Vegas>Nevada: In Sept. First Timer..
Jun 25th, 2000 | 12:09 AM
#1
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Vegas>Nevada: In Sept. First Timer..
My finance & I land in LA stay for one day and then drive to LV to get married 22nd Sept. we stay in LV for 6 nites.We then intend travelling for about 9 days after that. Does anyone have any recommendation of where we can go once we leave LV, we do have a budget to work to and can't really afford any flash hotels after LV, we'd like to see as much beautiful scenery as poss. and like the sounds of the visiting canyons. But which ones?. We fly out of LA to go to the UK and have never been to America before.
Look forward to your replies, thank you in advance.
Rach & Hch
Look forward to your replies, thank you in advance.
Rach & Hch
Jun 25th, 2000 | 05:14 AM
#2
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Rachael,
If you want to see some beautiful country right outside of Las Vegas, take Lake Mead Drive towards Logandale and Overton. You get great views of the lake and pass by the awesome Valley of Fire. Eventually you hit interstate 15, which leads into southern Utah, where you will find many of the canyons for which the West is famous, such as Bryce. And of course you can drive south from I-15 to the north rim of the Grand Canyon, which should be beautiful in September. As far as hotels are concerned, it is easy to find budget hotels and motels in most towns in the NV, AZ, UT area.
Shawn
If you want to see some beautiful country right outside of Las Vegas, take Lake Mead Drive towards Logandale and Overton. You get great views of the lake and pass by the awesome Valley of Fire. Eventually you hit interstate 15, which leads into southern Utah, where you will find many of the canyons for which the West is famous, such as Bryce. And of course you can drive south from I-15 to the north rim of the Grand Canyon, which should be beautiful in September. As far as hotels are concerned, it is easy to find budget hotels and motels in most towns in the NV, AZ, UT area.
Shawn
Jun 25th, 2000 | 05:31 AM
#3
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There is Red Rock Canyon just outside of LV, which is nothing like the Grand Canyon, but is still pretty in its own way. Of course, the Grand Canyon is a must. Arches National Park is also worth seeing, as is Monument Valley which is across the northern border of Arizona into Utah. Just keep in mind that these areas are not right next to one another, and may take hours or the better part of a day to get to.
There are so many places to see out West... the coast of California is beautiful. Arizona is a less populated but VERY scenic state from top to bottom. Anyway, you will have a blast whatever you do out West. It has a raw and untamed beauty and a colorful history. Hope this helps.
There are so many places to see out West... the coast of California is beautiful. Arizona is a less populated but VERY scenic state from top to bottom. Anyway, you will have a blast whatever you do out West. It has a raw and untamed beauty and a colorful history. Hope this helps.
Jun 25th, 2000 | 03:42 PM
#4
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Rachael: congratulations in advance. My first piece of advice would be to rethink staying in LV for 6 nights to start out. LV is great fun, but most people have a limit of 3 days or so. After that it starts to wear on you unless you're doing nothing but laying by the pool. Where will you stay? Be sure you get a competitive rate because the prices vary widely.
Your best bets for driving trips are Grand Canyon/Sedona in northern Arizona, Bryce/Zion National parks in southwestern Utah, and Death Valley in California (#1 and #2 much preferred over #3 in my book).
Your best bets for driving trips are Grand Canyon/Sedona in northern Arizona, Bryce/Zion National parks in southwestern Utah, and Death Valley in California (#1 and #2 much preferred over #3 in my book).
Jun 25th, 2000 | 07:18 PM
#6
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We live here in Las Vegas/Henderson- and the best thing about Vegas is the nearby attractions BEYOND the strip (altho we certainly encourage you to support the local hotel/gaming economy!).
As previously noted, Red Rocks and/or Valley of Fire are a must see for enjoying the beauty of the desert southwest...and are 30 min and 1 hour away respectively. Equally unique is the paradox of Mt Charleston and Lee Caanyon to the northwest of town (approx 45 minutes)- pine trees, great hiking, a couple of lodges, golf courses and cabins, and even a small ski resort in the winter.
If you like golf, there are MANY great choices here - with Anthem (SE), Lake Las Vegas (East) and the Summerlin area (NW) area being my faves with several courses in each to choose from.
Dont forget a trip to Hoover Dam - approx 30 minutes SE of Vegas - Very unique - and one of the man made wonders of the world. And of course Lake Mead is worth seeing too. But to get the full effect of the lake, canyons and beauty - I recommend renting a boat or taking a tour boat from the Marina on the South shore.
Lastly - Zion Natl Park, Bryce Canyon (amazing - think of the terrain in the Road Runner cartoons) and the Cedar Breaks area are all AWESOME - and are approx a 3 hour trip NE of Vegas on I-15 to Southern Utah. Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon are also must sees - but be forewarned - these are pretty long drives ... 5 hours+. Another interesting excursion is approx 2.5 hours southwest to Big Bear Lake (california - approx 50 miles outside of Victorville off of I-15). This is actually just a short diversion from your drive from LA to Vegas - and well worth it! Just returned from a week there - and it was just an incredible respite from the desert landscape and Vegas summertime temps!
Enjoy your trip - and be sure to check out the new Hot Spots in Vegas (our faves are Mandalay Bay, Bellagio and the Venetian). the New Aladdin should be open by the time you arrive too.
Happy Travelling - and congrats on your wedding!
T&G
As previously noted, Red Rocks and/or Valley of Fire are a must see for enjoying the beauty of the desert southwest...and are 30 min and 1 hour away respectively. Equally unique is the paradox of Mt Charleston and Lee Caanyon to the northwest of town (approx 45 minutes)- pine trees, great hiking, a couple of lodges, golf courses and cabins, and even a small ski resort in the winter.
If you like golf, there are MANY great choices here - with Anthem (SE), Lake Las Vegas (East) and the Summerlin area (NW) area being my faves with several courses in each to choose from.
Dont forget a trip to Hoover Dam - approx 30 minutes SE of Vegas - Very unique - and one of the man made wonders of the world. And of course Lake Mead is worth seeing too. But to get the full effect of the lake, canyons and beauty - I recommend renting a boat or taking a tour boat from the Marina on the South shore.
Lastly - Zion Natl Park, Bryce Canyon (amazing - think of the terrain in the Road Runner cartoons) and the Cedar Breaks area are all AWESOME - and are approx a 3 hour trip NE of Vegas on I-15 to Southern Utah. Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon are also must sees - but be forewarned - these are pretty long drives ... 5 hours+. Another interesting excursion is approx 2.5 hours southwest to Big Bear Lake (california - approx 50 miles outside of Victorville off of I-15). This is actually just a short diversion from your drive from LA to Vegas - and well worth it! Just returned from a week there - and it was just an incredible respite from the desert landscape and Vegas summertime temps!
Enjoy your trip - and be sure to check out the new Hot Spots in Vegas (our faves are Mandalay Bay, Bellagio and the Venetian). the New Aladdin should be open by the time you arrive too.
Happy Travelling - and congrats on your wedding!
T&G
Jun 27th, 2000 | 11:09 AM
#7
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Just got back from a Vegas/National Park
excursion and would have to say it was the best vacation I have had so far.
Flew into Vegas and then drove to Zion
National Park (1 1/2 hours from Vegas).
Not that much of a nature person or hiker but was transformed in Zion.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. Town just outside
Zion is Springdale. Great town with great market (stop on way into town for the best organically grown oranges ever). If can stay at Zion Lodge - around 90.00 but well worth it. If cant get into Lodge stay in town at Flanigans.
Spend a day or two in Zion and then head for Bryce. Drive in and out of Zion is incredible. We did Bryce early in the a.m. Hiked sunset point and did lunch at the stop there (have a little shop with good food at the pointe).
Next stop to Lake Powell/page. (About two more hours). Stayed at Wahweap Lodge at Lake Powell. Beautiful place.
Ask for lake view. Ask for AAA rates. Can also do three day house boat stay on the Lake but pretty expensive.
Onto Grand Canyon. 2 more hours. Stayed at Bright Angel Lodge at the South Rim. Can get good clean rooms for
$60.00. Make sure you request a shower
some rooms do not have. El Tovar would be my second choice for hotels on the south rim - nicer and more expensive but I think Bright Angel has more atmosphere.
Vacation was incredible - only wish I had seen the sights earlier in life.
My kids loved it as well. If at all possible try to get rooms in lodges in the parks - alot more atmosphere and convenience. Have fun - should be relaxing as well as romantic.
Same general # for reservations for all the parks except Lake Powell. check the park web sites for listing for AMFAC.
make reservations through them.
excursion and would have to say it was the best vacation I have had so far.
Flew into Vegas and then drove to Zion
National Park (1 1/2 hours from Vegas).
Not that much of a nature person or hiker but was transformed in Zion.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. Town just outside
Zion is Springdale. Great town with great market (stop on way into town for the best organically grown oranges ever). If can stay at Zion Lodge - around 90.00 but well worth it. If cant get into Lodge stay in town at Flanigans.
Spend a day or two in Zion and then head for Bryce. Drive in and out of Zion is incredible. We did Bryce early in the a.m. Hiked sunset point and did lunch at the stop there (have a little shop with good food at the pointe).
Next stop to Lake Powell/page. (About two more hours). Stayed at Wahweap Lodge at Lake Powell. Beautiful place.
Ask for lake view. Ask for AAA rates. Can also do three day house boat stay on the Lake but pretty expensive.
Onto Grand Canyon. 2 more hours. Stayed at Bright Angel Lodge at the South Rim. Can get good clean rooms for
$60.00. Make sure you request a shower
some rooms do not have. El Tovar would be my second choice for hotels on the south rim - nicer and more expensive but I think Bright Angel has more atmosphere.
Vacation was incredible - only wish I had seen the sights earlier in life.
My kids loved it as well. If at all possible try to get rooms in lodges in the parks - alot more atmosphere and convenience. Have fun - should be relaxing as well as romantic.
Same general # for reservations for all the parks except Lake Powell. check the park web sites for listing for AMFAC.
make reservations through them.
