SickthingsUK

OK Folks . sorry for the only semi related post but this is the forum I thought it fit best into .

Next year doing the big Disneyland trip with the wife and kids , we're from Australia BtW . We're doing LA , Las Vegas Grand Canyon , SAN Diego.

My question is , how far in time & miles to drive Vegas to Phoenix ? Is it doable ? Is it easier from LA or San Diego to Phoenix ? What else is there to do in Phoenix for the wife and kids to justify the trip ? What about a day trip by plane LA to Phoenix is that doable ?

Cheers and thanks and apologies if its the wrong forum

Ross

Las Vegas to Phoenix = about 5 hour drive.

Los Angeles to Phoenix = about 5.75 hours

San Francisco to Phoenix = about 11.5 hours, but San Francisco to Los Angeles = about 6 hours. And Los Angeles to Las Vegas = about 4 hours.

If you prefer driving (gas prices really suck right now) I'd suggest San Francisco - Los Ageles - Las Vegas - Phoenix.

On this site: http://phoenix.about.com/od/daytrips/a/drivingtime.htm

From Phoenix to Grand Canyon
Distance: 247 miles
Driving Time: 4.5 hours

From Phoenix to Las Vegas, Nevada
Distance: 300 miles
Driving Time: 6 hours

From Phoenix to Los Angeles, California
Distance: 375 miles
Driving Time: 6 hours

From Phoenix to San Diego, California
Distance: 355 miles
Driving Time: 7 hours

Also flight time from LA - Phoenix is about 1hr 25min but then you have to add all the extra time of getting in and out of the airports.

So if are going to drive to Phoenix I would do it before or after seeing the Grand Canyon. When driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon you drive over Hover Dam so you may plan to stop there for some photos too.

From Las Vegas to Grand Canyon see this site: http://www.usatourist.com/english/place ... ation.html

Grand Canyon National Park is about 100 miles east of Las Vegas but it requires a 300 mile, five-hours drive to reach the South Rim Visitor's Center. To see the canyon properly, will require an overnight stay.

My sister lives in Phoenix, and we have done all those things - all are do-able, depending on how much time you have and how high they are in your list of priorities.

Do you really want to drag your kids around Vegas? They can't go in the casinos, which will restrict you and your wife - so you may want to think about giving that a miss and saving it for when the kids leave the nest!

Grand Canyon is an absolute MUST!! You could also visit Sedona at the same time. The great thing about the Grand Canyon is you buy a pass which lets you in and out of the park for (I think ) 3 or more days. Its actually the best value for money that we have ever come across. They also do donkey treks down to the bottom of the Canyon, but last time we looked into it, it was booked up for a long time in advance.

I dont know what you have booked, etc - but if I was planning that kind of holiday and wanting to take in everything worthwhile (bearing in mind you have kids with you! ) - itinerary would be thus:-

Fly to Phoenix, get hire car, go to Coopers'town. Drive to Sedona and Grand Canyon. Move on to LA and do the Disneyland/Universal Studios/Knotts Berry Farm things. Take the coast road all the way to San Fransico (which is absolutely fabulous ) - see San Fran and do Alcatraz, etc. Drop off hire car and fly home from SF.

Vegas isn't really for kids and there is only a zoo in San Diego! And some navy ships and stuff which will probably bore the kids!

Just my opinion speaking from experience! Hope it helps.

Start in Phoenix, then hit Grand Canyon.

Major consideration - during June, July, August and even September it is over 100 degrees in Phoenix (110+ is not uncommon). Las Vegas will only be slightly cooler (if at all). However, if you hit the cooler months in Phoenix - if gets really cold at the Grand Canyon (snow).

As for what else to do in Phoenix.....drive by Cortez High School (and don't forget the Coop).

Thanks guys for some great tips and advice.

Headbangers cheers for the itinary and heads up about vegas !!