For this trip, I vote that you stick with the Nevada/Utah, Arizona plan. Do Yosemite/Northern Cal on another trip.

MY

Well, I think you've all convinced us that a tour of the Grand Circle is the way to go, and that September is the best time of year for our next adventure!

We can't really book anything until at least July, when I'll be able arrange our flights through work, but this still allows us plenty of time to plan our route. I only hope that the accommodations we choose still have availability by then!

Thank you all for such great replies to my questions. We are both very excited about this trip and we'll no doubt be calling on your superior knowledge in the coming weeks and months.

Sept is still high season and loding is in demand. Go ahead and plan your route, but make reservations NOW. Just be sure to check the cancellation policies.

Staying in the National Park Lodging is a must IMO for Grand Canyon and Bryce. In both these places, sunrise is not to be missed.

It isn't possible to lodge in Arches and not necessary in Zion since Springdale is so close and nice.

As Dayle said, make reservations now and, if they are all booked, call every (local time)afternoon to pick up someone else's cancellation. Cancellations are common since many folks know that lodging fills up quickly but then they change their plans and cancel.

You can only get pick up on cancellations by calling every day. Rooms made available through cancellations NEVER show up on the website. You must call. If you are persistent, you will (99.9%) be able to get a room in the park.

Thanks to all those who have provided such excellent advice and suggestions.

Not sure however that agajohnson really understood my original post. Much as I would love some towering Christian Louboutin stilletoes I'd feel a little out of place wearing them for a hike in the canyons. The Ugg boots are a posibility, but still think they'd be lacking in appropriate ankle support! Who knows though - the bags he's peddling may come in useful?! ;-)

Anyone know how to report advertisers on the boards to the moderators?

Wow - that was quick - his post has been removed already!

I reported the spam at about 10:30 AM.
There were many threads across the forums
that were spammed with the same message.

Phoenix area will be a great place to visit during those months. I suggest Sedona, AZ to be the perfect destination and to take great pictures. It is about 145drive out of Phoenix. In Utah, definitely go to Arches National Park as well as Canyonlands. While in Vegas, definitely try to catch one of their Cirque de Soleil shows. KA or LE Reve were my personal favorites.

I would like to recommend Buffalo Sage B & B outside Bryce Canyon. My wife and I spent two nights there, great food and the most spectacular night sky I have ever seen. it alone was worth the stay. You can google it and get the information.

I agree kyhiker, we too were amazed by the
night sky when we camped at Bryce. You
gain a better appreciation for the term
'Milky Way' when you see it through the
clear, high altitude sky there.

This thread reminds me that, not far from Bryce is Natural Bridges National Monument which has been designated as the world's first 'International Dark Sky Park'. Check the link below for more on that:

http://www.nps.gov/nabr/parknews/news040507.htm

I also agree with Ky & peterboy about the sky. We spent one night at the GC North Rim and a telescope was set up. DD & her friend saw Saturn, including the rings. With the naked eye, we could see stars down to the horizon and the mass of the Milky Way rising in the SE. Amazing!!

MY

I only read this thread up until the detailed schedule of days.

Leave out Yosemite, I agree with that post- absolutely.

Not that it isn't worth it, but it is way too far and you'll be driving far too much, IMHO.

I would do nearly everything else- but stay South- and spend at least 2 days in Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon area just to really rest and vacation in some leisure in the midst. Driving vacations are nifty and the best but really stay SOUTHWEST. You could also do Jerome (old mining town) and Montezuma's and the desert's one of earth's largest meteorite landing site too.

We did this in 2005 and stayed SOUTHWEST. Did Utah, Arizona, Nevada, N. Mexico (4 corners)- saw the ruins etc. Much more viewing and the "feel" of the Southwest, which is truly different, and not all that immense mileage.

Must sees in Las Vegas:
The fountain show at the Bellagio.
A tour of ethel's chocolate factory
The forum shops at Caesar's Palace
A Cirque du Soleil show
M & M World
"The Shark Reef" at the Mandalay Bay
The Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand