Quote Originally Posted by spicesea1
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
Welcome back --
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.)
As you know, from reading all of those posts, my fellow Moderators and other distingushed roadtrippers are always stumped by the phrase "best route" because quickest is not always the nicest or most scenic route... That being said, the fastest route after you have visited Hearst Castle would be to use SR-46 all the way accross the valley to SR-99 and then take SR-58 to Barstow where you will join I-40 to Williams, Arizona. There are other more scenic routes, but this will be the fastest!
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.
It is a nice attraction. I have other favorite steam trains -- but the Grand Canyon trip is fine.
3- Suggestions on a cool but not super extravagant place to stay in Vegas.
Best value in Las Vegas right now is the South Coast -- very, very nice rooms at reasonable cost. The new Red Rock Casino is also a good bet and the Tuscany gets my vote for the best off-strip-but-close non-gaming casino.

Mark