3 weeks from Las Vegas in Feb.Where to go?
 

Aussie couple, our sixth trip, but not in February. After a week doing the touristy things in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, we have a hire car for three weeks to see the national parks and monuments and wild west scenery so familiar to me from childhood Saturday afternoon flics. (movies) <BR>I know many places are snowed in, so would we be better heading south from LV than north? <BR>We have to end up in San Francisco, and I did want to go back to Yosemite and Sequoia NP, but there doesn't seem to be road open lower than the No.50 to Sacramento. <BR>Any suggestion please? <BR>To the German writer of "Is America worthwhile?" - it is fabulous.We came here on the way to Germany, because planes were flying this way during the Gulf War, and have been back every year or two since, seeing a different part, or the same part twice!

Since it is February, you might want to see stay South and then drive up the California coast to S.F. toward the end. <BR>If you can- go to Arizona / New Mexico because although it is not as dramatic as some places you seen, it is really worth the detour. All of Arizona that is north of Phoenix is much worth the drive. If you like old John Wayne movies than you most likely have seen Sedona and its red, red rocks on film. There are also interesting 1000 year old pre-Indian cliff sites, and a delightful mountain mining town of Jerome. Of course you have the Grand Canyon also along the way. Do a search for Grand Canyon on this forum and you will get some expert ideas. Wish I could do a 3 week trip and envy you the experience.

I did the San Fran to LA and back again drive in February. We hit a bit of bad weather through a couple of mountain passes and had to stay in one town unexpectantly, as we weren't permitted through one pass without snow tires. Aside from that, it was absolutely gorgeous. I've seen the Grand Canyon in the summer, but it's even more spectacular in the winter. We stayed in one of the little cabins about 100 yards from the North Rim and got up to watch the sunrise. Words can't describe it. <BR> <BR>Vegas was a blast, but we were ready to leave after a couple of days. Avoid Reno. Nothing to see, and it's depressing. Stopped in Virginia City to have a beer or two at the Bucket of Blood saloon. Worth the trip, but had to duck out after only 1 beer, as it started to snow. Also tried to drive to some ghost town near Virginia City--that is NOT to be tried in February. Extremely bad snow and ice covered dirt roads. We finally had to turn around on a road the width of one car, with a cliff on one side and the mountain on the other. <BR> <BR>Unfortunately, we didn't get to do the Pacific Coast Highway, as they had bad mudslides that winter and shut down much of the road. <BR> <BR>Feb. is the perfect time for Death Valley. Head to the visitor's center (there's an interesting ranger talk), and then just hit the road. You can drive between the lowest spot west of the Mississippi and the highest spot within about 30 minutes. Snow up on the peak, and 70 degrees down below. <BR> <BR>We only stayed in LA for about 1 hour. After San Francisco and all of the mountains and such, LA was a big disappointment. <BR> <BR>San Fran never really gets very cold (or very warm, for that matter), so anytime of year is a good time to visit. <BR> <BR>

I second the recommendation of Death Valley. I went there last September and it was so surreal, it was like being on another planet. I understand that there are different areas that all look different. We got to see the sun set at Zabrieskie Point, which was an experience. There are about 4 places to stay in Death Valley, so you might want to look into that. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks to my replyers for helpful advice. Shall keep a diary and maybe file a trip report as to where we go. <BR> <BR>The Red Rock National park, only an hour from Las Vegas, is a lovely spot for a afternoon drive and wander, if you are sick of all the glitz. I just love all the new attractions, as well as the economical buffets, and it's a great contrast to the splendour of the National Parks. Another place I want to see again is the road through the canyons north of Mesquite.I believe the most expensive stretch of road in America. <BR>Cheers from sunny Newcastle, Australia!