Questions about a road trip to Grand Canyon/Las Vegas?

[GirlsAloudFan]

Ok, so I am going on a road trip. I live in Illinois, and 6 of my friends (4 guys, 2 girls) and I are going to depart from home on July the 7th. We will drive directly to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado where we will be staying 5 nights. We will then head to the Grand Canyon for two nights and then to Las Vegas, the city of sin, for two more nights. If we survive, we will return home on July 16th.

Now none of us have ever been to Rocky Mountian National Park, the Grand Canyon, or Vegas. So, obviously, this trip is going to kick ass. It very well could be the time of our lives.

I was just wondering if any of you kind people out there have been to any of those locations...and if you have I was hoping you could give me some tips. Please!!! This is kind-of a spur of the moment deal and we are just a bunch of dumbass 22 year old kids who don't know anything about westward travel. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

What would be the best camp sites? What should we bring? What should we wear? Where should we stay in Vegas? Where is the best spot to get a good view of the Canyon? What sort of things should we do at Rocky Mtn Park? Should I wear a cowboy hat on this trip? What sort of music would be the best to listen to on a drive across the country? What is the best strip club in Vegas? Best Casino? Are there any bars near the Grand Canyon? Will I meet my future bride on this trip? Etc. Etc.

THANKYOU THANKYOU.

[RedRocksU2]

For Vegas;

Casino; Bellagio...have lunch there.
For dinner, go to the Horseshoe Casino (There is an incredible restaurant called "Hugo's"...a bit expensive but incredible) in Freemont street...you'll recognize it from the ISHFWILF video.
Sapphire for the strip club ...or Cheeta's...but this one is kinda raunchy..... ...........
Hard Rock Casino is a must.

i'll think of other things....

[DaveC]

Drive out to Death Valley and eat a bunch of acid just before sunset. Walk around. This comes highly recommended by Michel Foucault.

ETA: In all seriousness, if you're leaving from Illinois (esp the Chicago area) it might be a cool idea (depending on your group) to travel the old Route 66. You can get a cheap map at http://www.historic66.com/ , and it will take you from Grant Park right to Peach Springs, AZ, which is the closest town to the Canyon's South Rim, or to Santa Monica Pier if you're so inclined.

[GirlsAloudFan]

Ooooh thanks guys!

I will definitely tell my friends about that stuff. Rollin down Route 66 would be awesome and I will see if we can make it to one of those strip clubs...the raunchy one maybe?

But, Dave, I think Foucault will be disappointed because Me + Acid would not = a good thing.

[Dalton]

4-2? You better bring some buns to that sausage fest.

[GirlsAloudFan]

Originally Posted by Dalton

4-2? You better bring some buns to that sausage fest.

Yeah but I'm the only one who has any shot with either of the girls so it's more like 1-2.

[Dalton]

So you roll with ugly people? That's really shallow Gaf.

[Carek1230]

Dang, who can afford the gas for a trip like that these days??

[GirlsAloudFan]

Originally Posted by Carek1230

Dang, who can afford the gas for a trip like that these days??

[Carek1230]

It's good that you'll be travelling with others and sharing the cost. Sounds like a fun trip, I hope you are all safe and have a fun time!

[DaveC]

Originally Posted by GirlsAloudFan

Ooooh thanks guys!

I will definitely tell my friends about that stuff. Rollin down Route 66 would be awesome and I will see if we can make it to one of those strip clubs...the raunchy one maybe?

Take lots of pictures so I can be jealous (of Route 66, I mean).

And keep in mind that all the top porn stars were all strippers in Vegas before they went to the Valley - just sayin'

[beegee]

First time visitors to the canyon should stick to the tourist areas on the South Rim. Mather Point has lookouts with amazing views. There's also a visitors center there. Yaki Point has great views of the sunset. At the West Rim you could try the new SkyWalk. I wouldn't recommend hiking into the canyon in the heat of July if any of you are inexperienced hikers. If you are experienced then Bright Angel trail is one of the more popular trails to reach the river. You should check an NPS site for hiking tips, weather, and flash flood warnings (July to mid-September is flash flood season.) However, since you asked what you should bring and what you should wear I'm guessing that you aren't experienced hikers. Stay at a hotel. There are two popular ones on the Rim, Bright Angel Lodge and El Tovar but I believe you need to make reservations well in advance. There are more hotels in Williams. The lodge at Bright Angel has a restaurant and bar but drinking at the canyon during the peak summer months is an idiot thing to do, especially if you plan on hiking afterwards. Seriously, it's like begging for death. If you want to see the river, perhaps you guys could go with a group, or find a rafting trip. There are also helicopter tours from Las Vegas that are pretty cheap.

In Las Vegas The Venetian is running a special this summer where the price of your room is whatever the temperature is outside but that might only be for locals. I'd call first. If you want a cheap room try Excalibur or Tropicana. Both are at the far end of the strip but everything is still within walking distance. Stratosphere is usually cheap but the surrounding neighborhood is crap. Same with Circus Circus. If you can afford it, stay at Bellagio or Wynn, they're the best on the strip. Palms is farther out and also on the expensive side but it's totally worth it. NYNY is moderately priced and has a great pub. You'd probably enjoy gambling at the Hard Rock where everything is music-themed. Mandalay Bay has the best pool. I'm not sure if you should wear a cowboy hat but sunscreen is a good idea. If you've never experienced the heat of a southern Nevada summer you're in for a real treat.

I can't help you with strip clubs but I do know there's one called The Library

If you guys get crazy in Vegas and decide you need tattoos I highly recommend Studio 21. Ask for Ray.

Have fun and please be careful at the canyon.

[Sicy]

Originally Posted by beegee

If you guys get crazy in Vegas and decide you need tattoos I highly recommend Studio 21. Ask for Ray.

I second this

[GirlsAloudFan]

Thanks Beegee!!!

I really really appreciate all the tips. That's exactly what I was lookin for. I will pass the advice onto my friends.

I'm starting to get really excited for this trip.

If I win a million dollars at a Vegas casino I will share my winnings with all the beautiful members of Interference!

[lazarus]

I can't wait to show up unannounced in Vegas and throw down with GAF right over a craps table.

Then I'll drag him into the nearest sports book like Eli Sunday and make him bet $500 on the Cubs to win the World Series.

[GirlsAloudFan]

Lazarus, you have come here and you have brought good and wealth, but you have also brought your bad habits as a backslider and a Cubs fan. You've lusted after women, and you have abandoned your child. Your child that you raised...you have abandoned...all because he was sick and because you are a Cubs fan. So say it now- I am a sinner.

[MsPurrl]

We liked Excalibur a lot. We've also stayed at the Gold Coast, which is about a mile west of The Strip, but less expensive; and there's a shuttle to The Strip about every 20 minutes. It was decent--at least it was two years ago! Save money on lodging so you can spend it gambling, I say!

[lazarus]

I...DRINK...YOUR...MARGARITA!!!

[bonocomet]

Carlos already mentioned Fremont Street in Vegas which is what I was going to say too... be sure to visit it in the evening/night because the whole thing is covered now and they play cool light show thingies in the sky every hour or so... they're dorky but still fun. And of course like C said there's the whole ISHFWILF video factor, all still very recognizable. Have fun! Vegas

[KhanadaRhodes]

this thread is making me want to visit vegas again all that much more

next year i will