bluegrass1

You say you want both big cities and nature, but that doesn't appear to be the case.
Out of 16 nights, you only plan to spent 1 seeing "nature". I wouldn't even bother with the Grand Canyon for such a short period of time. You will only have time to see it from the rim, which will be a rather boring/underwhelming experience.

I hope you enjoy big city life, and all of the crime, homelessness, drug use and squalor that goes with it. These cities have been hit hard by such issues in the last few years, as local governments/law enforcement have taken a laissez faire approach to them.

mlgb

A lot of people only see the Grand Canyon from the Rim, and include a short walk in (such as Ooh Ahh Trail). But you really should spend two nights at the Grand Canyon, not one, since it's your only "nature" excursion. Since your time is limited, try to find a hotel inside the National Park. Maswick or Yavapai are the least expensive of the standard hotels and will also exceed your budget with taxes.However you CAN squeeze 4 adults into one room with two Queen Beds. You can also try Bright Angel but they often sell out a year ahead of time and the rooms are not large enough for 4.

I agree that your itinerary does seem very city-focused and that you have picked cities with a LOT of issues with homeless encampments etc. And yes, very expensive hotels. The Marina district is okay, you can also try Expedia and Hotels.com but I don't think prices for the same hotel will vary that much.

J62

At the Grand Canyon, there are 2 companies that run the in-park lodges (hotels)
These are the official sites for booking within the park, which is where you want to stay.
Rooms can be booked up to a year ahead, and are fully cancellable up to about 3 days before arrival. That means that chances are good you may not find something for your date, and even better that something will free up by the time you arrive. So if you see something for your date, grab it - even if it's not ideal... You snooze, you lose. Some people say to call. I find it far easier to check online from time to time and not have to wait on hold....

Delaware North Co runs one very large lodge facility, Yavapai, which is conveniently located just ~1/2 mile from the rim. It's my go to place, and perfectly fine.
https://www.visitgrandcanyon.com/

Xanterra, runs 5 different properties, located right on (or near) the rim.
https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/

Nobody cares if you room has a view of the Canyon - you'll have plenty of opportunity during your stay to see it at various times of the day.

bluegrass1

I agree, lots of people only see the Grand Canyon from the Rim, but that doesn't make it a good idea or worthwhile use of the OP's time.
It's a ~9 hour round trip drive from Las Vegas, plus an hour drive back to a nearby hotel, as they are unlikely to get a room inside the park.
Staying just 1 night, they will only have time for a cursory Clark Griswold-style visit like you describe above, which I found to be an underwhelming experience.

mlgb

I don't know their exact dates, but there is plenty of availability for mid to late September at either Maswick or Yavapai. One can walk from either Maswick or Yavapai to the Rim. I agree with J62, book now directly with either provider. It is about 4 1/2 hours driving time from the Las Vegas Strip, one way to either lodging.

You may have found it underwhelming, but that is not true for everyone.

I do agree that they were unfortunately sidetracked by Gardyloo's airtravel posting in the interest of saving on airfare, ignored all of the other advice, and now have an inferior and likely disappointing itinerary.

mrwunrfl

Yay! Good to get that settled
Consider spending two nights in GC and two nights in LV. LA-GC-LV-LA

tom_mn

Adding that I have done this exact thing, but it's not like there is any signage so you will have to have a picture of Mt Whitney with you to pick it out on the horizon.

Pedantic, but sequoias were given their own genus about 90 years ago, see https://landscapeplants.oregonstate....sierra-redwood and the gender is different so now "giganteum."