HELP NEEDED:
Am trying to get from the Hoover Dam up towards ANY viewing point of the Grand Canyon before heading off up to San Francisco (Ive told Hazel "it's just up the road dear"

),Ive tried using Google but for some odd reason it wants me to go by Flagstaff which appears to be miles out of my way.....Any locals with a route Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee?.....
This may not be helpful, but Jay's aunt and uncle who live in Vegas said that it's about a 4-hour drive from there to the Grand Canyon. I'm not sure that there are too many alternate routes, quite frankly.
Hoover Dam is really cool ... I think it's about 30 miles outside of Vegas on the Arizona / Nevada border.
Why don't you look into booking a day tour with a company in Vegas? They offer Hoover Dam / Grand Canyon tours and then you wouldn't have to worry about doing any driving yourself.
Or why not spend that money on a fabulous dinner in Vegas?
Thanks Bendy,however because were trying to "DO" California in 8 days were just so limited to time...
Can we "DO"
Las Vegas
Hoover Dam
Grand Canyon
San Francisco
A Train ride out of Santa Cruz to see the big trees
Malibu coast road
Six Flags
ALL IN 8 DAYS?....
ps...I remember the last time you recommended a nice restaurant
Am still paying off the bill and only Hazel and Jess eat there but it was gorgeous or so am told anyways....
....
I would cross the Grand Canyon off your list then - that would eat an entire day, mostly in travel.
Actually I'd consider crossing Vegas off the list, too. Just stay in California and focus on all the things it has to offer ... that will keep you all busy enough.
I see what your saying Mrs Bendy admit it is going to be a push we know but because the last time i was out here some bright spark decided what fun it would be to let the fat bloke travel all the way up to the canyon only to found it full to the brim with cotton wool...

so you see missing the Canyon AGAIN is simply not an option.....Am researching chartering a Helicopter but so far ive only found firms who (by looking at their prices) are looking to SELL me the bloody thing not lend me one......
Chris, you can probably see the big trees without driving out to Santa Cruz. There are probably tours out of San Fran. Becky should be able to clarify this.
We did this last summer, It's a 6 hour drive from LA to the Grand Canyon. Then we went from the Grand canyon to Yosemite. That was a very long day almost 12 hours. But it is so worth it. If you are staying in San franscico you can see the red woods in Muir woods witch is not that far from San fran. That is one of my favorite cities, you will love it. Bring a jacket can be chilly in the summer. The coast north of SF is more spectacular than Malibu. Mendicino is beautiful.
Chris,
In looking at the responses, what about a drive directly to Flagstaff once you land? It is 483 miles on mapquest (7 hours if you drive the speed limit, but no one does). Do the canyon the next day. Then drive to LV via the Hoover Dam the next day. Spend 2 nights there.
Then head from LV to SF, 1 day of driving.
I agree, just go to Muir Woods to see the Redwoods. Just to the north of the city. Should be able to get it done in 1/2 a day.
Do the Monterey drive on your way down to LA - might want to look into a stop at San Luis Obispo if you are doing the coastal drive.
Was it the 6th or 8th that you get to LA? I can never remember.
If it is the 6th, you could do the following, and still get to DL by the 14th:
8/6: Land in LA, drive to Flagstaff
8/7: Grand Canyon
8/8: Drive to LV via Hover Dam
8/9: Las Vegas
8/10: Drive to SF
8/11: Muir Woods, SF City
8/12: More of SF if needed
8/13: Drive to San Luis Obispo via Monterey
8/14: Drive to Anaheim
You might be able to get enough of LV in the one night you're there though and could move the drive to SF up to the 9th if that is the case. More time in SF or other parts of the coast. Also, you could use the extra day for Six Flags on the 13th, otherwise, you'll be going on the 14th.
Your plan is DL on the 15th and just staying around the hotel on the 16th, correct?