X5fromOZ...
6 days to "do stuff" from LV to Vail or,
6 days to do theme parks on the LeftCoast and
then LV and then haul azz to Vail?
We/I need a clearer time frame.
It's 650+ miles from LV to Vail, though I wouldn't
want to do it in one day, even under exc. summer conditions
as there is too much to see and outstanding scenery.
Plus, that is Big country...if you are still doing the RV thing,
you may have some real probs., weather-wise that time of
year. I would rec'd an AWD or 4 wheel drive vehicle, though
that may not give you the room you need with your teens.
It's not "winter" all across the US, in late Dec., but at any
bit of elevation, you will see, be in, and have lots of snow.
I've done M'cycle trips that offered 6" of snow on July 4th
on Interstate 70, in the Vail, CO area, so December can
offer 80 degrees at sea level and 10 degs F at altitude.
I would be prepared, as elevation gains are the standard in
most of that area you would be traversing from LostWages
to Vail and Denver.
Off the top of my head, stuff I've seen several times and would
rec'd to everyone
-Hoover Dam outside of LV:
http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/
-Sedona, AZ as BLine mentioned is very pretty: maybe worth a
half a day and dinner; many resturants.
http://www.visitsedona.com/
-Grand Canyon: A
Must...it's 5-6 hours from LV to the Canyon.
I rec'd a motel res. in advance. One can easily spend a couple
days there, just "seeing" some of the views, from both South and
North rim. I believe they still run helicopter rides and they are titz.
links:
http://www.nps.gov/grca/
and,
http://www.grandcanyon.com/
and,
http://www.grand.canyon.national-park.com/
-Monument Valley drive out of AZ into southern Utah:
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/monument_valley/
-Southwestern Utah: Zion Natl Park, Bryce Canyon, Capitol
Reef & Escalante parks: outstanding site with many links and pics
here:
http://www.so-utah.com/
-Western Colorado:
http://westerncolorado.com/
That should give you some food for thought.
GL,mD