Vancouver Canada to Grand Canyon Arizona Road Trip
Jul 15th, 2011, 10:17 AM
#1
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Vancouver Canada to Grand Canyon Arizona Road Trip
Vancouver Canada to Grand Canyon Arizona Road Trip
Any suggestions for route
From Twin Falls Idaho should we go thru Nevada to Vegas or thru Salt Lake city to GCN
Is it safe driving thru Idaho and Utah even at night
Ideas for enroute night stay preferably nearer GCN maybe maybe Kanab
One way we will drive through Vegas and California
Any suggestions for route
From Twin Falls Idaho should we go thru Nevada to Vegas or thru Salt Lake city to GCN
Is it safe driving thru Idaho and Utah even at night
Ideas for enroute night stay preferably nearer GCN maybe maybe Kanab
One way we will drive through Vegas and California
Jul 15th, 2011, 10:40 AM
#2
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The most direct route is Seattle, Boise, Twin Falls, Salt Lake City. In southern Utah make time to visit Zion NP (and Bryce Canyon NP).
At night, the highways in ID and UT are as safe as other highways.
Twin Falls is half way from Vancouver, and there are many hotel options there. There are many other options along the way.
HTTY
At night, the highways in ID and UT are as safe as other highways.
Twin Falls is half way from Vancouver, and there are many hotel options there. There are many other options along the way.
HTTY
Jul 15th, 2011, 12:08 PM
#3
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If you're driving back home via Vegas and California, I agree with HTTY's suggestion to drive thru Salt Lake City, Zion NP, Page (AZ) to grand canyons.
depends upon your interest and time you have, Zion NP is good. On the way tp grand canyon from Page, AZ; stop by Horseshoe bend of colorado near Page.
have a nice trip!!
depends upon your interest and time you have, Zion NP is good. On the way tp grand canyon from Page, AZ; stop by Horseshoe bend of colorado near Page.
have a nice trip!!
Jul 15th, 2011, 07:42 PM
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DayDreamBeliever,
It would be helpful if we had a little more information. What time of the year are you making this trip? Are you planning on going to the North Rim or the South Rim of the Grand Canyon? How long do you have for this trip? Did you want to see other nearby National Parks?
Utahtea
It would be helpful if we had a little more information. What time of the year are you making this trip? Are you planning on going to the North Rim or the South Rim of the Grand Canyon? How long do you have for this trip? Did you want to see other nearby National Parks?
Utahtea
Jul 15th, 2011, 07:59 PM
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Thanks Happytrailstoyou and Ansh
Any Hotel suggestions in Salt Lake City, Zion or any other place short of Salt Lake City towards Canada So we can have atleast 2 nights kinda equidistant from each other ? Boise or Twin Falls
Is 2 nights stopping on the way till GCN is toooo hectic with a 16 & 10 Year old & grandma or OK
Is Hwy 84 as fast as Hwy I 5 ..... Is it winding mountains all thru
The reason I ask is speed - 100 miles can take 1 hour or maybe 3 depending on road conditions and traffic Is the wilderness or small towns scattered throughout .. we are totally clueless about ID,UT,AZ
The whole trip Van -- GCN -- LV -- CA -- Van we are planning 10 days
Any Hotel suggestions in Salt Lake City, Zion or any other place short of Salt Lake City towards Canada So we can have atleast 2 nights kinda equidistant from each other ? Boise or Twin Falls
Is 2 nights stopping on the way till GCN is toooo hectic with a 16 & 10 Year old & grandma or OK
Is Hwy 84 as fast as Hwy I 5 ..... Is it winding mountains all thru
The reason I ask is speed - 100 miles can take 1 hour or maybe 3 depending on road conditions and traffic Is the wilderness or small towns scattered throughout .. we are totally clueless about ID,UT,AZ
The whole trip Van -- GCN -- LV -- CA -- Van we are planning 10 days
Jul 15th, 2011, 08:19 PM
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Dear Utahtea,
10 days -- 18th to 27th of Aug -- Planning to go Southrim GCN
Will it be killer hot...no detailed stay in National Parks this time
Maybe any which R kinda on the way or a bit off but only for 1 night
Just a night or max 2 in Vegas we can fly anytime from Bellingham WA
as another trip and 2 nights in CA as family is there - we have driven to CA in day many times before so are familiar with the area and the drive
Any info would we greatly appreciated Thanks
10 days -- 18th to 27th of Aug -- Planning to go Southrim GCN
Will it be killer hot...no detailed stay in National Parks this time
Maybe any which R kinda on the way or a bit off but only for 1 night
Just a night or max 2 in Vegas we can fly anytime from Bellingham WA
as another trip and 2 nights in CA as family is there - we have driven to CA in day many times before so are familiar with the area and the drive
Any info would we greatly appreciated Thanks
Jul 15th, 2011, 08:21 PM
#7
"<i>Van -- GCN -- LV -- CA -- Van we are planning 10 days</i>" w/ 5 people from 10 yo to granny no less! That's nuts.
Just a basic route BC > SLC > GC > LV > SF > BC w/o any sightseeing detours is almost 3500 miles. You are talking 60+ hours car time w/o any stops. This should be a 3 week trip.
Just a basic route BC > SLC > GC > LV > SF > BC w/o any sightseeing detours is almost 3500 miles. You are talking 60+ hours car time w/o any stops. This should be a 3 week trip.
Jul 16th, 2011, 10:21 AM
#8
We’ve done trips similar to your suggestion 2 times (from Seattle, not Vancouver) on two week vacations.
It’s do-able …
… but …
Your need to determine your priorities and focus on just a thing or two and speed by the rest.
And you need to understand all 5 of your tolerance for driving and being cooped up in a car together.
(a) Are you intending to go to the north rim or the south rim of Grand Canyon? (You will be able to do only 1 … the south rim will take apx. 2 hrs longer each way using routes that miss the north rim )
(b) How important are Las Vegas and California to your priorities?
(c) How big is your car? A standard 5 passenger sedan? Or a 7 or 8 passenger van or SUV?
(d) How well can all of you stand heat? It’ll be hot, even with AC on (sun through windows).
Here are a few thoughts based on some of our similar trips:
1. Fastest Way:
Seattle I-90 > I-82 > I-84 > Salt Lake > I-15 > North Rim, back same way
2 ½ days driving ea way, 1,400 miles ea way (not touring, just driving quickly to get to the GC area)
If you have only 10 days available, that leaves 5 days in the Grand Canyon and adjacent area. I’d recommend detouring on one way to see Bryce Canyon, leaving 3 to 4 days at Grand Canyon. And of course you could shorten the time at the canyon and add it elsewhere.
We did this in 14 days spending time at Bryce, the canyon area east of GC, and the South Rim, and had time to take a few day long hikes at the CG and canyon area.
2. Las Vegas:
After seeing the Grand Canyon you could drive ½ day to Las Vegas, spend a night, then return via I-15, SLC etc, the way you came. Add total 1.5 days (seeing LV only 1 night) … quickest way to add LV.
3. Las Vegas + a small portion of California
After seeing GC and LV, you could return via northern Nevada & Calif. (GC > LV > Reno > Mt Shasta > I-5 > Van … nice trip … add 1 to 2 days
We did this in 14 days too, spending less time in the canyon area east of GC and touring a bit at the east side of the Sierra's.
Don't attempt to add in SF or the coast!!!
There are lots of options and each of the generalized options above has lots of choices and variations. Make the decision re priorities, then use Mapquest or Google Maps to play with times on some of the routes and options. After that, we could all focus our answers better.
It’s do-able …
… but …
Your need to determine your priorities and focus on just a thing or two and speed by the rest.
And you need to understand all 5 of your tolerance for driving and being cooped up in a car together.
(a) Are you intending to go to the north rim or the south rim of Grand Canyon? (You will be able to do only 1 … the south rim will take apx. 2 hrs longer each way using routes that miss the north rim )
(b) How important are Las Vegas and California to your priorities?
(c) How big is your car? A standard 5 passenger sedan? Or a 7 or 8 passenger van or SUV?
(d) How well can all of you stand heat? It’ll be hot, even with AC on (sun through windows).
Here are a few thoughts based on some of our similar trips:
1. Fastest Way:
Seattle I-90 > I-82 > I-84 > Salt Lake > I-15 > North Rim, back same way
2 ½ days driving ea way, 1,400 miles ea way (not touring, just driving quickly to get to the GC area)
If you have only 10 days available, that leaves 5 days in the Grand Canyon and adjacent area. I’d recommend detouring on one way to see Bryce Canyon, leaving 3 to 4 days at Grand Canyon. And of course you could shorten the time at the canyon and add it elsewhere.
We did this in 14 days spending time at Bryce, the canyon area east of GC, and the South Rim, and had time to take a few day long hikes at the CG and canyon area.
2. Las Vegas:
After seeing the Grand Canyon you could drive ½ day to Las Vegas, spend a night, then return via I-15, SLC etc, the way you came. Add total 1.5 days (seeing LV only 1 night) … quickest way to add LV.
3. Las Vegas + a small portion of California
After seeing GC and LV, you could return via northern Nevada & Calif. (GC > LV > Reno > Mt Shasta > I-5 > Van … nice trip … add 1 to 2 days
We did this in 14 days too, spending less time in the canyon area east of GC and touring a bit at the east side of the Sierra's.
Don't attempt to add in SF or the coast!!!
There are lots of options and each of the generalized options above has lots of choices and variations. Make the decision re priorities, then use Mapquest or Google Maps to play with times on some of the routes and options. After that, we could all focus our answers better.
Jul 16th, 2011, 10:30 AM
#9
"<i>We’ve done trips similar to your suggestion 2 times (from Seattle, not Vancouver) on two week vacations. </i>"
There is a hecka lot of difference between 10 days and two weeks. Those 4 extra days makes this (sort of) doable.
There is a hecka lot of difference between 10 days and two weeks. Those 4 extra days makes this (sort of) doable.
Jul 16th, 2011, 10:30 AM
#10
PS
The relatively new feature on the "directions" choice Mapquest and Google Maps, that allows you to drag the route outline on their maps is great to get quick distance and time estimates of various options.
The relatively new feature on the "directions" choice Mapquest and Google Maps, that allows you to drag the route outline on their maps is great to get quick distance and time estimates of various options.
Jul 16th, 2011, 11:02 AM
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<i>Is 2 nights stopping on the way till GCN is toooo hectic with a 16 & 10 Year old & grandma or OK</i>
I'd recommend three nights, but if you must do it in two days, I think I'd spend the first night in Bosie which is 630 miles/ 1013 kilometers. I wouldn't try to go all the way to Twin Falls which is 760 miles/ 1223 kilometers.
I'd stick to the interstates and spend the second night in Cedar City, Utah which is 590 miles/950 kilometers.
The next day you can drive though Zion National Park hopefully spare an hour and a half to ride the free shuttle buses into the beautiful canyon and then continue past Lake Powell/Glen Canyon National Recreational Area, Page, AZ to the Grand Canyon South Rim which will be 310 miles/ 499 kilometers. Make sure you stop at the view points at Desert View and a few on the way to Grand Canyon Village. We always camp so I can't help with lodging. Just be aware that if you spend the night in Williams, it's 50 miles back to the Grand Canyon. August can be hot but the S. Rim is at around 7,000 feet so it won't be as hot as the desert. The elevation might effect grandma!
I don't know how old "grandma" is but if she's 62 years of age, then at the first National Park you enter, have her purchase a lifetime Senior National Park Pass for $10.00. http://www.store.usgs.gov/pass/senior.html. If she is that old, then make sure you stop often for her to stretch her legs and move around. Sitting for long periods can be dangerous for old people.
I don't know where in California you are stopping, but this is a lot of driving for such a short time. as janisj pointed out you are looking at 3,500 miles.
There is NO WHERE in the US you can drive 100 miles in one hour. You might be able to do 70-75 miles in one hour on the interstates. Driving in the parks will be much slower. Again as janisj pointed out you will be doing at least 60 hours of driving in a short time.
Two nights, three days to get to Grand Canyon and probably arriving to late to see to much. One day at Grand Canyon, a day to drive to Las Vegas, one night in Las Vegas, a day to drive to your location in California and two days to drive home...doesn't leave but one day to visit family...if that! Maybe you can find a few more days.
Utahtea
I'd recommend three nights, but if you must do it in two days, I think I'd spend the first night in Bosie which is 630 miles/ 1013 kilometers. I wouldn't try to go all the way to Twin Falls which is 760 miles/ 1223 kilometers.
I'd stick to the interstates and spend the second night in Cedar City, Utah which is 590 miles/950 kilometers.
The next day you can drive though Zion National Park hopefully spare an hour and a half to ride the free shuttle buses into the beautiful canyon and then continue past Lake Powell/Glen Canyon National Recreational Area, Page, AZ to the Grand Canyon South Rim which will be 310 miles/ 499 kilometers. Make sure you stop at the view points at Desert View and a few on the way to Grand Canyon Village. We always camp so I can't help with lodging. Just be aware that if you spend the night in Williams, it's 50 miles back to the Grand Canyon. August can be hot but the S. Rim is at around 7,000 feet so it won't be as hot as the desert. The elevation might effect grandma!
I don't know how old "grandma" is but if she's 62 years of age, then at the first National Park you enter, have her purchase a lifetime Senior National Park Pass for $10.00. http://www.store.usgs.gov/pass/senior.html. If she is that old, then make sure you stop often for her to stretch her legs and move around. Sitting for long periods can be dangerous for old people.
I don't know where in California you are stopping, but this is a lot of driving for such a short time. as janisj pointed out you are looking at 3,500 miles.
There is NO WHERE in the US you can drive 100 miles in one hour. You might be able to do 70-75 miles in one hour on the interstates. Driving in the parks will be much slower. Again as janisj pointed out you will be doing at least 60 hours of driving in a short time.
Two nights, three days to get to Grand Canyon and probably arriving to late to see to much. One day at Grand Canyon, a day to drive to Las Vegas, one night in Las Vegas, a day to drive to your location in California and two days to drive home...doesn't leave but one day to visit family...if that! Maybe you can find a few more days.
Utahtea
Jul 16th, 2011, 02:51 PM
#12
Consider taking the Coast Starlight to Sacramento and the CA Zephyr from SAC to Salt lake City and renting a car there.
The nights you spend on the train you are not paying for a hotel room. The CA Zephyr gets into SLC early in the morning. Have a good breakfast and then go to rent the car.
The nights you spend on the train you are not paying for a hotel room. The CA Zephyr gets into SLC early in the morning. Have a good breakfast and then go to rent the car.
Jul 17th, 2011, 08:00 AM
#13
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Thanks to everyone for valuable tips
Planning still - got 10 days 20 - 29 Aug - ?? where to go ??
Done CA extensively before so SF, LA, along 101 done
HOW HOT WILL IT BE IN AUG END in UTAH ARIZONA and NAVADA
I should have asked 1st -- when is the best time to visit GCN
N vs S Rim - ideas for 2 days at either which is better
Zion NP vs Bryce Canyon - 1 day itenery
The point of going thru LV and CA is if we are driving might as well go another route and stop and DO NOTHING in Modesto
so far I am thinking
Night #1 #2 #3 #4 #5/6 #7/8/9
Van > Boise > Tropic(Bryce) > Page > GCN S rim > LV > Modesto
10hrs 10Hrs 3hrs 3hrs 5hrs 8hrs
Thanks again
PS utahtea oops I meant 100 km/hr not miles - Canadian eh
Planning still - got 10 days 20 - 29 Aug - ?? where to go ??
Done CA extensively before so SF, LA, along 101 done
HOW HOT WILL IT BE IN AUG END in UTAH ARIZONA and NAVADA
I should have asked 1st -- when is the best time to visit GCN
N vs S Rim - ideas for 2 days at either which is better
Zion NP vs Bryce Canyon - 1 day itenery
The point of going thru LV and CA is if we are driving might as well go another route and stop and DO NOTHING in Modesto
so far I am thinking
Night #1 #2 #3 #4 #5/6 #7/8/9
Van > Boise > Tropic(Bryce) > Page > GCN S rim > LV > Modesto
10hrs 10Hrs 3hrs 3hrs 5hrs 8hrs
Thanks again
PS utahtea oops I meant 100 km/hr not miles - Canadian eh
Jul 17th, 2011, 10:41 AM
#14
Drop Modesto and take a detour up 99 through Fresno and 41 to Oakhurst, CA. In the morning take the drive through Yosemite and then head for home. Better to drive through Yosemite than spend a night in Modesto IMHO.
Jul 17th, 2011, 02:06 PM
#16
DDB: hmmmm ... there is something wrong with the estimated times you calculated ... almost all of them are *way* off ...
I almost always drive over the speed limit, and I have driven all the routes you talk about a number of times, and I couldn't come close to your estimated times for any of them.
Check that you didn't use distance in miles and speed in kmh. That could account for an abnormally low estimate.
Example: Modesto to Vancouver in 8 hours? no way.
The distance is ~170 miles. To do it in 8 hrs you'd have to average 129 mph. At 70 mph the whole way it would take you ~14 hrs, but add time for gas and food stops, large areas where the speed limit is 60, and traffic delays.
I've driven Modesto/Seattle a number of times (also relatives in Modesto)and tha fastest, when I'm in a hurry, including time for gas and food stops, was ~13 hrs ... add 2 1/2 hrs to Vancouver gives you about 15 1/2 hrs including for stops, etc.
I almost always drive over the speed limit, and I have driven all the routes you talk about a number of times, and I couldn't come close to your estimated times for any of them.
Check that you didn't use distance in miles and speed in kmh. That could account for an abnormally low estimate.
Example: Modesto to Vancouver in 8 hours? no way.
The distance is ~170 miles. To do it in 8 hrs you'd have to average 129 mph. At 70 mph the whole way it would take you ~14 hrs, but add time for gas and food stops, large areas where the speed limit is 60, and traffic delays.
I've driven Modesto/Seattle a number of times (also relatives in Modesto)and tha fastest, when I'm in a hurry, including time for gas and food stops, was ~13 hrs ... add 2 1/2 hrs to Vancouver gives you about 15 1/2 hrs including for stops, etc.
Jul 17th, 2011, 03:45 PM
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Van > Boise 10 hrs #1 Night
Boise > Tropic(Bryce) 10 hrs #2 Night
Tropic(Bryce) > Page 3 hrs #3 Night
Page > GCN S rim 3 hrs #4 Night
GCN S rim > LV 5 hrs #5/6 Night
LV > Modesto 8 hrs #7/8/9 Night
Modesto > Van 16 hrs BACK to the grind
These are driving times only not adding food and reststops
These are mapquest times -- this is why I was asking if one can go 70ish miles/hr esp in UT and AZ coz I think mapquest does not factor in HWY or mountainy or paved roads etc or do they ? They just average ...... ?? right
Boise > Tropic(Bryce) 10 hrs #2 Night
Tropic(Bryce) > Page 3 hrs #3 Night
Page > GCN S rim 3 hrs #4 Night
GCN S rim > LV 5 hrs #5/6 Night
LV > Modesto 8 hrs #7/8/9 Night
Modesto > Van 16 hrs BACK to the grind
These are driving times only not adding food and reststops
These are mapquest times -- this is why I was asking if one can go 70ish miles/hr esp in UT and AZ coz I think mapquest does not factor in HWY or mountainy or paved roads etc or do they ? They just average ...... ?? right
Jul 17th, 2011, 03:52 PM
#20
"<i>They just average ...... ?? right</i>"
No -- it takes into account terrain, speed limits, etc.. What it doesn't factor in is construction, traffic, weather and such.
They tend to be on the optimistic side because "real life" doesn't run at the posted speed limits . . .
No -- it takes into account terrain, speed limits, etc.. What it doesn't factor in is construction, traffic, weather and such.
They tend to be on the optimistic side because "real life" doesn't run at the posted speed limits . . .
