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[invisible999]

Other National Parks in States

As a Californian who spent 15 years living there I do understand why Grand Canyon and Yosemite are picked up by 95% of people coming to California and/or Vegas. However, there are number of other parks which worth to visit if you are in/around California.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - stunningly beautiful both at summer and winter time. Sequoia trees are whole another matter - you must see them with your own eyes because photos won't tell enough. At winter you will have amazing experience to go on guided tour with snowshoes in forest which is covered with 5m of snow. I've done it only once unfortunately 10 years ago but always wanted to go back.

Lassen Volcanic National Park - another favorite place. You must see what Bumpass Hell, Helen Lake look like and attempt to climb on Cinder Cone.

Lake Tahoe - enough said. Just driving around the lake will make you smile.

Drive on CA-88/89 around Tahoe and CA-120/108 to/from Yosemite (when they are open) - highlight of the trip. Make sure you reserve a date driving on those roads because for sure it won't be fast (and it does not need to be).

Have fun!

 

[califonia]

Wait a minute. That photos taken in May?? Woah. Still, it looks challenging for me.

Can recommend for first-timer, which is the shortest distant I should visit in GC (from LV) to have a reasonable view. Also, any hotel to recommend? From the GC website, every rim looks awesome. But frankly, we've never been in any places below 10oC. Especially when I have some walking issue.

Oh my... look at this post, it was taken 1 month ago.

On the top of GC (and if you are lucky if it is open) in winter times temperature goes -15C during the day. And if there is a wind (and it will be), with windchill it is -25C.

Check weather forecast before you go AND dress adequately! and check what are average temp during the week/days you are going to stay.

 

[invisible999]

Wait a minute. That photos taken in May??

May 12th, 2014. North Rim. It was closed. However, as in California, high altitude places close later in the year and open later in the year.

Can recommend for first-timer, which is the shortest distant I should visit in GC (from LV) to have a reasonable view. Also, any hotel to recommend? From the GC website, every rim looks awesome. But frankly, we've never been in any places below 10oC. Especially when I have some walking issue.

South Rim is usually open 365 days (well, unless it is government shutdown and that's another matter), we've been there on Dec 30-31st once. Again, roads are clean, open. You just need and adequate clothing.

Also South Rim is much more scenic comparing to other rims (IMHO), and it is much better developed.

Hotel - forget about anything nearby the entrance unless you are willing to pay >$300/night for a room. We usually stay at Flagstaff where you can get a reasonable room for less than $100/night (well, it was the case 5 years ago, no idea what is going now). It is about one hour drive from the park. If you plan to go there on a weekend and especially - if is a public holiday, reserve a room now.

 

[califonia]

Good hear that the south rim is scenic and relatively easy to drive in winter. Then again, guess need to check for any snowstorm prior there.

As for hotel, I could not locate Flagstaff. Since we are only staying for a night, I was hoping to get the most convenient hotel in the south. Quite good feedback for The Grand though, number of eateries around there.

May 12th, 2014. North Rim. It was closed. However, as in California, high altitude places close later in the year and open later in the year.


South Rim is usually open 365 days (well, unless it is government shutdown and that's another matter), we've been there on Dec 30-31st once. Again, roads are clean, open. You just need and adequate clothing.

Also South Rim is much more scenic comparing to other rims (IMHO), and it is much better developed.

Hotel - forget about anything nearby the entrance unless you are willing to pay >$300/night for a room. We usually stay at Flagstaff where you can get a reasonable room for less than $100/night (well, it was the case 5 years ago, no idea what is going now). It is about one hour drive from the park. If you plan to go there on a weekend and especially - if is a public holiday, reserve a room now.

 

[invisible999]

As for hotel, I could not locate Flagstaff.

Seriously. Have you tried to use google maps?

Since we are only staying for a night, I was hoping to get the most convenient hotel in the south. Quite good feedback for The Grand though, number of eateries around there.

At grand Canyon Village prices are from $255 to $400 per night in mid-Dec. 20km away - from $105, at Flagstaff - from $50. Your call.

 

[Telur17]

Good hear that the south rim is scenic and relatively easy to drive in winter. Then again, guess need to check for any snowstorm prior there.

As for hotel, I could not locate Flagstaff. Since we are only staying for a night, I was hoping to get the most convenient hotel in the south. Quite good feedback for The Grand though, number of eateries around there.

Flagstaff is a town lah. got lots of hotels to choose there.

Flagstaff, AZ | Flagstaff Hotels, Tours & Things to Do - Flagstaff.com

 

[patryn33]

At grand Canyon Village prices are from $255 to $400 per night in mid-Dec. 20km away - from $105, at Flagstaff - from $50. Your call.

flagstaff and grand Canyon village 20km away? google maps showed ~79miles or 1.5hr drive.
http://goo.gl/maps/lmGuK

 

[patryn33]

Good to hear that.

The other option is to stay in LV for the whole week and book a
shuttle to/fro between LV/GC for a day tour. It sounds safer but I think it's probably more fun to do a slow drive to GC, spend a night there to enjoy its scenery.

no rush, go out there and spend a day in GC will be the best.
if U enjoy hiking go down Sedona or visit Page and other places in UT like many suggested.

in AZ I love GC, Sedona and Page.

 

[Telur17]

flagstaff and grand Canyon village 20km away? google maps showed ~79miles or 1.5hr drive.
http://goo.gl/maps/lmGuK

was curious and did a search. other lodging options mentioned here.

Cheap hotels near Grand Canyon? - Arizona Forum - TripAdvisor

 

[patryn33]

its hard to find somewhere near GC as the nearest lodging is like 1hr away, not really near imho. when I think of near its like 30mins away tops.
i have always stayed in the park when I was living out in AZ.

 

[califonia]

GC village hotel rate during winter still quite reasonable. I read it can go up to $500. But for Dec, it's average $160. Plus, its a 10min drive to the south rim entrance. There's even free shuttle bus in.

 

[califonia]

Finally, i have booked all the north side hotel. Will spend 10days in SD and LA.

In LA, i was thinking of 3 nights is Best Western Anehiem Inn and 3 more nights in Hollywood area (any recommendation?) Should I stay near Universal Studio?

 

[Shiny Things]

Finally, i have booked all the north side hotel. Will spend 10days in SD and LA.

In LA, i was thinking of 3 nights is Best Western Anehiem Inn and 3 more nights in Hollywood area (any recommendation?) Should I stay near Universal Studio?

Three nights in Anaheim is a lot - how many days are you planning to spend in Disneyland?

And in the Hollywood area, you need to be a bit careful because some of it's a bit trashy. If you're fancy, I can recommend the W Hollywood: I've stayed there before, it's pretty nice and right on top of the Hollywood and Vine Metro station. Otherwise, you'll want to go further west - either to West Hollywood if you want to be close to everything, or to Santa Monica if you want to be on the beach.

In Santa Monica, I can enthusiastically recommend the Oceana; in WeHo I don't know as much, but I hear good things about the Andaz West Hollywood, and the Chamberlain seems to have pretty good prices.

 

[califonia]

Hi Shiny,

2 days in Disneyland and Adventure Park. Hopefully can have a day break in between. I see nothing else to do in Anaheim other than this theme park, hopefully there's a mall we can relax (frankly, i hate theme park)

I see that Hollywood is even worse. Other than Universal Studio and perhaps downtown, not sure what I can do 4 days there????

W Hollywood is $415/n, too pricey. But looks really trendy from outside.

I'm still think what to do 7 nights in LA

Three nights in Anaheim is a lot - how many days are you planning to spend in Disneyland?

And in the Hollywood area, you need to be a bit careful because some of it's a bit trashy. If you're fancy, I can recommend the W Hollywood: I've stayed there before, it's pretty nice and right on top of the Hollywood and Vine Metro station. Otherwise, you'll want to go further west - either to West Hollywood if you want to be close to everything, or to Santa Monica if you want to be on the beach.

In Santa Monica, I can enthusiastically recommend the Oceana; in WeHo I don't know as much, but I hear good things about the Andaz West Hollywood, and the Chamberlain seems to have pretty good prices.

 

[Human A]

Looking around for rental car for my visit to yosmemite, Vegas and the tri-state park s. Rentalcars / carhire3000 quoted 253 pounds for a 14-day mid-sized SUV (Ford escape) rental supplied by Hertz. Pick up at Ellis street, SF and includes Unlimited miles, insurance (CDW, Theft Protection, 3rd Party Liability,Supplementary Liability) and local taxes.

Should I get it or is it too good to be true?

 

[califonia]

Yes, It is somewhat that price for SUV. My 15days 7seater van cost 500pound. I am given an option with additional 90pound for the following which I am not sure if I should take it?

All Inclusive
£506.83
✓ Unlimited Mileage
✓ Collision Damage Waiver
✓ Extended Protection
✓ Sales Tax
✓ State Tax
✓ One GPS Handset and Airport Fees


Gold/Platinum
£592.73
✓ Unlimited Mileage
✓ Collision Damage Waiver
✓ Extended Protection
✓ Sales Tax
✓ State Tax
✓ Airport Fees
✓ Additional Driver Charges (wife may drive)
✓ One GPS Handset
✓ One Tank of Fuel

Looking around for rental car for my visit to yosmemite, Vegas and the tri-state park s. Rentalcars / carhire3000 quoted 253 pounds for a 14-day mid-sized SUV (Ford escape) rental supplied by Hertz. Pick up at Ellis street, SF and includes Unlimited miles, insurance (CDW, Theft Protection, 3rd Party Liability,Supplementary Liability) and local taxes.

Should I get it or is it too good to be true?

 

[Human A]

Shiny mentioned that it will be better to download the navigon app for 50usd. And if I am not wrong, California law mandates spouse as the additional driver without additional charge. So maybe u can do with the basic plan?

Yes, It is somewhat that price for SUV. My 15days 7seater van cost 500pound. I am given an option with additional 90pound for the following which I am not sure if I should take it?

All Inclusive
£506.83
✓ Unlimited Mileage
✓ Collision Damage Waiver
✓ Extended Protection
✓ Sales Tax
✓ State Tax
✓ One GPS Handset and Airport Fees


Gold/Platinum
£592.73
✓ Unlimited Mileage
✓ Collision Damage Waiver
✓ Extended Protection
✓ Sales Tax
✓ State Tax
✓ Airport Fees
✓ Additional Driver Charges (wife may drive)
✓ One GPS Handset
✓ One Tank of Fuel

 

[Human A]

Oh and where did u get the quote? Would like to look further before I commit

 

[califonia]

I will check on the spouse driver rule.
got my quote here Car Rental US | Rent A Car in USA | USA Car Rental | Car Hire America

Oh and where did u get the quote? Would like to look further before I commit

 

[Shiny Things]

Hi Shiny,

2 days in Disneyland and Adventure Park. Hopefully can have a day break in between. I see nothing else to do in Anaheim other than this theme park, hopefully there's a mall we can relax (frankly, i hate theme park)

Then you're gonna have a bad time in Anaheim, because it's basically theme parks and suburbia.

I see that Hollywood is even worse. Other than Universal Studio and perhaps downtown, not sure what I can do 4 days there????

I'm still think what to do 7 nights in LA

You're spending way too long in Los Angeles then. Head elsewhere.

Hollywood isn't particularly good if you're not into the theme parks and movie glamour thing. You already have a Universal Studios in Singapore, so skip that.

I'd be inclined to head to the beach instead of to downtown. Laguna Beach and Newport Beach (both quite nice) are just down the road from Anaheim; or you can fight through Los Angeles' notorious traffic to get to Santa Monica, which is totally worth it because the Santa Monica Boardwalk is great, and Venice Beach is a pretty interesting experience as well.

You might even want to head over the hills to Palm Springs, about an hour and a half drive east of Anaheim, instead of the beach. It's got beautiful desert scenery, great shopping, and lots of really fascinating mid-century modern architecture.