Hello everyone,

This board is an incredible wealth of information. I have gathered tons of information and ideas here. I am planning a trip in september 10-12 days starting in San Francisco, traveling down US 1, to Grand Canyon, ending up and flying out of Vegas. A couple of questions:

1- I have studied many route plans laid out for others on this site. But I did not find out what I ultimately would like to know, that is the best place to cut over from US 1 and the quickest way to the Canyon from there. (I want to see Hearst Castle, then anything else worthwhile, but have no desire to go to L.A.)

2- Any thoughts on the Grand Canyon Railway, considering taking it, looks cool. In our great Western adventure, we really wanted to do a train leg.

3- Suggestions on a cool but not super extravagant place to stay in Vegas.

Thank you a thousand times.