Seeking Ideas for TX/NM/AZ/CA Itinerary
 

Wondering if we could get some of you who live or have been there along our planned route to review our tentative itinerary we're planning for Sept/Oct 04? We'll read some good thoughts and inputs about some of these places on this board, which we've used to put this together - thanks everyone! We've been to GC, so not interested in that destination. The ones in this tentitive itinerary did interest us, if it's sounds doable/practical. Guess we'll post this on different states' boards - not sure if there is an easier way? Appreciate all views you all might have.

9/25, Sat ? Austin to White City/Carlsbad, NM motel TBD
9/26, Sun ? Visit Carlsbad Caverns (8 ? 1); to Truth or Consequence, NM motel TBD
9/27, Mon ? to 4 Corners and on to Monument Valley, UT, stay at Goulding?s Lodge
9/28, Tues ? Monument Valley tours;stay at Goulding?s Lodge
9/29, Wed ? to Petrified Forrest/Painted Desert; then to Sedona motel TBD
9/30, Thur ? Sedona Jeep Tour; to Kingsman, AZ motel TBD
10/1, Fri ? to Yosemite; stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge
10/2, Sat ? Visit Yosemite Park; stay at Valley Lodge
10/3, Sun ? to San Francisco, CA; stay at Donatello Hotel, Union Square.

It's doable but you will be doing a lot of driving in a short time. Just make sure when you leave Kingman for Yosemite that you leave very early because you will be driving over 550 miles depending on the route you won't be on Interstates very much.

You really don't have much time for other places but I thought I would mention at least stopping at Canyon de Chelly on your way from Monument Valley to the Petrified Forest.

Utahtea

I'd skip Four Corners and Monument Valley this trip, since they are quite a bit out of your way. Instead, you could drive north from Carlsbad Caverns to Albuquerque, then go west on I-40 from there. It might be nice to stop by Guadalupe Mountains NP on the way to Carlsbad.

I did a similar trip from Houston a long time ago, and spent 17 days on the round trip.

Way too much on your itinerary. At least 2,500 miles of driving. On the days you'll be driving you wl have to cover about 500 miles or more. With your limited time I would skip Yosemite and San Francisco OR 4 corners and San Francisco. SF is WAY out of your way.

I agree with the others that you have far too much crowded into one week. You need to prioritize your stops and then eliminate some of them. I have been to all of the places you mentioned but don't know what your preferences are. Places like Sedona and San Francisco are worthy of at least 2-3 days each.

I would suggest:

a) Driving through Monument Valley yourself

b) Skip Petrified Forest and Painted Desert (You'll have enough of desert scenery without making a huge loop to see more desert! Lo!)

c) Substitute Canyon de Chelly as Utahtea has suggested.

d) Yes, that's a long drive from Kingman to Yosemite. Maybe you could stop further along the road?

e) On your way to Yosemite, go through Death Valley.

f) Great choice! The Donatello in SF! Be sure to go up to the Club level, which I believe is now open to all hotel guests. Very relaxing!

Have a GREAT trip!

Thanks all for your thoughts. I was afraid it was a bit too much. Gotta give it another shot. Reservations already made for Yosemite and SF (thereafter is another itinerary). Heard alot of good things about Monument Valley, so wanted to see if it was worth trying to go there in the one week of driving (Sat to Fri)we have to get from Austin to Yosemite. Thinking we might skip Carlsbad Caverns and head on up to I-40, then determine if swinging up to Monument Valley is feasible. Canyon de Chelly suggested by Utahtea sounds good - maybe drop Petrified Forest/Painted Desert.Sedona we have to drive through as a minimum somehow. We're used to driving 10 hours days if fitting, tho the days will be shorter that time of year. Thanks again. Would appreciate any more ideas if you care to share a thought or two of your experiences.