Originally Posted by
pazza2000
[M]y line of thought was that as our desert driving would be much less if we do Yosemite post PCH, then we could put up with the heat for the sake of having a convertible.
Having a convertible will make a huge difference in your enjoyment of Yosemite. It's a big plus on the PCH, as well. Around LA and out in the deserts it's nice when the weather's nice, survivable when it's not.
Be aware that most convertibles don't hold 4 people comfortably. Even those with a back seat are typically considered 2+2 cars. The back seat's not suitable for adults over 5'4". And, even if all 4 of you fit in the passenger area, luggage space is going to be extremely tight.
darthbimmer, the LA-LC-GC-LA-PCH-SF/Yosemite route seems to be more so recommended. In my mind it is just as much driving doing LV/GC-Yosemite-LA-PCH-SF, and the Death Valley drive sounds like a good photo oppourtunity...
The heat in Death Valley will be intense in August. It's manageable, though. And if you're going that way you should take the beautiful drive up US 395 along the eastern face of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Enter Yosemite via CA-120 from the East, via the stunning Tioga Pass.
I didn't suggest this above because I'm being cautious about offering new ideas at this point. Your plan already contains a significant number of variables. As you said, you are going in circles. You need to converge more parts of your itinerary rather than consider ever greater numbers of alternatives.
Of course, if you want
more alternatives, I can offer enough to make your head spin. Your trip spans three utterly beautiful parts of the country.
I agree that it is alot of driving, however it is fairly well spread out don't you think?
Yes, it's spread out. If you cover 2000 miles total in 18 day your average is just over 100/day. But the average isn't the whole story. There will be some days you drive 500+ miles (e.g., Grand Canyon to LA) and some you drive none.
As I said in my previous, each person has different ability and tolerance for long drives. What you're proposing is definitely within reason-- for some people. I know several who could do it easily. But I also know people who consider a two-hour drive exhausting. I don't know where you are in that spectrum. You and your travel companions have to decide that for yourselves.