Roadtrip from SF to Page (AZ)

Question

Hi, We are a family of 4 travelling from Australia to the US next week!

Before anyone states it, I will say that I know we are trying to cover a lot in our 3 weeks. We land in SF and are only there for 1 night before we hire a car to Yosemite. 3 nights in Mariposa and then plan to drive to Vegas via Death Valley (overnight stay in Ridgecrest). Vegas is just a night stop before we travel to Grand Canyon South Rim for 2 nights, then further up to Page for 2 nights before travelling back to Vegas for a night and flying out to NYC for the last 10 days of our trip. All accommodation is booked and mostly paid for. I guess there will be around 5-6 hours of driving every couple of day - this is fine as we have done this with our kids in another road trip we undertook.

Now for some specific Questions

1. Do you think we will need snow chains to visit Yosemite (1-3 May)? If yes, then we will need to rework our itinerary to use YARTS.

2. Driving to Death Valley, what is a must have in our car?

3. Best place to buy supplies for the journey? Big towns or is the price pretty much similar along the way?

4. We have booked Canyon X tours at the time/date we wanted via Page but apart from that, everything else is fluid. Is there anything you recommend we should book before the day?

5. Lastly, any words of advice for fellow travellers or residents?

Thankyou in advance :-)

Answer

Your plan is ambitious but absolutely doable, especially since you’ve already done long road trips with your kids. Below is a detailed breakdown answering each of your questions, plus helpful tips specific to your route through Yosemite, Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, and Page.

Because you’re visiting in early May, you’ll be right on the edge of spring snow conditions in Yosemite and early-summer heat in Death Valley. Planning ahead will make your days much smoother.

Here are detailed answers to each of your questions:

1. Do you need snow chains for Yosemite (1–3 May)?
Early May is generally the start of stable spring weather in Yosemite Valley. Snow is still possible at higher elevations (like Tioga Road, which is closed that time of year), but Yosemite Valley roads are plowed and typically do not require chains in May. Chain restrictions can still occur if a late-season storm hits, but this is uncommon. Most rental car companies do not allow installing chains on their vehicles even if you carry them. If you want to avoid the very small possibility of needing chains, YARTS from Mariposa is a perfect alternative — stress-free, no parking issues, drops you right at Yosemite Valley.
Likelihood of needing chains: Very low.
Recommendation: Check the forecast the week before. If a late storm shows up, consider YARTS. Otherwise, drive in yourselves without chains.

2. Driving to Death Valley — what must you have in the car?

Death Valley is remote and can be very hot even in May, though not peak-summer dangerous. Still, you should travel prepared.

Plenty of water — at least 4 liters (1 gallon) total for your family, more if you plan to explore outside the car.
Snacks/food — there are very few services between towns.
Full tank of fuel — fill up in Olancha or Lone Pine before entering the park; fuel inside Death Valley is available but extremely expensive.
Offline maps — reception is unreliable.
Sun protection — hats, sunscreen, long sleeves for kids.
A basic first aid kit — especially with kids.
Charged phones + car charger

3. Best place to buy supplies?

You’ll pass plenty of good-sized towns before entering more remote areas.

San Francisco → Yosemite: Buy supplies in Merced or Mariposa. Prices are normal.
Ridgecrest → Death Valley: Ridgecrest is a good final stop for supplies, groceries, sunscreen, and water.
Las Vegas → Grand Canyon: Buy everything in Vegas. Once you approach the Grand Canyon, options become limited and expensive.
Page: Page has Walmart, Safeway, and full services — completely fine for stocking up before your excursions.

4. You’ve booked Canyon X — anything else you should book in advance?

Page can be very busy during your travel dates. You already booked Canyon X, which is excellent. Other things worth booking ahead:

Horseshoe Bend Sunset Tour (optional) — Not required, because you can drive yourself, but tours offer better photo spots and no walking for kids.
Antelope Canyon Boat Tour (Lake Powell) — If you want to see the canyon from the water.
Glen Canyon Dam Tour — Great for families, requires reservations.
Grand Canyon South Rim viewpoints shuttle info — SHUTTLES free but book meals and lodging ahead, which you’ve already done.

Other stops such as Horseshoe Bend, Wahweap Overlook, and Lake Powell beaches don’t require reservations.

5. Final advice for fellow travelers:

Jet lag is real coming from Australia — take the first couple of days slower.
Stay flexible with weather — Yosemite and the Grand Canyon can both shift weather quickly.

Start early every day

Expect slower driving times in national parks — lots of curves, animals, and stopping for viewpoints.
Download offline maps everywhere — especially Yosemite Valley and Death Valley.
For kids: Pack small toys/books to break up long car days and keep snacks accessible.

Your overall itinerary is perfectly workable, and thousands of families do similar trips every year. You’ll see amazing landscapes, iconic parks, and have great stories to bring home. Have a fantastic trip!

Roadtrip from SF to Page (AZ)

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