Side trip to the Grand Canyon? What else?

[AussieCaribou]

Hi everyone,

Okay, here's the story. We are going to be in San Diego, CA before visiting Disneyland. Last year my DD (15 years old) and I did most of the tourist areas and even made it out to the desert (thanks to the lovely advice from the boards here).

Now, we are looking at other areas. So, I want to visit the Grand Canyon and my DD wants to do route 66. We are driving from San Diego round trip (have to pick up the rest of the party there) before going to Anaheim. We have three days (so it's a fast trip).

Does anyone have any suggestions on what we can do? Routes, side trips, or other destinations other than the Grand Canyon? We are most interested in learning about the Native Americans in the region and the natural formations in that region as well.

Thanks
Aussie Caribou

 

[jliehr]

It's a 6-7 hour drive, each way from Anaheim, and 8+ hours from San Diego. When are you planning on going? The winter months can have road closures and issues, but the plus side is it is far less crowded.

 

[GrandBob]

There probably wouldn't be much of a problem in winter if the OP stays to the South Rim -- and s/he most likely wouldn't have the time to go all the way to the North Rim anyway. In any case, North Rim will be closed in winter.

There's not a whole lot left of old Route 66, but there's a major section from Kingman to Seligman Arizona. It's pretty desolate, but there are still some businesses that cater to the Route 66 cachet.

Have fun!

-Bob

 

[OldPyrate]

Here's another option for the Grand Canyon: http://www.arizona-leisure.com/west-rim-grand-canyon.html

It's about 2 hours closer from Anaheim than the South Rim, but the views aren't quite as spectacular either. On the other hand it does have the Skywalk.

 

[Melissy]

Las Vegas. You can make just a quick stop to see the lights and glitter, catch dinner in a swanky casino, play a hand of blackjack, and be on your way.

 

[AussieCaribou]

Thanks guys. I am making a list.

We will be there second week of Dec (wow! not long now!!)

I would love to take my family on the tour I did of the Grand Canyon when I was 12 (loved that US trip)...but that was in the summer and I have no desire to spend 13 days at the bottom of the canyon in winter. lol

Can people under 18 go into the casinos in Las Vegas?

 

[GrandBob]

Can people under 18 go into the casinos in Las Vegas?

The gambling age in the US is 21. And basically, under-21's can walk through the casino, but they can't stop for more than a few seconds. If they stop, most likely security will come by to ask them to move to a non-gambling area. Areas that are far away from slots and gambling tables are generally OK.

-Bob

 

[bcla]

The gambling age in the US is 21. And basically, under-21's can walk through the casino, but they can't stop for more than a few seconds. If they stop, most likely security will come by to ask them to move to a non-gambling area. Areas that are far away from slots and gambling tables are generally OK.

-Bob

That's Nevada law. The legal age in California tribal casinos is actually 18, although the last one I recall that actually had that age changed. Most set it at 21 as a business policy, but typically it's because they serve alcohol. The one I was thinking of still doesn't serve alcohol, but they changed the age to 21 from 18 because of complaints that the youngest gamblers were poorly behaved.

As for entering a casino in Vegas, it's not that difficult as long as the underage person is accompanied by someone 21 and not loitering in any gambling areas.

 

[Mike Whitehead]

You can get to the west rim but its about 50 miles off 93 there is a fair amount of gravel road. bring money and lots of it. to get to the Skywalk you MUST take a bus ride that was $45 per person the last time i was there and the skywalk was a another 35 per if my memory is correct on the price. It was worth the 45 for the bus. And you don't need to do the sky walk. If you head south again on 93 to I 40 and head west you can and get off heading to Amboy and you will be on a stretch of 66 near mojave preserve/Death Valley
My wife and step son on the edge....

 

[AussieCaribou]

Awesome photos Mike. Talked with the family today and it looks like we will head over to the west rim...

 

[CPT Tripss]

Consider a stop at the Hoover Dam if you are heading through Las Vegas to or from the Grand Canyon.

Be attentive to weather forecasts, you could hit snow and poor travel conditions in the vicinity of the Grand Canyon.