Road Trip
 

Need advice for. Road Trip starting in South Dakota going through Wyoming, Utah, Arizona and then to California.
Looking to see Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon/Havasu falls, Bryce, Zion, and Yosemite.
Also looking for recommendations of some other things to do along the way.
Any suggested itineraries would be appreciated...we have a max. Of 10 days...is it do able?
Any advice is appreciated!

>>Of 10 days...is it do able?<<

no

>>Also looking for recommendations of some other things to do along the way. <<

You don't have time for the original list let alone any additional destinations.

You are talking nearly 2500 miles/40+ hours drive time without any stops . . . 5 full days of driving out of 10 days 'max' so more time driving than being anywhere.

And that is just as far a Yosemite w/o wherever your final destination in CA is. Or did you mean RT back to South Dakota.

Oops meant to say 20 days...typo & didn't even realize it before I posted..

Twenty days is probably do-able but I hesitate to make any suggestions until we know a little more information. Are you going this year? What time of the year will you be taking this trip? Will you need to drive back to South Dakota? If not where will this road trip end?

Utahtea

phew :) 20 days makes a <i>very big</i> difference. But still not generous, especially if that means round trip.

And IF this year -- book Yosemite and Yellowstone accommodations very first thing -- then plan your route around the dates you can get in the parks.

It will most likely take place in May/June 2016...
We will be flying into South Dakota and renting a car to drive down to California, then will be flying back home from California....

Havasu Falls is not really near the south rim of the Grand Canyon. It will involve a 2-3 day hiking/backpacking trip.

Coming in 2016 gives you plenty of time to make your reservations but I would check with each park to see how early you can make them. Staying in the parks is the best experience.

My one concern is how early in May you will be starting this trip. Mid May in Yellowstone could have bad weather and snow. You can still have a slight chance in late May. Here are the opening dates for facilities in Yellowstone: http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/ocd_locale.htm The first week of June would be the ideal time to visit Yellowstone and still avoid the crowds.

I really hesitate to recommend places because to really see the parks you have listed you won't have much extra time but I've mentioned a few places. Mt. Rushmore you have Badlands National Park and Custer State Park in the area. You will need one night on the road from Mt. Rushmore to Yellowstone. You might consider making a side trip to Devil's Tower National Monument for an hour or two. I'd recommend 3 or 4 days to really explore Yellowstone. Just south of Yellowstone is Grand Tetons National Park so try and spend at least a night or two here. One night on the road from Grand Tetons to Bryce and spend at least two night at Bryce for one full day to explore. Zion is only 88 miles away, but plan on at least two night in Zion for one full day to explore. I always recommend the South Rim for first time visitors to the Grand Canyon. IMHO...it's Grandor! Going to the S. Rim from Zion you can pass beautiful Lake Powell at the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. If you have an hour do the Upper Antelope Slots Canyon tour. You will want at least 2 nights at the S. Rim to explore all the overlooks or longer if you want to hike down into the canyon. I have no experience with Havasu Falls. You will want to spend one night on the road from the Grand Canyon to Yosemite. Depending on our snow fall this winter Tioga Pass (Hwy120) might or might not be open. You will have to keep an eye on the opening date if you want to enter Yosemite from the east entrance near Lee Vining. If Tioga Pass is open, that is the way you want to enter coming from the Grand Canyon.

Happy planning and we are here to answer more questions.

Utahtea

Havasu falls. - gorgeous. The pool colors are from reflection off white pool bottom, etc.

On Havasupai Indian territory - their rules/laws and $ to enter. -- permit.
8+ mile moderate hike one way. How to get to the trailhead (top of hill) http://www.wildbackpacker.com/backpa...vasupai-trail/

http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/havasupai.htm

Option for horses, mules or helicopter $$ to $$$ There is a small motel $$$ (motel implies motor-hotel. NO vehicles allowed. Should be mule-tel) - reservations mandatory

Or camp at one of their many site. Watch ALL your possessions - many stories of theft even at night while you are sleeping.

Not sure of water falls during this drought.

Ok the tourist thing - They have a post office. All mail delivered by mule; therefore, it is traditional to send yourself a card from there.