The Grand Circle

One evening as the sun went down and the jungle fire was burning - Down the track came a hobo hiking and he said boys I'm not turning - I'm headin for a land that's far away beside the crystal fountains - So come with me we'll go and see the ... Grand Circle

While Harry McClintock was heading for the Big Rock Candy Mountains, we shall try to make our way from San Fran down to L.A. and from there to the Grand Circle with an overnight stop in Vegas.

http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/grandcircle.htm

San Fran

Santa Cruz - Even though the center of the city is very close to the beach I'd rather spend my time around the funfair and the pier. With a a bit of luck you'll come across sea whales, surfers and snow plover birds. Before you leave read the plates at the entrance of the beach advising you what you are not allowed to do...

Monterrey - The aquarium there is really impressive but if you are not into watching enslaved animals then probably there isn't much for you there.

Santa Barbara - Even if you were not a fan of Baywatch, Santa Barbara is still an interesting small town to visit. Around the shopping center you can find places to dine. I didn't manage to discover much of the night life there but there might be more than meets the eye.

Joshua Tree national Park - There you can expect Big rocks (with smooth surfaces), Cactus, Joshua trees, Snakes & Scorpios (if you are sweet-blooded)

Mitchell Caverns - The place (like many others mentioned in this trip) is related to the Indian tribes. At least that's what we were told :-)

Las Vegas -

Bright light city gonna set my soul
Gonna set my soul on fire
Got a whole lot of money thats ready to burn,
So get those stakes up higher
Theres a thousand pretty women waitin out there
And theyre all livin devil may care
And Im just the devil with love to spare
Viva las vegas, viva las vegas


Zion National Park - You can choose between three trails with Angel's Landing the toughest and thus the most rewarding one. When you are back down you can jump in the river to cool your legs.

Bryce Canyon - You are still in Utah but here the scenery resembles more of a desert. the trails here are easy enough to do in slip-flops!

Arches National Park - The place was inhabited by native Americans for years. The trails are easy to hike.

Monument Valley - If in the previous stops you were just hearing about the Indians here you will feel their presence. The energy of the area is amazing while the red rocks make it one of the most scenic place I've ever been.

Grand Canyon - I'll try not to discourage you from going there but if you've been to all the previous places mentioned the only thing that Grand Canyon has to offer is the size. Well, if size matters then Grand Canyon is big enough to worth a visit. Half way down are the Indian gardens. That's almost 4.5 khm and you can expect water every 1.5 khm. At the Indian gardens you can camp if you booked months in advance a spot. the remaining of the trail to the bottom is with no access to water. I went all the way down and up on the same day (loaded with enough things to camp) even though the rangers advise visitors against that. I am proud I made it but still consider Grand Canyon not that great :-). There is also the 3 day hiking option where you enter the canyon from one end and exit the other.

From Grand Canyon you should be able to get back to San Fran within a day and a half. Or maybe a bit more if Vegas has another big show on.