California + Utah + Nevada

[Southwest Dave]

Are you considering spending more time in Zion now ? The two walks you are considering are amazing, but both Strenuous and time consuming. Angels landing is not only challenging, but has steep drop offs and is not for the faint of heart and the Narrows require you to walk in the river and you will need the right gear, which can be hired in Springdale.

I would check carefully to see that your parents are up to it, if you are planning on an overnight stop. If not and you are travelling from Page AZ to Vegas then I think the best way yo see the canyon is a stroll along the 'Riverside walk' and perhaps a short walk to 'Weeping rock'.

To stay on the East side of the mountains prior to Yosemite, you could stop at Bishop, Mammoth or Lee Vining [the closest] before heading over Tioga pass. If your budget can manage a night in the park I would recommend it, if not one of the surrounding towns just outside the park on the western side for night 2.

Again depending on budget, you could stay right in the City centre of SF around Union square, or for better value within a comfortable walk to Fisherman's Wharf and Cable cars to the City, you could look around Lombard and Gough street.

[CalOldBlue]

Didn't see anybody comment on this... a car in SF is only slightly more useful than a car in Manhattan. You'd be much better off using cabs or public transit while in SF; much cheaper than what you'll pay in car rental and parking and much much less hassle.

Pick up the car on your way out of town. You may get a better deal at a SF location than the airport, or worst case can grab BART to the airport and hit the rental concessions there.

[s4michi]

@Southwest Dave,
As you said, Angels Landing and The Narrows are not an easy route. I will have to talk with them to see if they are willing to, at least, do part of it.
Since The Narrows is a one-way route, I guess that starting from the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive would be even harden since it would be walking against the flow of the river. (sorry for my english... )

Both Riverside Walk and Weekping Rock sounds more accessible in time and effort.


Will try to get a tent inside of Yosemite (there were pretty cheap for Octuber) but since we may not arrive on the planned day... one of the problems of the road trips!

In SF, we'll probably look at a motel (free parking too) in Lombard or Gough St.



@CalOldBlue,
My parents prefer to have the car, specially after traveling for so long (an 11 hours flight). They prefer to just jump into the car than taking the BART, maybe transfer to another bus/tram and so on. We also plan to visit the Park, Golden Gate and Twin Peaks by car.

Thank you both for all the ideas!!!!