Anyone done a tour of the Grand Canyon / Yosemite / Vegas region??

[Milliways]

IF we get our act (and funds) together, would love to do a Fly-drive around this area.

Was considering adding in the Hollywood & LA Disney bit, but that would just completely kill any budget as I guess you could do a whole week or 2 there!

Does a day trip to the Canyon do it justice, or should you try & spend 2 nights? Also, how many night would give a realistic experience of Yosemite?

My ideal would be 2 or 3 nights Vegas, 1 night Zion, 1 night Bryce Canyon, i night Grand Canyon, 1 Night Death Valley, Yosemite (? nights) & a few nights in somewher like San Diego. Would that be do-able??

WOuld REALLY appreciate any input as would cost a bomb & don't want to waste it or think "Could have skipped that & stayed longer there" etc. Have only done Florida in the US before, and that was 7 years ago!

TIA

My brother lives in Utah so we drove from Salt Lake City to Zion to Grand Canyon To Vegas then back to SLC.
Zion is absolutely amazing - did three day hike there camping in wilderness and it's the most amazing experience of my life. The red rocks are astounding and to see some people climbing up them takes your breath away.
The driving is dull but easy as the roads are all straight and all cars are automatic.
Grand Canyon - I think we only stayed one night, and that was enough for us.. unless you want to do some hikes into the canyon. It's amazing too, I was terrified of falling over the edge. Bit cheesy when everyone applauds the sunset!
Vegas, amazing place, but not somewhere to spend long in my opinion... you arrive, look at all the glitter, and think wow! After 24 hours, you think, 'what is the point of all this waste in the middle of the dessert?' A must-see, but I've been twice now and don't need to go again.
Am jealous - you'll love it. south west usa is absolutely amazing, the most breathtaking scenery.

anteater... i was 14 when my parents took me on that trip and san diego was one of the highlights for me with the zoo and trip into mexico

Also did San Fran on previous trip - my favourite city in the world. If you're going there, don't stay downtown. It's seriously dodgy there, and doesn't feel safe to walk to the sights even during the day. Much better to stay in bay area.
You'd need at least a few days in SF, and well worth visiting the redwoods north of the city for a day.

Personally I thought one say at grand canyon enough, tehn we drove around around for a few days and saw the painted desert. Then flew to San fran and did the napa valley and white water rafting down the tuolome (river in yosemite) fab fab fab Yosemite is fab, WW rafting is fab. Am not outdoorsy at all but Yosemite is probably the most beautiful place I've ever see.

Stuff Las Vegas - spend a bit mre time in Yosemite.

OMGoodness! Everybody loves it but soooooo many choices!!

I Really want to go now, & this is still just a thought with soo many factors to consider (not least the money).

Thanks so much for your replies. Will show DH & go consult the brochures again.

Which companies have you used - Virgin/Kuoni etc or just DIY??

my parents are in california atm & having a fabulous time if their happy texts are anything to go by .

We had my brother's car, which of course helped, and he organised hotels etc so didn't need to book...
For info, lodge at Zion is only place to stay inside the park, and worth the bit extra IMO.

I did DIY - easy peasy.

We're going with Cosmos Tourama in Auguat, their Western Wonders tour with extra nights in San Francisco, they offer some amazing packages and a major plus factor for me was that I didn't have to drive, just whack my feet up and enjoy!!

How about hiring a campervan? We did the whole area last autumn - budget wise it worked for us and there are some great campsites - even at Circus Circus in Las Vegas! We booked ours thru trailfinders. We must have clocked up about 2000 miles but with 4 young children 10,9 5 and 4 the campervan gave us a bit more flexibility. We used KOA campsites if its any help.

Have a great time!

Pre children we drove from Texas to California and back in a big circle. One of my favourite holidays ever!

Highlights were
Grand canyon - went to south rim - touristy -but spectacular sight - did flight over it too - worth it imo.
Bryce Canyon - in some ways more stunning than Grand Canyon
Lake Powell - much needed relaxing couple of nights
Hearst Castle - on road from San Francisco to LA
Palm Springs - IMO a better choice than San Diego(did San Diego on a previous trip)
Disneyland - we did one day
Knottsberry Farm - again one day (don't know if it's still there!)
Death Valley
Painted Desert
Petrified Forest
Las Vegas - thought I'd hate it but loved it
Monument Valley

We did DIY which I would strongly recommend. Much cheaper to do it this way at the moment because of dollar rate. We planned some accommodation and booked it in advance. Some other hotels we booked on arrival. Most US hotels can be cancelled without charge up until the afternoon of arrival so you have much more flexibility too.

When children are older we would definitely do it again.

Hi,
We are off this summer with 9yr old triplets! This is what we are doing.
2 nights San Fran (hotel)
4 nights Modesto ( staying with pen-pal)
5 nights Yosemite (cabin)
2 nights Vegas (suite at the Venetian overlooking the Strip, and tickets for Phantom ogf the Opera)
2 nights Williams in Arizona (staying in a former bordello! Taking train to Grand Canyon)
6 nights in Sedona (rented a house with a hot tub)
2 nights in Palm Desert (suite in a resort)
4 nights in Anaheim (rented a cottage to be close to friends and to do Disney)

Back in the 90`s prior to these three we did similar trips taking in San Diego area and also Napa Valley!