Quote Originally Posted by Midwest Michael View Post
The one thing that really sticks out to me is Holbrook - going from Monument Valley to Holbrook then back to the Grand Canyon seems like a really big detour. That almost doubles the distance.

If the detour is for route 66, I might suggest instead to go from Monument Valley to the North Rim (via Lake Powell and/or Antelope Canyon?), then down to the South Rim, and focus on the section of Route 66 from Williams to Kingman through Peach Springs, on the way to Las Vegas. That section is a lot of what inspired what was depicted in the pixar movie "Cars."

Alternatively, if you're going to stick with your current plan, then it would be a shame to go from the North Rim to Las Vegas without giving yourself some time to see Zion National Park, as you'll basically have to go right through it!

For Colorado, personally, I think Royal Gorge is an overpriced, underwhelming tourist trap. I'd just head straight to Colorado Springs and use that time for Garden of the Gods. Another thought, if you're going to Glenwood Springs just for the hot springs, you could instead look at Ouray Hot Springs, which is already on your route at the start of the Million Dollar highway.

The only other thing I would say is that despite me offering some additional suggestions, I'll say your trip is pretty full. There's no single day that is a problem, but on the whole, you might want to be careful that you're not pushing yourself too hard.
Michael thank you for taking the time to reply. Have read a lot of your posts on here and really value your opinion.

Your suggestion was on my radar when we were looking at the options - it still is but I have lent the way I have because of the following.

Grand Canyon is pretty much the pinnacle of the trip - probably once in a lifetime for me and the wife, and so wanted it to be as spectacular as we can make it. Going from Holbrook (where incidentally we are planning staying in the wigwams) to Tusayan is to enable a helicopter ride into the canyon which will give us that first sight and impression from the air. Then we do it by car/on foot.

As for Zion - have been bringing that leg together - we are staying in Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge and will watch the sunrise there, then head off for Vegas, via Jacob Lake and Springdale - maybe taking in a hike but depends on how the mrs is feeling - she is petrified of heights!!). We want to arrive on Vegas strip after dark so we have all day to do this leg.

Understand your point re Royal Gorge - but high bridges are a particular thing for me. In fact no, its bridges in general - love the engineering that goes into them. So it might be a fleeting stop as I can't see us tackling the zip wire etc. There might be time for Garden of the Gods. Also intend to drive Skyline Drive in Canon City before heading off to Colorado Springs.

Why are we headed to Glenwood Springs? It looks a nice place but more specifically, I want to do Independence Pass and Aspen - and Glenwood Springs seems the best way to then head back to do the Million Dollar Highway. Long winded but have been looking at the maps apps over the winter and note that a lot of the passes are currently closed. More work is needed on this bit to see if I can cut across from Carbondale on the 133......