 1000 miles .

To put that in perspective, it would be the same amount of miles driving from NYC to WDW in Florida. Now, would you EVER suggest that as a side trip to someone flying in to visit you in NYC?

[Southwest Dave]

We want it to be beautiful and fun. With things to do in each stop we make…stay over nights in a few places..try amazing food, etc. Does that make sense?

Absolutely !! I'd say thats the essence of a road trip and most importantly, making it your own unique experience. Once you have decided what that will be we can help fill in some blanks, answer questions and offer tweaks that will help you to get the best from your trip.

[Mishlg]

To put that in perspective, it would be the same amount of miles driving from NYC to WDW in Florida. Now, would you EVER suggest that as a side trip to someone flying in to visit you in NYC?

Actually ive done that trip several times and love it. Lol

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Absolutely !! I'd say thats the essence of a road trip and most importantly, making it your own unique experience. Once you have decided what that will be we can help fill in some blanks, answer questions and offer tweaks that will help you to get the best from your trip.

Thank you. Im researching and noticing that both destination have a lot of parks which is really for hiking and stuff. Which is ok but i dont want to hike in each place at all.

[Southwest Dave]

Parks can be enjoyed without going on long hikes, it's a case of whether or not you enjoy areas of outstanding natural beauty.

[AZBuck]

While I would totally agree with you regarding the black Hills area, especially if you fly into Rapid City rather than Denver, the Grand Canyon/Mighty Five area also has proximity to both Phoenix and Las Vegas, either of which could serve as your flight terminus. Those two cities offer tons of things to see and do other than hike through scenic beauty. Las Vegas in particular would provide plenty of night life and entertainment opportunities while still leaving at least a couple of the mighty Five within day trip range. The Grand Canyon would also fall just within day trip range although that might be a bit of a stretch. If you did the later, you could also include either Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Death Valley National Park or both. Eight days days of using Las Vegas as your vacation hub would allow you to mix and match natural scenery (and short walks) with man-made wonders.

AZbuck

[Mishlg]

While I would totally agree with you regarding the black Hills area, especially if you fly into Rapid City rather than Denver, the Grand Canyon/Mighty Five area also has proximity to both Phoenix and Las Vegas, either of which could serve as your flight terminus. Those two cities offer tons of things to see and do other than hike through scenic beauty. Las Vegas in particular would provide plenty of night life and entertainment opportunities while still leaving at least a couple of the mighty Five within day trip range. The Grand Canyon would also fall just within day trip range although that might be a bit of a stretch. If you did the later, you could also include either Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Death Valley National Park or both. Eight days days of using Las Vegas as your vacation hub would allow you to mix and match natural scenery (and short walks) with man-made wonders.

AZbuck

Thank you for this! Im looking into it now and trying to put something. I did notice it will be much hotter there than south Dakota in Aug when we are going to go. But I do rem Arizona having a dry heat. Death Valley shows 110 in aug?? LOL

[AZBuck]

Here in Tucson, we maxed out at 115ºF yesterday. I don't care how dry it is, that's hot. The good news is that usually June is our hottest month with monsoon rains starting up (again, usually) by late June or early July. However, rain has been hard to come by over the last few years; Lake Mead is at its lowest level since it first filled in behind Hoover Dam and some water restrictions are in place with more waiting in the wings. For what it's worth, the average August temperature in this area of the southwest is only 4ºF cooler than the average June temperature.

AZBuck