Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Cookie View Post
I realized that the strech between Yosemite NP and Flagstaff (so I can make the trip to the Grand Canyon the next day), must be done in 3 days, rather than 2.
For it to be done in 2 days, I would have to drive a lot each day and we want to enjoy a bit of the road and to stop at one or two village/cities. Not just drive and drive. Although it's fun.
If you want to go through Vegas, I think that's a wise move. At that point, spending the night in Vegas would make the most sense. If you're spending the previous night in Tehachapi, then going through Death Valley really wouldn't even be too much of a detour.

21th April / Day #3
Leaving ? / Sleep in Flagstaff | Average 4h15m away
Another option to consider here would be to stay in Williams instead of Flagstaff. It's a bit shorter drive to get there, and it's also actually a bit closer to the Grand Canyon.

Actually, factoring in your timeline and plan to get back down to Sedona on the same day you visit the Canyon, I'd look at just spending the night at the Grand Canyon itself - if not right within the national park, in the Village just south of the park entrance. It will cost more than spending the night in Williams or Flagstaff, but it will save you at least an hour of driving, and if you head into the park early, it could also potentially save some time waiting to get into the park itself.

Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon back to Sedona certainly can be done, but there's a lot to see at the Grand Canyon and that really could make for a long day. Based on your other plans, I think you might feel rushed.

Last, any advices on renting a car? We want to pick it up in SF and leave it in LA.
I don't find a huge difference between the major companies - and there's really only about 4 main companies that each own several different brands - so I primarily focus on price. Signing up for the loyalty program of whichever company you do rent from should make the pickup process faster and could get you better options what model you can take off the lot.