We did a big road trip a few years back. Flew into Phoenix - drove through Sedona (I would love to go back and spend more tine there) to Grand Canyon. Spent one night inside the park at Grand Canyon. I’m glad we went, but one night was enough for us. Then we drove to Page to see Horseshoe bend and Antelope Canyon. Then on to Springdale for Zion (the Narrows is a must do). Then to Bryce - another park that was nice to see, but one night was enough. Then we drove up Route 12 (beautiful) to Capitol Reef. I think Capitol Reef needs more time than we gave it to get out into it and explore. Then back through Monument Valley to Phoenix.
The family decided that all of it was amazing, but this was way too much driving for one trip. If this is your only trip out west, then I would definitely include some of the Utah parks. If you plan to return sometime, then I think it’s fine to concentrate on just Arizona - Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Sedona, Petrified Forest, etc.
Thank you everyone for all the wonderful suggestions!! Wow! So helpful, thank you! I have been keeping notes on all or your suggestions! Can’t wait to go!
regarding driving: years ago, we were at a wedding in KC; groom’s relatives were from italy; and they were talking about renting a car and driving to see the grand canyon the next day. they had no idea on the vast amount of driving and space they faced (1200 miles one way!).
SO yes, college24X2 is so right – LOTS of driving if you go out of arizona. (but oh, so worth it!).
It’s a 90 minute drive from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. If you plan to take a lot of trips back and forth, the drive could be unpleasant. There are a lot of closer options, including lodging within Grand Canyon national park, some of which is steps from the canyon itself.
Many people have extreme reactions to the canyon – some love it and want to hike as much as they can there. Others just need a few minutes to take in the view and may have reservations about the height. I’m in the former group – some of the most enjoyable hiking I’ve done in my life, and a view that needs to be seen in person and cannot be captured in photos because the scaling doesn’t come through. An example photo I took is attached. In the far left, note how small the guy on the rocks is compared the canyon, and imagine what the view is for him. I spent a week hiking each day, and never got tired of it. If I go back, I’d want to plan on camping at the bottom of the canyon and try more in canyon activities.
Outside of the canyon, I thought Bearizona was worth a stop, if you are passing through Williams, which is a small drive trough safari that permits pets in the car. My dog got a kick about seeing most of the animals, although the wolves made her nervous when briefly circling the car. Again many others, prefer different types of activities. It depends what you are look for.
We spent a week in Sedona, including a day trip to GC and a float trip on the Colorado river, plus a Pink Jeep tour and lots of hiking.
I DO NOT recommend meteor crater - it was a waste of a drive.
We went to the GC last spring break with our S22. It was a great experience.
We flew into Flagstaff and stayed in Williams (about 1 hour away). It was too far. After a full day of hiking, driving an hour back to Williams is a bit of a beating. Stay in Tusayan or on site if you can afford it. Tusayan has a few restaurants. We ate at a decent steak place and there’s a very solid pizza place too. Two full days minimum. Lots of trails into the mountain and you can walk the rim as well. Have fun!
Sedona is worth a day if you’re passing through - you could fly into Phoenix and immediately drive up to Sedona to spend the night. It’s about 2 hours drive from the airport. Lots of fun little shops and art galleries - check out the Tlaquepaque shopping center. For hiking devil’s bridge is very cool, and cathedral rock is iconic.
After a day of fun in Sedona it’s an easy hour drive up to Flagstaff - you can either get back on the boring but fast freeway or take a windy fun mountain road (which can induce carsickness for those that are prone to it).
We went last summer (June 2021). Drove from Illinois to Mesa Verde, CO, spent a day and a half there (loved it!), and then drove to the Grand Canyon. Spent 3 days there (with some afternoon breaks, because it was unusually hot for June). Even with the heatwave, we enjoyed it immensely. Couldn’t get enough of the views. Hiked into the Canyon (only a mile and a half one way, but it was enough with two teenage girls and the heat). And thankfully, the heat would subside in the late afternoon (low humidity helped, too). The only thing I regret is not having stayed in the park itself (we were on the south rim but it didn’t feel crowded at all). Because of the pandemic, I was trying to stay away from hotels and lodges and opted for an Airbnb near Tusayan (when we were planning the trip, we didn’t know, of course, that the COVID numbers would be so low in June). So, we had to drive about 30 minutes to the Canyon each way, which ended up being a lot of driving (but if you fly to Arizona, this drive isn’t too bad). We spent a few days with family in CO on the way back, so this helped. Enjoy!
Have been to north and south rims of Grand Canyon as well. I agree that the North Rim is quieter and close to Zion and Bryce. I planned a trip where we stayed at a different national park every night. Bad idea and something I wouldn’t recommend. 2 nights at each is much better, otherwise you’re always driving.
If you like hiking and camping, Havasu canyon is beautiful (or was when I was there in early 1980s). I love the South Rim of GC too and it is near Sedona and a bunch of national parks. We always tried to stay in the parks or as near as we could do we could spend more time enjoying the place and less going back & forth.
There is a train that goes from Williams to South Rim of GC, which we’ve always meant to take but never managed it.
Despite my name, I grew up in AZ and spent my childhood and 20s exploring natural areas in the state. I visit yearly. The Grand Canyon is different depending on the time of day and viewpoint. If possible, stay on the rim to experience sunrise and sunset after the day tours have stopped clogging the area. Mid day colors are washed out. Walk rim trails, or hike down the Bright Angel Trail for a short or full day if in shape. I adore the old cabins at the Bright Angel Lodge, and if in budget El Tovar is a lovely piece of history. As are other spots on the rim.
I like to tell visitors to drive north of Flagstaff on the road that passes Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments, stopping at both. Have lunch, Navajo tacos preferably, at Cameron Trading post, which has an amazing collection of Native rugs and jewelry as well as views into a tributary canyon from the dining room. Jog back south a bit to enter the park from the east end which gives you a variety of viewpoints before reaching Grand Canyon Village.
If going to the Sedona area, spend a night there or in one of the other towns in the area. Note the various state parks which give views of the rocks from some lovely different perspectives, as well as local National Monuments. And Jerome, a mining town clinging to a hillside.
Arcosanti when heading north of Phoenix is an interesting place to tour if interested in idealistic dreams and architectural innovation.
Sorry, didn’t mean this post as a reply. Traveling myself and using a clunky iPad.
I agree that the North Rim is less crowded and generally less touristy, which partially relates to the limited season of being open ~5 months per year. The OP said she planned to visit in May . The North Rim says they plan to open in mid May, but also say the specific date may be changed. In contrast, the South Rim is open all year round, and is more likely to have available in-park lodging during the desired trip period.
Which side is “better” depends on what you plan to do at the canyon and what you enjoy. For example, hiking can be quite different between the 2 sides. It’s nearly twice the distance to the bottom from the north side, with >50% greater elevation change. In my opinion, there are also more and better option for casual hikers looking for something simple on the south rim. Examples include the 2 mile round trip hike to Ooh Aah point, continuing further on South Kaibab for a 6 mile round trip to Skeleton Point, or simply choosing among the many sections of possible above rim trails that border the canyon. However, the North Rim also has good options, with more forest areas.
If not hiking, there are more viewpoints, places to stop, and general amenities on the South Rim, but one could make a case that the best viewpoints are on the North Rim, which partially relates to the greater elevation. It also depends what type of views you prefer, with the more trees/forest mixed in on the North Rim.
I don’t think it’s a universal better/worse. It’s more it depends on when you are visiting, what types of activities you want to experience, how you feel about crowds/tourists, and what else you plan on doing. Both sides of the canyon no doubt have awe-inspiring views, several amazing hiking trails, and options for dining + lodging.
I agree with this suggestion (though personally I’d scratch LV) Sedona is lovely and has great hiking. I’d also hike Bright Angel. GC is a one and done but definitely a to-do IMO. The southern UT National parks are a must see. All very different but equally great.
We did this trip as a family when our kids were young, maybe 8 and 10. It was Easter week, so late March or early April. We only had 5 days and didn’t want to hike with the kids, so we kept to Arizona. We took the train mentioned above into the GC, which the kids really liked. Spent one night on the S. Rim. I agree with the comment that the canyon looks different at sunrise and sunset. I got up early for sunrise and the peace and awe I experienced watching the light change and considering the vastness was overwhelming and memorable. I don’t think we would have wanted to return for a 2nd day if we weren’t staying in the park but really glad I had the opportunity for that early morning experience. We then spent 2 nights in Sedona which I adored; being surrounded by all those beautiful red rock formations was mesmerizing. I loved the vibe of Sedona and would encourage at least a one night stay there but 2 is even better. We finished the trip with one night and day in warmer Phoenix before heading back to the East Coast - unfortunately there was a cold snap and it wasn’t very warm but the kids swam in the pool anyway. Whichever path you choose you will have a great trip - enjoy!!
We did a similar trip and flew in and out of Vegas.
We rented a car and did the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon (we stayed at Phantom Ranch at the bottom, reserve months or a year in advance, but we got lucky with a Feb cancellation), then Monument Valley, then Mesa Verde, then Arches, Goblin Valley, Bryce, Zion, and back to Vegas. Amazing trip and worth every penny.
I did a similar trip with my son in 2018, in early May after he finished his semester. We flew in and out of Phoenix. The big difference is that we camped in the Grand Canyon park. Was wonderful, even though the weather was still cool. We brought a tent, but I rented a car that was big enough to sleep in if the weather was truly awful. I got up to see the sun rise over the canyon, which was an incredible experience. We hiked into the Canyon to the 3-mile rest spot.
We then went to Flagstaff for one night, staying in a KOA camp cabin, luckily because the weather was terrible and we actually went to the movies and then found a rock gym. On to Sedona where we stayed in a hotel, because the campgrounds were not open yet although turns out they might have been. Great hiking plus good restaurants and interesting shops.
All in all, a great trip. If you can, stay at the Grand Canyon. Well worth it.
@great_lakes_mom has great advice. North rim or south rim, stay inside the park for the best experience, do some hiking, and definitely watch the sunrise and sunset.
In the Flagstaff area, our family favorites are Sunset Crater and Wupatki (get the national parks pass if you’re seeing those and the Grand Canyon), the Red Mountain Trail (we all loved this), the Lava River cave if it’s open, taking the ski lift to the top of Mt Humphreys, and the Old Caves Crater trail which is right near Flagstaff. We’ve also had fun at the Grand Canyon Deer Farm near Williams and a lot of people like Bearizona.
In Flagstaff we like to eat at the Beaver Street Brewery or Diablo Burger and get coffee at Macy’s.
Near Sedona we like the West fork Trail on Oak creek canyon.
In Phoenix in May, wake up early and go to the Desert Botanical garden or do a hike first thing in the morning for nice weather. Then go to a museum or shopping in the afternoon. We love the Musical Instrument Museum.
With regards to driving, there’s just a lot more open space out here than the east coast. Fill up your car with gas before leaving any city. Carry water and drink a lot of it. It’s dry here.
Arizona is a beautiful state and has a huge diversity of landscape and ecosystems. Our daughter and Her husband recently moved to Tucson and have been exploring the southern part of the state and there’s some incredible places. Chiricahua National Monument really should be a National park. But it’s more spread out and remote in southern Arizona and harder to see on a quick visit.
(I am the OP.) Oh my gosh, so appreciate all the wonderful suggestions! Another rookie question. The more I learn, the more I think my family would enjoy all the day excursions to the different areas surrounding Sedona and Flagstaff. I know Sedona and Flagstaff are only about a half hour from each other but if you had to choose just one place to stay to make your home base (so we aren’t switching hotels or air Bnb’s too often) which would you choose? I am thinking Flagstaff and we could always circle back down to Sedona area if wanted? I am thinking maybe just a day excursion trip to South Rim.
Also if staying in Flagstaff is the downtown area a good spot to choose or would you choose elsewhere? Does anyone have a good air bnb they would recommend?
