Vegas/ G.Canyon April
Jan 7th, 2011, 02:40 PM
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Vegas/ G.Canyon April
Have been researching for a while but would like some customized "real-world" thoughts and feed-back.
2 of us flying into Vegas early April- Tues --> Tues. rental car.
Not big on gambling but will see the Vegas sites, a show and what we can find.
Considering staying on Freemont (Nugget/ California) partly due to resort fees and what I've read concerning quality on strip that don't charge fee. Not to mention price in general. Is there any down side to Not staying on strip? Any general tricks to getting upgrades, freebies, tickets etc. ?
Plan to go to Red Rocks since only 20 mi away. Have heard Death Valley is great but not sure of time. May depend on what I learn here as far as time-distance-worthwhile.
Will be going to Hoover Dam then stay over at G. Canyon(Williams AZ) on Friday. Without taking the day long hike is 1 day enough time to get most of canyon experience?
Is driving to Zion realistic for a day trip?
With those sites mentioned- Tuesday afternoon through following Monday ...?
I know I've written a novel here but hopefully more info gives you more to help with
Thanks.
2 of us flying into Vegas early April- Tues --> Tues. rental car.
Not big on gambling but will see the Vegas sites, a show and what we can find.
Considering staying on Freemont (Nugget/ California) partly due to resort fees and what I've read concerning quality on strip that don't charge fee. Not to mention price in general. Is there any down side to Not staying on strip? Any general tricks to getting upgrades, freebies, tickets etc. ?
Plan to go to Red Rocks since only 20 mi away. Have heard Death Valley is great but not sure of time. May depend on what I learn here as far as time-distance-worthwhile.
Will be going to Hoover Dam then stay over at G. Canyon(Williams AZ) on Friday. Without taking the day long hike is 1 day enough time to get most of canyon experience?
Is driving to Zion realistic for a day trip?
With those sites mentioned- Tuesday afternoon through following Monday ...?
I know I've written a novel here but hopefully more info gives you more to help with
Thanks.
Jan 7th, 2011, 03:00 PM
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Stay over at Grand Canyon, you should be able to get a room in early April. If they say they are full, call and keep calling every day as there are cancellations as the time gets closer and those folks who made the reservation last year find they can't make it.
One overnight there should be enough if you aren't planning to do lots of hiking.
I love Death Valley and it takes about 2 and a half hours to get there. My favorite approach is to head north on 95 and then west when you get to Beatty. There is a ghost town, Rhyolite that is just a couple of miles off the main road that is fun for a quick stop. Stop at the top of the hill and take in the panorama of the valley before you head down. Go south, stop at Borax works then to Furnace Creek Visitor's center and then down to Badwater, the lowest point in the US.
Valley of Fire is another place that is worth exploring, about an hour from town.
We've always stayed on the strip, so I can't advise on Freemont area, but if you put Las Vegas into the search box here, you will come up with lots of ideas on lodging.
Have a great trip.
One overnight there should be enough if you aren't planning to do lots of hiking.
I love Death Valley and it takes about 2 and a half hours to get there. My favorite approach is to head north on 95 and then west when you get to Beatty. There is a ghost town, Rhyolite that is just a couple of miles off the main road that is fun for a quick stop. Stop at the top of the hill and take in the panorama of the valley before you head down. Go south, stop at Borax works then to Furnace Creek Visitor's center and then down to Badwater, the lowest point in the US.
Valley of Fire is another place that is worth exploring, about an hour from town.
We've always stayed on the strip, so I can't advise on Freemont area, but if you put Las Vegas into the search box here, you will come up with lots of ideas on lodging.
Have a great trip.
Jan 7th, 2011, 06:23 PM
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Have a look at Bill's Gamblin' Hall - $55 weekdays, about $125 weekends. It's a good choice for being central, and has no resort fees. Some rooms have views over to the Bellagio fountains. Also do a search of Vegas hotels on the site, as there was some good information not long ago.
I've been a couple of times from either Primm or Las Vegas to Death Valley. Long day, but do-able. Zion would be OK too, if you got a really early start on, maybe take picnic breakfast and lunch to save time. Once there, you must take their bus, so it takes longer, but is well worth while. If you do go, make sure to drive a little further than the first entrance, and go through the tunnel, and a few miles further for the amazing changes in the scenery - I call it "scenic overload"!
I've been a couple of times from either Primm or Las Vegas to Death Valley. Long day, but do-able. Zion would be OK too, if you got a really early start on, maybe take picnic breakfast and lunch to save time. Once there, you must take their bus, so it takes longer, but is well worth while. If you do go, make sure to drive a little further than the first entrance, and go through the tunnel, and a few miles further for the amazing changes in the scenery - I call it "scenic overload"!
Jan 8th, 2011, 02:51 AM
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I wouldn't do Zion, Death Valley, or Grand Canyon as a day trip. Zion and Death Valley really needs 2-3 day each to do them right IMOP. I agree with emalloy that GC is great as a one night stay unless you have a lot of hiking plans. I hiked a little in Red Rocks andd enjoyed it. I hear Valley of Fire is probably better, though. If you go to Death Valley, you can do Red Rocks on your way to it.
The Zion Shuttle Bus starts on April 4, FYI.
In all cases, I would stay "In Park Lodges" if at all possible.
The Zion Shuttle Bus starts on April 4, FYI.
In all cases, I would stay "In Park Lodges" if at all possible.
Jan 8th, 2011, 10:24 AM
#6
I booked a room on Priceline this week in Henderson. My $22 bid got me a room (upgraded to suite) for about $45. I think I will be staying at the Fiesta again when I have to fly out of Vegas. At that price you can afford to drive a rental car and still have some money for gas, compared to a room on the Strip.
You can also get to the south end of Death Valley from Baker, California.
You can also get to the south end of Death Valley from Baker, California.
Jan 11th, 2011, 04:58 PM
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My huband, 2 teens and myself did a 5 day trip early April last year. Walked the strip one day. Drove to the GC-South Rim the next (should probably stayed over night)it was a very long day. The next day we drove to Zion. We rode the buses to each stop that we wanted to see. It saved a lot of time. It was beautiful and worth seeing. Then we took in DV the next day taking the same trip emalloy took. Our last day we did the Hoover Dam tour before our plane left. We don't mind driving to see the US sights though. Most everything was around 2 hr away except GC. It was a great trip and took in a lot of sights. Buy the America the Beautiful pass from the National Park Service for $80 and save some money on the entrance fees.
