West Coast, National Parks, May.

[Southwest Dave]

Originally posted by CalOldBlue] my personal choice would be TWO nights in Zion and ONE night in Bryce.

I will second that, Bryce is fantastic but needs less time to get around in.

Originally posted by Keithg] Will post pics on here as we as we go hopefully. Have to read how to do it first lol.

Will look forward to it !

In your profile page you can upload photos direct from your computer into your album page. Copy the code and click on the "insert image" icon above [picture frame with tree in] and insert URL, the picture will be put directly into your post. You can use a host site for your pics if you have one, and then use the "insert image" tool as above.

If you are planning on lodging inside the National parks you might want to check availability in the NPS link I gave earlier in the thread as it's possible they will get booked out.

While in San Fran I would recommend taking a trip to Alcatraz, it's quite some experience. If you were to do this it is also something I would consider booking in advance through the NPS.

[keithg]

Thanks folks. We are taking all this in. So helpful. Have to have a re think on the Zion/Bryce bit. Rather than stay in the park, is there anywhere nice to stay within an hour. We get up early and it would probably be a lot cheaper. For grand Canyon we may stay in Williams. We will certainly make an effort to see Alcatraz. Hope to be in San Francisco for 3 nights. See how we go. I can see we will have to make another trip sometime. So much to see and so little time. Before we leave Dave, i will go over your instructions on uploading pics with my son so as i get it right. Lol.
Cheers. Keith

[glc]

For Bryce you can stay in Panguitch. I stayed at the New Western, which is a former Best Western, and the rate at the end of February 09 was $45 a night. I also saw quite a few little "mom and pop" motels.

[Harry Kline]

I'll give you some instructions for Zion to Bryce and you better have the cameras ready. Leave Zion by the west entrance near Springdale and go to I-15. Head north to the "other part of Zion" that most people miss, Kolob Canyon. Allow at least 2 hours there and then head north again on I-15 to Cedar City. Turn onto Highway 14 and go into Cedar Breaks (similar to Bryce, but not as big). Now stay on 14 over to route 89 and head north to route 12. That will take you through Red Canyon (more good photo ops) and on to the entrance to Bryce Canyon.

If you are up to a good hike, there are several down into the canyon, but if you want to take pictures from the rim, drive all the way to Rainbow Point at the south end and then all the stops will be on the right on your way back with no crossing traffic lanes. There are many parking places, and all give excellent 50-mile views.

From Bryce Canyon north, I like going through the Escalante Staircase up to Capitol Reef National Monument and then over to Goblin Valley, Green River and Moab. Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point State Park are my favorite southwest sights.

I would skip Monument Valley altogether, as it is very rough dirt roads, very little to see that you haven't already seen in the movies, and was disappointing. I still have a huge scratch on the side of my van from that drive, too.

[Mark Sedenquist]

I would skip Monument Valley altogether, as it is very rough dirt roads, very little to see that you haven't already seen in the movies, and was disappointing. I still have a huge scratch on the side of my van from that drive, too.

A couple of winters ago, I spent nearly 10 days in the Monument Valley area -- the road is a little rough, going into the tribal park, but the views are pretty extraordinary -- both in the Tribal Park and in the surrounding area. If you have time for overnight stay -- I recommend this place, (Firetree Inn) -- for an once-in-lifetime lodging experience. If the Firetree is full or it's more than you want to spend, Gouldings Motel is great place to stay and their little museum is very good. Be sure and stop at the trading posts in each of the small towns in this region -- Lots of interesting characters hang out around them.

Mark

[Peter Thody]

Great insider tip, Mark.

The Insider Inn has now been bookmarked.

[Harry Kline]

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon sunset is a must see, but don’t leave your viewpoint too early. Once the sun descends over the west rim, it takes about 10 minutes before the afterglow begins. Then the canyon lights back up with fantastic colors even more vivid than when viewed during the day. I prefer to be at Mather Point to watch this phenomenon, but any of the viewing points will do. The afterglow will last from 10 to 15 minutes, and is light enough to take great pictures or videos.

[keithg]

Back to the maps again lol. All this info is fantastic. Im writing everything down. Plus we will be keeping up todate as we go with laptop. Thanks very much everyone. We will be keeping records of everything on the way. Costs, what we see. Camera's are polished and ready. Longest lens is 300 and Margaret has claimed that so may have to find a camera shop somewhere and invest in a 120-400 or a 150-500 for me lol. Pentax mount.

[shirohniichan]

If you're looking for a casual lunch between LA and Las Vegas, I have two recommendations.

If you are hungry by the time you get to Barstow, exit I-15 at Lenwood Road, turn right, and go a few hundred meters until you get to the In 'N Out Burger on the left. In 'N Out is a Southern California phenomenon, and it is famous for "traditional" burgers and shakes at very reasonable prices.

If you are in Baker by the time you're ready to eat, try the Mad Greek. Their "world famous strawberry shake" tasted like milk foam with frozen strawberries in it, but both the gyros and souvlaki were good. If you arrive between noon and 2:00 PM expect long lines. We got there at 11:30 AM, and by the time we got our food the long queue had already stretched to the door. I like it for its tacky/kitschy Greek decor, also. The exit for the Mad Greek is number 246 (to CA 127).

DO NOT TRUST MANY ONLINE MAPS TO GET YOU TO BAKER! Google maps and other sites show results for a small unincorporated community near Boron, CA when you enter "Baker, CA". That is over 100 miles to the southwest of the Baker between Barstow and Las Vegas.

[Harry Kline]

I just posted a 4-day road trip that starts and ends in Las Vegas and takes in just about everything you want to see.

If you can spend the four days, I know you will like this loop trip. You will go home with photos that are out of this world. Read it and print it out, then use online mapping, Mapquest, Google Earth, or your choice to look at it on the map.

I suggest that you get a portable gps to use in case your rental car doesn't have a built in system. I find mine invaluable on long haul trips. Just input the next destination and it will guide you there.