My next trip: California

Hi Anna

Based on your itinerary, you will be spending a LOT of time in a car. Unfortunatly you'll likely spend more time driving between places than you actually will experiencing those places, especially with the National Parks, which in and of themselves can take a few hours just to drive into/through, let alone the time it takes to get there.

Also it will depend on what you want to do at each place. On Day 2 when you say "Anaheim" does that mean Disneyland or something else? You'll probably want to stay long enough to do something there, other than just drive through it. Which means by the time you get to Palm Springs it will be rather late. What did you want to do in Palm Springs since if you want to drive through Joshua Tree up to Laughlin you'll need to hit the road early...

I would perhaps focus on fewer places, but stay there longer. Some parks you can easily drive through (Day 9 - for example, driving through Death Valley is usually enough for most people, it certainly was enough for us) but Yosemite is a day in itself. You'll drive all the way out to the park, snap a photo and then have to turn immediately around to get to San Fran by the end of the day (it's about a 4 hour drive). Also the terrain is mountainous and windy through quite a bit of your planned route so driving conditions are slower than mere miles would suggest (also need to add in time to eat, fuel up the car, etc.) so prioritizing will be key.

I usually think it's better to really enjoy seeing just a few things, than feeling rushed through a dozen or more, but that's just my preference.

Reply to this

Firstable, thanks for your answers!

Stephanie and Andras, I know that we spend a lot of time driving. The original idea of our trip was only a road trip. We only have these 16 days (we spend one day in a plane in the return) for travelling. And the airline tickets for go to USA are very expensive for us. For that reason we have to compress de trip xD I don't know when I will be able to return to USA.

Yes, in Anaheim we will go to Dinseyland. And in Palm Springs we only sleep : )

From Joshua Tree to Laughlin I calculate 4h 45 minutes. And Laughlin is only for pass the night.

From Yosemite to San Fran I calculate aprox 5h (HWY 120?). I calculate to stay in Yosemite from 10am to 5pm. Then I will arrive to San Fran at 10pm more or less. This is no problem for me.

DJark, yes, San Fran is a dreem for me. Ever I want to visit this city. I don't know Twin Peaks Park. Where and what is it? Thanks


Reply to this

Just a thought, but I would altar the trip like this...
You might want to stay in Anaheim after a long tiring day at Disney. Plus you might want to stay for the fireworks at night.
Joshua tree is 3/4 of a day trip and is amazing at sunset.
The Grand Canyon is not to be missed, but all the driving around the canyon eats up hours and hours. Esp. if you stop for pictures.
Lake Powell is nice, but I might cut it from the trip. Just my own preference.
Between Bryce and Zion, I would personally start to get parked-out. It really is hours upon hours of driving.
Vegas is fun and I like to arrive during the day so I have a chance to check in and get ready for a fun night out.
Vegas all the way to Fresno sounds too far for me. Plus Fresno isn't much fun. I'd suggest heading to the coast. Maybe Santa Barbara. Then you can drive up PCH. Hit Monterey (not to be missed) and Carmel on the way up to SF. Then plan your way back so you can still hit Yosemite before you go.

Enjoy, it sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned!!!!
Reply to this