Las Vegas is one of the premier destinations in the USA. It pretty much has something for everyone and you don’t have to be a high roller to enjoy what the city has to offer.

If you are thinking of a vacation in Las Vegas you might also be interested in some other attactions nearby. You can also visit Reno or the Grand Canyon.

My favorite vacation in Las Vegas involved a stay in the city itself for several nights and then a side trip to the Grand Canyon. This natural wonder is around 250 miles from Las Vegas, so it can be a comfortable day trip. When I went there I spent a night out a hotel just on the edge of the Grand Canyon National Park.

How long does it take to drive from Vegas to the Grand Canyon? If you are looking to drive to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas you can take highway 93 south from the Las Vegas to Interstate 40 east to highway 64. The path you take will take you right over Hoover Dam and all going well should take about 4 1/2 hours.

If you have not been to the Grand Canyon I highly recommend a visit the next time you visit Las Vegas, or even if you have already been there why not see it again?

Yosemite National Park is located in the State of California in the USA. It is located 313 miles north of Los Angeles and 195 miles from the San Francisco area.

I have been lucky enough to visit Yosemite twice in my life. It is a truely spectacular place and if you are a nature lover it is a must see destination. I still remember the first time we drove into the Park and got the first view of the spectacular mountains and valleys.

95% of Yosemite is designated as wilderness area. This means you can get away from civilization if you go into the back country. If you are not so adventurous there is still plenty of amazing scenerary to been seen down in the Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite is best known for its waterfalls, but you will also find deep valleys, grand meadows and of course ancient giant sequoias trees.

If you want to witness the waterfalls at there peak flows the best time to visit is usually in late May. Usually by August Yosemite Falls is often dry. I have seen Yosemite both in winter and summer and either time of year it is still fantastic.

You need to keep in mind that this is a wilderness area so caution needs to be taken in winter and you need to be well prepared.

You can stay within the park itself and you have lodging options that range from simple tent cabins to deluxe rooms at The Ahwahnee. A full list of options with pricing can be found at Yosemitepark.com. You can also find camping information at that site.

You may be wondering what there is to do at Yosemite. Well how about hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, water sports, biking, birdwatching and fishing to name a few. My favourite activity is riding around the park. There are over 12 miles of paved bike paths in Yosemite Valley. Also if you are willing to risk it you can ride on the regular roads.

Bike riders in the Yosemite Valley

Cycling in the valley is a great way to experience Yosemite Valley. Bikes are available for rent from various outlets in the Valley. Rental rates start at $9.50 per hour or $25.50 for a day. You can also take young kids with you in a trailer attached to a bike.

If you enjoy a game of golf you can even play a round on the Wawona Golf Course located in Yosemite. This course opened in 1918 and is nine-hole, par-35. The course measures 3 050 yards and is open daily Spring to Fall, conditions permitting.

If you are the less adventurous type or just want to learn from experts you can go on a guided tour. Your Yosemite experience will be enhanced by a deeper knowledge and understanding of this wonderful destination.

If you do decide to visit Yosemite, and I really suggest you do, don’t go without a camera as there are so many spectacular views to capture.

You can learn more by visiting the Yosemite Park website.