Find a nice rock to climb and watch the sunset in the park, then head to dinner (Pappy and Harriett's!) I planned an 8 day road trip that took my partner and I from Los Angeles to Aspen, CO in mid August 2020. We decided to book a hotel in Vegas as it was very cheap on a Sunday night. The Cosmopolitan After your time here, the highway will take you right through the center of the Vegas Strip. Bring food with you! Search for RV campgrounds. There are a lot of other options here too, like a McDonald's (I always stop there on road trips for $1 large drinks), Chinese food, and . restaurants around Barstow: The ultimate road trip planner to help you discover extraordinary places, book hotels, and share itineraries all from the map. Hopefully, this guide was helpful for you and provided a few ideas on how to have a good long weekend adventure outside of CA. We visited in the afternoon, at sunset, and at night, and of the three, my favorite was definitely sunset. We were staying cheap on this trip and ended up at the Motel 6. 9:27 pm arrive at Arches National Park. questions about Barstow: Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the Past the city of Casper, merge onto Interstate 25 (I-25) and take Exit 210 for WY-259 and then WY-387. This does not account for any detours you might want to take. If you choose to not visit the Grand Canyon, following I-15 will then take you past Zion National Park and Dixie National Forest. Re: Los Angeles to Yellowstone road trip. We have drawn up this list of some of the most interesting spots to visit. From the parking lot, you can choose several path options to walk up or down for views along the edge. drive for about 1 hour. Day 3: Sedona to The Grand Canyon South Rim. Last but definitely not least, I can't skip over the fact that you can plan some seriously epic road trips from Los Angeles if you're willing to do a one-way trip (i.e. Sunset: Drive up to the Grand Canyon South Rim, and first stop at the Visitor's center for the first viewpoint. With the soaring temperatures in the summer, the viable times to be in the park if youre hiking are early morning and late afternoon. Day 5: Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon. . When is the best time to visit/hike Zion national park? Planning to spend a few days? There is usually a lot of people here for sunset, so be warned. suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it questions about Bryce Canyon National Park: If not making this detour, keep following I-25 towards Fort Collins. Day 1: Los Angeles to Palm Springs The walk to the main site is about 3/4 of a mile and it is very flat but sandy. This is a must-have in the heat of Moab. The famous Monument Valley road (pictured above) is not within Monument Valley, it's actually a bit east of it. Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas. There are very, very limited options once you enter Navajo Territory, especially right now. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving The dusk light over the Hoodoos is so photogenic and just magical! Or get a full Los Angeles to Arches National Park flight plan. This road doesn't allow many cars in to drive or park, and in normal times there are free shuttle buses that you can freely hop on and hop off anywhere along this route. Rushmore Advice Needed. Next, we headed over to Devils Garden and made the one-mile hike to Landscape Arch, which is the longest arch in the entire world. That makes for a great way to end a road trip as you can get a drink looking down on the city. Designed by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, the installation is about 35 ft high. to double check the weather. This is also a great location for sunrise or sunset, and golden hour sees the sand bathed in gold. Bryce Canyon National Park. This is by far the longest day of the entire trip, so just buckle down and get through it. Camping is on a first come, first serve basis. who wants the trip to end? I didn't feel any energy particularly, but it was very windy. This volcanic crater is 600 feet deep and half a mile across. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. because there's an entire community of travelers talking It is especially beautiful when golden hour lights the whole area up. Driving Time: 4 Hours, 6 Hours if you drive to Page, Arizona. Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino This is a beautiful, massive, side of the road arch you can photograph or hike to if you have time. The weather is usually mild at this time of the year with temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Our goal was to focus on Utah, so this was a quick lunch stop. But bring a jacket, the temperatures here drop very quickly. Situated in the vibrant downtown center, the hotel is close to the area's main attractions including Temple Square, the Natural History Museum, Hogle Zoo and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. This is one of the most unique places I have ever been in the world, and I absolutely loved it here. It won't be as busy in the spring or fall and hotel prices are likely to be at a cheaper off-peak rate too. Pull over and park at any areas that interest you and get out of your car and explore. Add a Day: Page, Arizona and Antelope Canyon Drive through the stunning scenery of Monroe and Joseph Peaks. I couldnt recommend going at this time of day more, as there was almost no one there. Canyoneer boots, Keen sandals, or old tennis shoes for Narrows hike? . or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world. })(document, 'script', '//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); Yay, youve made it to Death Valley! Not to mention that due to the pandemic things were operating a little differently in Zion. a travel blog based out of Austin, Texas featuring all the best in solo female travel, adventure travel, weekend getaways, and so much more. You won't be short of choices for accommodation in Vegas, but nothing can top The Bellagio when it comes to luxury and glamour. If you have time on your way back, on the other side of Las Vegas, stop by the art installation Seven Magic Mountains for a sunset shot. Since it was the summer, we headed back to the hotel to swim and relax after this, then went back out again for sunset. I did this on the Fourth of July weekend, so I only had to take two days off of work, and I got to have such a fantastic adventure. to each other and sharing tips and advice. This Southern California road trip route includes driving parts of the iconic Highway 395 route, visiting at least two US National Parks (Death Valley and Joshua Tree). The Colorado route mostly follows interstates as well, making it a smooth and enjoyable trip. Arizona Weekend Getaway Itinerary: Things to Do , Your Ultimate Guide to 15+ Fun San Diego . Start with a drive through the park up to Devils Garden. Past Rock Springs, you will have the option to detour the famous Dinosaur National Monument by following US-191. A turn off of this main road is The Scenic Drive within Zion, along which most of the major hikes and attractions are. How long do you need? What's the best time of year to hike in Zion? From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. There are two other viewpoints out near the endof Canyonlandsthat I recommend you stop at as well, as they both provide a ton of beautiful photo ops. Spend the morning and afternoon exploring more of Death Valley and whatever you didnt make it to the previous day. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from . Crystal Ice Cream You must go here when in Moab, they have a Caramel cashew ice cream and a home-made pretzel cone you can have it served in. Day One: LA to Lancaster. Whitney, which is the highest point in the contiguous United States, as well as routes for shorter hikes, such as the 5.1 miles out-and-back trail to Lone Pine Lake. If you have more time to add to this itinerary, I would do it here! 45 hours. As they are both fairly uncomplicated drives on interstates, taking these routes also enables you to easily visit lots of different cities, towns, sights and attractions along the way. Or 3. start working your way back to Los Angeles. Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions LA to Moab. If you have the time, you can take hikes through Hagen Canyon and Red Rock Canyon. Sunset: By early afternoon, drive North to Bryce Canyon. Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Visit California. The dunes rise up to 100 feet, and get their name for the mesquite trees located throughout the dunes. Since then, the church has been demolished, but the lighthouse still stands tall, nowhere near water. The whole area is just stunning! This main road you can drive through and park at turns outs easily. It is a good cheap lunch spot. If you don't mind the crowds, you can try to plan your trip around the 4th of July to admire the magnificent fireworks at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. I would say that if you are a professional, then you should do that, but if you arent, you should get good enough photos from the regular tour. Be prepared! However, traffic congestion and hotel prices tend to increase during this peak period. We chose to make the drive all the way to LA since it's so much easier to do after 8PM and is usually a straight shot with no traffic, but it does make for a long drive. Finally, take in the area's natural beauty with a hike in Indian Canyons, where you'll find a variety of trails suitable for all levels. if you're camping, plan accordingly. One of my other regrets on this trip was going to Horseshoe bend in the morning and not at sunset - the view here is really made for sunset and dusk, and I felt like the site was pretty underwhelming in the bright daylight. There is another route that passes through the picturesque town of Moab, the fantastic sights of Denver and through some of the more stunning national parks and forests of Colorado. 1 hour from downtown Las Vegas, 5 hours from Los Angeles; Amenities: There are a number of different campsites with tables, and BBQs. travelers and answer their questions about Los Angeles! Does the party capitol of the world really need an introduction? I left at around 7:30 AM. Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Read my full guide on Arches National Park here. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation It also helped that its such a short drive from where we were staying at the Oasis at Death Valley! Best new restaurants in Vegas? City: round-trip one-way. Beaver (Utah) (2 answers) I did this trip in 2016, and all information is from that time, read more about my trips outside of California here. There are so many things to see and do on this road trip of a lifetime from Los Angeles to Mount Rushmore that deciding where to visit can seem a bit daunting at first. rent a one-way rental car and fly home). Then, take Highway 14 up to Red Rock Canyon State Park, near Cantil. Canyon King Pizza Fun pizza spot that is actually in an old boat that used to be used on the lake. I have nothing but positive things to say about this place. A four-hour rental will give you enough time to ride the entire drive, leisurely explore a few areas, and take a hike to the Emerald Pools. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); Read all about what you can see in Arches. Since this is a bit out of the way, you can choose to skip this part and instead head straight up towards Highway 190 and Death Valley for the fastest route to the national park. The best views are on the first couple of miles (the above photos are from this trail.) Los Angeles and Mount Rushmore are separated by a distance of 1,310 miles which will take you 19 hours and 30 minutes of nonstop driving before reaching the famous national memorial in South Dakota. During the winter visitor numbers will be significantly lower, though adverse weather conditions like snow could make parts of the route dangerous to traverse. If you're planning a road trip to Arches National Park, you can research locations to stop along the way. day 2 driving 9.5 hours. Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions The best time to visit Mount Rushmore is between April and May, or September and October when the weather is pleasant with temperatures around 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, It a great stop, and I love supporting places like this. With a 5-hour drive today, make sure to leave by around 11AM to get to Sedona with plenty of time to explore. Valley of Fire State Park (15 mentions) We go to Palm Springs at least a couple of times a year, you can see more of our experiences in the desert, Stop at one of the big grocery stores here to reload your snacks for the next couple of days - there aren't as many near the Grand Canyon and along Monument Valley. We visited early July and I would recommend contacting/ researching all locations before visiting. This drive is BEAUTIFUL. Both of our recommended routes will take you through some legendary cities like Las Vegas, and some of the most scenic parks and forests before taking you to possibly one of the most famous sights in the world; Mount Rushmore. It is a fun pit stop, but you cant get very close to it. restaurants around Las Vegas: The drive from Los Angeles usually takes around six hours in a gas . Stop off points can include Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Salt Lake City, San Bernardino National Forest, Red Rock Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Located in the heart of downtown, you will be able to visit Larimer Square, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver Confluence Park, and the Centennial Gardens on foot for an easy-going day of stimulating activities. . Best tips and casinos for first time gambler? Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Los Angeles to Arches National Park. Make sure to have 3 full hours before sunset to make the trail - the uphill second half is quite steep, and you'll want to take a lot of photo stops. Youll only need about 20 30 minutes at this stop. Click the button below to explore more questions you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; Camping in this area is a great lower-cost option as well! Las Vegas (324 answers) stay overnight at Bellagio Hotel The vista from here is just overwhelming, and they have a few pit toilets as well. Regardless of where you start your national park vacation, you'll find an exciting scenic route to the park when you follow one of these itineraries. What's the best neighborhood in Barstow for a first time visitor? Day 2 is all about Arches National Park. Walk around, get low, get high, try different things. What's the best neighborhood in Barstow for a first time visitor? If youre an early riser, some good sunrise spots include Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (which we chose for one morning) and Zabriskie Point. Morning: Head to Horseshoe Bend as early as you can make it out of bed after the late night drive from Monument Valley. Day 6: Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park. Day 3: Drive to Bryce Canyon NP 2 hour drive. Starting Point: Los Angeles or San Diego, California. What I love about Zabriskie Point is how much there is to shoot there in all directions. After your visit, follow I-25 out of the city. Here you can visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area before leaving the city. One of my regrets on this trip was not getting up early to see Bryce Canyon at sunrise. Check out our article for how to spend 3 days in Las Vegas. As the famous canyon is on Navajo land, it was completely closed to visitors. We combined our trip to the Bryce Canyon with a trip to the coral pink sand dunes on our way to Zion National Park. Our trip was a bit aggressive, so looking back 10-12 days would be more ideal. who wants the trip to end? Just before you reach Zion National Park, you can take Exit 16 for UT-59 and then AZ-389 to visit the Grand Canyon. Day 6: Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park Do make sure you check the weather though, as this is not seen when it is overcast. We decided to stay at the Escalante Yurts in between Arches and Bryce Canyon as a co-worker highly recommended it. Plan to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon as the sand is scorching in the middle of the day. Badwater Basin is home to the famous saltwater flats of Death Valley, and is the lowest point in North America, coming in at 282 feet below sea level! . Yes, this site is still dedicated to California, but that doesnt mean that those of us that live here dont want to leave every once in a while and see what else the USA has to offer. Are things open due to the pandemic? Wicked Spoon Technically it is frozen custard, not ice cream, but it is fantastic. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. What time of year is the best for scoring a cheap deals in Las Vegas From here, we just drove the rest of the way to Page, AZ. Shell go wherever the winds take her! Sunset: The sunsets within Joshua Tree park are legendary - but make sure you have a jacket, even in the height of summer, because as soon as the sun goes down the temperatures drop dramatically. You can drive on a short dirt road to see it or just take a photo from the road. It has an awesome overlook from the bridge that allows you to see the dam wall. This itinerary is a photographer's dream, designed to give you two chances to experience every park at it's best - both in late afternoon and sunset, and early morning, when the crowds are the lowest and the light and temperatures are at their best. Trippy is where Suggested round trip time: 6-7 days min. We ended up getting stuck in some deep clouds and rain, but the usually clear sunset photos here look amazing! So please keep reading until the end to find out all you can see and do on this fabulous drive. Drive, make stops, and enjoy the views! Drive through Arizona, Utah, and Nevada see some of the greatest sites on the USA's map - from deserts to canyons to mountains. Trip Guides. Day 2: Zion. hotels around Las Vegas: You can choose several different hiking options for different views of the crater, including hiking two miles around the rim or down to the bottom of the crater (just note, its very steep to come back up!). They even have a free museum you can go to and see the areas history as well as a lot of the films that were made here. Relax and stay at the bridge until the sun starts to go down, then head back down before it gets too dark. 9. Put "Forrest Gump Hill" into your Google Maps to take you to the exact spot. If you're up for a nice meal, Las Vegas has tons of amazing options! Top things to do in Las Vegas that don't include gambling? Best road trip for desert tranquility. The area is a hidden gem that easily deserves 2-3 days of your time. Moab Coffee Roasters A good coffee spot, I especially like the coffee ice cubes they have that keep your coffee from getting watered down as they melt. Trippy is where 2023 California Through My Lens About Privacy Policy, After leaving from Los Angeles, you will be driving on Highway 15 towards Vegas. Day 3: Sedona to The Grand Canyon South Rim The viewpoint is over 5000 feet above sea level with panoramic sights over Badwater Basin and the Devils Golf Course no hiking required! Alta Ski Area is one of the most popular winter sports centers in Utah and is only about 30 minutes' drive from the hotel. Get the reverse directions for a That said, you can get great shots from just off the parking lot, but the trade off is tons of footprints from other visitors. If you can, book the Upper Antelope Canyon tour in advance from 10:45 AM 12:45 PM as this is the only tour where light beams shine into the canyon. most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. A note on Zion during the pandemic: We visited Zion over the fourth of July weekend, shortly after they re-opened. Rent a boat or a jetski and explore the inlets of the lake - most of the best scenery is only accessible by boat and this could be really fun way to break up the trip and all of the Mountains, canyons, and hiking with a fun day out on the water. The trails are a very short walk from the parking lot and the views start as soon as you pull up. We were here for two days, and it was great. After you visit Moab, follow the same route back to get back on I-70 and continue following the interstate. In the morning and drive 2-2.5 hours from Los Angeles to the desert and stop in Palm Springs for lunch. The city offers many excellent hotel options for the visitor and of the best of them is the Grand America Hotel with its chic dcor, beautifully appointed rooms with balconies to admire the views from and top-notch amenities such as a fabulous spa. Known as the "Mile High City", Denver is located about 6 hours away from Mount Rushmore and is adjacent to the famous Rocky Mountain National Park. It was beautiful, and you must see it while in the park. Day 4: Grand Canyon. Enter a city to drive through, or find all, trips from Los Angeles to Arches National Park, Family road trip for 6 days in early August. We absolutely loved our experience in the elevated and unique yurt. Bring lots of water and make sure your cooler is loaded with ice. There are very few restaurants or services in the Monument Valley area, especially right now as the entire Navajo Nation is on lockdown. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Even from the railing, the views into the canyon are truly breathtaking.

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