Originally Posted by
darthbimmer
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. 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.
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.
Thanks
darthbimmer, a great insight^
Earlier on in this thread the above back route was suggested to Yosemite after LV/GC, however I was told by some I would be crazy to do it due to the heat and driving time there/back to LA
(we would want to return to LA to do PCH Nr) and should return to LA after LV. I am trusting the advice, however a part of me still thinks it would be worthwhile doing... If returning to LA from LV, and doing Yosemite from PCH/SF, we would likely cover the same mileage and cover less unique road
(i.e we would be double backing more so).
New ideas would be welcome, especially regarding the Grand Canyon & Yosemite; where to stay, how best to do it, what to see en route. I think the LA-LV(+GC)-LA-PCH-Yos-SF, or alternatively LA-LV(+GC)-Yos-LA-PCH-SF is a winner despite covering alot of miles. Perhaps for this trip, an SUV
(or large car) would be better, and essential if we change our mind and do LV(GC)-Yos-LA. We will be covering alot of miles however we will be taking turns driving, and it is fairly spread out -I am glad to hear it is manageable, I am familiar with LA traffic so my driving tolerance is pretty high.