Where to go in the US?

[Onlooker]

My partner and I are celebrating our 25th year together and want to do something a little luxurious. We normally travel in Europe, and have been to most of America's great cities. We were thinking of going to the Rockies, Yosemite, or someplace like that. We have never seen America's natural beauty outside of the East Coast. Any suggestions? Any suggestions of where we should stay? Thanks.

[likesmountains 52]

1. Are you planning a car trip ,or flying to a single destination?

[Onlooker]

2. I'm really completely flexible

I figured we'd fly someplace and then rent a car. For instance, Santa Fe sounds kind of nice, but I also want to go for long (5 or 6 hour) beautiful walking hikes, take some photos, maybe even stay at a spa or lodge for a few days. I'd really like see some of America's best natural beauty.

[DrDan]

3. have you considered Alaska?

rent a car in Anchorage and drive north. We did that a couple of years ago. Some nice lodges along the way. Absolutely beautiful scenery. Lots of outdoor activities - hiking etc.

[DrDan]

4. and I just saw this - some great people to meet along the way

some great Anchorage pics - http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x438853

[sandnsea]

5. Here's a place to start

http://www.scenic-america.com

I've never been to the northeast, but have been around much of the west. I live on the Oregon Coast and I still think it's the most beautiful drive in the country. The Columbia Gorge is beautiful too. As is Yosemite and the Redwoods. If you flew into San Francisco and drove north, then cut over to Portland and the Columbia Gorge, then down to Crater Lake and Klamath Falls, then the back road to Susanville and Lake Tahoe, then down to Yosemite and back to San Francisco. That would be a very scenic trip. But then, there's lots of others too. Like the arches area in Utah and the Native American pueblos. The badlands of South Dakota and into Montana and Yellowstone. So many to choose from. It's hard for sure.

[nosillies]

6. Maybe fly into Reno

From there you can easily reach Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, the northern Nevada high desert and Napa Valley by car. To me, these are some of the most beautiful places in America. All very different types of scenery -- with four such different places, it's more bang for your buck. I've hiked all four places, also, and there are some amazing trails at each.

[fudge stripe cookays]

7. Monterey, California

and the areas around it. I was there for the first time last August.

Absolutely stunning scenery, lots of wonderful sea creatures (check out the aquarium- it's amazing!) and fantastic seafood (cioppino especially comes to mind).

The sea lions and otters are hilarious to watch. See if you can get a hotel overlooking the water-- sometimes they swim right by your room. I missed their barking when I left.

Have fun!
:hi:

[DFW]

8. Congratulations on 25!

My wife and I just celebrated our 25th anniversary last week.

I have never been to Yosemite. I heard it's spectacular and
completely overcrowded. Some of my favorites out west:

Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park (Utah)
Crater Lake (Oregon)--do NOT miss this!

Someone already mentioned the Columbia Gorge (second that)
We also love Rocky Mountain National Park, usually stay at
one of the small lodges outside of Estes Park.

The Grand Canyon is almost a cliché by now, but it is SO
spectacular, that if you are anywhere near it, you should see it once.

As for Europe, I'm there (here, at the moment) more than home,
so it's all on my doorstep, so to speak.

[LSK]

9. fly to Denver

Rent a car and go to Rocky Mountain National Park. Then wander and drive up to Yellowstone National Park. Or wander your way in the opposite direction to the Grand Canyon.

The American West is an amazing place.

But make reservations at the Parks because they are busy in the summer.