Trip to Phoenix and Grand Canyon Ideas


cloudraker

cloudraker

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Got the idea from 1Jesster's post.:44:

So, the family is planning a trip from Phoenix to the South Rim of the grand canyon in March.
Any ideas for views or day hikes or stops of interest to see or not to miss - other than the canyon?
 
Flagstaff is fun to walk around. Sedona is...there's only one Sedona. Go to Winslow and see the full sized bronzes of the Eagles on the corner. On the way there stop by the meteor crater (one more of natures awesomeness like the Big Ditch). Further down the road is the Petrified Forest.
At the GC south rim, park and ride the shuttles to the overlooks and sights (mucho easy and you'll be tired of driving anyway).
 
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Inside the park, you're going to be there before the tourist season hits, so I would recommend the South Kaibab trail to Ceder Ridge, the Bright Angel Trail to Indian Gardens, and the whole Grandview Trail. They're all pretty strenuous, but well worth it. Outside the Park, listen to others.
 
madmax said:
Flagstaff is fun to walk around. Sedona is...there's only one Sedona. Go to Winslow and see the full sized bronzes of the Eagles on the corner. On the way there stop by the meteor crater (one more of natures awesomeness like the Big Ditch). Further down the road is the Petrified Forest.
At the GC south rim, park and ride the shuttles to the overlooks and sights (mucho easy and you'll be tired of driving anyway).
Click to expand...

My wife says WE HAVE TO go to Sedona, so it's a given. We'll probably overnight in Flagstaff and then head to the south rim.


Thankyou all for the input so far. Really appreciate it.
 
If the canyon isn't enough outdoor beauty, you could check out the Painted Desert

PEFO_twinbuttesarea.jpg


and/or Monument Valley.

utah-monument-valley.jpg


Both are in the same general area and well worth visiting if you have the time.
 
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While in the SW, look up an astronomical observatory or two. Bing for a couple of astronomy clubs, see what kind of activities they have planned for the time you're there. Go to a public stargazing event. You will be astounded by what is "out there."
 
Just east of Flag on I-40 is Walnut Canyon National Monument (I think it's a monument). It's a small park of Indian ruins/cliff houses, with a trail and visitor center/museum. very cool, and very easy to get to and see.

When you go thru Sedona, you'll want to drive up to Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon on Hwy 89A. Very pretty drive. There's some nice stuff to see (country) around Sedona also. A short drive up Shnebly (sp?) Hill road may be fun.

Going out of Flag, drive Hwy 180, its the prettiest way. Watch for elk along the road, there used to be tons of them. If you have time, north of Flag on Hwy 89, there's another National Park or Monument called Wupatki, it's Indian ruins in very good shape, on a longish loop road.

Along I-17 going north, just up from Camp Verde is a small spot called Montezumas Well, a very small Indian ruin site around a natural water hole/sink hole. There's also Monteumas Castle, close to the Interstate as well. Fort Verde Hist site is also interesting, if you like that sort of thing, and fairly small scale.

You could google image search those places and get an idea what they look like, and if you'd be interested in seeing them.

If you had time, there's a lot to see in the area, those are some of the easiest ones. I lived in Flag for 8 years. Nice country, if a bit crowded now.
 
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One word of advice about Navajo jewelry that you will see all over the place. It used to be that we could buy from the makers themselves. Now it has been diluted with (non native made) goods and many I know and have talked to at pow wows here in the NW say it's getting a little out of hand. Turquise and Silver are beautiful, but a keen eye can still get some good prices on original items if careful. And as always, try to avoid the shops in the parks if you can.
 
Thanks again everyone. This is gonna be a good spring break trip for my family and I.
Nice tip on the jewlery - forgot about that. I'm a sucker for Native tourquise and silver.
 
Prescott is really nice if you decide to overnight. AVOID CAMP VERDE.

Do the canyon early in the day. If you hike in, bring plenty of water. Dehydration is the leading cause of injury and death in the canyon. Double your estimate for hiking out.

Keep your eyes on where you're walking. Do not touch your camera while you are on the move. That, sadly, is the second leading cause of injury.

We love it there. The North Rim is outstanding, but there's no way to get there directly from PHX without taking the circuitous route.

Enjoy!
 
Sunset Crater is right by Flagstaff and very unusual! It's only a 1 mile loop, so if you want to go further, do what I do when presented with a short loop hike: do the loop in one direction, then stop at the car for a snack or drink...turn around and hike the loop the opposite way. I guarantee you will see something different! Anyway, it's a cool place, if you have kids they will love it. How often do they see recent evidence of a volcano?! By the way, I also recommend Walnut Canyon, and all the other stuff mentioned here (though I've not been to Camp Verde, lol)

http://www.nps.gov/sucr/index.htm
 
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