Hi Peter,
Everything costs in USA.
I found that food and accommodation is better priced than in AU. All else they charge like a wounded bull.
A drive through the Petrified Forest is interesting. Logs are scattered over a 30Klm drive. It did cost about $20 to enter. It is a prehistoric river delta. There's places to stop and read the signs and short walking tours.
Its then onto the Crater. That also has a charge. Along the way there are various shops selling pieces of agate/petrified wood and meteorite pieces.
A strategy they use is: Old car relics are parked outside many of the shops. These cars are no longer mobile. Its to attract the tourist into believing that the shop is popular for some reason.
My son and I took the helicopter flight through the Grand Canyon. 7 years ago it was $700 USD total for the two of us. About a one hour flight.
Las Vegas is something else. Never sleeps. The streets are full of people throughout the night. A beer in the main drag was $8 and anywhere along the main street was the same. Two hundred metres down a side street, $1.50. It pays to shop around.
I'm sure where ever you go you will find it a worthwhile experience. Have fun.
Cheers
