1. Yes. More than enough.
2. Yes. Spend some time elsewhere. Cambria, for instance, on the day you visit Hearst Castle. (Hint: There is a lot to see between Monterey and Santa Monica on Highway 1.)
3. I would prefer to spend another night in Kings Canyon.
4. Sonoma isn't nicer than Napa Valley, but it is more causal and laid back.
5. The drive up Highway 1 from San Francisco to Mendocino is quite spectacular. (It's worth a trip to me, but you divide your time among destinations much differently than I do.)
6. It's worth it to me.
7. Close enough.

From Death Valley you should drive to Yosemite on 395 and 120 over Tioga Pass. It is much more scenic that to drive from DVNP to Sequoia NP.

In 3 1/2 weeks you have time to see a lot of interesting places that you haven't included in your itinerary. It would be very worthwhile for you to get a copy of "Fodor's California 2012" and ask more questions after you have studied it: http://www.amazon.com/Fodors-California-Full-color-Travel-Guide/dp/0679009515/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342903918&sr=8-1&keywords=fodor%27s+california+2012

HTTY

Sounds like a great trip. Not sure if I can help but I'll try to answer your questions.

1. I love Death Valley. But it will still be very hot in September (highs can still get over 100). For that reason, I think 2 full days will be plenty. Try to do your hiking in early morning/late day. Highly recommend getting up for sunrise viewing from Dante's View or other points.
2. Be sure to visit Big Sur as well when you are staying in Monterey. Great hiking there.
3. I hate to tell you to skip Sequoia/Kings Canyon but you might want to borrow that time to go up north. But I've only been to these 2 parks once so I should let someone else answer this one.
4. First of all, I grew up in Napa so I am biased. But to answer your question, Sonoma (or Napa, for that matter) is not a good place to break up that trip. It might take even longer to drive to Sonoma from Yosemite than directly to San Francisco. And the drive from Sonoma to SF can be more like 2 hours. There is a lot to see around Sonoma if you could stay a little longer. Not just wine tasting at all. It's near the redwoods of Russian River. And the Sonoma Coast is one of my favorite parts of California. Very different from the coast around Monterey.
5. I'm not sure what you heard about Fort Bragg-not much of a destination as far as I know. But it is near Mendocino, which is a very popular destination. The whole Sonoma and Mendocino Coast is gorgeous.
6. I think 2 days in LA is definitely worth it. It's a good amount too. I'm always ready to leave after about 3 days-no offense to anyone! That's just me.
7. You probably should add some time to all of your driving times. So much of it depends on traffic. For instance, SF to Monterey is more like 2 1/2-3.

I hope you have a wonderful time!

Oh my, all that time in Death Valley? In SEPTEMBER????

In the three days in the Monterey area I recommend: Half day hiking in Point Lobos State reserve, half day seeing the Monterey Bay Aquarium, half day visiting the shops and galleries in Carmel by the Sea plus strolling along Carmel beach, half day hiking or biking the coastal recreation trail in Pacific Grove, half day driving the 17 Mile Drive through Pebble Beach.

I like your plan.

A couple of thoughts though. September isn't the best time for Yosemite as the waterfalls will be dry most likely.

You might also want to consider Lassen and Redwoods. Much less people.

I haven't been to Channel Islands, but I'm really wanting to go there. A few companies offer overnight tours/camping there.

We spend 3 days in Death Valley and had plenty to do. This was in January though. Have been to 29 National Parks and this one suprised me the most, We weren't expecting to like it as much as we did.

There is a lot to do between SB and Monterey. McWay Falls, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, etc. So, I would plan on an entire day, not just 4 hours.

Look at kayaking in Elkhorn Slough near Monterey-amazing!


Buy a National Park Pass to save some $$$

Personally I think Yosemite is fantastic in Sept. Maybe no waterdalls but there is plenty of hiking, fewer crowds the leaves start to turn. Just really beautiful Check put hetch hetchy if you can. SF Gate just ran an article about a backpacking trip there. Some great pics.

hetch-hetchy-walking-with-the-ghost-of-muir

Perhaps, I should have said for a first visit. The waterfalls were what really left an impression on me. I did go to Hetch Hetchy. I hope to get back and do some backpacking at Yosemite at some point. I do think Sept would make great backpacking the high sierras. Just wanted you to be aware that the falls might not be going good or might even be totally dry.

Hi

Thanks for all your responses.

Happy Trails. You say that we divide up time differntly to you. This is our first time in California and we have serious FOMO (fear of missing out).

Granted we could always come back. W

1)

Sorry Dbl Post

Hi

Thanks for all your responses.

Happy Trails. You say that we divide up time differntly to you. This is our first time in California and we have serious FOMO (fear of missing out).

I think maybe we could shave days on death valley,Monterey

Granted we could always come back. What do you think we are missing out on?

For you what is a must? We are super flexible at this stage.

We wanted a nice mix of city,small town and nature.

Maybe we are a bit time heavy in spots.

I guess for a 1st trip we want a great flavor to entice us to come back.

Thanks heaps everyone.

What do you think we are missing out on?

It seems you have checked out some of our natural wonders without exploring what's between them. For instance, you were going to drive to Sequoia NP via a spectacularly non-scenic route rather than up the east side of the Sierra Nevada and over Tioga Pass.

Driving from Yosemite to Napa or Sonoma, you could drive on Highway 49--a scenic highway located with historic towns from the great Gold Rush.

Highway 1 from Monterey to Santa Monica is extremely scenic with much to offer, but you mention only Santa Barbara for the Channel Islands (which are accessed from Ventura, not Santa Barbara).

This is for starters. Also, you have some misconceptions. For instance:

We have read that Sonoma is nicer than Napa.

I don't know where you read this, but you won't find it is the guide book I suggested.

Some of your rationale's are not well reasoned:

Don’t want to spend too much time in this area though as we are Australian and have plenty of wine country down our way.

Using this reasoning you wouldn't go to San Francisco because you have plenty of cities in Australia.

I hope this helps. You have a big adventure planned, and it is worth researching beforehand.

HTTY

PS No matter what you think about Las Vegas, it has to been seen to be believed. You don't have anything like it in Australia.

Why are you coming to California from Australia by way of Montreal?
If you went to Las Vegas first you could include the Grand Canyon south rim. I would trade a day in DV for a day at the GC anytime. You could do a loop from LV including Sequoia/Kings, Yosemite and Death Valley. Return the car to LV and fly to either San Francisco or San Diego to avoid driving through a lot of the Mojave Desert.

You forgot San Diego.

Hi Happy Trails,

This is planning i use forums to help get a better understanding.

I have been to Vegas and GC. Though GC was far to rushed for me. I would like to go back.

I don't understand the snark. I don't feel like doing a lot of time in wine country. That's fine its not intended as an insult.

I grew up in wine country and love it but i am trying to focus the limited time i have on what interests me. I have traveled the world over and i don't have the attitude you suggest.

Your comments about cities is ridiculous.

I didn't realize the route was boring between those parks and i will take your advice... its why i asked for it. On a forum where you seek opinions.

If i didn't have to work and had cash i would see everything.

Tom i live in Montreal. I really want to see Bryce canyon and Zion too so i was thinking it best to save GC and area for another trip so i can give it the time it deserves.

I'm sorry that you are offended by my careful
reading of your post and that you don't see the
logic of my statement about cities.

You asked what you were missing out on. I tried
to give you some ideas, concluding sincerely, "I hope
this helps." I'm disappointed to receive a tongue-lashing
in exchange for my efforts.

HTTY

I dont see the logic, sorry. I just didn't want to spend a lot of time in wine country. Its that simple. Perhaps my reasoning seems crude.

I am sure its a jewel in the crown of the great state of California its just not one i want to visit to much on this trip, there is so much to see.

Sure I've seen New York so why would i need to see New Delhi... its all the same dont you know

I do like this Vegas idea though. I never thought of that. Maybe we could go LV - Death- Yos - KC/S - LV and then do the cities tour flying into SF.

Now i have to convince my partner into going to Zion.

So much choice it blows my mind.

Hey Easy,

We thought of San Diego but we figured that two big cities was enough for this trip.

I have always wanted to go to SF.

That being said i am a huge comic fan so Comic-Con in SD is a dream of mine..... not so much my partner

Now i have to convince my partner into going to Zion.

I wish you success. Zion is a beautiful place about three hours from Las Vegas. You could have most of a day there and the next day drive to Death Valley in 5-6 hours.

When we go to Zion, we stay in Springale and in Death Valley we stay at Death Valley Ranch.

Skipping Sequoia NP, this would make a good itinerary: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Zion NP, Death Valley NP, Yosemite NP, San Francisco, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Channel Islands, Los Angeles.

HTTY

Thanks Happy Trails.

I am wrangling for 3 extra days off work so fingers crossed.

What do you think of squeezing in Bryce canyon or is it a bridge to far.

Would you recommend starting in vegas and looping the parks then flying to SF like Tom mentioned.

Or just drive starting in LA?

I really do appreciate your help.

I worry about one way drop off fees.

If you want to see Hearst Castle, which I believe you mentioned, it would be best to take one day away from Monterey and stay in Cambria which is just a short drive to Hearst. Or you could stay in San Simeon itself where Hearst is located, but that town has fewer lodging and restaurant choices than Cambria. Have stayed in both and liked both. Have a great trip.

Okay. So here goes. We are factoring in some extra time and have tried to squeeze everything in.

1. Las Vegas (LV)(Night arrival)
2. LV – Zion
3. Zion
4. Zion - Death Valley (DV)
5. Death Valley
6. DV – Yosemite
7. Yosemite
8. Yosemite
9. Yosemite - Kings Canyon/Sequoia
10. Kings Canyon/Seq
11. Kings Canyon/Seq - San Fran
12. San Fran
13. San Fran
14. San Fran
15. San Fran trip North (not sure - maybe Mendocino for 1 night?)
16. Mendocino - Monterey (long drive) Maybe shuffle extra day
17. Monterey
18. Monterey
19. Monterey - Santa Barbara
20. Santa Barbara
21. Santa Barbara (Channel Islands)
22. Los Angeles
23. Los Angeles
24. Los Angeles (night flight home)

Like I said this is super flexible. I can still chop and change.

Thanks Tom and Happy Trails for the Vegas ideas. Happy, I am not sure if I really need to see KC/Seq and that those days could be freed up elsewhere. Is Yosemite and Kings Canyon overkill in your opinion?

Is Hearst Castle a must see place? We know it’s supposed to be really lovely, but we’re worried it will take too much time away from the surrounding areas.

Also, have read good things about the vineyards around Santa Barbara and Paso Robles – would you suggest one over the other (I know, I know – we didn’t want to stop at Napa!)?

Thanks again for everyone's suggestions.

Mendocino is too far from San Francisco for just an overnight, especially since you're headed south.

Arriving in LV with a California rental car or flying into LAS from a southern CA airport? You probably will be disappointed with Sequoia after seeing Yosemite. My son is a student at UCSB and still has not been to Channel Islands. Flying is the only way to avoid driving up I-15 through the Mojave.

Know I am coming in late here - but if you haven't finalized your schedule - I suggest you do again consider San Diego - where it's much more compact than LA and far easier to get around/less traffic - and there are plenty of things to do - especially kicking back at the beach after your long trip.

You could beg/borrow or steal a day/two/three somewhere, cut LA down to a day/night (you can also drive up to LA from San Diego in two hours if there is something you forgot and just had to see it) and spend 3 nights/days just lazing around SD - whatever.

Personally - I would bag Death Valley for the night - just drive through that scorched earth on the way to Yosemite (fun to do once and then you can say you have been there, cut a day out of Kings anyon/Sequioa (I/we prefer Yosemite anyway) - forget going north of SF this trip and spend another day/night in say Big Sur - or Carmel/Monterrey - and take a day away from Santa Barbara (nice area - my wife went to school there - but there is more to see/do in San Diego) and you could have three or four days to enjoy SD at the end of your journey.

Would you recommend starting in vegas and looping the parks then flying to SF like Tom mentioned.

I made the suggested itinerary based on your statement: "We’re not scared of driving!" Neither am I. Living in Seattle we take at least one 5,000-mile road trip every year--most recently to OR, CA, NV, and AZ. You'll save a lot of money flying into LA (or Ontario, if possible) and picking up and returning a car there. (I like Thrifty or Dollar which have good rates and I often find a money-saving promotion code on line.)

It's hard for me to advise you about Bryce. I strongly urge you to go to Zion, and I am confident you and your partner will be glad you made the effort. Bryce is great, too, but I can't be as enthusiastic about sending you there since you are not going to continue on to Arches NP, Monument Valley, Messa Verde, Canyon de Chelley, etc.

I suggest you spend two nights in Springdale so you can enjoy a full day hiking in Zion. You'll be glad you did.

I think Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Zion NP, Death Valley NP, Yosemite NP, San Francisco, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Channel Islands, Los Angeles, and what's in between and around them will make a great trip for you.

HTTY

PS The drive from LA to Las Vegas is not scenic in a conventional sense, but I like the open spaces of the Mojave--especially when driving on the back roads from Las Vegas, through Joshua Tree NP, to Palm Springs.

Just read your comment/Q about vinyards in the Paso Robles/Santa Barbara area.

Yes, one does not have to visit Napa to enjoy some great California wine.

Personally - while Paso Robles has some great vinyards and classic chateaux/B & B's - which are about 45 minutes east of Cambria - which itself is just south of Hearst Castle - I would stay closer to the Coast - say a night in the Danish themed Solvang area - and sample some of the wines from around there (the Santa Rita Hills are producing some great Chards and Pinots) - and then be on your way another 45 minutes the next day to Santa Barbara.

BTW - did you ever see the funny - bachelor trip/wine tasting movie - Sideways? It's filmed around the Solvang/Los Olivos area. This utube short should get it going. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS9ocP6FNvM

Or - down here in San Diego - you could drive up to the scenic hills around Julian (once a mining area) - and visit some wineries/tasting rooms there - and also have their wonderful Apple Pie. http://www.julianca.com/wine_tasting/index.htmJust read your comment/Q about vinyards in the Paso Robles/Santa Barbara area.

Come on down. San Diego awaits ye.

I should have added that the Valley of Fire, just outside Las Vegas, is quite an amazing place. For maximum enjoyment, take the road that can be accessed only from the visitor center.

HTTY

If you cut out that Mendocino night you can put it in the trip between DV & Yosemite which makes more sense. Don't make that long drive in one day. Stay in Mammoth and see a few sights before heading out to Yosemite.

Also, have read good things about the vineyards around Santa Barbara and Paso Robles – would you suggest one over the other (I know, I know – we didn’t want to stop at Napa!)?

I love that area. Here is something I wrote in January and posted under the heading "Visiting the Paso Robles Wind District while staying in Cambria:

"We recently spent a lovely day in the Paso Robles Wine District, which is one of the most beautiful regions of California.

To visit the area from Cambria, drive about three miles south on Highway 1 and take Highway 46 toward Paso Robles.

Drive 17.3 miles and take a left onto Vineyard Drive, which passes a dozen wineries before connecting with Adelaida Road. Adelaida Road will take you past another half-dozen wineries and into Paso Robles.

There are several good restaurants in downtown Paso Robles.

Returning to Cambria on Highway 46 you will drive past another dozen or more wineries.

This drive, without side trips, is about 75 miles.

Here is a link to the Paso Robles Wine Tasting Map: http://www.pasowine.com/wineries/map.php"

The area around Santa Barbara is beautiful, too, and I can describe drives there if you're interested.

HTTY

Okay so. I think consensus is no to Mendocino. So we can take that day back as well as kings canyon/cancel Kings Canyon/Sequioa.

Okay so. I think consensus is no to Mendocino. So we can take that day back as well as kings canyon/cancel Kings Canyon/Sequioa.

Add in San Diego.

You'll be surprised. San Diego is very, very different from LA and San Francisco. There's just so much to do there. If you know of any sailing group, try to get with some sailors out there. They used to have these non-race days when they would go out and just kick around and have fun sailing (and drinking). Mostly sailing is serious business down there (American's cup type of stuff). After all that desert, you'll love being around the water. Make San Diego your last stop before going home, you'll not regret it.

HTTY: I think Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Zion NP, Death Valley NP, Yosemite NP, San Francisco, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Channel Islands, Los Angeles, and what's in between and around them will make a great trip for you.

Except for not having San Diego, I agree that this is a much more doable and enjoyable circuit for you.

to TomSD and others' recommendations to seek out wine country in other parts of California - yes, to the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara regions. You might also want to look into the Edna Valley which has some really good wines - some just as good as more-famous Napa wines.

http://www.californiawineryadvisor.com/regions/view/San_Luis_Obispo/

If you can't hook up with some livewire sailing types on their off days, try Hornblower cruises or one of the others. It's right on the Embarcadero - as is the old Tea/Clipper ship - Star of India. Great place for a stroll - and also to enjoy fish and chips - etc - at Anthony's Fishette - sitting outside on the deck - looking across at Coronado, and the like. http://tinyurl.com/bs8pn8q http://www.sdmaritime.org/star-of-india/

And the USS Midway museum is just a short walk away - next to the wonderful Fish Market restaurant.

You can just walk up to the Midway to enter - and here are some other possibilities/tours: http://tinyurl.com/brmm294

And if you do stop between Vegas and Yo - consider June Lake -just up the road from Mammoth - and we like the Heidelberg Inn, but there are other places. http://tinyurl.com/cfqodzl

Two cute lakes next to each other - June Lake and the smaller Gull lake - and you can also drive the pretty June Lakes Loop.

Personally - as you can make the drive in 8 hours - I would leave Vegas as early as possible - 5 am or so - to try to get through Death Valley before it's super scorching hot - and then wind up in Yosemite for the afternoon, taking a nice dip in one of the pools or the river.

Take extra water just in case you breakdown along the way.

There are many places of great interest that are 50-120 mile drives from the destinations in your itinerary. Considering your active life style, here is how I rate some of them:

1 Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park, 56 miles
2 Zion to Bryce Canyon, 86 miles
3 Zion to North Rim of Grand Canyon, 120 miles
4 San Francisco to Point Reyes, 40 miles
5 San Francisco to Healdsburg (charming Sonoma County town), 70 miles
6 LA to Orange County (New Port, Laguna Beach etc.), 40-50 miles
7 LA to San Diego, 120 miles

HTTY

Well I don't know if I'd call June and Gull Lakes "cute" but they are fairly scenic. Not as scenic as the lakes in Mammoth however. As someone who spends a week every summer in Mammoth, and the vacinity, and having been a ranger in Inyo for 2 summers I must say that Mammoth has it all over June Lake. Of course this is just one persons's opinoin.

Mary, George, Mamie and Twin Lakes are really easy to get around to see as they are all together along with Horseshoe Lake. Horseshoe Lake is really interesting as the carbon dioxide coming out of the ground has killed off the vegetation leaving it looking like something from another planet.

"Of course this is just one persons's opinoin."

And - one person who has actually been there in, oh say the last 40 years

If you're going that way, a much more interesting stop is Owens Lake.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owens_Lake

You can learn of what happens when a water-hungry town tries to get water.

Go to Owens Lake after you've seen the classic movie, Chinatown, which has little to do with Chinatown and everything to do with the Water Wars of Southern California.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinatown_%281974_film%29

Erh, those events happened a lot earlier than 40 years ago.

Trip reworked (again!). How does this look? We had lots of suggestions for San Diego so we’ve added some days on the end. We thought we’d check out the zoo on 1 day – rated #2 zoo in the USA!

1. Arrive Las Vegas
2. LV – Zion
3. Zion
4. Zion - Death Valley
5. Death Valley – somewhere ½ way to Yosemite
6. ½ way – Yosemite
7. Yosemite
8. Yosemite
9. Yosemite
10. Yosemite - San Fran
11. San Fran
12. San Fran
13. San Fran
14. San Fran - Monterey
15. Monterey
16. Monterey - Cambria
17. Cambria - Santa Barbara
18. Santa Barbara (Channel Islands)
19. Los Angeles
20. Los Angeles
21. Los Angeles – San Diego
22. San Diego
23. San Diego
24. Home

Are the Channel Islands worth a day visit? Has anyone been there? Can you recommend them?

Sounds nice! I haven't been to CI, but I definately want to go.
There are a few companies that do overnights there too. I really want to kayak in the sea caves there. It's the only National Park in California that I haven't been to.

I suppose your sources have DC as the #1 Zoo? To me there is no comparing SD to any other zoo, it is far superior, imop. I really like the Wild Animal Park too(i think they call it something else now- the zoo owns it). But, to get the max out the Wild Animal, you need to do the extra's there which are $$. The zoo has many extra's too. Even a roar and snore, where you spend the night there. Seaworld does many options like that too.

It looks like the big change was deleting Sequoia. I really like Sequoia trees better than Yosemite, but the Maripossa Grove there in Yosemite will be just about as good and it will save you some time and mileage. Plus, you can't do everything.

Have a great trip!

I personally would scratch the Channel Islands - if you feel you must spend a day on a boat then I'd go to Catalina (the boat takes off from San Pedro in Long Beach).

I think I'd take off one day in San Francisco and you can easily see all of Santa Barbara in a full day. There is a cute downtown and the Mission. But other than that it would be far better to add days to San Diego. There is so much to do and see in SD - the Zoo & or Wild Animal Park, the beautful beaches at La Jolla Cove, Coronado, Balboa Park, the Old Globe Theatre and summer productions outdoors, etc.

The Channel Islands are definitely worth a visit, and I am longing to go there. Last winter I spoke to these people who provide transportation to the islands and other services: http://www.islandpackers.com/index.html

They are most helpful. Give them a call.

HTTY

Between Death Valley and Yosemite is Mammoth Lakes along US 395.
http://www.ci.mammoth-lakes.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=106
Make sure to fill the gas tank in Las Vegas. The gas in this area is expensive where you can find it.

good point tom - when you are driving those long, long, long, stretches of highway in the desert you must stop and any and all gas stations!!

You can easily die in the desert heat around Death Valley - Las Vegas. Some areas don't have cell phone reception either.

Death Valley will be a killer to that time of year.