1. Yosemite National Park, CA (World Heritage Site)
2. Death Valley National Park, CA
3. Las Vegas, NV
4. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ (World Heritage Site)
5. Mesa Verde National Park, CO (World Heritage Site)
6. Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM (World Heritage Site)
7. Taos Pueblo, NM (World Heritage Site)
8. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM (World Heritage Site)
9. Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Starting in my hometown San Diego, CA, this 14-day roadtrip includes 6 World Heritage Sites across 5 states and loops back to San Diego. Instead of flying between sites, the trip will be completed by car. Driving will save money and provide more access to the incredible landscapes and funky towns scattered between the 6 sites, ultimately making for a more culturally immersive trip throughout Americas famed southwest. Additional cost savings come from the fact that this trip is designed for Octoberthe off-season for tourist destinationswhich means lower costs for accommodations and smaller crowds. I designed the trip for two college-aged adults in a 2010 Toyota Camry.
Ø Wed 15 Oct Fri 17 Oct: San Diego, CA >> Yosemite National Park, CA
o 427 miles
o 8 hours (includes 3 stops for meals/restrooms)
o 2 nights camping at Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley, CA ($144.00)
§ boasts lovely sites along the shores of the Merced River and sweeping views of Half Dome and the Yosemite Falls waterfall; shower access
Ø Sat 18 Oct Mon 20 Oct: Yosemite National Park, CA >> Death Valley, National Park, CA >> Las Vegas, NV
o 361 miles
o 8.5 hours (includes 3 stops for meals/restrooms + stopover at Death Valley)
o 2 nights at Holiday Motel in Las Vegas, NV ($100.00)
§ located across the street from the Stratosphere on the famous Las Vegas Strip; chance to explore Las Vegas and sleep in bed after 2 nights tent-camping
Ø Tues 21 Oct Wed 22 Oct: Las Vegas, NV >> Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
o 270 miles
o 5 hours (includes 2 stops for meals/restrooms)
o 1 night at Grand Canyon Village Campground ($18.00)
§ easy day-hike around Grand Canyon to take in the views
Ø Wed 22 Oct Thurs 23 Oct: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ >> Mesa Verde National Park, CO
o 280 miles
o 5 hours (includes 2 stops for meals/restrooms)
o 1 night stay at Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde, CO ($121.00)
§ approx. 15 miles outside Mesa Verde National Park; Known for distraction-free ambiance (no TVs in guest rooms) which allows guests to focus on the breathtaking views into four states and the natural beauty of Mesa Verde landscape and wildlife
Ø Thurs 23 Oct Fri 24 Oct: Mesa Verde National Park, CO >> Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM
o 157 miles
o 4.5 hours (includes 2 stops for meals/restrooms)
o 1 night stat at Gallo Campground ($15.00)
§ conveniently located 1 mile away from Mesa Verde National Park Visitor Center and surrounded by petroglyphs, a cliff dwelling, inscriptions, and a high desert landscape
Ø Fri Oct 24 Sat Oct 25: Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM >> Taos Pueblo, NM
o 191 miles
o 5 hours (includes 2 stops for meals/restrooms)
o $16 admission into park ($14 for students)
o 1 night stay at El Pueblo Lodge, Taos, NM ($109.00)
§ best place to stay in Taos
§ 1.5 miles from Taos Pueblo National Park
Ø Sat Oct 25 Sun Oct 26: Taos Pueblo, NM >> Carlsbad Caverns, NM
o 360 miles
o 8 hours (includes 2 stops for meals/restrooms)
o $10 admission into park + additional fees for guided tours ($7 – $20)
o 1 night stay at Motel 6 Carlsbad ($88)
§ 17 miles away from the park
o Ø Sun Oct 26 Mon Oct 27: Carlsbad Caverns, NM >> Tucson, AZ
o 457 miles
o 9 hours (includes 2 stops for meals/restrooms)
o 1 night stay at Motel 6 Tucson ($45)
Ø Mon Oct 27 Wed Oct 29: Tucson, AZ >> Joshua Tree National Park, CA
o 338 miles
o 6.5 hours (includes 2 stops for meals/restrooms)
o 2 nights camping at Black Rock Campground, Joshua Tree, CA ($30)
Ø Wed Oct 29: Joshua Tree National Park, CA >> San Diego, CA
o 158 miles
o 4.5 hours (includes 2 stops for meals/restrooms)
>>>> Estimated Budget <<<<
$360.00 gas (2,999 miles, based on 33 mpg efficiency and $3.89 per gallon of gas)
$715.00 lodging
$700.00 food ($25 per person, per day)
+ $50.00 souvenirs
$1,825.00 grand total for 2 people, 14 days
For more information, or to verify what Ive written, please the following links:
http://www.yosemitepark.com/housekeeping-camp.aspx
http://redwoods.info/showrecord.asp?id=1723
http://www.kayak.com/Las-Vegas-Hotels-Holiday-Motel.69286.ksp
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/cg-sr.htm
http://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/camping2.htm
http://www.visitmesaverde.com/
http://www.visitmesaverde.com/accommodations/far-view-lodge.aspx
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/fuel-cost-calculator.php
http://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htm
http://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm
http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.aspx?num=50
http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/camping.htm
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/306537/Joshua-Tree-National-Park
