Getting the exact right time of year will be a problem. I would suggest mid May to mid June - or all June - to be sure everything is open - yet you won;t hve the worst of the summer heat and the kids will still be in school.

I would have advance reservations everywhere - and for national parks I would get them now - since they often sell out far in advance.

Can't comment on exact timing - since we have only done parts of the trip - and then not all together. But you do have an awful lot of different places listed - esp the visit to Washington, which is a real outlier.

The coast from San Francisco to LA is very spectacular too. I assume you will include that section. Probably take you 2-4 days to do that.

Having been to all of the places you mention. LA would be my least favorite. I wouldn't spend more than a day/night at Las Vegas. While the Grand Canyon offers the most "wow factor" for a first view, it really has the least to do of any park unless you want to do some serious hiking or spend 5-10 days rafting it. So, you can do it in a day.

You probably would want to include a day in Arches National Park in Utah too. It is just as spectacular as Bryce and Zion, IMOP.

Mount Rainier, in Washington, is a really great park as well.
I really like Sequoia National Park(the trees there are a bit better than Yosemite, but doesn't have the waterfalls or the crowds).

I think you could probably do most of it in a month. You would definately need reservations at all "in park" lodging. I love the historic lodges. It would require some detailed planning, but is doable.

The problem with Yellowstone/Grand Tetons and Glacier is they are so far away from everything. Yellowstone and Yosemite are probably my favorite two parks.

Get a National Park Pass for you trip and save some $$$.

You have some good advice here. I would guess that Glacier will be the outlier if you want to do it all in a month and not have it beastly hot in the Utah parks and be mostly past snow season for Grand Teton and Yellowstone (although there will probably still be snow in spots here), as suggested, start in late May/early June. You will also need to decide if you want mostly park time with limited city time or if you want to explore the cities for a few days too.

If you decided on a mostly parks trip and started in late May/early June, one possible route would be to fly in to LA, drive up the coast to a little above Monterey (2.5 days for jet lag and drive), then head east to Yosemite (2.5 days for drive and hiking/photos), on to Las Vegas (1 day) then Arches(2 days for drive and hiking), Bryce(1.5 days for drive and hiking), Grand Canyon (north rim drive and hiking 1.5 days ) then over to Moa1 day for drive with stops for spectacular scenery) for Arches(1.5 days) and Canyonlands (1.5 days), up 191 (1 day for drive) to Grand Teton(2 days) and Yellowstone (2days). Then head for Washington (1.5 days) to visit your friend and maybe visit Olympic (1.5 days) and fly home out of Seattle.

I hope this gives you a start for a plan and does leave a few days to spend at one or another spot along the way. There will be folks who will say that you should not try to do so much, rather spend more time in fewer parks. That is not my style. I don't pack and unpack every day, just put the dirty clothes in a laundry bag, and pull out what I'll wear the next day. Do laundry in the evening when needed.

The suggestion to pick up a National Park pass at your first park is a good one. Also pick up an inexpensive cooler and some ice and keep snacks, lunch food, drinks for those places without facilities. Also, fill your gas tank before any long drive and any time you get to a half tank as sometimes there are no places open for miles.

Have a wonderful trip.

As noted previously, one problem you are going to run into is that any time of the year that the weather is bearable in the desert national parks, it will be unbearable in Glacier and possibly even Yellowstone. In June, for instance, it's already hot at the Grand Canyon, Glacier will still be covered in snow (the main road didn't open till June 19 this year), and even Yellowstone has 'iffy' weather. Any earlier will make Glacier out of the question, any later will make the deserts unbearably hot.

My suggestion is thus to make a loop of California and desert NP's, and then head north along the Pacific Coast; and to do so in May or June. Visiting places early in the summer makes finding vacancies a LOT easier to do, thus giving you quite a bit more flexibility.

*IF* you are willing to camp while visiting national parks (and this is HIGHLY recommended -- there's nothing like waking up to a sunrise in a NP campground)
www.flickr.com/photos/pr77x/8043322580/in/set-72157626493804109
www.flickr.com/photos/pr77x/8043322458/in/set-72157626493804109/
then you'll get even more flexibility.

As you head north, you can see Lassen Volcanic NP, Crater Lake NP, the coast of Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge, and maybe even get into Washington State. When done, just rush down back to where you picked up your car, and remind the clerk at the counter that you did get "unlimited" mileage.

I would plan your trip for September (anytime after the first Monday which is Labor Day holiday) as that is when the kids are back in school, the temps in the desert parks are cooling off and you can still beat the snow in the northern parks. October would be less crowded, but you may have to dodge a snow storm in the north. I also would reverse the trip, going north first, swinging south later in the month, again for the weather.

Fly into SF, rent a car and head north to the California coast to see the coastal redwoods in Redwoods NP. Swing by Crater Lake NP in Oregon, return to the coast and head to Washington. Hit Olympic and Mt Rainier NP's and your friends home in Washington before heading across to Glacier. The Going to the Sun Road in Glacier is a highlight of the park, so much so that if you go in the spring and you find that it is not open yet I would skip that park.

From Glacier head to Yellowstone then Grand Teton. From there drive to Mohab for Canyonlands and Arches, then head to Capital Reef. Hop on Hwy 12 to Bryce, the north side of the Grand Canyon and then Zion on your way to Las Vegas.

From Vegas map a return to SF either via the NP's in central California or the coastal route.

The US has lots of reasonably priced chain hotels (Hampton Inn, Best Western, La Quinta, etc., that serve a free breakfast.) Do the cooler idea for snacks and drinks and then eat local for dinners.

All the NP's have hikes of all lengths and ability levels. Most of these parks trails are in the mountains so hiking boots would be helpful as well as a light backpack to carry your own water. Clothes wise for fall you would be fine with layers, a fleece and light rain jacket for the north would be fine.

What a great adventure you have before you. Have fun!

Barb,
A lot of the places in Glacier and Yellowstone close after the first week in Sept.

Day 1 Fly to Los Angeles Drive to Vegas
Day 2-5 Drive coast towards San Fran
See Channel Islands National Park
Hearst Castle
McWay Falls
Point Lobos State Park
Monterey bay Aquarium
I really like Kayaking in Elkhorn Slough near Monterey

Day 6 & 7 San Francisco
Cable Cars, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf(I like the Segway tour there), North Beach area-which is Little Italy area, Golden Gate park, and Golden Gate Bridge

Day 7-11 Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks
See The Valley area in Yosemite. Take tram up to Glacier Point and hike back down to the valley along the Panorama Trail-it connects to the Mist Trail about half way down. See Yosemite Falls and Bridal Falls.
Stay at Yosemite Lodge or in one of the Tent Cabins
See Giant Forest Museum in Sequoia and walk Congress Trail. If you don’t do Sequoia, then see Wawonna are in Yosemite for the giant trees.
Sunday Brunch is good at The Awanhee

Day 12 Drive to Vegas-could drive thru Death Valley. It will be super hot-be careful
Day 13 Vegas-See Belagio Fountains, Volcano eruption, a Cirque Show, Lights

Day 14-15 Grand Canyon.
See Sunrise and Sunset here(don’t take the train, it is a waste of time and money, IMOP)
Have a meal in El Tovar. Stay in Bright Angel Lodge or El Tovar
Perhaps horse/mule ride here. Perhaps a short hike down into the canyon a bit

Day 16 Drive to Zion

Day 16 & 17 Zion
Stay @ Zion Lodge if you can(in Springdale would be my 2nd choice)
I love The Narrows hike and Angel’s Landing. The Narrows could have to much water in May and Angel’s Landing is a pretty tough hike mentally and physically. Emerald Trails is good and Canyon Overlook Trail is good.

Day 18 Bryce
Bryce Lodge would be my first choice for lodging. Ruby’s would be my 2nd.
Hike Navajo Loop/Queens Garden, See Sunrise and Sunset, Ride horse into canyon

Day 19 HWY 12 Drive to Arches/Moab—
Stop at Kiva Koffeehouse along the way, stop @ Gifford House in Capitol Reef for a piece of pie, see Orchards and perhaps pick fruit there in Capitol Reef. Do Not Miss Goblin Valley State Park on your way.



Day 20
Hike to Delicate Arch & Landscape Arch. See Balanced Rock, Double Arch, The Windows-these are all a short distance from the car(10 minutes or so).

Day 21 long day drive to Grand Teton
Stay @ Signal Mountain Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge, or Colter Village

Day 22 Grand Tetons

Day 23-25 Yellowstone. All the roads may not be open until 2nd or 3rd week of June, depending on how much snow. Stay 1 night @ Old Faithful Inn, 1 night @ Lake Hotel, and 1 night @ Roosevelt area/cabins
Spend a full day looking at the geyser basin around Old Faithful. My favorites are Castle Geyser and Riverside Geyser. See wildlife in Hayden and Lamar Valley’s, See Canyon area

Day 26 Drive to Glacier. The problem is that the Going to the Sun Road might not be open in June.
I would be much more worried here than at Yellowstone. Definitely save this one for the last part or the trip. Overnight in Many Glacier Hotel.

Day 27-28 Glacier

Day 29 Drive to Seattle-Pike Market
Day 30-33 Seattle and possibly Mount Rainier
I think the best thing about Mt. Rainier is the wildflowers. I think June would be very early for them.
It is an awesome mountain though.
A drive to San Juan Islands and do some whale watching there is really good. If you do decide on whale watching go with James Maya.

You could, have you friend meet you for a couple of day in Portland instead of Seattle. Do Portland and Columbia River Gorge instead.

You would still need a day or two to get back to LA or you could fly from Seattle.

You might enjoy swinging through Redwoods National Park on your way back through California.
The trees there are taller than Yosemite or Sequoia but aren’t nearly as big in circumference.
I like Stout Grove, Prairie Creek area, and Fern Canyon at The Redwoods.


You can do Utah and Grand Canyon anytime in May or June. The longer you get into June the hotter it will be. Yellowstone might be completely open the last week of May, but more than likely more towards the middle of June and it could be only like 75% open then. Glacier stand a really good chance of not being open until Late June, and is even somewhat likely not to be open then. When I say “open”, I mean fully open . Mount Rainier is fantastic, but would be a shame to miss the wildflowers and they come later. Probably the best time to see Yosemite would be the 1st or 2nd week of June.
Yosemite and Yellowstone tend to be really crowded in July and August.
Do be aware that May 24, 25, 26, 27(2013) is a holiday weekend and will be super busy at most of these places. Maybe try to do a city during that time, like San Francisco.

You might enjoy this more--consider doing just one of these two options:

May/June—Do a trip that includes just Utah, Grand Canyon, and California

July-Do a Yellowstone, Glacier, Washington, and Oregon Trip

I've been to all of the parks you mentioned. You can also look at my photos at:
www.travelwalks.com

I was in Glacier National Patk with my daughter this past August. We were there for only 4 days and had the most amazing combination of scenery. wlidlife and several waterfalls.

Since I only spent most of 4 days in Glacier I decided to go back for a longer period next August. I believe the problem will be matching the weather (four cloudless warm days), wildlife and scenery.

The problem with Glacier is that it has a very short season. Essentially August.

That may cause some heat issues in the Utah Parks.

I guess you could go to Glacier in early August, then Yellowstone and Grand Tetons and then on to Utah from east to west.

I don't know if you've been to the Grand Canyon or intend to fit it in.

Considering all of the other parks so far, the Grand Canyon is my least favorite of all.

I would even pick some of the non-park destinations in Utah over GC. However, I wouldn't encourage you to skip it if you haven't been. You'll want to be able to go home, tell people you saw the Grand Canyon and that you saw such great sights that the Grand Canyon rates at the bottom. Just my opinion.

In Glacier you can't beat the Many Glacier area of the park. The most scenic hikes and wildlife.

Yellowstone is more of an attraction park. ess pure scenery but the geyser area, some wildlife and spectacular waterfalls. There are many waterfalls although only a few get the buzz.

Grand Tetons are more spectacular scenery and only a few attractions.

Arches and Bryce are very different parks. Their personality alone makes them excellent destinations.

My least favorite of the Utah parks are Canyonlands though you will be right next to it with Arches and capitol Reef which you will go right thru between Arches and Bryce.

As you go from north to south the season gets longer (although Utah can be hot in the dessert.

Arches is in some elevation and Bryce is even higher. Zion could get hot.

I haven't been to WA or OR so you'll have to take that from others.

Most people may not think of it but if you start in Glacier and end in California, you may want to start by arriving in Calgary. It's a major airport and only 4 hours (and a very smooth easy drive) from the Many Glacier area of Glacier park. (Be aware that Canada also has a Glacier National Park).

If you want to you could start with a few days in Canadian national Parks such as Banff (Banff, Lake Louise and the famour Moriane Lake) and Jasper. Banff is only an hour from Calgary.

I forgot to mention Yosemite. I don't know if that's in your plan.

Yosemite is beautiful but I'll have a had time convincing myself to go back there.

It's the most commercial park I've been to. Everything is set up to get you to buy a ticket to something.

Their visitor are placed after their potential to sell a meal or event to people coming in for several hours on a tour bus.

just venting.

Suggest you go in early to mid May - and try to plan around the start of the summer season. If you are used to camping - you could buy some inexpensive gear (a couple sleeping bats, mats, tent, etc) for under $200 (see Big 5 Sporting Goods, etc) and have a lot more options as to where to stay without having been tied down to a lot of reservsations.

Most of the campgrounds are in pretty good shape and have showers, cooking pits, etc, as well as small stores, cafes in the area, whatnot. As suggested - get a small cooler to keep in the back seat - to act as your mobile fridge.

BTW - love the Grand Canyon and consider it a must see.

We have spent the last almost ten years touring National Parks for the month of September. You will find fewer crowds, with most services still operating but at reduced hours. By the end of September in Glacier I can imagine things shutting down, but if you start in the north, then you will already be well into your trip and alot further south by the end of the month. If it works out better for you to go in the spring then I would skip Glacier and add those days elsewhere.

The idea of starting in the Canadian Rockies and then doing I assume a one way rental would only work if you can find a car company that would allow you to take the car into the US, and then not incur a huge drop off fee. The Canadian parks are stunning too.

Check out NPS.GOV for all kinds of info on the parks. I would try to hit as many of the parks that you feel comforable with in your alloted time.

I thought of it earlier but Barblab mentioned it. You'll probably have a problem with a one-way rental from Canada.

So I would consider Kalispel or Great Falls as a starting point.

I think you have to decide on something early in the planning. What are the chances of another similar trip in the not to distant future? What I'd hate to have happen is having all the parks merge into a blur. However, if you're into photography you'll be able to separate things out after with the photos.

If you plan on the trip before June or after the first week of September you can write off Yosemite (Glacier Road will most like be Closed), Glacier NP will have the Going-to-the-Sun Road closed and Yellowstone will be in shutdown mode. I don't know how early Bryce gets snow so someone else will have to comment.

Other than for lodging I've only had one day (and it was on a Sunday) where the crowds were uncomfortable.

Assuming you can get an Open Jaw ticket - you could also consider flying into Salt Lake City, Utah (or maybe Phoenix, or even Las Vegas) - and renting a car there for say two weeks or longer - whatever - and tour around the Utah/Northern Arizona/Montana areas - and then fly from Salt Lake/wherever to say San Francisco and rent a car there and drive down the Coast - and turn it in at LA or San Diego (where you fly back to Oz) - and that drop off charge usually isn't that expensive.

Oops. You could also fit Yosemite into your plans when in California - say driving from SF to Yo - and then drive from there over to Carmel/Monterrey - and on down the coast.

And if you are really road warriors - you could fly to Seattle from wherever, visit your friend and rent a car there and drive around WA a bit and then down the beautiful Oregon Coast, on thru the Redwoods, etc to the SF Bay Area, and continue on as noted above.

Not sure about the dropoff charges for that - but check www.carrentals.com, among other sites to get an idea.

Good morning everyone. Wow! Thanks so much for such comprehensive (and helpful) replies!
There is a lot to digest here so will have fun wading through and will be back with more questions no doubt. Seems like the timing/weather will require some careful thought.
Once again thank you to everyone who has taken the time to reply, really appreciate it and this info is exactly what I was after

http://www.yosemitefun.com/yosemite_best_time_to_visit.htm
Here is a link to this guys opinion on Yosemite. His least favorite month is Sept.

I know that Roosevelt Lodge in Yellowstone usually closes about the first week in Sept. I don't know if the rest do at that time or not? I'm not totally sure when the Glacier Lodges close. I do know that Granite closes pretty early, but it is a back country, so perhaps the others close later. The campgrounds all close sometime in September as well.

The positive thing about Sept, would be Elk would be in rut and crowds would be few, plus fall foliage would be nice. I think Yellowstone and Glacier would be good then, but not sure you could fit both of them in at that time. You are likely to not see waterfalls in Yosemite in Sept. And to me, I wouldn't go without seeing the falls(especially for a first or only visit).

You mentioned that you are into photography and since spiro mentioned Yosemite waterfalls I'll give you my assessment.

Glacier only has a small number of waterfalls that you can see close up unless you are hiking in the back country.

Waterfalls such as St Mary and Virginia are relatively short hikes and are beautiful waterfalls that you can get up close to.

Yellowstone has a relatively large number of waterfalls that are easily accessable. When I was there I was on a mission to find them. Yellowstones falls are varied in size and shape and many are very close to the road or parking areas.

I was a bit disappointed in Yosemite's waterfalls even though I was there when they were full and roaring.

Other than Vernal Falls it's difficult to get up close to the larger falls and from a distance the all look pretty much the same and have a string appearance.

I don't remember waterfalls in Arches, Bryce, Capitol Reef or Zion.

Myer,
You don't find Bridal Falls and Yosemite Falls absolutely stunning? I really liked Narada and Vernal Falls too. I know I was close enough on all of these to get wet. Could not use my camera with all the mist. I really find it shocking. I didn't consider them a sting or ribbon fall at all.

http://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/top-10-us-waterfalls.html
Here is this guys opinion. I've been to most of his US Top Ten(have not been to #7 or #10). I can think of 10 or 15 more waterfalls that I think would be really high on a lot of lists.

I always am up for a waterfall hike. Columbia River Gorge is excellent. Oddly enough, not far from me is Buffalo National River in Arkansas. There are many really awesome waterfalls(only in the spring usually) that are like a mini version of the Columbia River Gorge area.

spiro,
I didn't go to Nevada Falls. I did mention Vernal Falls and only because of a viewing area on a large rock I found by accident a little before the falls.

The problem with Yosemite and Bridalveil Falls is that they are very, very tall. When up close you get soaked and from a distance they look like string falls.

I prefer Lower Calf Creek Falls in Escalente, the Lower Falls in Yellowstone (from Redrock Point), several other Yellowstone waterfalls and St Mary & Virginia Falls in Glacier.

You mentioned you got so wet you couldn't use your camera. That's not good for a photographer. Your choice was to get drenched or be too far away.

That's not to say there isn't a lot of stunning scenery in Yosemite. Wait until you get to Many Glacier and do the Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake and Highline hikes. I hope you see as much wildlife as we did in such a short period of time.

During May, etc - the waterfalls in Yosemite are usually spectacular.

And I am glad I saved a U of Oregon hooded windbreaker/waterproof shell - as it served me well when walking to/looking at Lower Yo falls, which sent out a thick cloud of mist/spray.

Like hiking up to Vernal and Nevada Falls - and there are many photo ops of all the waterfalls.

Friends of mine also hiked up to the top of upper Yo falls - and loved it. Actually - years ago - they camped up there, but not sure if you can do that now.

Also - you can walk down the path from the Visitor's center - and there is a break in the trees/by the river - that gives a marvelous view of both lower and upper Yosemite falls - and you don't get the spray there - so it's great for photo ops.

And if it has water - don't forget to take some pics of Mirror Lake. We loved to ride bikes around it.

Well, if you want waterfalls you wont get them in Yosemite in September. Just got back. The only one with water was Bridal Veil falls and it was just a whisper that the wind would often blow back up on top.

Zion's waterfalls are ephemeral, and usually better in the spring (Emerald Pools upper and lower) or during a rainstorm when the water comes over the cliffs in so many places it seems rather magical. There are also the water falls from springs like Menu Falls and Weeping rock which tend to be small and unimpressive if you are looking for something like Yosemite falls. There are several falls in the backcountry, the one most easily reached is Mystery Falls not too far up the Narrows.

Bryce has only the one man made falls seen from Moss Cave trail

Arches has none. There may be some that pour over the cliffs along hwy 128 during a rainstorm.

Capitol Reef has several small falls along Sulphur Creek that are really fun to climb down.

InSandy,
Where did you hear about Menu Falls?

Apparently it got its name because it was on the menu of the lodge restaurant for some time and very few knew where it is.

A Zion bus driver told me about it and let me off there. It's not even at a stop so I walked the rest of the way down.

It even has a viewing stand and has a couple of visitors a week.

It is in several travel books and on a couple of websites.

We usually stay in self catering in Europe but realise this may not suit this trip.

Camping would be self catering, if you are up to it; and camp sites are cheaper than any motel. Cheap camping equipment is available in large stores such as K-Mart, Sports Authority and Big-5 Sporting Goods. You probably can outfit yourself (tent, sleeping bags, air mattress, cooking equipment) for less than $300. Donate the equipment to Goodwill at the end of your trip.

Interesting suggestion Michael, not sure if these bones are up to it but has made me have a think ....

Great info regarding waterfalls guys, thanks very much.

Looks like June may be the time to go then and maybe we will have to reconsider Glacier.
I had been thinking of flying in to Las Vegas and setting off by car from there as we don't really want to visit LA this time and LV probably easier to drive out of.
What order would we do GC, Bryce and Zion under those circumstances? (Thanks for the mention of the Arches also, hadn't heard of that NP.)

I am thinking do that area and then drive on up to Yellowstone and GT and then westwards before driving down coast back to LA?

Hopefully over the weekend I can look at distances a bit more closely try and think about what time to allocate where.

Thanks again everyone.

Myer,, can't tell you when I first heard about menu falls... I've been going there a long time, (maybe I even saw it on the menu haha. though I doubt it since I rarely ate at the restaurant, if ever)

ozgirl, if you fly into LV and want to head north then you should probably go to Grand Canyon first, then Zion then Bryce then north maybe to Arches/and Canyonlands. You could still include Glacier, especially if it was a mild winter with limited snow fall. We visited in May one year and loved seeing it even though we could not get to many of the trails nor take the highway through the park. It is an amazing park, definitely one of my all time favorites. Just depends on how much time you have and how many other places you find that you want to add in... it can get addictive.

ozgirl,
Sounding a lot better now. Hate for you to skip Glacier, but if you wait to come later, then you would probably want to skip Utah and Grand Canyon as it would be blazing hot.

If you could come in May and do Utah and Grand Canyon, then head to California about 1st week of June, then head to Grand Tetons and Yellowstone.

Maybe 10 days in each place, with a little less than that in Yellowstone and the Tetons. You could get lucky and find Glacier open, but is probably 50/50 chance either way.

Hi guys, can I ask for some clarification on booking lodging (started looking at Yellowstone for example) and many Fodorites speak of checking daily for openings based on cancellations and having various rooms booked everywhere waiting for best options. I can only see the option to fill out an actual "booking" form which clearly states it is not to check availability and requires my credit card details etc. Can one only check availability via phone??

many Fodorites speak of checking daily for openings based on cancellations and having various rooms booked everywhere waiting for best options.

An advantage to camping is that one can usually get a camp site (Fridays & Saturdays are more problematic) even in the National Parks without a reservation.

what month are you looking at and which park? If it's asking for your credit card, then you can probably book it. MAKE DARN SURE that you are on the actual website of the park concessionaire. There are a few middleman websites, and I wouldn't trust those at all.

Ok, I think I've found the right site now! Which of our proposed destinations will be hardest to get - should I prioritise Yellowstone and then plan others around that?

When we used to go for the first weekend in March to Yosemite, we made reservations 1 year in advance. Summer must be just as bad.

Yosemite and Yellowstone will be the two places to get reservations first and do it ASAP

And make sure you get at least one night at Old Faithful Inn.

Could you please give your latest itinerary?

Think you might be best off - by say flying into Vegas - and from there do the GC (5 hour drive),and then Utah (however you decide - and we did a trip back in June http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/sw-scenic-whirl-zionbrycecapitol-reefmvgcsedona.cfm ) .

Since you are closer to Yosemite while in Utah - suggest you get up to Yosemite from there - and then perhaps either flying from Salt Lake to San Francisco - or just driving straight through as we used to do - years ago. You could even take the train if you like.

Tomsd, funny you should ask that right now... I have just been "playing" with accommodation and have managed to book 3 nights Yellowstone (OF) from June 27th and the only night in June which was available at Yosemite Lodge which was the 20th.
So, that's the bare bones of my itinerary!
It seems that the norm is to grab what is there and then modify as you go, sounds like a game really
Could maybe make that work with GT in between and Utah before the 20th???

You might consider a night at both Yosemite Lodge and Wawonna. They are about an hour apart. Wawonna is near the Giant Sequoia Trees.

Do be aware that Old Faithful Inn, OF Lodge and OF Snow Lodge are 3 different properties.
I like to stay in multiple locations(2 or 3) while at Yellowstone.


http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/
http://www.yosemitepark.com/lodging.aspx

Above are the links to the official sites in both parks.

I/we do that all the time as many times - trips are last minute.

Get/reserve what you can and then you can usually find something close if not right at your destinations.

Hey -in a pinch - have even dozed in the car for a few hours.

If I stick with Yosemite on the 20th (and add days either before or after depending on what becomes available)and also stay with the 27th at Yellowstone, what should we do inbetween?
Would Grand Tetons fit here and would we need that long?
If not, any suggestions?
Thanks.

Grand Tetons is right next door to Yellowstone. You should spend a day or two there. Some people actually like it better than Yellowstone, I prefer Yellowstone. I'm a bit confused now on you schedule and how many days you are staying in each place.

So am I spirobulldog!

Prior to the 20th June the plan is to do the 'Southern' parks and LV (GC, Bryce, Zion, ? Arches, maybe more, haven't had time to focus on this part yet) and then as Tomsd suggests above, head to Yosemite.

So far, I have secured the 20th June in Yosemite but would like ?2 more.

From there, over to GT and Yellowstone. I have 3 nights from the 27th at Yellowstone.

Problem is I have about a week between those two confirmed bookings as explained above - not sure what to do with? Hope that better dates are freed up?

This is a very loose itinerary, solely based on those two confirmed bookings - open to suggestions please!

When that happens to moi - there are a couple of things I do. Keep checking back as those places have cancellations all the time. And check on other places fairly close to them where you can bail to in a pinch and double hey: There is a lot else to see in Wyoming/Montana if you need to occupy some days in-between.

And as your trip is a long way out - I think you will probably be able to piece something else together - and what the hey: Soon you will be the travel agent/expert for the areas.

And one other place you might consider: Park City/Deer Valley Utah - about 45 minutes outside/above Salt Lake City. Just a wealth of things to do there, including hiking, mountain biking (take the ski lifts up and ride down - exploring old silver mines, the classic/Victorian themed Main Street (maybe catch a glimpse of Robert Redford if he comes to visit from his nearby ski area), great restaurants - and on and on. http://www.parkcity.org/

You mentioned that you have 1 night in Yosemite. It's a very long drive from any lodging outside the park.

I was there for about 4 or 5 nights. We had all in the park except 1 night in the middle.

I called and threw myself at their mercy. They told me they keep a few rooms for the last two weeks before a trip for people missing a day or so. They gave me that missing day.

spiro mentioned Yellowstone vs Grand Tetons. I think Yellowstone has more in the way of attractions (geysers, waterfalls, some wildlife) while in my opinion Grand Tetons have better scenery and places such as Mormon Row, Schwabacher Landing and general scenery.

Due to the mere size you'll need more time in Yellowstone.

I could easily go back to see them both.

You can purchase a National Park Pass at the entry gate of the first park you visit. No need to order in advance. The parks generally cost ~$25 USD each to enter, so if you visit at least 3 parks during this trip, it basically pays for itself. Visit the website @ www.nps.gov for more info.

National Park Pass info:

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Annual Pass
•Cost: $80
•Available to the general public and lasts for one year, beginning from the date of sale
•Provides access to, and use of, all national parks and Federal recreation sites that charge an entrance/standard amenity
•Pass may be used for passengers in a non-commercial vehicle (at per vehicle fee areas), as well as pass holder plus 3 adults at per person fee areas. Note: Children under 16 are admitted free
•Purchase: By calling 1-888-ASK USGS, ext. 1, or online

Jill thanks for the pass info, will definitely do that.

Myer, any comment on ranking the lodging in Yosemite? The night I have is in OFI and I could get western cabin at Canyon or lakeside room at Lake Lodge?

Some of the other cabins available get pretty shoddy reviews...

I really like Roosevelt area and Lake Hotel too. You might want to snag what you can get and then cancel later.

Nothing at Roosevelt so maybe I'll go with Lake for now.

In Yosemite the Ahwahnee is luxury and priced that way. Yosemite Loadge at the Falls are ordinary motel rooms.

Lodging outside the Valley is a very long drive.

For Bryce I would first try for inpark lodging. There are some cabins and a few motel-type buildings. Ok but not luxury.

If you can't get that then Ruby's (is now actually designated a town) just at the entrance is ok.

In Zion if you can't get inpark then Springdale is juast outside and many choices there. Desert Pearl gets a lot of good marks here although I've only stayed inpark.

With a 5 month old you'll want as little back-and-forth as possible whenever a nap is required, etc.

At Yosemite we stayed at Yosemite View Lodge - it was not a long drive into the park - you could even take a bus - which dropped you off at the valley floor.

I thought it was a nice place to stay, has a restaurant, swimming pool, on the river.

Thanks sunbum for this useful info.
Aaah Myer, not sure where the 5 month old came into it but my husband would kill me .....lol

Yosemite seems to be locking you into a route that is much less than ideal. Unless you start or end there, you are going to be doing hundreds of miles of backtracking. Even in June Yosemite is packed with tourists. Seriously consider dropping it from your itinerary.

I love all the parks in Utah, and there are state parks that are also quite good, so don't completely overlook them.

You could easily fly into Las Vegas, rent a car and be in Zion in 2-3 hours, depending on your speed. The posted limit for many of the highways is 65 or 70 mph (and 75 when you get up north). Be careful in Arizona, the cops love to catch speeders with their radar guns. Sounds odd, but on your way to Zion, you go through a corner of Arizona that is cut off from the rest of the state. It's very scenic and the Arizona cops are there, so stay at the limit and enjoy the views. Once you have the car, you'll want to find a Walmart or Target store and stock up on stuff - cooler, plastic utensils, food - at least snacks, and any camping equipment, toiletries, etc. I'm pretty sure its cheaper around Vegas than once you get to Utah.

I also am less than in love with the Grand Canyon, and in June it too will be pretty full.

It will be hot in June in Utah, but not unbearable. Ozone dangers - pretty much like Oz, lots of sun block and UV sunglasses, hats, plenty to drink. It's high elevation (5000-8000 feet), so cool in the evenings and early mornings and usually very low humidity.

This is already way too long. But I'd consider going to Glacier (Waterton is the Canadian side of the park), then through the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper) and driving back to return the car in Seattle and fly from there.

There are lots of very good motels in Springdale, which is about 2-3 miles from the entrance to Zion Park. There is a free shuttle bus that goes through the town to the park entrance, or you can drive it in 5 minutes. There are more options for dining in Springdale and the best pie I ever ate - the Bumbleberry Pie Store. Unless you want luxury, there's no reason to stay inside the park.

Bryce is about 2-3 very scenic hours from Zion. I have always stayed at Ruby's Inn, which is very close to the park entrance and reasonable, but you do have to make reservations. It's close enough to get up in the dark to go one of the overlooks for sunrise, then go back for a shower and breakfast before spending the day in the park.

I think Canyonlands is more interesting for the history (Indian, pioneers). Horseshoe is an excellent state park. Arches - 2 days at least, gorgeous. Stay in one of the motels in Moab.

From there you can shoot straight north to the Tetons, or take a slight detour to the Great Salt Lake. SL City is interesting for a day for the Mormon stuff, or skip it.

If you're going to Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks you have to stay in the village of Jackonson Hole for a day or two.

Thanks Pitzikat ,great info and yes, Yosemite is a bit of an outlier I agree but was keen to see it again...... And my husband has never been there.

We have been to the Canadian Rockies previously.

Maybe we should save Yosemite to the end and fly out of SF?

Taos6, JH looks great will definitely factor that it in, any recommendations?

You could then end in Wyoming (Yellowstone/Tetons) and fly to San Francisco (Oakland would be better) and get another car to drive to Yosemite. Jackson Hole WY to SF is pretty much 2 days driving, and much of it is boring.

Glacier is a long day's drive from Yellowstone, though pretty scenic. But then you'd have a long drive back to somewhere to get a flight.

Yosemite is a 4-hour drive from the Bay Area without traffic. From Yosemite, it's a long day's drive to Las Vegas.

I am now going in circles. Think you have to decide what are your primary places to see/tour and then fill in the dots/lines.

And I would not miss the Grand Canyon. There is a reason it is named Grand. It has something all the others have - plus a huge river (we loved looking thru the binos at the river rafters running some hairy rapids) - except perhaps the Hoodoos - or the number of "monuments" in Monument Valley.

And just to balance Tomsd.

The Grand Canyon is my least favorite of all places I've been to.

Unless you hike down or look down with "binos" to see rafters, etc. GC is merely as bowl with what looks like a little stream way down.

Neither sunset nor sunrise is anything spectacular (cannot compare to Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek in Sedona for sunset or Bryce Canyon for sunrise) and pretty much nothing for wildlife and nothing for waterfalls and nothing for scenery compared to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Yosemite, Arches or Glacier.

However, if you've never been I would never discourage you from going. Then you could tell your friends you saw the Grand Canyon and how it compared to all of the other sights you saw.

I might agree GC has something all of the others have. However, the opposite is not true. GC has little or nothing any of the others have.

However, if you've never been . . . .

Thank you again. Definitely different views regarding GC - I understand both comments but in actual fact it was a discussion about GC that started the whole itinerary so it's definitely in! My husband just "has to see it once" and I was impressed enough to agree.

It's not GC that is causing the route headache though!

I used google maps to plan a route for you and put in the cities closest to the parks you want to visit to make life easier. Hope it helps.

Fly into Las Vegas

Drive to Grand Canyon south rim about 5 hrs

Then drive to Zion about 4 hours

Next drive to Bryce less than 2 hours

Next Grand Teton better part of a day

Next Yellowstone a couple of hours

Then either up to Glacier or back south to Yosemite

Then either over to San Francisco and down the coast road to LA or down to LA and home

This gives you 8 or 10 days during which you are spending some time driving (only a couple that are long driving days) and 20 for spending time in the parks.

Everyone has opinions on how much time to spend in each, but get a map of the Us and try to connect the dots.

I'd love to take this trip myself.

That's a good itinerary from emalloy. Here are a few thoughts on tweaking it -

Or perhaps fly into Phoenix, drive to the Grand Canyon from there. From Vegas, the only interesting thing on the way is Hoover Dam. It's just a long and boring road. If you start in Phoenix, it's not much farther, but lots to see on the way - Sedona, Montezuma's Castle, Oak Creek Canyon.

From the GC (I missed that you were locked into it) to Zion, drive through Page and across Lake Powell, stay a night and see Antelope Canyon. Get an early start the next morning to drive into Zion from the eastern entrance - much of the road is scenic, and driving through Zion from the east is best seen in the morning, with the sun behind you.

From Bryce, you can "detour" northeast to Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands (I LOVE Arches), and the head up to Wyoming.

Again, there is no joy in driving from that area to SF. Lose the car and fly. Then rent another to go to Yosemite.

You need good maps to plan this in detail. The AAA maps are the best, distinguishing between levels of roads, reasonable estimations of driving times, and they indicate the scenic roads.

GC - stay in the park. Otherwise you'll spend too much time driving back and forth. Unless they've changed their policy in the last several years, they don't charge for room cancellations and they don't offer a waiting list, so in June, you should be able to get a room on arrival, although it is better to book ahead. 2-3 days in the park, including time at the wonderful visitors' center. There's not much in the way of hiking (unless you're going to spend 2 days hiking down to the bottom and back - and you need to be in condition), lots of scenic overlooks. To save time, see the west rim (the south rim is "divided" into 2 parts) first, then leave GC early in the morning and see the east rim on your way out. Otherwise it's a lot of driving back and forth.

Zion - 2-3 days in the park. It is my absolute favorite but not everyone agrees. The park website has lots of information about hiking - there are several good ones that aren't strenuous.

Bryce - 2 days. Spend at least one day hiking down among the hoodoos - it's amazing.

Arches - if you go, spend 2 days there. Several nice hikes and you have to hike up to Delicate Arch for sunset once in your life.

Tetons - at least 2 days. I was only there once and wish I'd had more than 2 days.

Yellowstone - I was only there once, 5 days, and loved it all. I did use one of the days to drive east to Cody to the Buffalo Bill Museum - very interesting if you are into the history of the "wild west." The drive was pretty scenic too. Yellowstone is huge. It can take a couple of hours to drive from where you are staying to other "top" spots in the park. Allow enough time to see it all.

Use the National Parks official websites. They are full of useful information for planning. My first stop at a park is the visitors' center. You'll get a map and park newspaper at the entrance to each park but the centers have more detailed information, and the rangers can help you plan your visit. Look for ranger programs too. Sometimes, guided walks, sometimes evening talks. They are invariably interesting and they're free.

Great! I think we're getting somewhere
I think I was just confused when earlier in the thread people suggested slotting Yosemite in after GC area. I think this makes sense.

I have ordered some maps online and the LP National Parks of US book which should arrive by the time I get home (currently in Sri Lanka!) so will have a sense of purpose when it's pinned to my wall now.

Any thoughts on how late is too late to see Yosemite on the end of this trip?

The problem with Yosemite is if you go early (possibly before mid-June) Glacier and/or Tioga Roads) may not be open yet and if you go too late (possibly after June) the waterfalls begin to lose water.

I guess it depends on your priorities. I was there around mid-June and the waterfalls were roaring. Glacier Road had opened a week or two prior and Tioga Road (which we didn't get to) opened the day before we arrived.

Regardless, the scenery is worth the trip.

ozgirl,
the reason I suggested starting in Vegas rather than Phoenix was that it was on your original list of places to go.

The other thing to consider is that the route could be done in the opposite direction too. Look into getting

Remember that Yellowstone, Yosemite and Glacier may have some areas closed if you go in early June.

@Ozgirl -- are you planning to do the North Rim or South Rim of the GC? Although they look close on the map, they are several hours drive apart. It will also determine what recommendations you get for your itinerary. Page and Antelope Canyon are much easier seen if you're planning on visiting the North Rim. And I would highly recommend seeing Antelope Canyon!

Just a thought. I haven't read through ALL the posts, so I may be speaking out of turn.

I've never been to the North Rim. I'm not sure how to fit that into your itinerary. It's not hard to get to Page etc from the South Rim, just a little longer drive, but the road is good and fairly scenic if I remember right.

I did miss the part about your wanting to be in Vegas. The thing is, there are so many wonderful places to visit in the west, that no matter what you choose, there will be great places that you won't see. BUT everywhere you do go will be excellent to amazing.

Given the choice, I'd go with seeing Yellowstone at the end of the Arizona-Utah trip. It will be less hot and less crowded before mid-June than after.

Yosemite is beautiful not just for the falls. How much water is in them depends on how much snow there will be this coming winter.

Take a look at the Jackson WY (Tetons) airport site - http://www.jacksonholeairport.com/

It definitely looks like you can return a rental car at the Jackson Airport and fly to SFO. From there you can rent a car and drive to Yosemite. When looking at the cost, take into consideration saving 2 days of traveling (car rental, lodgings, gas) to drive to the SF Bay Area to get to Yosemite.

LOL. Not a lot of US maps in Sri Lanka, eh?

For my additonal two cents, it's real simple: From Vegas - drive to the GRAND Canyon (South Rim - and do make a reservation in advance, say for Bright Angel lodge with a Rim view) - and then to Zion and Bryce - and then as suggested - make your way up to Wyoming/Yellowstone through Capital Reef, and spend time in Arches.

This has gone on so long I forgot if I posted my trip through this area in June? Just in case:

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/sw-scenic-whirl-zionbrycecapitol-reefmvgcsedona.cfm

Depending upon how long you plan on being in Bryce and whether or not you hike (swam) the Narrows in Zion, I would consider a slot canyon.

You could take part of a morning or afternoon and drive east of Bryce for 20 minutes or so to Cannonville. They have a visitors' center there. You can get instructions how to get to Willis Creek slot canyon.

Not a long drive but surely an adventurous drive. There's a sign at the parking lot. The hike thru the slots is more like a walk but each slot gets higher and higher so it's worth it to go to about 5 of them. As with all slots, don't go if rain is in the forcast.

LOL. Amen wrt rain and slot canyons. Unless you want to (hopefully) be riding out on the crest of a flash flood - don't go hiking up a slot canyon if it looks like it has any chance of raining there or further up the canyon.

Thanks once again and now I am itching to get home and unravel my map! ( Tomsd I haven't seen a map of anything in SL! - beautiful country that it is.)

I had also never heard of a slot canyon but now have seen some beautiful google images of Antelope Canyon and read about flooding tragedies also

Tomsd I had read your report, some very useful info and proof that you can have a great, short holiday!

Pitzikat, now I think of it, when my sister and I went to Yosemite we spent a day there in November so I guess the falls weren't huge then but we knew no better and loved the scenery so I think I will just that on where it fits.

I will no doubt be back with more specific questions once I get home.

ozgirl,

Don't put Antelope Canyon together with real slot canyons.

I love Antelope Canyon. It's one of a kind. However, I consider it more of an attraction.

Some of the others such as Willis Creek and Little Wild Horse (I've never been there) are actual slot canyons.

Antelope Canyon will be crowded as bus tours go there.

Again, you don't go to a slot with rain in the forcast.

Willis creek is less of an issue as the slots aren't longer than about 100 yards each. In between it's wide open on both side so you won't get caught inside.

The first time I went to Willis Creek it had rained a bit an hour or so earlier. I stopped at the visitors' center and they checked the weather map. It was clear.

When we hiked out the creel wasn't more than and inch or two hich at the center. On the way back it was an inch or two higher at the center. There must have been some rain at the one the feeders.

- - -
Now, Antelope Camyon is another story. If you're going to be near Page, AZ then Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend should be on the list.

Both together they take about 2-3 hours and are about 15 minutes apart. To maximize the effect you should go on a relatively clear day when the sun is high in the sky. Between 11 and 2 or so.

You can see photos for a lot of these places and of my trips there at:
www.travelwalks.com

Hi again everyone, back from Sri Lanka and my LP "Discover USA's Best National Parks" has arrived but not yet the map!!
There has also been some movement on the accommodation availability and I now have two nights Yosemite Lodge June 20 and 21 and Yellowstone on 25th, 27th - 29th inclusive.

I think we can make this work - I know driving Utah parks to Yosemite not ideal but I looked at flying LV to SF (to make dates work)and that's not ideal either and we would have to dump any assorted paraphernalia we had collected thus far (cooler, chairs etc...)

We have time to spend the 3 days we would need to drive from Utah to Yosemite and then from there to Grand Tetons if we keep the car. Can we work with that? Don't forget, every part of the US is new to us

If so, how much time should I allocate prior to fixed dates in Yosemite please? (Time to cover at least LV - land there I think - GC, Bryce, Zion at a minimum, maybe Arches ....?)

Hope this makes sense! Thanks.

ozgirl,

Look at the route I suggested above, but instead of starting in Vegas, start in either LA or San Francisco and do things in the opposite direction with a bit of a tweek.

LA up the coast or directly to Yellowstone (June 20 - 21)

Grand Teton one day driving a couple in GT (22 - 24)

GT to Yellowstone (25 - 29)

Then decide if you want to go to Glacier, I think it is a bit early as many roads will not be open, but you might want to spend the time there I would choose to do Arches and Canyonlands instead.

So for me:

Yellowstone to Moab for Arches and Canyonlands (one day drive, 3 or 4 days in the parks)

Moab to Zion (2 or 3 days)

Zion to Bryce (2 or 3 days)

Bryce to Page for Antelope Canyon (1 or 2 days)

Page to South rim of Grand Canyon (1 or 2 days)

Grand Canyon to Las Vegas (1 day)

Then either turn in car and fly home or drive back to LA or SF to fly home.

Depending on flights and scheduling, you could do the coast drive either at the beginning or the end of the trip.

Hope this helps.

Hi emalloy, thanks for this but wouldn't it put me in the hot south in July ? Was trying to do that late May/ early June and then go north?

ozgirl,

yes it would. and it is hot in July in southern Utah, I was trying to keep the long drives to a minimum.

If heat is a problem for you, then fly into Vegas, do Zion, Bryce, Arches and Canyonlands, Monument Valley, Page, south rim Grand Canyon, then Yosemite, Yellowstone and then decide on Glacier or back home or to California for home or coast hwy or back to Vegas and home.

I would suggest times as given above, except a bit more driving, but still a doable trip in your time frame.

The car for us would be less expensive if the pickup/dropoff is in the same city which is why I had the back to Vegas option. This might not be true for oz folks.

You might also want to do Vegas,Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Arches, Canyonlands, Page, Bryce, Zion, Yosemite, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, depending on where you can get lodging.

a agree with Myer. I was in Antelope Canyon back about 11 years ago and it was very crowded. Lots of tour buses and tons of people but then it was high tourist season.

If you do drive over to Monument Valley from the GC - maybe 2 and a half hours but well worth it - be sure to stop at the Navajo National Monument - about 20 miles before you get to Kayenta - and see the Cliff Dwellings. They also have a great visitor center - and we camped for free.

Again, you could probably buy decent camping gear - sleeping bags, soft mats or air mattesses, a small tent, maybe a small cooking stove - for $200 or so - and have an ace in the hole of being able to stay in a campground if all the other places are full. Should be good weather when you are there.

Oops - forgot to paste this: http://www.nps.gov/nava/index.htm

Tomsd, I am tempted by the whole camping thing but my husband would probably say that I like to sleep under the stars as long as there are five of them!! Lol

ozgirl, I hear you, my DH thinks camping is a motel with a black and white TV.

Emalloy, my daughter sent me a card that reads " roughing it is a hotel without wifi!"

LOL. Tell your husband he has to "mate up".

Camping - especially in the summer - can be not only fun - but again, an ace in the hole if the places you want to stay are full. I/we don't like to totally block out reservations when going somewhere and having the camping gear along affords you much more flexibility.

It would pay for itself in a few nights - and one doesn't have to make a steady diet of it - but a day here - maybe a couple of days there - and pretty soon - your "Frontier Husband" will be up before you - making the "camp" coffee.

Just wanted to clarify guys, DH is saying that about me not him!!
The romance of the idea appeals... Not sure about the reality.... My birthday today, another year older!

Hello again everyone, I have received my map, done more research and have a couple of questions for those very patient Fodorites still with me, before progressing....

Firstly, I have done a lot of thinking about Yosemite - it IS an 'outlier' but I DO have two nights now at Yosemite Lodge albeit in the middle of my planned timeline

An alternative would be to fly into SF and do Yosemite first and then drive down to LV and continue as planned. Problem is only Wawona Hotel available at this time (early June) - the hotel looks nice location is not as optimal is that right?
I'm thinking though that that would be a reasonable compromise in order to fit Yosemite in???

Secondly, I love the look of The View in Monument Valley.

If I were to include this area would I be best doing a 'loop' which includes (in some configuration) GC, Zion, Bryce, Route 12, Moab,Monument, Page and then north again to Yellowstone?

Lastly (for now) and this is a bit random, as mentioned way back in thread, we do like self catering in our 'own' home. IF I were to try and fit 3-5 nights into this trip in such accommodation - I'm thinking scenic riverside/mountain secluded cabin??? - where would be the place to look for this?

I have seen some likely candidates near Gardiner, would a night in Yellowstone and then a few near Gardiner be feasible? (Oregon? Washington? to finish up?)

We will have up to 4 weeks for this trip.
Any other suggestions gratefully received!

spirobulldog, I think I am basically going to base on your itinerary suggested above, but starting from San Francisco, have found a good fare into SF and could fly out of SF or Vancouver.

"Since I only spent most of 4 days in Glacier I decided to go back for a longer period next August. I believe the problem will be matching the weather (four cloudless warm days), wildlife and scenery." I agree with this. The weather can be very tricky to find good weather.

When you get something figured out, you might post it, so others can comment on it. I would get all "in park" lodging as quick as you can.

yep, did that yesterday! I have accommodation in most places that I would be happy with, a couple of places it wasn't my first choice but I will keep checking back.
Hopefully I have allocated the days reasonably...?

Fly into SF, 1-2 nights (flight not booked yet, so flexible here, have been to SF previously)

Yosemite 3 nights (2 confirmed Wawona, will book one 'outside' in case)

Las Vegas 2 nights

Grand canyon 2 nights booked Bright Angel cabin

Zion 2 nights booked Lodge

Bryce canyon 3 nights booked cabin (want to do horse ride one day)

? Moab 2 nights (nothing booked yet)

Monument valley (love the look of The View, not booked yet)

? Page one night

1 night en route to Jackson (maybe SLC?)

2 nights Jackson - not booked (Grand Tetons)

3 nights Yellowstone - middle one booked OF Inn, not sure where to spend 1st and 3rd as nothing currently at the Inn - availability at the lake Lodge and Hotel, is this because it is not so popular?

after Yellowstone, still have some time free to either do Glacier or Oregon/Washington

we can fly out of SF or Vancouver.

How does that look please

Check on the cost of dropping your car off outside California. That may influence your decision.

I like Lake Hotel and Roosevelt. Canyon area would be an ok choice as well.

I like one night at Wawonna and 2 nights in the Valley. We wound up staying 2 nights @ Wawonna as that was all we could get too. But, keep trying.

I wouldn't stay in Jackson for the Tetons. I would stay at Signal Mountain, Colter Village, or Jackson Lake Lodge.

For Moab, probably just Holiday Inn Express or Hampton Inn and Suites, unless you like Bed and Breakfast.

Really anywhere in Vegas is all right. I prefer staying on the main section of the strip, but Vegas is all similar to me really.

There is an awful lot to do in Oregon and Washington. We spent 13 days in Oregon a couple of summers ago and then spent 10 days in Washington this past summer. Both were very good trips. We are going to Glacier for the first time next year in July(have our reservations already).

Now what Day/Month does this start on?

Thanks spirobulldog. And good point Michael, hadn't got that far!

First booking is June 5 at Yosemite.

I will definitely keep trying for valley accommodation in Yosemite and will look into lake Hotel for Yellowstone as I think there was still availability there on the right dates, what about the Lodge?

Is the night in Page worthwhile?

Any comment on my "cabin in the woods" thought above?

Thanks again.

Another wrinkle to consider. In travelling from park to park look for All American Roads or National Scenic Byways. Maps here http://bywaysonline.org/ The AAR's are designated as the most beautiful and varied highway routes in the USA with only 31 AAR's and about 120 Scenic Byways throughout the country. If it fits into your general route and schedule, it is well worth it for the scenery along All American Roads.

Route 24 from Bryce toward Arches/Moab is an All American Road, and is one of my favorite drives. There are several in the Western Montana Northern Idaho Eastern Washington region.

When I hear "cabin on the lake" Utah, Arizona, Nevada do not come to mind. The southern areas in your trip are arid and lakeside cabins are sparse.

I would suggest Flathead Lake near Kalispell MT (near Glacier NP). A very beautiful lake with lots of cabin rentals and not at all remote with golf courses, jet ski rentals etc. Look for something along route 35 on the East side of the lake which is far less busy than the West side. The sunsets across the lake will make you want to stay forever! You could even day trip to Glacier from the lakeside cabin. And do try the huckleberries!

Or maybe lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho. I'm not as familiar with that one but there are lots of recreation cabins to rent there as well.

Hi Toucan, cabin on the lake OR woods would fit the bill! I envisaged that it was more likely in the latter part of the trip (which is also when I have free time) and will check Flathead lake out thank you!

Oops, you said scenic river/woods but somehow I was thinking lake. I would still suggest east side of Flathead though it is woods on one side of the road and lake on the other.