Since you are driving you have built-in flixibility.

Any lodging you don't have but would like.... Call, call, call. Every day. There are cancellations in the last month as tour companies release rooms.

You mom can go part way down Navajo loop until it splits between Wall Street and the other side. It's not very far but far enough the have hoodoos above her. The elevation is tough on breathing.

GTNP is very different than Yellowstone. Many people think that while Yellowstone has attractions, GTNP has the beauty. I might agree.

They both have wild-life but somewhat different. Yellowstone is overun by bison.

There are some beautiful sights in GTNP the most people don't even see because they're a little off the main roads; Schwabacher Landing is absolutely beautiful. A stream with the mountains in the background. Moromon Row is two old barns with the mountains in the background. Both are only a couple of minutes off the main road.

I forgot to mention. If you want to see my photos of some of these places go to:

www.travelwalks.com

Great pics, amazing! Noting the GTNP stops, thx. Train is out - not my cup.

I think you've made a good choice-- stick to the 'non-California' destinations and have more time to enjoy the sights.

And this is from someone for whom Yosemite is my 2nd favorite place on Earth (1st-est? -- Scotland)

Then you can plan another trip to California including Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive, Yosemite, Sequoia, Big Sur/Carmel, San Francisco. That would take about the same time commitment as your current trip - or just a bit less if you flew out and rented a car here.