Michael

skip LA on the way to SF. Just go Grand Canyon, Barstow, Bakersfield, SF.

Orlando_Vic

There is nothing scenic about Barstow or Bakersfield. For a first-time visitor, I would suggest driving up US highway 1 and seeing some spectacular coastal scenery. The only con might be the extra day it would take, but a good tradeoff if time permits.

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

Michael

Orlando,

But the OP would be driving down highway one from SF to LA.

Michael

Polly,

From SF take I280 to CA 1 in Pacifica, which you can then follow along the coast all the way to Morro Bay.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7624512998387/

Orlando_Vic

"But the OP would be driving down highway one from SF to LA."

Michael, somehow, I missed that in her plans.

_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

bachslunch

The OP wrote: "Denton to san fransico, via...santa fe, grand canyon, la, san fransico, la, san diego, phoenix. el paso, san antonio, houston denton."

In two weeks time? I'm a firm believer in full itineraries, but even I think that's waaaaay too much. That's approximately one day in each place, not counting drive time. You're going to see a whole lot of road and not much city this way.

I'd stick to Santa Fe, Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, and San Diego, then head back to Texas. But it's not my trip, of course.

emalloy

If you really want to drive, I agree with bachslunch that you are underestimating the distances/time it will take to do your loop. If you are using a free car from relatives, it may make sense to drive, but you also need to consider weather conditions along the way. I have been to Grand Canyon when it snowed in April (and also when it was mild in February).

Just driving straight from San Diego to Denton would take about 24 hours road time. Phoenix is not what I would consider a needed side trip on a voyage like this, and you will be going through Tucson and El Paso in any case.

Stay flexible, decide what are must see places, plan to see those for sure and if you get to LA and have extra time to head to San Francisco, go for it, if not, head back to Denton.

Have a great trip.

janisj

Is your dream a 'road trip' w/ hours every day in the car experiencing US highways and stopping in roadside motels just to sleep and get going the next morning? Lots of folks like this sort of car-centric journeys -- but usually w/ a traveling companion who can share the driving chore.

Or do you want a sightseeing trip where you drive a few hours a day and see lots of sites/attractions?

If the former- your plan is doable -- but only barely.

If the latter -- nope -- too far in too little time. Just driving in/out of cities like San Francisco, San Diego, Phoenix - and especially Los Angeles - can add hours to a day's drive.

Michael

I've had two sets of German cousins, from both sides of the family, who decided that a cross-country trip was what they wanted to do in the short time that they were in the States. In both cases I do not think that they were here more than three weeks and usually spent 3 or 4 days with us, which means that they had 2.5 weeks to do the rest. One set, wanting to go from SF to LA (after doing NYC-SF), decided to do it via Death Valley (with the windows open in the summer) and Las Vegas to gamble a few hours. Not my type of vacation or travel, but de gustibus non est disputandum.

docdan

Agree San Anton is worth seeing (but not Houston - drop that!) - suggest starting with San Antonio, then head west on I-10 and drive like a bat out of H___ to Tucson - a side trip to Tombstone is a nice option, in Tucson consider Old Tucson, San Xavier Mission, and a stroll around the University of Arizona Campus. Go the southern route first due to the above weather considerations. Then go straight west through Gila Bend and Yuma to San Diego. Head north to La, then make a decision at that point if you want to drive more north or head back into the rockies toward GC. Going all the way to San F and then Grand Canyon is a big bite but may still be doable. At least part of the way up to big sur is worth considering on CALIFORNIA 1 (not US 1), and your options may have to change due to weather reports. As you can tell, such concerns about weather in Northern AZ and NM are shared by many. The weather may be the best any human can ask for, but may also be harsh. Many a traveler has been completely stuck in Flagstaff, AZ for days as they did not heed weather warnings.