West Coast USA - with a difference
Discussion
Planning a return to the West Coast. Went in 2005 and did SF, Vegas, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite, Tahoe and Nappa Valley.
I want to do "new" things, any suggestions? I've booked 6 nights in Vegas and 3 nights in SF so it gives me 7 days to explore in between but not aiming to do as much driving this time.
What else should I look for? Rough plan is to head west out of Vegas and end up in Carmel/Monteray/Santa Cruz in 4-5 days.
Some ideas
Bryce Canyon (probably a day trip from Vegas)?
Kings Canyon?
Actually stopping in Death Valley rather than just driving through it, but then again not sure there is much to actually do there...?
Any suggestions welcome!
I want to do "new" things, any suggestions? I've booked 6 nights in Vegas and 3 nights in SF so it gives me 7 days to explore in between but not aiming to do as much driving this time.
What else should I look for? Rough plan is to head west out of Vegas and end up in Carmel/Monteray/Santa Cruz in 4-5 days.
Some ideas
Bryce Canyon (probably a day trip from Vegas)?
Kings Canyon?
Actually stopping in Death Valley rather than just driving through it, but then again not sure there is much to actually do there...?
Any suggestions welcome!
Death Vally is worth exploring, and you can stay at Furnace Creek, right in the centre. Try Googling Dantes View, Artists Palette Drive, Zabriskie Point, Ubehebe Crater, Badwater, Devils Golf Course, Scottys Castle & Twenty Mule Team Canyon. We covered all these in an afternoon and the following morning. The scenery is just incredible, and 47 degree heat (in our case) is something that just has to be experienced. We didn't get time to see Rhyolite or Death Valley Junction.
Just add re Death Valley
1. Stay at either Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells. Both are run by the same company, Stovepipe Wells is the smaller operation and was our favourite. Do watch sunrise from the middle of the dunes near Stovepipe Wells. Furnace Creek does have the advantage of a swimming pool which is great for relaxing in after the heat of the day
2. Dante's Peak, sunrise is meant to be nice from up there but it didn't do anything for me, a good sunset would be good up there. The road up it is brilliant if deserted great with loads of switchbacks
3. Zabriske Point - definitely worth watching sunrise here. Very cool indeed, esp if the Air Force is up early palying with its toys
4. Artists pallet drive - I guess was ok but we preferred the little off road section near that on the other side of the road, it might be 20 mule canyon
5. Rhyolite is a small ghost twon that is well worth visiting on your way n / out of DV. Only a few remaining buildings but as the air is so dry there lots is very well preserved inc this old truck
5. The other place / thing we thought was very special were a small number of carcoal kilns high up in one of the passes. It's the pass that goes west out of Death Valley over the top of the mountains. Well worth seeing and the road should be open now saving you a long walk through the snow that we had !
Death Valley is a very special place is you take your time and get away from the crowds a bit
Chris
1. Stay at either Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells. Both are run by the same company, Stovepipe Wells is the smaller operation and was our favourite. Do watch sunrise from the middle of the dunes near Stovepipe Wells. Furnace Creek does have the advantage of a swimming pool which is great for relaxing in after the heat of the day
2. Dante's Peak, sunrise is meant to be nice from up there but it didn't do anything for me, a good sunset would be good up there. The road up it is brilliant if deserted great with loads of switchbacks
3. Zabriske Point - definitely worth watching sunrise here. Very cool indeed, esp if the Air Force is up early palying with its toys
4. Artists pallet drive - I guess was ok but we preferred the little off road section near that on the other side of the road, it might be 20 mule canyon
5. Rhyolite is a small ghost twon that is well worth visiting on your way n / out of DV. Only a few remaining buildings but as the air is so dry there lots is very well preserved inc this old truck
5. The other place / thing we thought was very special were a small number of carcoal kilns high up in one of the passes. It's the pass that goes west out of Death Valley over the top of the mountains. Well worth seeing and the road should be open now saving you a long walk through the snow that we had !
Death Valley is a very special place is you take your time and get away from the crowds a bit
Chris
I stayed at Stovepipe Wells in Death valley. Much better than Furnace Creek (Crap tourist shops and a golf course FFS)
I also stayed at the Amargosa Hotel at Death Valley Junction. The staff (2-3 people) go home at night and leave you to it. They'd gone by the time we arrived and had taped an envelope to the reception door with our keys in it. There were only 2 other people staying there that night. Spent the evening drinking wine and watching the shooting stars. It's a very characterful place but very basic. Perfect setting for a slasher movie or a visit from a serial killer as it's very isolated. Didn't get much sleep
.
I'm not selling it really am I?
I also stayed at the Amargosa Hotel at Death Valley Junction. The staff (2-3 people) go home at night and leave you to it. They'd gone by the time we arrived and had taped an envelope to the reception door with our keys in it. There were only 2 other people staying there that night. Spent the evening drinking wine and watching the shooting stars. It's a very characterful place but very basic. Perfect setting for a slasher movie or a visit from a serial killer as it's very isolated. Didn't get much sleep
.I'm not selling it really am I?
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