I am currently in Canada and traveling west. I plan to cross into the USA in the early days of October. From there I just want to meander around the states and soak up a bit of culture, eventually flying out of the USA to be in Lima by the 12th December.
twoeightnine I've lead a trip slightly like this a few times. Been to almost every place you've mentioned. Depending on how much time you really want to spend exploring each Park and city you're really going to be pushing it if you try and and go everywhere on your list.
That part of the country is really, really large. Every passenger that I've had can't believe that it takes as long as it does to get everywhere. (But I can drive across the Netherlands in 2 hours! Why does it take me 2 hours to drive across Yosemite?) You're looking at 5 hours of driving each of your first two driving days alone without any side trips. Actually more with adding Overton since it's the opposite direction as the Grand Canyon. Probably 8 hours that day. Add in Route 66 and you're talking 9.
As for showers, many of the National Parks have pay showers. (Or if you're lucky you can sneak into one in one of the lodges.) Though if you're staying in private campgrounds you would have access to their showers anyways.
twoeightnine True, very true. My Aussie pax we're the only ones who understood. I was talking with a friend the other day I figured out how messed up my ideas of driving are now.
Under an hour = might as well bike
1-2 hours = running an errand
2-4 hours = quick trip
4-5 hours = short drive
5-7 hours = average day
7-9 hours = long drive
9+ = I guess I should get a good night's sleep the night before. (Never happens.)
Let me know if you have any specific questions when you get your route figured out, I know most of the areas way too well. I'd actually join you if I had the money. I'm always stuck going to the same places in the parks and never have a chance to see what I want to see.
twoeightnine I guess it depends on what exactly you want to see? Mountains? Canyons? Lakes? Towns? Cities? It's kind of hard to say exactly how much to budget since I lead groups of 10-13 through there. First thing I'd purchase though is a National Parks pass. http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm It'll save you money in the long run.
Some things I'd definitely check out:
Seligman, AZ and Route 66.
Zion National Park is just over an hour from Bryce and is a must.
Canyonlands NP and Dead Horse State Park are also in Moab with Arches.
If you can spend the money do a helicopter tour at the Grand Canyon. (Go with Maverick.)
I've got a bunch of pictures up that you can go through. http://www.flickr.com/photos/twoeightnine/
twoeightnine Hmm, almost all of the trips that I've done have been camping so it's tough to say. I know that in a few areas you can stay at a KOA campground in a cabin for around $75 a night.
Vegas I could probably get you a room for around $25 in a variety of places depending on the night.
Bryce is going to be really expensive in that there's only one hotel there, so $130-200.
Zion is rather isolated too, you're looking at $120+.
Death Valley, as long as you have sleeping bags you could sleep outside in one of the campgrounds no problem this time of year.
Moab should be relatively doable for cheap, it's getting to be the offseason and there are a ton of hotels there.
Anytime you're near a bigger city you should be able to find a relatively inexpensive hotel, say $49 or so.
Trivia: Which two countries flank Mt Everest?
