So we're going to be in the Las Vegas area for 9 days over Thanksgiving (Sat->Sun). The main purpose of the trip was to go to Death Valley but nine days is a little much, so we were wondering where else we could go. (We're not going to waste time in the city itself.)
My research suggested the following spots might have decent weather at this time of the year in addition to Death Valley:
Mojave National Preserve
Joshua Tree
Zion (sort of on the cold side)
I was thinking 4 days in Death Valley, 2 in Joshua Tree and 2 in Zion but am open to feedback.
We'll be skipping Bryce because it looks pretty cold/snowy at that time of the year. We've never driven on snow/ice and don't want to make this a first time. I've been to Yosemite before and I think we'll skip that too on this trip because the Tioga Pass will be closed. It's a bit far anyway...
Tioga Pass could be open or closed at the end of November. http://www.monobasinresearch.org/data/tiogapass.htm Zion and Bryce have similar weather and temps.
So few questions:
1. How many days should we spend at Death Valley? I figure at least 3, but was wondering if we should do more. We would like to see the whole park (not every sq. mile obviously but the roads driveable in a normal car) and do a few day hikes. Any thoughts on Stovepipe vs Panamint will be appreciated as well. (We already have reservations at both for the whole week that we can adjust.)
I would look at 3days/4 nights in death valley. I would look to do 2 nights at each
2. Is Mojave National Preserve worth seeing? If so, how many days? Just drive through? Would this be as impressive after Death Valley?)
This is just my opinion on Majave---not worth more than a drive through.
3. Same questions for Joshua Tree - how many days? If the weather and scenery are decent, we'd like to do one or two nice day hikes? How does Joshua Tree compare to Death Valley?
Joshua Tree---I would do a 3 night 2 day trip there. The places are different. The big difference is in the trees that name the park.
4. Is it a good time for Zion? Should we do 2 days or more?
Its winter time there in Zion. You can access the Valley but its cold thus you cant explore the Virgin river Canyon like you could do in the summer and wade in the water. The Valley can be done in a 1 day trip
5. I suspect Kings Canyon & Sequoia will also be cold and will have the possibility of snow?
It depends on where inthe park. Altitude matters big time. I think its doable in late november. Higher elevations will be colder and snow covered. Generals highway is open year round but may be temporarily closed due to weather and then subsequent plowing. Other roads close in the winter.
6. Is it worth it to go up to Mono Lake and/or does the closure of the Tioga Pass nix it?
You can get to Mono Lake via 395 but to get to the other side of the mountains you either have to drive back or drive up to US 50 or I-80 to cross the mountains.
7. We've been to the Grand Canyon so will skip that but if anyone thinks that substituting some of the AZ or UT parks for Joshua Tree and Mojave after Death Valley will be better, we're open to suggestions. (The primary considerations are weather and proximity to LAS, and quality of scenery is a close second.)
Grans Canyon is still pretty even in the winter. You can get unique pictures with snow cover. The park isnt driven by things like leaves on trees. Same with Bryce. Part of the beauty in zion Canyon are the trees that grow that dont have leaves on them in November.
Thanks!