1

xSeattle for xOlympic and Rainier.
Vegas for the desert loop (Grand Canyon, xZion, xBryce, etc.).
xDenver for the xColorado loop (xRocky Mountain, Black Canyon, etc.)
xRapid City to xSalt Lake City for the xBlack Hills and xYellowstone.
Bozeman or Billings for xYellowstone and xGlacier.

The list can go on and on.

2

When? You probably don't want do do Denali in January or Death Valley next week.

Do you want to stay in one place for most of the time or rent a car & tour around?

Willing to camp?

3

Hi There,

I have my time off work beginning next week - although my return and departure dates are flexible by a few days on either side. I'm happy staying in one place or renting a car - I've done both and loved it all. I'd rather stay in a budget hotel or hostel over camping - only because I loaned my tent out to a friend for the month.

Thanks

4

There seemed an implicit "soon" in the wording of the OP, which is why you don't see xYosemite on my list.

5

OK, one suggestion. Fly to San Francisco. Several hostels and you don't need a car. Spend a few days there, then take several days to drive down the coast through Big Sur. More scenery than you can handle. Lots of places for day hikes. An excellent aquarium in Monterey. Stop & watch elephant seals north of Hearst Castle. You can spend time in LA or skip it and head further south to San Diego for the zoo and beaches. Wineries all over if that interests you, There are hostels in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and San Diego.

Downside. Some places, like the aquarium may be crowded. Hearst CAstle might be booked up. You will need to either get back to SF or arrange to fly out of LA or San Diego.

Or, go north to Redwood State & National Parks. Again, hiking & scenery. Few hostels, but lots of inexpensive motels. Good birdwatching in places. A couple of places ot see elk, including one of my favorite all-day hikes at Tomales Point. You'll need to drive back to SF, but you can take some alternate routes so you don't pass through the same places all the time.

6

You'll remember the California trip the rest of your life. Everything mentioned is right on target.

7

Nothin' wrong with a 2-week trip to Hawaii.

Multiple national parks, hiking, scenery, the biggest natural aquarium in the world, even a zoo in Honolulu.

8

Totally agree w/the California suggestions. I would add the Redwood trees to the list, Yosemite, Monterey and Berkeley, Napa and Sonoma and just generally the coast which is absolutely gorgeous w/so many beautiful places. You'd have nature, culture, interesting people and events and excellent food.