Planning a Las Vegas/Grand Canyon/California trip - advice?

[dashofsunshine]

Hey y'all!

We are looking into planning a trip out west for next year. I originally wanted to see Yosemite, Grand Canyon, & Yellowstone, but apparently, the map is telling me those places are...er, rather spread out so, we've revised a bit. We'd like to spend about a week wandering around.

Looking to fly into Vegas - have never been to Vegas. We like to eat & drink, might have interest in a show or two, but aren't huge gamblers. How many days do people generally spend in Vegas?

We have interest in Zion National Park. Anyone been there? Worth it/enjoyable?

Definitely want to do the Grand Canyon, obviously. Can it be seen in a full day trip, or would we want to spend the night somewhere nearby? We like to hike, but we aren't 18 mile hiking professionals or anything. Pros and cons of driving vs. taking a helicopter over? (Price, obviously, but aside from that...)

Also thinking about driving over to Los Angeles or San Diego for a few days at the end of our trip. I've been to San Diego and remember it being beautiful, but we didn't really do much in terms of activities. What's there, besides sea world and the zoo?

Sorry for all the questions - just in the planning stages now and a bit unsure. I've googled quite a bit, but would like some first hand recommendations. Feel free to only answer what you want/can, lol. Thanks guys!

 

[Disney_traveler]

Where are you coming from? I'm from south Texas and have driven from here through New Mexico to Las Vegas so if you need tips along that way I can help there too.

Las Vegas---the first time we went we spent an entire 5 days IN Vegas. We saw all of the casinos in "old Vegas" downtown and pretty much walked the entire strip and saw all those casinos. We like to gamble but only if we are winning some. We play slots and now prefer to go to Louisiana or Mississippi if we want to gamble. Now,if we go to,Vegas it's just,to,sight see and eat/drink.

The second time we went we booked another 5 days and found we were bored after 3. Now we only stay IN Vegas for 3 days at s time.

Our must dos:
----Gambler's special and mr. Lucky's Mary at Mr Lucky's 24/7 at the hard rock casino (not Hard Rock Cafe)
----hidden/secret pizza 3rd floor of Cosmopolitan (look for record covered hallway)
----Le Buffet at Paris casino

Touristy stuff to do if it's your first time:
See welcome to Vegas sign
See mirage volcano
See bellagio fountains
See Fremont street experience
See conservatory at bellagio and Chihuly ceiling
Go up the Eiffel Tower (get coupons in back of free coupon books)
If you're going to she a show and don't want front row, I recommend buying from one of the tix4tonite places. I bought tickets there for Phantom, the titanic exhibit, and Madame Tussaud's wax museum. All,were good discounts. We have only stayed at the Golden Nugget but found last trip their customer service and quality wasn't great. We actually looked at going back during Christmas an found good deals at Paris.

Grand Canyon
We don't hike, so I can't speak to that, but when you get there and park they have constant shuttle buses to take you to various observation points.
In my opinion, a full day is perfect.

Feel free to ask if you have more questions.

 

[StageTek]

Looking to fly into Vegas - have never been to Vegas. We like to eat & drink, might have interest in a show or two, but aren't huge gamblers. How many days do people generally spend in Vegas?

The typical visit is two days. I would suggest three/four for your first time. Perhaps you could
decide based on the shows you want to see. If you want to see three shows; then three
nights.

We have interest in Zion National Park. Anyone been there? Worth it/enjoyable?

Spectacular! Even the drive from Vegas to Zion is terrific.

Definitely want to do the Grand Canyon, obviously. Can it be seen in a full day trip, or would we want to spend the night somewhere nearby? We like to hike, but we aren't 18 mile hiking professionals or anything. Pros and cons of driving vs. taking a helicopter over? (Price, obviously, but aside from that...)

I'd say one full day is enough. You can do a couple of the short hikes and see the "classics"
in that time. If you plan to stay through sunset (which I recommend) you might what to
spend the night close by rather than drive back to Las Vegas. I don't think there are any
"cons" to driving or a helicopter tour. The obvious "pro" to the helicopter tour is perspective
- see what you can't see on land.

I prefer the North Rim - less crowded. That's a couple of days.

 

[xlxo]

Hey y'all!

We are looking into planning a trip out west for next year. I originally wanted to see Yosemite, Grand Canyon, & Yellowstone, but apparently, the map is telling me those places are...er, rather spread out so, we've revised a bit. We'd like to spend about a week wandering around.

Looking to fly into Vegas - have never been to Vegas. We like to eat & drink, might have interest in a show or two, but aren't huge gamblers. How many days do people generally spend in Vegas?

Definitely want to do the Grand Canyon, obviously. Can it be seen in a full day trip, or would we want to spend the night somewhere nearby? We like to hike, but we aren't 18 mile hiking professionals or anything. Pros and cons of driving vs. taking a helicopter over? (Price, obviously, but aside from that...)

Also thinking about driving over to Los Angeles or San Diego for a few days at the end of our trip. I've been to San Diego and remember it being beautiful, but we didn't really do much in terms of activities. What's there, besides sea world and the zoo?

Thoughts....

• Google Maps is great when calculating/planning distance and drive times.
• With Grand Canyon.... which Rims? West or South. West Rim is easier, South Rim can be a very long drive.... especially for a one day round trip.
• What do you plan to do at the Canyon? Are you happy with just a land experience. What about a helicopter and boat ride?
• What month do you plan to be at the Canyon? I like going when it's cooler. Summers can be super hot. Winter can be OK... but some winters can have snow.
• do you like bussing? I tour bussed to the canyon for economics. I also Bolt bussed to Los Angeles for $30. Bolt bus prices changes depending on demand.

 

[hsmamato2]

what is your main interest? I personally hate Vegas except as a place to got off an airplane,rent a car,and drive away.... it's only about 3-4 hours Vegas-Zion,right? We drove it last year.... I LOVELOVELOVE Zion,wish we had spent more than 2 nights there! It's gorgeous! Quickest Grand Canyon route from Zion- is the North Rim. But FYI that side doesn't get as much attention for the bigger views,and has less 'built up' around it. I've seen both rims, and I like them both, with the North a little more, since I liked staying in a rimside cabin,and the pine trees,etc of that side. If you drive around to the south rim(just pick only one) then you could drive west to LA area to sightsee- one trip, we flew into PHX, drove up to GC south rim then headed west ,stopping in Death Valley as a stopover on the way,stayed in Furnace creek resort and loved it for the night.
For Vegas/Zion/GC? I'd fly into Vegas, (leave immediately but that my opinion only) and drive to ZIon, stay a couple of night(one full day to sightsee) drive down to south rim,stay a night or two(one full day to sightsee) and then head to LA area if that's what you want to see next. (Actually we headed west to DL when we did this drive) map out your drive times, it's pretty simple. The GC and ZION are amazing places.
Trip advisor forums are invaluable for detailed info

 

[dashofsunshine]

Where are you coming from? I'm from south Texas and have driven from here through New Mexico to Las Vegas so if you need tips along that way I can help there too.

Las Vegas---the first time we went we spent an entire 5 days IN Vegas. We saw all of the casinos in "old Vegas" downtown and pretty much walked the entire strip and saw all those casinos. We like to gamble but only if we are winning some. We play slots and now prefer to go to Louisiana or Mississippi if we want to gamble. Now,if we go to,Vegas it's just,to,sight see and eat/drink.

The second time we went we booked another 5 days and found we were bored after 3. Now we only stay IN Vegas for 3 days at s time.

Our must dos:
----Gambler's special and mr. Lucky's Mary at Mr Lucky's 24/7 at the hard rock casino (not Hard Rock Cafe)
----hidden/secret pizza 3rd floor of Cosmopolitan (look for record covered hallway)
----Le Buffet at Paris casino

Touristy stuff to do if it's your first time:
See welcome to Vegas sign
See mirage volcano
See bellagio fountains
See Fremont street experience
See conservatory at bellagio and Chihuly ceiling
Go up the Eiffel Tower (get coupons in back of free coupon books)
If you're going to she a show and don't want front row, I recommend buying from one of the tix4tonite places. I bought tickets there for Phantom, the titanic exhibit, and Madame Tussaud's wax museum. All,were good discounts. We have only stayed at the Golden Nugget but found last trip their customer service and quality wasn't great. We actually looked at going back during Christmas an found good deals at Paris.

Grand Canyon
We don't hike, so I can't speak to that, but when you get there and park they have constant shuttle buses to take you to various observation points.
In my opinion, a full day is perfect.

Feel free to ask if you have more questions.

We're in Tennessee, so probably won't try to drive, as much as I'd love that! My husband only gets 10 days of vacation per year so we try to fly whenever we can, to maximize time. Haha! Thanks so much for all the recommendations. Sounds like 2 or 3 days might be perfect for actually being IN Vegas. Where do you guys like to stay? There's so many hotels that it's borderline overwhelming, lol.

The typical visit is two days. I would suggest three/four for your first time. Perhaps you could
decide based on the shows you want to see. If you want to see three shows; then three
nights.



Spectacular! Even the drive from Vegas to Zion is terrific.

I'd say one full day is enough. You can do a couple of the short hikes and see the "classics"
in that time. If you plan to stay through sunset (which I recommend) you might what to
spend the night close by rather than drive back to Las Vegas. I don't think there are any
"cons" to driving or a helicopter tour. The obvious "pro" to the helicopter tour is perspective
- see what you can't see on land.

I prefer the North Rim - less crowded. That's a couple of days.

Yay, so glad to hear good things about Zion! The photos and reviews looked amazing, so we will definitely add that to our list as a must do. Short hikes at the Canyon sounds perfect for us. I looked at some of the cabins/hotels at the canyon (that I think are run by the national parks), and yowza, they're a bit pricey Maybe we could find a cheap hotel in Flagstaff, should we decide to stay the night before returning to Vegas.

Thoughts....

• Google Maps is great when calculating/planning distance and drive times.
• With Grand Canyon.... which Rims? West or South. West Rim is easier, South Rim can be a very long drive.... especially for a one day round trip.
• What do you plan to do at the Canyon? Are you happy with just a land experience. What about a helicopter and boat ride?
• What month do you plan to be at the Canyon? I like going when it's cooler. Summers can be super hot. Winter can be OK... but some winters can have snow.
• do you like bussing? I tour bussed to the canyon for economics. I also Bolt bussed to Los Angeles for $30. Bolt bus prices changes depending on demand.

I honestly have no idea about which rims! I've read that the South Rim is the most popular/what you'd expect from photos; I hear many people speaking of the North Rim and how wonderful it is, but I've also read that it is a bit harder to get to, and more "wild" (?). Know absolutely nothing about the West Rim (I didn't even know about it, lol).

We are open to any rim as long as it is somewhat easy to get to and shows us the beauty of the canyon! We'd like to hike a bit, as well, but we aren't mountaineers, so that's another thing to consider

We will probably be going in the fall of next year - late September or early October. That's what we had planned, anyway!

We've never done bussing at all, but that's an idea! I should probably look into that, for sure. Especially if that gets us to California, because we are interested in San Diego/Los Angeles.

what is your main interest? I personally hate Vegas except as a place to got off an airplane,rent a car,and drive away.... it's only about 3-4 hours Vegas-Zion,right? We drove it last year.... I LOVELOVELOVE Zion,wish we had spent more than 2 nights there! It's gorgeous! Quickest Grand Canyon route from Zion- is the North Rim. But FYI that side doesn't get as much attention for the bigger views,and has less 'built up' around it. I've seen both rims, and I like them both, with the North a little more, since I liked staying in a rimside cabin,and the pine trees,etc of that side. If you drive around to the south rim(just pick only one) then you could drive west to LA area to sightsee- one trip, we flew into PHX, drove up to GC south rim then headed west ,stopping in Death Valley as a stopover on the way,stayed in Furnace creek resort and loved it for the night.
For Vegas/Zion/GC? I'd fly into Vegas, (leave immediately but that my opinion only) and drive to ZIon, stay a couple of night(one full day to sightsee) drive down to south rim,stay a night or two(one full day to sightsee) and then head to LA area if that's what you want to see next. (Actually we headed west to DL when we did this drive) map out your drive times, it's pretty simple. The GC and ZION are amazing places.
Trip advisor forums are invaluable for detailed info

Haha, I've heard that most people either hate or love Vegas, so we'll see which party we fall into!! This is SUPER helpful, thank you so much! We'll probably check out Vegas for a day or two, if only for the food and drinks, lol - then head on to Zion and the GC! I had definitely thought about doing DL while we're over there, if I can convince my loving husband

 

[Disney_traveler]

We're in Tennessee, so probably won't try to drive, as much as I'd love that! My husband only gets 10 days of vacation per year so we try to fly whenever we can, to maximize time. Haha! Thanks so much for all the recommendations. Sounds like 2 or 3 days might be perfect for actually being IN Vegas. Where do you guys like to stay? There's so many hotels that it's borderline overwhelming, lol.

We have always stayed at the Golden Nugget. My dad's boss first recommended it because that's where they stay. We have always gotten rooms for $30-$50 dollars a night. It is not a dump. When I first booked it I thought I would be staying at a motel six. It wasn't. We have just noticed customer service not being what it was. By that I mean an overflowing trash can in the hall, repeatedly not having a key that works and then on the last day finally sending maintenance to find out it was lock part on door, letting people get obnoxious in halls, being hovered by the casino floor workers when you get so much as a dollar back. We were there summer 2015 and after that when we go back we will try something new. We are looking at Paris or the Venetian for 100-160 a night. We like how it is tamer downtown, but we like the food and sites on the strip better. I will say that staying Sunday thru Thursday is much cheaper.

 

[hsmamato2]

And I recommend south rim for you... it's definitely got the best 'touristy' feel about it, the North is less accessible in many ways. (sometimes the 'touristy' feel is fun too!) Lots of nice small hikes all over the south rim,I suggest bite the bullet and stay at a motel or cabin right near the rim, it's worth it for the ease of being right there,just walking to the shuttle, hiking,views,etc. if you look at xanterra, that's the offical hotels group there, but the yavapai motel isn't on their page anymore I believe, that is where we stayed, right near the convenient food/store/shuttle area, and a short walk to the rim.... it was perfect and not too $$$(rustic,but the location was great) personally I prefer to spend more days enjoying beautiful natural parks than in Vegas, so I would suggest no less than 2 days at Zion,2 at GC to just scratch the surface.... stay as near/inside parks as possible to maximize your time there(we stayed at a quality inn right outside the gates of Zion,it was reasonable)

 

[xlxo]

We will probably be going in the fall of next year - late September or early October. That's what we had planned, anyway!

We've never done bussing at all, but that's an idea! I should probably look into that, for sure. Especially if that gets us to California, because we are interested in San Diego/Los Angeles.

Click on this link and enter your travel dates to get an idea of the rates from Vegas to Los Angeles. Rates will go up as the bus fills up.
https://www.boltbus.com/

 

[lilpooh108]

For cheaper shows, keep your eye Groupon Las Vegas. I've noticed that they usually have a few shows on sale there and the prices are great.

 

[JimMIA]

For the non-Vegas part of your trip, you really have to decide North Rim or South Rim of Grand Canyon. You should also know that neither will be a day trip, and park lodge reservations are hard to get...especially at the South Rim. Go to nps.gov/grca and look for the lodging links. Most national park lodges open booking a year and a day from your arrival date, and if you don't book early that day you may not get what you want.

For Zion, go to nps.gov/zion . The lodging companies are probably different from GRCA.

For a North Rim trip, here's the route we went several years ago: Vegas to Zion (2 nights); Zion to Bryce Canyon (nps.gov/brca) by way of Cedar Breaks, two nights at Bryce; then down to the North Rim for two nights, then back to Vegas.

What time of year you go will matter greatly. We were at the South Rim last July and it was shoulder-to-shoulder until you got out on a trail. Going to Yosemite this summer, and we know it will be at least as bad as the South Rim.

 

[GPaLarry]

We have traveled to all of the above. Vegas is an acquired taste, but not for us. If you like heat, food, shows, gambling and heat, help yourself. My wife and I are hikers and have hit the day hiking trails of Bryce and Zion. They are worth a day at each, but book NOW! Now, about the Grand Canyon. After visiting it several times from our then home in LA with kids, we have taken hiking there a bit more seriously. We have backpacked down from the South Rim to Phantom Ranch and back once and backpacked from rim to rim (over 3-5 days) twice. I agree with remarks above, staying at one of lodges (El Tovar or Bright Angel are our favorites) near the South Rim (literally feet away) is a great introduction. I would plan on two nights there to see the sun rise and set over this awesome canyon. However, if you want to stay there, book NOW! With plenty of water (plenty of water), you can hike along the rim for a mile or so or go down a switchback or two, just to feel how vast this natural wonder is. Once you see it, you will want to come back. There is a shuttle to the North Rim that goes once a day for the 200 mile drive. If you are serious about hiking further, please let us know. Take your time and enjoy this part of the US. Remember, the drop-offs you encounter are not Disney projections...they are real and you could fall and die. Stay on the trail in all the parks, obey signs and take only pictures.

 

[Disney Dad ADL]

Sounds like 2 or 3 days might be perfect for actually being IN Vegas. Where do you guys like to stay?

A lot of it depends on your budget, I think, and also your plans in terms of shows and such, and whether you want to stay at someplace "nice" or you don't care much and just want someplace clean to sleep. I assume you want to stay on the Strip?

I prefer the Wynn/Encore and the Venetian/Palazzo. I've also stayed at Paris, Harrah's, Caesar's, Circus Circus, Excalibur, New York New York, Cosmopolitan, probably some others that I'm forgetting, though it's been years since I've stayed anywhere other than the Wynn/Encore. Most hotels on the strip are very nice though, you won't find many dirty/run down joints there, so just go someplace where you can find a good deal. Just make sure you look at a map before you choose. I would avoid the Stratosphere because it's just so far away from everything. Unless you have kids, I would also scratch Circus Circus off the list. I wasn't all that impressed with Excalibur either, unless you can stay there for super cheap.

2-3 days is a good amount. I agree that more than that is probably not necessary.

 

[Purrkins]

I'm based in San Diego and last summer did SAN>LV>ZION>BRYCE>GRANDCANYON (South)>LV>SAN and it was 1600 miles of driving and took two weeks.

My take - you can spend 24 hours or 5 days in Las Vegas. I'm usually ready to leave after 24 hours, personally, but there are good shows and good eats.

The drive to Zion is easy, takes about 3 hours from LV + you lose an hour when you get into Utah. Try the Cable Mountain Lodge. Great location and very comfy rooms. We're going back for Thanksgiving. Zion, for what it is worth,, might be my second or third national park. It's incredible.

If you do Zion, then you must see Bryce which is only 90 minutes away and amazing.

The Grand Canyon is one of those places you can see in a day or a week. If you just want some photos, then sure, a day is fine, I guess. South rim is very crowded and about 7 hours from Zion/Bryce. The North rim is more remote, and not a lot of services, but stunning and incredible and if time is an issue you could do much much much worse. It's considerably closer if you're coming from Zion/Bryce. I prefer the North, but the South rim has the "money shots" that everyone has seen.

Plenty to do in San Diego but the zoo is pretty much a must see. Or do very little and sip a quality San Diego beer on the beach and eat a fish taco at sunset. It's what we do.

Have fun! Sounds likes a good trip. Also consider Joshua Tree since you're driving around. Wonderful national park.

 

[hsmamato2]

I 100% agree on the Zion/Bryce visit.... My vote would be to get outta Vegas asap ,hit the road,and see Zion(2 nites) head to Bryce on the 3rd morning(spend 1 nite nearby) head to South Rim directly after(leave early am,spend 2 nites GC) then head west to La if you want to. You won't be sorry(Bryce is magical,but small,I've never seen anything like it) Vegas is just like every other city/tourist spot IMHO(I live bear NYC sooo) and you can shop and eat many other places, but Zion/Bryce/GC are unique.

 

[GPaLarry]

While you are in the Utah neighborhood and have time, check out Arches NP and the funky town of Moab (mountain bike heaven). Looks like your vacation might have to stretch to two weeks or more. And then, when you hit the west coast, a bushel of other possibilities (and Disneyland) pop up. I say, chuck your jobs, sell everything you've got (keep the dog), buy an RV, homeschool the kids and hit the road. Later, write a book about your travels and retire.

 

[dashofsunshine]

A lot of it depends on your budget, I think, and also your plans in terms of shows and such, and whether you want to stay at someplace "nice" or you don't care much and just want someplace clean to sleep. I assume you want to stay on the Strip?

I prefer the Wynn/Encore and the Venetian/Palazzo. I've also stayed at Paris, Harrah's, Caesar's, Circus Circus, Excalibur, New York New York, Cosmopolitan, probably some others that I'm forgetting, though it's been years since I've stayed anywhere other than the Wynn/Encore. Most hotels on the strip are very nice though, you won't find many dirty/run down joints there, so just go someplace where you can find a good deal. Just make sure you look at a map before you choose. I would avoid the Stratosphere because it's just so far away from everything. Unless you have kids, I would also scratch Circus Circus off the list. I wasn't all that impressed with Excalibur either, unless you can stay there for super cheap.

2-3 days is a good amount. I agree that more than that is probably not necessary.

We are definitely not the kind that like to spend $200+ per night on hotels, lol. We always stay off property at WDW So I will keep an eye out for good deals! And thanks for the specific recommendations - we don't have kids, so we'll steer clear of Circus Circus, for sure.

I'm based in San Diego and last summer did SAN>LV>ZION>BRYCE>GRANDCANYON (South)>LV>SAN and it was 1600 miles of driving and took two weeks.

My take - you can spend 24 hours or 5 days in Las Vegas. I'm usually ready to leave after 24 hours, personally, but there are good shows and good eats.

The drive to Zion is easy, takes about 3 hours from LV + you lose an hour when you get into Utah. Try the Cable Mountain Lodge. Great location and very comfy rooms. We're going back for Thanksgiving. Zion, for what it is worth,, might be my second or third national park. It's incredible.

If you do Zion, then you must see Bryce which is only 90 minutes away and amazing.

The Grand Canyon is one of those places you can see in a day or a week. If you just want some photos, then sure, a day is fine, I guess. South rim is very crowded and about 7 hours from Zion/Bryce. The North rim is more remote, and not a lot of services, but stunning and incredible and if time is an issue you could do much much much worse. It's considerably closer if you're coming from Zion/Bryce. I prefer the North, but the South rim has the "money shots" that everyone has seen.

Plenty to do in San Diego but the zoo is pretty much a must see. Or do very little and sip a quality San Diego beer on the beach and eat a fish taco at sunset. It's what we do.

Have fun! Sounds likes a good trip. Also consider Joshua Tree since you're driving around. Wonderful national park.

So excited about Zion, and so glad I asked - you guys have all given it rave reviews, so it is a must do! Will check out the Cable Mountain Lodge, for sure. We are more the beach/fish tacos type, anyway, so that sounds like a perfect day in San Diego Ohhh, I haven't heard about Joshua Tree! Will have to look that one up!! Thanks!

I 100% agree on the Zion/Bryce visit.... My vote would be to get outta Vegas asap ,hit the road,and see Zion(2 nites) head to Bryce on the 3rd morning(spend 1 nite nearby) head to South Rim directly after(leave early am,spend 2 nites GC) then head west to La if you want to. You won't be sorry(Bryce is magical,but small,I've never seen anything like it) Vegas is just like every other city/tourist spot IMHO(I live bear NYC sooo) and you can shop and eat many other places, but Zion/Bryce/GC are unique.

Lol, my husband was born and raised in Goshen, about an hour and a half outside of NYC. I was so excited when we started dating, because I'm a TN girl, and I thought, "OH!!! NYC!!!" So, we took the train in for a day the first 2 or 3 trips I went up to visit him. After that, I was like "ugh. no more. no more NYC."

While you are in the Utah neighborhood and have time, check out Arches NP and the funky town of Moab (mountain bike heaven). Looks like your vacation might have to stretch to two weeks or more. And then, when you hit the west coast, a bushel of other possibilities (and Disneyland) pop up. I say, chuck your jobs, sell everything you've got (keep the dog), buy an RV, homeschool the kids and hit the road. Later, write a book about your travels and retire.

Haha, I wish!!! Tell that to my husbands boss!!!

 

[usnuzuloose]

There is a huge chocolate fountain in the Bellagio and the bakery is really good. Take a picture of the fountain. The conservatory is there and they change it with the seasons;

 

[hsmamato2]

While you are in the Utah neighborhood and have time, check out Arches NP and the funky town of Moab (mountain bike heaven). Looks like your vacation might have to stretch to two weeks or more. And then, when you hit the west coast, a bushel of other possibilities (and Disneyland) pop up. I say, chuck your jobs, sell everything you've got (keep the dog), buy an RV, homeschool the kids and hit the road. Later, write a book about your travels and retire.

good advice!!!

 

[bethbuchall]

We just did a trip that included Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, San Diego (really quickly), Disneyland, Zion, Bryce, and Arches.

We liked Zion, Bryce, and Arches way more than the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon was spectacular, but the other parks just held our attention so much more. We spent one night at the Grand Canyon and felt that it was plenty unless you want to hike down to the bottom and back. That takes several days. I would love to do that some day, but my husband and son were definitely not interested in doing that. Also, we didn't have a car at the Grand Canyon (we took The Train from Williams, AZ up), so we were limited to only going where the shuttles went.

We spent two nights in Zion but arrived late evening the first day, so we really only had that evening, a full day, and several hours the last day. I wish we had at least one more night, but we were able to hike to Angel's Landing, go a ways into The Narrows, and do a couple of shorter hikes. The shuttles in Zion were fantastic! They came much more frequently than the ones in the Grand Canyon and seemed better organized. We never waited more than 5 minutes for a shuttle there.

We only had a few hours in Bryce. I felt like it was enough but that we could have also enjoyed ourselves longer if we had more time. It's definitely worth a look.

We mostly drove through Joshua Tree. I wanted to do a lot more hiking there, but my husband felt that it was too hot, and we didn't have a lot of time to devote to it either. It was beautiful, and I'm definitely going back some day to hike and to see it at night.

For our brief San Diego portion of the trip, we wanted to within walking distance of a beach. The hotels in San Diego were so expensive. I ended up booking a room in Encinitas near Moonlight Beach. We loved it. It was still expensive but not as expensive as what I was seeing in San Diego. Then we drove down the coast to the San Diego zoo the next day. We stopped at the Children's Pool/Seal Beach to walk around a bit and see the seals. That was fun, too.

We didn't stop in Las Vegas, so I can't say anything about that at all. I hope you have a great trip!