Cloggy

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Well we booked a flight and rental car for the spring break next year, we've just got to work out the itinerary. We'll (my wife, 2 daughters and I) be arriving in San Francisco and leaving from LA and we have about 13 days in the US.
The general plan seems to be San Francisco, yosemite park, death valley, grand canyon and LA, with a possibility of Bryce Canyon and Pheonix. I was hoping some of you guys stateside could give me some tips and some nice area's to visit (that aren't too far away from this route).

I have a couple of questions that you might be able to help me with,
In Las Vegas are kids allowed in the gambling halls, my daughters will be 14 & 16 then and no I'm not letting them loose there but I think it's a part of soaking up the atmosphere.
Also we're hoping to do a bit of horse riding, preferably more than just a trot, so if anyone knows of a good stable on our route this could help, and I know you guys ride with cowboy hats but do stables/ranches also supply riding caps and boots?

It would be great to hear your opinions/tips so we can think about which motels/hotels to stay at, Thnx :thumbup:
 

TownsendsFJR1300

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If the girls are with you, it shouldn't be an issue in Las Vegas. Besides the main strip, go to the "old down town". They have a multi-block Light show nightly- There's a gizzilion lights made in a concave design atop the buildings for many blocks. The lights make a super neat light show, (which they change often). It's free, and IMO, very, very neat.

LA, when I was there in the early 80's was a dump, gang members all over, terrible...

If you can get to Catalina Island (from LA), via boat ferries, it's really, really neat. The largest grass "Yard" was like 5' x 5'. A mountainous island,
highly recommended...

And get out to Hoover Dam. About an hour from downtown LV. Really, really neat to see. They used to allow you inside to see the huge generators but not anymore (terrorism- at least the last time I was there).

Red Rock Canyon is also very neat. : https://www.vegas.com/attractions/off-the-strip/red-rock-canyon/ .
 
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SirLanceralot

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I live in Southern Utah, and I personally think Zion National Park is much cooler than Bryce Canyon, at least if you want to get out of your car and do some light hiking (or more if you're up to it).
 

Motogiro

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We've hiked Bryce Canyon. Going down is not so bad but keep in mind you're at 7500-7800 feet above sea level so if you hike your going to feel it unless you already live near those elevations. Hiked Sentinel Dome last year in Yosemite and the same thing regarding elevation. Didn't do any hiking through Zion but it's an awesome ride through. All of the parks have their own unique beauty and flavor. If your going to be checking out Phoenix I would take the family to Sedona, Az. which is not far from Phoenix and I think you'll really enjoy the sights. Try the Hideaway House for some good food in Sedona. We've eaten at quite a few establishments in Sedona and really liked the food and service at the Hideaway. Sedona Hideaway House
 

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If the girls are with you, it shouldn't be an issue in Las Vegas. Besides the main strip, go to the "old down town". They have a multi-block Light show nightly- There's a gizzilion lights made in a concave design atop the buildings for many blocks. The lights make a super neat light show, (which they change often). It's free, and IMO, very, very neat.

LA, when I was there in the early 80's was a dump, gang members all over, terrible...

If you can get to Catalina Island (from LA), via boat ferries, it's really, really neat. The largest grass "Yard" was like 5' x 5'. A mountainous island,
highly recommended...

And get out to Hoover Dam. About an hour from downtown LV. Really, really neat to see. They used to allow you inside to see the huge generators but not anymore (terrorism- at least the last time I was there).

Red Rock Canyon is also very neat. : https://www.vegas.com/attractions/off-the-strip/red-rock-canyon/ .
The light show sounds great.

Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk
 

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Well we booked a flight and rental car for the spring break next year, we've just got to work out the itinerary. We'll (my wife, 2 daughters and I) be arriving in San Francisco and leaving from LA and we have about 13 days in the US.
The general plan seems to be San Francisco, yosemite park, death valley, grand canyon and LA, with a possibility of Bryce Canyon and Pheonix. I was hoping some of you guys stateside could give me some tips and some nice area's to visit (that aren't too far away from this route).

I have a couple of questions that you might be able to help me with,
In Las Vegas are kids allowed in the gambling halls, my daughters will be 14 & 16 then and no I'm not letting them loose there but I think it's a part of soaking up the atmosphere.
Also we're hoping to do a bit of horse riding, preferably more than just a trot, so if anyone knows of a good stable on our route this could help, and I know you guys ride with cowboy hats but do stables/ranches also supply riding caps and boots?

It would be great to hear your opinions/tips so we can think about which motels/hotels to stay at, Thnx [emoji106]
Hopefully you may get to meet a few guys too.

Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk
 

zixaq

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I live in San Francisco and you're welcome to contact me about stuff in the vicinity if you have questions. Californians on the whole are rather late risers, so if you get to the touristy spots really early, you can largely skip the obnoxious lines and parking hassles (particularly at Yosemite). That should be easy for you since you'll be 8ish hours ahead :)

How many days are you spending in SF and on your way through to Vegas?

Wine country is great(1-2 days), Muir Woods is fantastic (1/2 day), Big Trees State Park is even better, and it's not super crowded like the Sequoia groves in Yosemite (Plus, there is really cheap lodging at the places nearby)

If you are bringing or have time to rent a bike, there are some absolutely epic rides in the Sierras and some pretty phenomenal ones out by the coast. If you can rent one for even one day, check out Dubbelju in SF (Rent a Motorcycle at Dubbelju in San Francisco, California)

I've only been to Vegas once and I don't have any desire to go again. It felt like a theme park. Yes, your kids should be okay in the casinos.

I've heard great things about King's Canyon since you're going south (reportedly as majestic as Yosemite without the crowds).

If you drive south along the coast at all, be aware that the pacific coast highway is going to be shut down due to massive rockslides for quite a long time just north of Big Sur (one of the prettiest stretches between, SF and LA, unfortunately).

If you like poetry, check out the Robinson Jeffers house in Carmel.

Grand homes are a dime a dozen in Europe, but Hurst Castle and the Winchester Mansion are both neat.

For in SF, I have a little starter map I throw at people: https://mapsengine.google.com/map/u/0/edit?mid=zKIYuOYuo2KI.kqsM9oIvH9t0 It hasn't been updated for a while, so most of the good things I've found riding aren't on there.


edit: I haven't ridden horses in a long time, but I'm pretty sure any reputable stable is going to have helmets available and they'll be a requirement to ride. Cowboy hats/boots probably won't be a thing unless you find a Dude ranch. Cowboy hats are not very practical for riding, although traditional cowboy boots were specifically made for it.
 
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Cloggy

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I would really like to thank everyone on their tips and comments, it's great to hear everyones idea's and tips, many many thanks :rockon:

If the girls are with you, it shouldn't be an issue in Las Vegas. Besides the main strip, go to the "old down town". They have a multi-block Light show nightly- There's a gizzilion lights made in a concave design atop the buildings for many blocks. The lights make a super neat light show, (which they change often). It's free, and IMO, very, very neat.

Thanks Scott this is the sort of thing that's handy to know while planning our trip, as I think we'll be staying in vegas for a few days :thumbup:

LA, when I was there in the early 80's was a dump, gang members all over, terrible...

Well it was more the idea to do Beverly hills, Hollywood & walk of fame, also LA airport has many cheaper flights going into it :rolleyes:

If you can get to Catalina Island (from LA), via boat ferries, it's really, really neat. The largest grass "Yard" was like 5' x 5'. A mountainous island,
highly recommended...
Sounds like a nice place to visit, we were also looking into boat trips to see the wildlife, but I think this is dependant on the rest of the route.

And get out to Hoover Dam. About an hour from downtown LV. Really, really neat to see. They used to allow you inside to see the huge generators but not anymore (terrorism- at least the last time I was there).
Great tip, definately planning on visiting, either on a day out from Vegas or on the way to the Canyon.


Cheers for all the tips doing a lot of reading at the mo and checking what the kids want to do as well. :thumbup:
 

Cloggy

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I live in Southern Utah, and I personally think Zion National Park is much cooler than Bryce Canyon, at least if you want to get out of your car and do some light hiking (or more if you're up to it).

Thank you Sir, we are looking for parks with some great scenary (look out points etc) marked (short) walks with scenic roads. Although I like walking myself the kids are not big fans, but of course if it's to see some stunning scenary, or a waterfall etc then I have a good reason to go for a walk ;)
 

TownsendsFJR1300

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Here's a tease:

One side of Hoover Dam, "Lake Meade", then the other side.


The huge generators, inside the dam, you likely won't have access to..








Downtown block, light show...(it's constantly moving):
 
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Cloggy

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We've hiked Bryce Canyon. Going down is not so bad but keep in mind you're at 7500-7800 feet above sea level so if you hike your going to feel it unless you already live near those elevations.
Well I guess living in Holland, at or below sea level isn't going to cut it then :rolleyes:

Hiked Sentinel Dome last year in Yosemite and the same thing regarding elevation. Didn't do any hiking through Zion but it's an awesome ride through. All of the parks have their own unique beauty and flavor.
Well unfortunately it looks like the pass will be closed when we're there but we were warned about snow at the higher elevations, especially in Yosemite.

If your going to be checking out Phoenix I would take the family to Sedona, Az. which is not far from Phoenix and I think you'll really enjoy the sights. Try the Hideaway House for some good food in Sedona. We've eaten at quite a few establishments in Sedona and really liked the food and service at the Hideaway. Sedona Hideaway House
Great tip, we're thinking about typical "western" scenary, maybe combined with some native American sites / history, that hideaway house has an amazing view as icing on the cake :)
 

Cloggy

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I live in San Francisco and you're welcome to contact me about stuff in the vicinity if you have questions. Californians on the whole are rather late risers, so if you get to the touristy spots really early, you can largely skip the obnoxious lines and parking hassles (particularly at Yosemite). That should be easy for you since you'll be 8ish hours ahead.
Thanks, it's great to have local info :thumbup: our late spring holiday is later than your guys "spring break" so hopefully we shouldn't be too bad with waiting times, although I read on many sites about sometimes wasting hours when it's busy :eek: another issue is whether to take a cheaper motel outside the park and travel into the park, or to stay in the park, more expensive but you can get going earlier.
How many days are you spending in SF and on your way through to Vegas?.
I think about 2 days in SF and 2 in Vegas, but we are trying to work out a bit of a scedule at the moment.

Wine country is great(1-2 days), Muir Woods is fantastic (1/2 day), Big Trees State Park is even better, and it's not super crowded like the Sequoia groves in Yosemite (Plus, there is really cheap lodging at the places nearby).
cheap is good, of course we don't want to miss anything but we are travelling with 4 of us so any where we can save money (in a good way) is welcome.

If you are bringing or have time to rent a bike, there are some absolutely epic rides in the Sierras and some pretty phenomenal ones out by the coast. If you can rent one for even one day, check out Dubbelju in SF (Rent a Motorcycle at Dubbelju in San Francisco, California) .
Great Link, they even have my present bike (FJ-09), unfortunately I don't think I have time to spend a day riding, especially as my wife does not like driving abroad.

I've only been to Vegas once and I don't have any desire to go again. It felt like a theme park. Yes, your kids should be okay in the casinos.

I've heard great things about King's Canyon since you're going south (reportedly as majestic as Yosemite without the crowds)..
Well I guess I've heard so many things about Vegas I can't really miss it, and I think it'll be a nice break from the parks, also I hear accomodation is reasonably priced :thumbup:

If you drive south along the coast at all, be aware that the pacific coast highway is going to be shut down due to massive rockslides for quite a long time just north of Big Sur (one of the prettiest stretches between, SF and LA, unfortunately).

I realised this before I booked otherwise we might have driven from SF to LA and then driven back to San Fracisco, via the parks.


If you like poetry, check out the Robinson Jeffers house in Carmel.
Grand homes are a dime a dozen in Europe, but Hurst Castle and the Winchester Mansion are both neat..
I guess Poetry is not really my bag, but driving past large houses is always fun to see how "other people" live.

For in SF, I have a little starter map I throw at people: https://mapsengine.google.com/map/u/0/edit?mid=zKIYuOYuo2KI.kqsM9oIvH9t0 It hasn't been updated for a while, so most of the good things I've found riding aren't on there..
Great map, thanks, lots of good stuff on there :thumbup:


I haven't ridden horses in a long time, but I'm pretty sure any reputable stable is going to have helmets available and they'll be a requirement to ride. Cowboy hats/boots probably won't be a thing unless you find a Dude ranch. Cowboy hats are not very practical for riding, although traditional cowboy boots were specifically made for it .

I read that a lot of the state parks do horse trips, but I also read that they are normally only a walk or trot, but my girls like to properly ride, but it's good to know about the caps.
 

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Thank you Sir, we are looking for parks with some great scenary (look out points etc) marked (short) walks with scenic roads. Although I like walking myself the kids are not big fans, but of course if it's to see some stunning scenary, or a waterfall etc then I have a good reason to go for a walk ;)

Zion usually requires a small (per vehicle) entrance fee, depending on how early in the spring you visit. If its "in season" they have free shuttle buses running on a 15 minute or schedule up and down the park road to get you close to the hiking starting points (or a nice ride for the view. The emerald grotto is a nice hike, about 2 miles round trip depending if you go to the top grotto (recommended). There are several websites with guides about each trail if you are interested.

Joe's Guide to Zion National Park - Recommended Hikes
 

Cloggy

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Zion usually requires a small (per vehicle) entrance fee, depending on how early in the spring you visit. If its "in season" they have free shuttle buses running on a 15 minute or schedule up and down the park road to get you close to the hiking starting points (or a nice ride for the view. The emerald grotto is a nice hike, about 2 miles round trip depending if you go to the top grotto (recommended). There are several websites with guides about each trail if you are interested.

Joe's Guide to Zion National Park - Recommended Hikes

Many thanks this is great info to know before hand :cheer:
 

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Well still working out a schedule, first 2 nights in San Francisco booked :) .

We are definately planning on visiting Yosemite valley, but still looking for another destination for pics and possibly a walk, with large trees and good views, heading down to Bakersfield, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. It seems that we timed our trip just a bit too early (last week of April first week of May) which means that many of the mountain roads are not cleared yet :( We'll be heading towards death valley but will be going down and around, because of the closed roads).

Any suggestions would be welcomed :).
 

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Well still working out a schedule, first 2 nights in San Francisco booked :) .

We are definately planning on visiting Yosemite valley, but still looking for another destination for pics and possibly a walk, with large trees and good views, heading down to Bakersfield, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. It seems that we timed our trip just a bit too early (last week of April first week of May) which means that many of the mountain roads are not cleared yet :( We'll be heading towards death valley but will be going down and around, because of the closed roads).

Any suggestions would be welcomed :).

Sequoia National Park. You will experience big trees! Pm'ing you...
 
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