NV, AZ, UT, CA - 1800 miles, 9 days, 7 hotels
Just got back from a whirlwind trip through the south west. Highlights/destinations in red.
Flew into Vegas, rented a SUV and off we went.
Down to Hoover Dam
Up to Grand Canyon
Headed north into Utah
Drove through the Grand Staircase which looked like the painted desert (but that's in AZ)
Tried to get to Bryce Canyon but fog then snow started just as we were pulling into the park. Visibility was poor so we did a u-turn and headed back out. Good thing we did. Snow came down hard and travel was nasty. The truck in front of us spun out and saw people climbing out of their SUV that they just flipped over.
Spent a day hiking around Zion National park. Loads of Bighorn sheep. Interesting watching them walk on cliffs.
From Zion (UT), drove to San Diego. Went on the USS Midway (museum now), Zoo and La Jolla. La Jolla is where all the seals and sea lions hang out. You can walk right up to them.
Left San Diego to Los Angeles. Went to Newport Beach, Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood sign, Rodeo drive/Beverly Hills, Santa Monica pier, and the "area of" Venice beach. Didn't go on the actual beach. Spent the evening at Downtown Disney.
Left LA to Las Vegas. Spent the first night at the Venetian Hotel. Got a nice suite which was a nice change from the Marriott level hotels we had been staying at. Walked the strip which has changed drastically since I was there 8 years ago and did a little gambling. Spent the 2nd night at the Luxor (the hotel that looks like a pyramid). That place is a dump now.
Flew home yesterday. It's supposed to be the busiest travel day of the year but the lines at TSA were very short.
Took today as an extra vacation day as it's opening day of buck season in PA. A very slow morning but will go out again this afternoon.