This road trip beginner called out for help - you answered!
Jul 13th, 2011, 02:10 AM
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This road trip beginner called out for help - you answered!
About three weeks ago I called out to you for help with our road-trip itinerary: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...a-beginner.cfm
Thank you all who answered!
You gave me your tips and suggestions; I listened to some of them, and this is the result. This final version of the itinerary will not change, but if you have any additional tips like “while in X, don’t miss Y” I would highly appreciate them. Places to eat, and of course if you have specific favorite hikes you can recommend, for example good sunset hikes.
Our trip will be in three parts:
1. LV and the grand circle of Utah (15 days)
2. Yellowstone and surroundings (6 days)
3. Yosemite, the Californian coast line and LV (11 days)
Here is the Grand Circle part:
Day 1: Landing in LV in the afternoon
Day 2: LV – pool and relax, get supplies for our trip, see the Freemont light show
Day 3: maybe visit Hoover Dam in the morning then drive LV - Springdale (Zion), maybe hike Zion in the evening
Day 4: Full day in Zion, hike Angels Landing in the morning, and some other hike in the evening.
Day 5: Morning hike in Zion, then drive Springdale – Page. Horseshoe bend hike by Lake Powell in the evening at sunset.
Day 6: Antelope Canyon hike early in the morning, then drive Page - GC (via Cameron). Sunset in GC (we lodge in the park)
Day 7: Morning hike along the rim in GC, spend the day in GC, then drive GC - Monument Valley in the afternoon. We lodge in Goulding, we hope to see the sunset in MV from some strategic point, tips are welcome.
Day 8: Scenic drive and horseback ride in Monument Valley in the morning, drive Goulding - Cortez in the evening.
Day 9: Mesa Verde full day sightseeing
Day 10: drive Cortez - Moab in the morning, visit Needles District of Canyonlands with a quick stop at Newspaper Rock on the way, sunset hike in Arches.
Day 11: Morning hike in Arches NP, rafting in the afternoon
Day 12: Moab – canyoneering (have not booked yet) or hiking
Day 13: drive from Moab to Torrey (Capitol Reef)in the morning, visit Goblin Valley on the way,maybe hike Capitol Reef in the evening (depending on the time we spend on Goblin Valley)
Day 14: Hike Capitol Reef in the morning, eat homemade pie at Grifford Ranch house, Drive Hwy 12 between Torrey and Bryce Canyon. Depending on when we get going, we will try to see some of the sights along Hwy 12 (to choose from: Burr trail, the Anazasi museum in Boulder, Kiva Coffee House)
Day 15: Canyon trail ride in Bryce Canyon in the morning, maybe some hiking in Bryce Canyon in the evening.
Day 16: Drive from Bryce Canyon to Yellowstone
Thank you all who answered!
You gave me your tips and suggestions; I listened to some of them, and this is the result. This final version of the itinerary will not change, but if you have any additional tips like “while in X, don’t miss Y” I would highly appreciate them. Places to eat, and of course if you have specific favorite hikes you can recommend, for example good sunset hikes.
Our trip will be in three parts:
1. LV and the grand circle of Utah (15 days)
2. Yellowstone and surroundings (6 days)
3. Yosemite, the Californian coast line and LV (11 days)
Here is the Grand Circle part:
Day 1: Landing in LV in the afternoon
Day 2: LV – pool and relax, get supplies for our trip, see the Freemont light show
Day 3: maybe visit Hoover Dam in the morning then drive LV - Springdale (Zion), maybe hike Zion in the evening
Day 4: Full day in Zion, hike Angels Landing in the morning, and some other hike in the evening.
Day 5: Morning hike in Zion, then drive Springdale – Page. Horseshoe bend hike by Lake Powell in the evening at sunset.
Day 6: Antelope Canyon hike early in the morning, then drive Page - GC (via Cameron). Sunset in GC (we lodge in the park)
Day 7: Morning hike along the rim in GC, spend the day in GC, then drive GC - Monument Valley in the afternoon. We lodge in Goulding, we hope to see the sunset in MV from some strategic point, tips are welcome.
Day 8: Scenic drive and horseback ride in Monument Valley in the morning, drive Goulding - Cortez in the evening.
Day 9: Mesa Verde full day sightseeing
Day 10: drive Cortez - Moab in the morning, visit Needles District of Canyonlands with a quick stop at Newspaper Rock on the way, sunset hike in Arches.
Day 11: Morning hike in Arches NP, rafting in the afternoon
Day 12: Moab – canyoneering (have not booked yet) or hiking
Day 13: drive from Moab to Torrey (Capitol Reef)in the morning, visit Goblin Valley on the way,maybe hike Capitol Reef in the evening (depending on the time we spend on Goblin Valley)
Day 14: Hike Capitol Reef in the morning, eat homemade pie at Grifford Ranch house, Drive Hwy 12 between Torrey and Bryce Canyon. Depending on when we get going, we will try to see some of the sights along Hwy 12 (to choose from: Burr trail, the Anazasi museum in Boulder, Kiva Coffee House)
Day 15: Canyon trail ride in Bryce Canyon in the morning, maybe some hiking in Bryce Canyon in the evening.
Day 16: Drive from Bryce Canyon to Yellowstone
Jul 13th, 2011, 03:34 AM
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thank yo emalloy for all the input you have given me! It looks like we are in the same time zone.
This is part 2 of our trip, Yellowstone:
Day 16: drive from Bryce Canyon to Yellowstone, sleep in Old Faithful Inn
Day 17: Yellowstone, sleep in Mammoth Frontier Cabin
Day 18: Yellowstone, sleep in the Canyon Lodge
Day 19: Yellowstone, drive to Cody for the rodeo, sleep in Cody
day 20: Drive from Cody via Yellowstone to Jackson Hole, sleep in Jackson
Day 21: Mountains horse trail ride in Jackson, then drive towards Yosemite (first stop Elko, Nevada).
Any tips on how to best experience these different parts of Yellowstone are welcome, where to stop and hike for example.
This is part 2 of our trip, Yellowstone:
Day 16: drive from Bryce Canyon to Yellowstone, sleep in Old Faithful Inn
Day 17: Yellowstone, sleep in Mammoth Frontier Cabin
Day 18: Yellowstone, sleep in the Canyon Lodge
Day 19: Yellowstone, drive to Cody for the rodeo, sleep in Cody
day 20: Drive from Cody via Yellowstone to Jackson Hole, sleep in Jackson
Day 21: Mountains horse trail ride in Jackson, then drive towards Yosemite (first stop Elko, Nevada).
Any tips on how to best experience these different parts of Yellowstone are welcome, where to stop and hike for example.
Jul 13th, 2011, 04:21 AM
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www.gorp.com great sites for hiking trails for you
areas around the river are scenic hot springs geysers
hikes are amaing in the caldera of the largest
supervolcano in the US careful not to get burned/fall in
some do rarely...
But GREAT plan stay flexible relax do not push go for it.
areas around the river are scenic hot springs geysers
hikes are amaing in the caldera of the largest
supervolcano in the US careful not to get burned/fall in
some do rarely...
But GREAT plan stay flexible relax do not push go for it.
Jul 13th, 2011, 07:02 AM
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Buy a National Park Pass and save $$$
I don't know if The Narrows are hikeable right now or not(depending on waterflow). But, if they are, it would be a shame to miss it. You can do it in the heat.
If you search for the Top 10 day hikes in American. The Narrows and Angels Landing are on most lists. They are very different hikes and we enjoyed both of them equally. For AL, I would start at sunrise to avoid the heat on the ascent. Start at like 5:00 or 5:30AM and you will not see that many people once at the top either.
Day 8 and 9--I would stay in Mesa Verde not Cortez.
Day 11 Delicate Arch and the full Devils Garden are both great trails
Day 12 www.deserthighlights.com is the best IMOP
Day 13 Little Wildhorse Canyon is a great Slot Canyon
and is about 10 minutes from the Goblins.
Day 16, 20, or 21 Do something in the Grand Tetons--Either Hike Inspiration Point or maybe float the Snake River. At least eat in Jackson Lake Lodge. They have two historic restaurants in that lodge. The main dining area or the cafe type. We loved the cafe.
I don't know if The Narrows are hikeable right now or not(depending on waterflow). But, if they are, it would be a shame to miss it. You can do it in the heat.
If you search for the Top 10 day hikes in American. The Narrows and Angels Landing are on most lists. They are very different hikes and we enjoyed both of them equally. For AL, I would start at sunrise to avoid the heat on the ascent. Start at like 5:00 or 5:30AM and you will not see that many people once at the top either.
Day 8 and 9--I would stay in Mesa Verde not Cortez.
Day 11 Delicate Arch and the full Devils Garden are both great trails
Day 12 www.deserthighlights.com is the best IMOP
Day 13 Little Wildhorse Canyon is a great Slot Canyon
and is about 10 minutes from the Goblins.
Day 16, 20, or 21 Do something in the Grand Tetons--Either Hike Inspiration Point or maybe float the Snake River. At least eat in Jackson Lake Lodge. They have two historic restaurants in that lodge. The main dining area or the cafe type. We loved the cafe.
Jul 13th, 2011, 10:41 AM
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qwovadis, thank you for that link, I found a list called "top ten family hikes in Yellowstone" on that site, and there is probably a lot more information to find about the other destinations also. Will study the site more in detail.
spirobulldog - thank you for all your comments.
I had heard about the National Park Pass, but I've forgotten to buy one. Now I cannot figure out from the info on the site if you can buy the pass on-line and then print it, or if they have to send it to you by mail (which is too late for us now).
Do you think we can buy it at the Visitors Center in Zion when we get there, or even better, somewhere in LV to save time?
Someone put their Angels Landing hike on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8ygj...1&feature=fvwp, and I admit I'm feeling a little apprehensive about the chain-passage - to do it myself but also to watch my kids do it. Have you tried this hike with teens or pre-teens?
I would like to try to overcome my fear of heights since I am pretty convinced that it is all in my head.
The Narrows is now also on our Zion list. Maybe in the morning of the last day before we go to Page. Do you have any suggestions for a sunset hike on the evening we get to Zion?
Will reconsider Far View Lodge in Mesa Verde (if there are still any rooms available) - took it out for budget reasons.
Thanks for the Desert Highlights link. I had found Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/rockclimbing/).
I might add that only my 12-year old daugther has ever tried canyoneering before, that we are not very athletic but consider ourselves to be in good shape. Will contact the two centers to see what they can offer a family of beginners.
Thanks also for the Little Wildhorse Canyon tip, will definitly plan for a visit after Goblin Valley on our way to Capitol Reef.
About the Grand Tetons. I find it difficult to plan because of the driving distances. On day 16 we drive from Bryce Canyon to Yellowstone. Google maps tells me it is a 10 hour drive without stops, so I don't think that day leaves room for anything but driving.
On day 20 we drive from Cody via Yellowstone to Jackson, and theoretically we would have time to do something in the Tetons that afternoon. But I have been told here on fodors that the drive will probably take most of the day, and not the 3 1/2 hours google maps proposes. I will however have some options ready, should there be time. Like the Inspiration Point hike you propose (will look that up) or a boat ride across Jenny Lake and hike up to Hidden Falls or watch the sunset up at Signal Mountain.
On day 21 I have planned for us to do a 2 hour mountain horse back trail out of Jackson, that is presented as follows: "As you ride from the Ranch into the Bridger Teton National Forest, you will climb 2,000 vertical feet, and have views of the Hoback area, Snake River Canyon Area, and the Teton Range".
After that we have a six hour drive to Elko, so I don't think we have time for more hiking that day.
paulhelmick - thanks for the Horseshoe Bend Park tip (and all other tips you have given me during my planning). Google Maps cannot find it for me, is it close to Monument Valley?
spirobulldog - thank you for all your comments.
I had heard about the National Park Pass, but I've forgotten to buy one. Now I cannot figure out from the info on the site if you can buy the pass on-line and then print it, or if they have to send it to you by mail (which is too late for us now).
Do you think we can buy it at the Visitors Center in Zion when we get there, or even better, somewhere in LV to save time?
Someone put their Angels Landing hike on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8ygj...1&feature=fvwp, and I admit I'm feeling a little apprehensive about the chain-passage - to do it myself but also to watch my kids do it. Have you tried this hike with teens or pre-teens?
I would like to try to overcome my fear of heights since I am pretty convinced that it is all in my head.
The Narrows is now also on our Zion list. Maybe in the morning of the last day before we go to Page. Do you have any suggestions for a sunset hike on the evening we get to Zion?
Will reconsider Far View Lodge in Mesa Verde (if there are still any rooms available) - took it out for budget reasons.
Thanks for the Desert Highlights link. I had found Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/rockclimbing/).
I might add that only my 12-year old daugther has ever tried canyoneering before, that we are not very athletic but consider ourselves to be in good shape. Will contact the two centers to see what they can offer a family of beginners.
Thanks also for the Little Wildhorse Canyon tip, will definitly plan for a visit after Goblin Valley on our way to Capitol Reef.
About the Grand Tetons. I find it difficult to plan because of the driving distances. On day 16 we drive from Bryce Canyon to Yellowstone. Google maps tells me it is a 10 hour drive without stops, so I don't think that day leaves room for anything but driving.
On day 20 we drive from Cody via Yellowstone to Jackson, and theoretically we would have time to do something in the Tetons that afternoon. But I have been told here on fodors that the drive will probably take most of the day, and not the 3 1/2 hours google maps proposes. I will however have some options ready, should there be time. Like the Inspiration Point hike you propose (will look that up) or a boat ride across Jenny Lake and hike up to Hidden Falls or watch the sunset up at Signal Mountain.
On day 21 I have planned for us to do a 2 hour mountain horse back trail out of Jackson, that is presented as follows: "As you ride from the Ranch into the Bridger Teton National Forest, you will climb 2,000 vertical feet, and have views of the Hoback area, Snake River Canyon Area, and the Teton Range".
After that we have a six hour drive to Elko, so I don't think we have time for more hiking that day.
paulhelmick - thanks for the Horseshoe Bend Park tip (and all other tips you have given me during my planning). Google Maps cannot find it for me, is it close to Monument Valley?
Jul 13th, 2011, 10:58 AM
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And here is the third part of our trip - Yosemite and the California coast line:
Day 21: Mountain horse trail ride in Jackson, then drive towards Yosemite (first stop Elko, Nevada).
Day 22: Drive from Elko via Hwy 50 to South Lake Tahoe. On Hwy 50 several options on what to see: Hickison Petroglyphs, Pony Express Stations, Sand Mountain, historic old town, Grimes Point Petroglyphs, Carson City the Capitol
Day 23: Drive from South Lake Tahoe via Tioga Pass to Yosemite, see Yosemite high country and Tuolumne Meadows as we enter the park, stop at Olmsted Point. Spend the evening in the Valley ,maybe a short hike to Yosemite Falls and Bridal Viel falls. Lodge in Curry Village.
Day 24: Take the early morning bus from Curry Village to Glacier Point. Hike the Panorama Trail that starts there and takes you into the Valley. Spend the afternoon in the Valley. Lodge in Curry Village.
Day 25: Visit Mariposa Grove early in the morning, exit the park and drive to San Francisco. Some SF sightseeing in the evening.
Day 26: Alcatraz tour in the morning, some more SF sightseeing in the afternoon and evening
Day 27: Drive out from San Francisco in the morning, along hwy 1, maybe a short stop in Santa Cruz, lunch at Phil's Fishmarket in Moss Landing. After lunch lunch we will probably go directly to Point Lobos, spend the afternoon there, and then go back to Carmel and Monterey for evening strolls. We'll see if we have time to do the Carmel 17 Mile Drive.
Day 28: Big Sur Hwy, the McWay Falls the Elephant Seals and Pismo Beach. If we have time, we will make short stops in Cambria and San Luis Obispo on the way to Pismo.
Day 29: Continue south on Hwy 1, pass by Santa Barbara, Malibu and Santa Monica. We are staying close to Hollywood Blvd and Universal Studios in LA. If there is time, visit Hollywood Blvd that evening.
Day 30: Universal Studios.
Day 31: LA to LV (would like to upgrade our hotel from down-town LV to something on the strip for these two nights. Any price worthy suggestions?)
Day 32: LV - shopping and maybe Adventuredome for the kids
Day 33: Flight back home
Day 21: Mountain horse trail ride in Jackson, then drive towards Yosemite (first stop Elko, Nevada).
Day 22: Drive from Elko via Hwy 50 to South Lake Tahoe. On Hwy 50 several options on what to see: Hickison Petroglyphs, Pony Express Stations, Sand Mountain, historic old town, Grimes Point Petroglyphs, Carson City the Capitol
Day 23: Drive from South Lake Tahoe via Tioga Pass to Yosemite, see Yosemite high country and Tuolumne Meadows as we enter the park, stop at Olmsted Point. Spend the evening in the Valley ,maybe a short hike to Yosemite Falls and Bridal Viel falls. Lodge in Curry Village.
Day 24: Take the early morning bus from Curry Village to Glacier Point. Hike the Panorama Trail that starts there and takes you into the Valley. Spend the afternoon in the Valley. Lodge in Curry Village.
Day 25: Visit Mariposa Grove early in the morning, exit the park and drive to San Francisco. Some SF sightseeing in the evening.
Day 26: Alcatraz tour in the morning, some more SF sightseeing in the afternoon and evening
Day 27: Drive out from San Francisco in the morning, along hwy 1, maybe a short stop in Santa Cruz, lunch at Phil's Fishmarket in Moss Landing. After lunch lunch we will probably go directly to Point Lobos, spend the afternoon there, and then go back to Carmel and Monterey for evening strolls. We'll see if we have time to do the Carmel 17 Mile Drive.
Day 28: Big Sur Hwy, the McWay Falls the Elephant Seals and Pismo Beach. If we have time, we will make short stops in Cambria and San Luis Obispo on the way to Pismo.
Day 29: Continue south on Hwy 1, pass by Santa Barbara, Malibu and Santa Monica. We are staying close to Hollywood Blvd and Universal Studios in LA. If there is time, visit Hollywood Blvd that evening.
Day 30: Universal Studios.
Day 31: LA to LV (would like to upgrade our hotel from down-town LV to something on the strip for these two nights. Any price worthy suggestions?)
Day 32: LV - shopping and maybe Adventuredome for the kids
Day 33: Flight back home
Jul 13th, 2011, 11:53 AM
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i'm sorry i meant to say goosenecks state park which is a few miles from Mexican hat.
http://www.google.com/search?q=%22go...w=1280&bih=769
Grand Teteons-if you even pass by on the road you will have a wonderful photo op.
I dont know if you will have time for breakfast before leaving Yosemite valley but the Awanee hotel is historic and beautiful. Or you could just go there sometime and check out the lobby and dining room.
http://www.google.com/search?q=%22go...w=1280&bih=769
Grand Teteons-if you even pass by on the road you will have a wonderful photo op.
I dont know if you will have time for breakfast before leaving Yosemite valley but the Awanee hotel is historic and beautiful. Or you could just go there sometime and check out the lobby and dining room.
Jul 13th, 2011, 01:00 PM
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Sunday Brunch or any meal at The Awahnee woud be good. Goosenecks of the San Juan is a cool thing to see and it will only cost you less than an hour.
Just get the pass right at the entrance to Zion. It will not cost you any time at all. Maybe 2 minutes.
My daughter was 12 the first time we went with Desert Highlights. They take kids as young as 6 I believe. Canyoneering in Oregon and Utah is all they do, plus a little bit of pack rafting. Moab Adventure Center is a middle man for canyoneering, rafting, hiking, 4 wheel drive tours, etc. I would try DH first. They are sometimes hard to reach for a couple of days as it is a small operation. I can't tell you just how pleased we were with them on our 2 trips that we have been with them. I imagine that it will be the single biggest highlight of the trip. Really. We did the hardest one that they offered, but my daughter is very athletic. I think any of the tours with the bigger rappels would be great.
I like your plan on HWY 1 and Yosemite.
We did some kayaking at Moss Landing last week and it was awesome and not to expensive. Saw lots of sealions and otters up very close. Otters even lying on their backs and cracking clamshells with rocks. We were close enough to hear them eating. Lots of birds
Day 28 I would for sure see The Hearst Castle. Would probably need 3 hours there. Do Tour#1.
You are going to see many many awesome places on this trip. I hope you have a lot of memory cards or have a pc to upload pics.
In Carmel/Monterey we had great food at Dametra, The Sardine Factory, and First Awakenings. For a snack try scones at The Tuck Box. First Awakenings we had breakfast at.
Try the crepe eggs or the huge huge pancakes.
Just get the pass right at the entrance to Zion. It will not cost you any time at all. Maybe 2 minutes.
My daughter was 12 the first time we went with Desert Highlights. They take kids as young as 6 I believe. Canyoneering in Oregon and Utah is all they do, plus a little bit of pack rafting. Moab Adventure Center is a middle man for canyoneering, rafting, hiking, 4 wheel drive tours, etc. I would try DH first. They are sometimes hard to reach for a couple of days as it is a small operation. I can't tell you just how pleased we were with them on our 2 trips that we have been with them. I imagine that it will be the single biggest highlight of the trip. Really. We did the hardest one that they offered, but my daughter is very athletic. I think any of the tours with the bigger rappels would be great.
I like your plan on HWY 1 and Yosemite.
We did some kayaking at Moss Landing last week and it was awesome and not to expensive. Saw lots of sealions and otters up very close. Otters even lying on their backs and cracking clamshells with rocks. We were close enough to hear them eating. Lots of birds
Day 28 I would for sure see The Hearst Castle. Would probably need 3 hours there. Do Tour#1.
You are going to see many many awesome places on this trip. I hope you have a lot of memory cards or have a pc to upload pics.
In Carmel/Monterey we had great food at Dametra, The Sardine Factory, and First Awakenings. For a snack try scones at The Tuck Box. First Awakenings we had breakfast at.
Try the crepe eggs or the huge huge pancakes.
Jul 13th, 2011, 01:07 PM
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Sounds like a great trip and well planned out.
Re Yellowstone, the musts for me would be:
-Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (a loop that includes Inspiration Point as well as views of Upper and Lower Falls can be hiked and seen in ca. a half day)
-the Upper, Midway, and Lower Geyser Basins (can be hiked and seen in a half to full day)
And I'll give another thumbs up for Grand Teton if you can fit it in. If you must choose only one area, the Jenny Lake area is arguably the biggest "bang for the buck."
Re Arches, will second the Devil's Garden Trail. Depending on how much time you have, you can go out as far as Double-O Arch or only as far as the Landscape Arch viewpoint area. I definitely recommend going as far as Double-O and exploring the side trails to other arches in the area on the way. Haven't hiked the Delicate Arch Trail, but have heard only strong positives. Also at least drive out to the Windows area (Turret Arch, Double Arch, etc.), and if possible, do a little walking around here as well.
Re Yellowstone, the musts for me would be:
-Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (a loop that includes Inspiration Point as well as views of Upper and Lower Falls can be hiked and seen in ca. a half day)
-the Upper, Midway, and Lower Geyser Basins (can be hiked and seen in a half to full day)
And I'll give another thumbs up for Grand Teton if you can fit it in. If you must choose only one area, the Jenny Lake area is arguably the biggest "bang for the buck."
Re Arches, will second the Devil's Garden Trail. Depending on how much time you have, you can go out as far as Double-O Arch or only as far as the Landscape Arch viewpoint area. I definitely recommend going as far as Double-O and exploring the side trails to other arches in the area on the way. Haven't hiked the Delicate Arch Trail, but have heard only strong positives. Also at least drive out to the Windows area (Turret Arch, Double Arch, etc.), and if possible, do a little walking around here as well.
Jul 13th, 2011, 01:18 PM
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The pass you want is the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which can be purchased most park entrances.
From the park service website, http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm:
Annual Pass
* $80 annual pass
* Available to everyone.
* Can be obtained in person at a federal recreation site, or by calling 1-888-ASK USGS (1-888-275-8747), Ext. 1, or online.
* Non-transferable.
From the park service website, http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm:
Annual Pass
* $80 annual pass
* Available to everyone.
* Can be obtained in person at a federal recreation site, or by calling 1-888-ASK USGS (1-888-275-8747), Ext. 1, or online.
* Non-transferable.
Jul 13th, 2011, 09:28 PM
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Day 23 - before you start up Tioga pass, take time to go to Mono Lake visitor center. Interesting info in small center on a very interesting landscpe feature. If you like mark twain, he has some interesting bits about mono lake. and they have a good bathroom.
Tioga pass is amaaaazing. It's all about scale.
Tioga pass is amaaaazing. It's all about scale.
Jul 13th, 2011, 09:30 PM
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In yellowstone I woke up just before dawn and drove from Roosevelt to Lamar Valley. If you are near Hayden Valley you can do the same. But take it slow. Lots of critters out then and not many folks. If you see a car with a big radio antenae, follow ti as they may be tracking a wolf pack. Bring more than one pair of binoculars and a basic spotting scope with tripod.
Jul 13th, 2011, 09:42 PM
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In Yosemite Valley - For bridalveil falls you will need a car. short hike from the parking lot.
You can go on your way to or from Mariposa Grove. Mariposa Grove is amazing. Again, it is all about scale. That little horizonatl cabin and those HUGE sequoias. Take a minute to lye down on the cabin porch, look up, and breath. Aaaah. Hope the flowers are blooming for you. Try to go early in the day as soon as the tram opens, or if you are up earlier, try a hike up there.
From Curry, the shuttle bus is easy to take around the valley. PEak at the Awahnee. Very nice old national park architecture. COmpare it to Bryce, Zion and Yellowstone old lodges. Think of Ansel Adams playing piano in the lobby. Sunday brunch is to die for.
Due to late snows, make sure your roads are open and trails are open (panorama trail or four mile trail). If you knees are questionable, take your poles for the decent, especially if you decide to go down the mist trail (I don't prefer descending on the mist rail as too many vertigo inducing zones with big steps on slippery rock and lots of hikers -some not experienced). You can take the other route down, but may not be a scenic.
If you drive out of yosemite on hwy 120, there is a Raleighs super market in Oakdale (right side just as you get into town) that is a good place to get some food (big selection) and use the bathroom. Good stop over between Yosemite and the Bay Area.
You can go on your way to or from Mariposa Grove. Mariposa Grove is amazing. Again, it is all about scale. That little horizonatl cabin and those HUGE sequoias. Take a minute to lye down on the cabin porch, look up, and breath. Aaaah. Hope the flowers are blooming for you. Try to go early in the day as soon as the tram opens, or if you are up earlier, try a hike up there.
From Curry, the shuttle bus is easy to take around the valley. PEak at the Awahnee. Very nice old national park architecture. COmpare it to Bryce, Zion and Yellowstone old lodges. Think of Ansel Adams playing piano in the lobby. Sunday brunch is to die for.
Due to late snows, make sure your roads are open and trails are open (panorama trail or four mile trail). If you knees are questionable, take your poles for the decent, especially if you decide to go down the mist trail (I don't prefer descending on the mist rail as too many vertigo inducing zones with big steps on slippery rock and lots of hikers -some not experienced). You can take the other route down, but may not be a scenic.
If you drive out of yosemite on hwy 120, there is a Raleighs super market in Oakdale (right side just as you get into town) that is a good place to get some food (big selection) and use the bathroom. Good stop over between Yosemite and the Bay Area.
Jul 13th, 2011, 09:56 PM
#19
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Day 27 - Point Lobos is better than 17 mile drive, in my opinion. bring the binos.
Hearst Castle is cool. You must have reservations andyou cannot be late. It does take a while, but it is a truly amazing place with an amazing art collection.
I liked the tour with the kitchen.
Day 28 - Big Sur can take a while. Enjoy and stop often (in safe pull outs!) for leg stretching and view appreciating. Look for condors...
Cambria is fine but I prefer moonstone beach just for a stroll above, but close to, the surf.
Morro Bay is a small town with a small fishing fleet and some tourists. But a real town all the same, and the Rock is a site. Walking along the embarcaderro is very nice and low key. The small but informative (free!) visitor center that the Morro Bay National Estuary Program has provides a great view of the Bay . The Nature Center at the State Park takes more time, but is also nice (south of the Embarcaderro) http://www.mbnep.org/understand/estu...ure_center.php
If day 28 is a thursday, have dinner at the farmers market in down town SLO (San Luis Obispo). The best farmers market barbecue around.
At Pismo Beach, Longboards has great fish tacos.
Hearst Castle is cool. You must have reservations andyou cannot be late. It does take a while, but it is a truly amazing place with an amazing art collection.
I liked the tour with the kitchen.
Day 28 - Big Sur can take a while. Enjoy and stop often (in safe pull outs!) for leg stretching and view appreciating. Look for condors...
Cambria is fine but I prefer moonstone beach just for a stroll above, but close to, the surf.
Morro Bay is a small town with a small fishing fleet and some tourists. But a real town all the same, and the Rock is a site. Walking along the embarcaderro is very nice and low key. The small but informative (free!) visitor center that the Morro Bay National Estuary Program has provides a great view of the Bay . The Nature Center at the State Park takes more time, but is also nice (south of the Embarcaderro) http://www.mbnep.org/understand/estu...ure_center.php
If day 28 is a thursday, have dinner at the farmers market in down town SLO (San Luis Obispo). The best farmers market barbecue around.
At Pismo Beach, Longboards has great fish tacos.
Jul 13th, 2011, 09:59 PM
#20
Join Date: May 2008
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If you want to visit one California Mission, La Purisima (between Pismo and Santa Barbara) is remote enough to give you a good feel for how life there must have been.
It's on a nice alternative back road that will still getyou to santa barbara just fine
http://www.lapurisimamission.org/
It's on a nice alternative back road that will still getyou to santa barbara just fine
http://www.lapurisimamission.org/
