Hi,this fall I am planning a trip to the usa and I could do with some help.The plan is as followsan Francisco-Salt lake city-Yellowstone-colorado springs-las vegas-San Francisco,also going thru other parks.Could I ask for id's on motels,parks and the best route to take?Time wise I have 3 weeks.
Thank you.

If you put the location or topic in the title of your post you might get some answers.

California and surrounding states

Your itinerary is a jumble. Are you sure you want to go to Salt Lake City?

A more logical and worthwhile trip might be San Francisco, Yosemite, Death Valley, Las Vegas. Parks and other places of particular interest include Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and several places in Colorado.

Yellowstone is a big detour that would take time away from very interesting sites closer at hand.

I should also note that the drive down Highway 1 from San Francisco to Malibu, is one of the most spectacular in the USA.

Try to get hold of Lonely Planet guidebooks for the areas that interest you.

Happytrails, thank you for the info.I have been to grand canyon,zion,bryce and redrock.Will for sure go to yosemite.What would you advise for colorado?

Fresh out.

Have you been to Death Valley and Monument Valley? If not, put them on your list. In Utah Arches NP is also of special interest.

Colorado has several types of attractions. Of the old towns, I especially like Central City and Cripple Creek. Of the ski villages, Aspen is wonderful (and don't miss nearby Maroon Bells).

Rocky Mountain NP is spectacular. Most visitors to Mesa Verde NP find it a great experience (buy I didn't).

There is much else of interest in Colorado that I have not experienced. I have always wanted to visit the town of Telluride, but haven't. And, the trip on the Durango and Silverton Narow Guage Railroad is reputed to be one of the best old-time rail trips in the country, but I have not taken it.

Happytrails,thank you for the info.
Will certainly look into it

SW Colorado in the fall is spectacular. Telluride, Ouray, Durango and Mesa Verde. Do a search on the top of the page using these cities and you will find lots of recents threads.

I'd skip Las Vegas personally.
Hope this helps...
Debi

There's no way I'd skip Yellowstone and add Death Valley. You'll get plenty of desert scenery in Utah without making a detour to Death Valley. In 3 weeks, Yellowstone is absolutely doable. If you're going to go to Yellowstone from San Francisco, going thru SLC is the only logical route.

You can go SF to SLC, then Yellowstone and Grand Teton NP, head south to CO and RMNP, skip CO Springs and instead go from Denver to Utah on I-70, stopping at Arches NP in Moab. From there, it's up to you where to go to get back to SF. You can either head to the Grand Canyon, or continue on I-70 and maybe stop at Zion on the way to Las Vegas. Personally, I'd head to the Grand Canyon.

Thanks everyone

Colorado Springs does have a lot of "top ten" types of attractions - but you could easily skip it and see similar attractions closer to Denver and along I-70. In the Springs, Garden of the Gods is beautiful, but a hike around Red Rocks is equally striking, and right in Denver. Pike's Peak is incredible, but Rocky Mtn. National Park is equally breathtaking. You can drive/hike fourteeners and have the same awe-inspiring views. We love the ski mountain/western town of Breckenridge. It is very touristy, but also a great spot to lodge & dine. I think Cripple Creek and Central City are moderately interesting, but there are dozens of historic towns as you travel west on I-70 that are comparable, like Idaho Springs. Leadville is a little off the highway, and loaded with history and charm. As for California, try and head south from San Francisco to Monterrey, Carmel & Big Sur. The coastal drive is incredible. If you make it to Big Sur, stop at Nepenthe. It's a beautiful lodge with great, casual food and the BEST views and ambience. We had drinks and laid on pillows in the sun after hiking through the forest. Are you travel with kids?