Arizona Travel Help Needed - Intinerary with teens - 9 days
Jan 10th, 2015, 11:41 AM
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Arizona Travel Help Needed - Intinerary with teens - 9 days
Hi AZ Locals,
I will be traveling with my two twins (13 -- one boy, one girl) at the end of March. We will be arriving on the night of 27th and will stay though the April 5, so we have about 9 days all together. We would like some suggestions on an intinerary. The kids are frequent travelers, non-picky eaters and generally fairly easy to travel with. We are going to rent a car and can fly into PHX or could fly into Flagstaff if it helps see everything. Any cheap car suggestions would be great as well as hotel suggestions. Budget for hotels is $100 or less but could stay cheaper a few days to stay someplace nice on a day or two. I have a lot of Hilton points as well so we could use those. I think anything in the Grand Canyon is already booked for our dates.
Have reviewed with them things they like to do and there is a lot on the list:
Grand Canyon
Petrified Forest
Crater
Old Tucson
Sabino Canyon
Sonora Desert Muesum
Sedona - Jeep Tour, hiking, shopping, art
Tombstone
Maybe Horse Back Riding
They like shows, are excellent swimmers and love to try new foods.
I am a single parent so it is just me and then. I would like a little pool time in the afternoons or evening or at least a day
. Would prefer to not try more than 3 hours per day but could have a couple of push days to see everything. Trying to figure out how not to backtrack to much either. We are from CA so are used to a big state.
Any suggestions? Too much for 9 days? Are we missing anything?
Thanks for any help that could be provided. This will be their first trip to AZ and they are super excited.
Thanks so much!!!
I will be traveling with my two twins (13 -- one boy, one girl) at the end of March. We will be arriving on the night of 27th and will stay though the April 5, so we have about 9 days all together. We would like some suggestions on an intinerary. The kids are frequent travelers, non-picky eaters and generally fairly easy to travel with. We are going to rent a car and can fly into PHX or could fly into Flagstaff if it helps see everything. Any cheap car suggestions would be great as well as hotel suggestions. Budget for hotels is $100 or less but could stay cheaper a few days to stay someplace nice on a day or two. I have a lot of Hilton points as well so we could use those. I think anything in the Grand Canyon is already booked for our dates.
Have reviewed with them things they like to do and there is a lot on the list:
Grand Canyon
Petrified Forest
Crater
Old Tucson
Sabino Canyon
Sonora Desert Muesum
Sedona - Jeep Tour, hiking, shopping, art
Tombstone
Maybe Horse Back Riding
They like shows, are excellent swimmers and love to try new foods.
I am a single parent so it is just me and then. I would like a little pool time in the afternoons or evening or at least a day
. Would prefer to not try more than 3 hours per day but could have a couple of push days to see everything. Trying to figure out how not to backtrack to much either. We are from CA so are used to a big state.Any suggestions? Too much for 9 days? Are we missing anything?
Thanks for any help that could be provided. This will be their first trip to AZ and they are super excited.
Thanks so much!!!
Jan 10th, 2015, 12:09 PM
#2
Given the season and the mountainous north of the state, I suggest you shift your activities south. You've already included Tombstone in the south and even though you're from a big state (I'm from CA too but lived in SE AZ for 25 years) it really is pushing it to try to include the north in just 9 days, especially given your plans could be disrupted by a snowstorm.
Tucson, Sabino Canyon, Desert Museum - all good. If you head due south from Tucson there's Mission San Xavier del Bac, Tubac & Tumacacori Monument and Nogales, should the kids like a walk across the border that's not Tijuana. Then the drive parallel to the border east is a beautiful drive that gets you to Bisbee, much more interesting than Tombstone and an underground mine tour, but Tombstone is then on your drive back to Tucson. Then continuing toward Tucson from Tombstone, Kartchner Caverns, a BIG draw in the area.
If your trip was to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and you had the time to be diverted by weather, then March would be fine. But under the circumstances I'd save it for a summer trip and stay south where weather won't be an issue.
Tucson, Sabino Canyon, Desert Museum - all good. If you head due south from Tucson there's Mission San Xavier del Bac, Tubac & Tumacacori Monument and Nogales, should the kids like a walk across the border that's not Tijuana. Then the drive parallel to the border east is a beautiful drive that gets you to Bisbee, much more interesting than Tombstone and an underground mine tour, but Tombstone is then on your drive back to Tucson. Then continuing toward Tucson from Tombstone, Kartchner Caverns, a BIG draw in the area.
If your trip was to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and you had the time to be diverted by weather, then March would be fine. But under the circumstances I'd save it for a summer trip and stay south where weather won't be an issue.
Jan 10th, 2015, 12:14 PM
#3
Definitely try to get something in the park at the Grand Canyon. Keep calling - there are cancellations.
If you can't get something in the park, you could stay in Flagstaff. Another option is the hotel at Cameron Trading Post. Not fancy, but a good place to stay. Just outside the east side of the park at the South Rim. Good restaurant with the best Navajo fry bread you'll get anywhere!
https://www.camerontradingpost.com/
A fun place to stay near Meteor Crater and Painted Desert NP would be the teepee hotel in Holbrook -
http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/route66..._holbrook.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...k_Arizona.html
Fun. Kitschy. May not be at all something you are interested in. I tried to find the video of Oprah and Gayle checking in, without success. Here's another video -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHGoOdNQChs
Definitely take a Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona.
It sounds like a great trip. I mapped it via google and with your overnight stops, your drive segments will be 3 hours or less.
Have fun!
If you can't get something in the park, you could stay in Flagstaff. Another option is the hotel at Cameron Trading Post. Not fancy, but a good place to stay. Just outside the east side of the park at the South Rim. Good restaurant with the best Navajo fry bread you'll get anywhere!
https://www.camerontradingpost.com/
A fun place to stay near Meteor Crater and Painted Desert NP would be the teepee hotel in Holbrook -
http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/route66..._holbrook.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...k_Arizona.html
Fun. Kitschy. May not be at all something you are interested in. I tried to find the video of Oprah and Gayle checking in, without success. Here's another video -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHGoOdNQChs
Definitely take a Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona.
It sounds like a great trip. I mapped it via google and with your overnight stops, your drive segments will be 3 hours or less.
Have fun!
Jan 10th, 2015, 12:20 PM
#4
I agree that it can be cold in March. The first time we visited the Grand Canyon was in March and it snowed. It was still a great trip. In fact, 1979 we didn't know we needed reservations. We had flown into Denver, gone to Arches NP, and got a room on the rim (literally, on the rim) because folks were leaving the park due to the snow. We were there for three days and it was gorgeous. (We continued on to skiing in Colorado).
So, yes it can get cold and it may even snow but I wouldn't call your route to the GC, Flagstaff and/or Holbrook "mountainous". IMO you'll be fine.
So, yes it can get cold and it may even snow but I wouldn't call your route to the GC, Flagstaff and/or Holbrook "mountainous". IMO you'll be fine.
Jan 10th, 2015, 12:21 PM
#5
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hours.htm
The South Rim: Open All Year
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All visitor services: camping, lodging, and restaurants are available year round. Reservations are strongly recommended during spring, summer and fall. Some facilities close during the winter.
The South Rim: Open All Year
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All visitor services: camping, lodging, and restaurants are available year round. Reservations are strongly recommended during spring, summer and fall. Some facilities close during the winter.
Jan 10th, 2015, 12:25 PM
#6
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Flagstaff doesn't have that many flights, so I would fly into Phoenix. Southwest [if you live near an airport that they fly out of] is often a good deal. They have a sale on now.
Car rental is likely to be high as it is still prime season. If you belong to Costco, try pricing out a car. If not, book a car now, that you can cancel if you find a lower price and keep looking. It gets very expensive if you pick up in one place and drop off at another, so try to make your trip a loop, ending at same place you arrived.
It's a bit of a drive to GC from Flagstaff, so see if you can find closer place. I think Williams might work.
It will still be cold at GC; daytime highs mid 50's; nights below freezing. Flagstaff and GC can still have snow at that time of year.
Phoenix mid 70's daytime highs, mid 50's at night. Not what I would call swimming weather, but your kids might!
Car rental is likely to be high as it is still prime season. If you belong to Costco, try pricing out a car. If not, book a car now, that you can cancel if you find a lower price and keep looking. It gets very expensive if you pick up in one place and drop off at another, so try to make your trip a loop, ending at same place you arrived.
It's a bit of a drive to GC from Flagstaff, so see if you can find closer place. I think Williams might work.
It will still be cold at GC; daytime highs mid 50's; nights below freezing. Flagstaff and GC can still have snow at that time of year.
Phoenix mid 70's daytime highs, mid 50's at night. Not what I would call swimming weather, but your kids might!
Jan 10th, 2015, 01:31 PM
#7
"...I wouldn't call your route to the GC, Flagstaff... "mountainous"."
Both Flagstaff and South Rim of the GC are at 7,000' elevation. That may not be mountainous to some but it is, nevertheless, high for weather purposes. If you're on a schedule, a storm going through can delay plans. That's the point I was making and having spent a year in Flagstaff, I wouldn't plan a relatively short trip through the area in winter when there are alternatives.
The canyon will still be there for a summer trip when you can enjoy all it has to offer. I have no doubt that your 2 teens would love a hike into the canyon and maybe camping or rafting. So why not go when you're assured of decent weather and all activities are available?
Both Flagstaff and South Rim of the GC are at 7,000' elevation. That may not be mountainous to some but it is, nevertheless, high for weather purposes. If you're on a schedule, a storm going through can delay plans. That's the point I was making and having spent a year in Flagstaff, I wouldn't plan a relatively short trip through the area in winter when there are alternatives.
The canyon will still be there for a summer trip when you can enjoy all it has to offer. I have no doubt that your 2 teens would love a hike into the canyon and maybe camping or rafting. So why not go when you're assured of decent weather and all activities are available?
Jan 10th, 2015, 01:44 PM
#8
Well, given that we drove into the Grand Canyon after driving through Colorado's mountains it didn't seem very "mountainous" to us.
You're driving in from high desert.
Sedona is at 4500'
Cameron is at 4200'
Chinle is at 5500'
Page is at 4300'
The average elevation at the south rim is 6800. A gain of about 2500 didn't feel very "mountainous".
In any case, I've been there in March, driven in from Utah and Colorado and drove in during a snowfall. We experienced no difficulties and had a great three days at the rim. I've returned several times since.
You're driving in from high desert.
Sedona is at 4500'
Cameron is at 4200'
Chinle is at 5500'
Page is at 4300'
The average elevation at the south rim is 6800. A gain of about 2500 didn't feel very "mountainous".
In any case, I've been there in March, driven in from Utah and Colorado and drove in during a snowfall. We experienced no difficulties and had a great three days at the rim. I've returned several times since.
Jan 10th, 2015, 02:29 PM
#9
It's only information. I'm not disputing your good luck with the weather, starrs, but any sensible person knows that one person's experience is no predictor of another's where weather is concerned. Having lived there and hated driving in snow, I consider it a concern. Isn't that what we're here for?
Jan 10th, 2015, 02:53 PM
#10
"but any sensible person knows that one person's experience is no predictor of another's where weather is concerned."
And my suggestion is to consider the trip to the south rim vs. your - " But under the circumstances I'd save it for a summer trip and stay south where weather won't be an issue."
"Under the circumstances"? As you say, "any sensible person knows that one person's experience is no predictor of another's where weather is concerned."
On Jan. 10th you can't predict what the weather will be in March - and yet you are suggesting they not go.
"I consider it a concern. Isn't that what we're here for?"
Definitely. And using your input, she could book that part of the trip and IF the weather proves to be a concern, she could modify her plans accordingly.
We lucked out and got a room ON the rim - with no reservations. The reason? Snow. Some guests with reservations left. Some guests with reservations decided not to go because of the snow.
We enjoyed a delightful three days in the Grand Canyon, in March, with snow, in a room ON the rim.
The OP is adult. She'll read your input and mine and probably others' and make a decision. IMO she should plan to visit the park, make reservations and change those reservations if needed due to weather.
And my suggestion is to consider the trip to the south rim vs. your - " But under the circumstances I'd save it for a summer trip and stay south where weather won't be an issue."
"Under the circumstances"? As you say, "any sensible person knows that one person's experience is no predictor of another's where weather is concerned."
On Jan. 10th you can't predict what the weather will be in March - and yet you are suggesting they not go.
"I consider it a concern. Isn't that what we're here for?"
Definitely. And using your input, she could book that part of the trip and IF the weather proves to be a concern, she could modify her plans accordingly.
We lucked out and got a room ON the rim - with no reservations. The reason? Snow. Some guests with reservations left. Some guests with reservations decided not to go because of the snow.
We enjoyed a delightful three days in the Grand Canyon, in March, with snow, in a room ON the rim.
The OP is adult. She'll read your input and mine and probably others' and make a decision. IMO she should plan to visit the park, make reservations and change those reservations if needed due to weather.
Jan 10th, 2015, 04:58 PM
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Thanks everyone, appreciate all of the thoughts. Kids thought a teepee motel would be cool for one night. Any suggestions on where to start? If we land in PHX should we head to Tucson first for a few days and then possibly head back through PHX the other direction. How much time would folks recommend in each location. I've got the guide books but always find them a bit off.
Jan 10th, 2015, 05:25 PM
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I would fly into Phoenix and look for lodging in Grand Canyon first and see which end of the trip it fits into best. I would look at day 2 or 3 or day 5 or 6 for the night at GC.
If you get day 2 or 3 in GC and get into Phoenix before noon, head right up to Sedona and spend the afternoon, night and next morning there. Then head to Grand Canyon in time for sunset, spend the next day there see sunrise, hike down into the canyon a bit and along the rim trail then head out towards the east, then south. Stop at Wupatki for a look at the ruins. Then head east on 40 for the night at the teepees. The next day visit the crater and Petrified forest NP. Then head south to do the things in the Tucson area and loop back to Phoenix. If you get into Phoenix late, do 2 nights in Sedona (or if it's very late one night on the north side of Phoenix one in Sedona) then head towards GC for night 3. Unless you hike a lot, one day should be enough in GC and we've done the meteor crater and Petrified forest in the same day.
If you get day 5 or 6 for GC, reverse the loop and head for Tucson first (stop at Casa Grande ruin on the way south).
Have a fantastic trip.
Have a great trip
If you get day 2 or 3 in GC and get into Phoenix before noon, head right up to Sedona and spend the afternoon, night and next morning there. Then head to Grand Canyon in time for sunset, spend the next day there see sunrise, hike down into the canyon a bit and along the rim trail then head out towards the east, then south. Stop at Wupatki for a look at the ruins. Then head east on 40 for the night at the teepees. The next day visit the crater and Petrified forest NP. Then head south to do the things in the Tucson area and loop back to Phoenix. If you get into Phoenix late, do 2 nights in Sedona (or if it's very late one night on the north side of Phoenix one in Sedona) then head towards GC for night 3. Unless you hike a lot, one day should be enough in GC and we've done the meteor crater and Petrified forest in the same day.
If you get day 5 or 6 for GC, reverse the loop and head for Tucson first (stop at Casa Grande ruin on the way south).
Have a fantastic trip.
Have a great trip
Jan 10th, 2015, 06:06 PM
#13
I'd fly to Las Vegas and rent a cheaper car and then head to Hoover Dam. Depending on the weather at the time, you can choose whether to go to South Rim or to Sedona by the time you get to Kingman. YMMV
Jan 12th, 2015, 10:22 AM
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Las Vegas would be a poor place to fly into if you are set on visiting Tucson and Tombstone. And flying into Flagstaff is not advisable because you would have to make a connection in Phoenix. It is only a 2 hour drive from PHX to Flag so you would get there just as fast driving from PHX -- possibly faster, depending on whether there are any flight delays or how long of a connection you would have.
As was suggested, see what you can get inside the park at the Grand Canyon. Use this link, but also call Xanterra, because there are always cancellations. The cheapest lodging will be in Maswick or Yavapai Lodge, or a Bright Angel Cabin, if you are lucky enough to snag one.
http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/
Get your GCNP lodging booked, then plan the rest of your trip around that. If you just can not get a room inside the park, a hotel in Tusayan, just outside the south entrance, is next closest. After that, the Cameron Trading Post, about 30 miles outside the east entrance is next closest. Forget Williams or Flagstaff, they are too far away to make staying there worthwhile.
When you mention "crater" I take it you mean Meteor Crater. That was somewhat of a disappointment. You can't go into the crater and can only walk a short way along the rim.
Sedona would also be a good (and warmer) place to visit, either before or after the Grand Canyon. Other places along the way -- Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater (volcanic) are on a loop road off route 89, between I-40 and the road to the east entrance to the GCNP. The suggestion of the Cameron Trading Post, at least for lunch, is a good one. Make sure you have the Navajo Taco.
Here is my blog on things to see and do around Tucson and Southern Arizona. You have already been given good suggestions, so just see what else looks good to you.
http://mikepintucson.blogspot.com/
As was suggested, see what you can get inside the park at the Grand Canyon. Use this link, but also call Xanterra, because there are always cancellations. The cheapest lodging will be in Maswick or Yavapai Lodge, or a Bright Angel Cabin, if you are lucky enough to snag one.
http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/
Get your GCNP lodging booked, then plan the rest of your trip around that. If you just can not get a room inside the park, a hotel in Tusayan, just outside the south entrance, is next closest. After that, the Cameron Trading Post, about 30 miles outside the east entrance is next closest. Forget Williams or Flagstaff, they are too far away to make staying there worthwhile.
When you mention "crater" I take it you mean Meteor Crater. That was somewhat of a disappointment. You can't go into the crater and can only walk a short way along the rim.
Sedona would also be a good (and warmer) place to visit, either before or after the Grand Canyon. Other places along the way -- Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater (volcanic) are on a loop road off route 89, between I-40 and the road to the east entrance to the GCNP. The suggestion of the Cameron Trading Post, at least for lunch, is a good one. Make sure you have the Navajo Taco.
Here is my blog on things to see and do around Tucson and Southern Arizona. You have already been given good suggestions, so just see what else looks good to you.
http://mikepintucson.blogspot.com/
Jan 12th, 2015, 10:25 AM
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Jan 12th, 2015, 12:41 PM
#17
It's almost like a Yellowstone trip - there are two loops, an upper one and a lower one.
Fly into Phoenix and head north or south for one of the loops - based on what's available inside the Grand Canyon south rim.
Then drive back through Phoenix/Scottsdale to the other loop.
I've driven a beautiful back route from Holbrook to Phoenix through the mountains but would not recommend it other than in summer months.
Your kids may not be interested but this is one of my favorite places -
http://www.franklloydwright.org/abou...WestTours.html
There are daytime tours as well as a gorgeous night tour. The stars are amazing and it would be a good night activity. Frank Lloyd Wright was amazing and his home theater with the first floor lighting - that you see in theaters and planes now - was ground breaking. Just very neat design. If you think they might enjoy it, I highly recommend.
This is kitschy but would be fun. I've not been - yet. It's an extra drive from your list of places but....well, take a look -
http://www.theshadydell.com/
Fly into Phoenix and head north or south for one of the loops - based on what's available inside the Grand Canyon south rim.
Then drive back through Phoenix/Scottsdale to the other loop.
I've driven a beautiful back route from Holbrook to Phoenix through the mountains but would not recommend it other than in summer months.
Your kids may not be interested but this is one of my favorite places -
http://www.franklloydwright.org/abou...WestTours.html
There are daytime tours as well as a gorgeous night tour. The stars are amazing and it would be a good night activity. Frank Lloyd Wright was amazing and his home theater with the first floor lighting - that you see in theaters and planes now - was ground breaking. Just very neat design. If you think they might enjoy it, I highly recommend.
This is kitschy but would be fun. I've not been - yet. It's an extra drive from your list of places but....well, take a look -
http://www.theshadydell.com/
Jan 12th, 2015, 12:50 PM
#18
Another idea since you are traveling on a budget that the kids would like -
Kamping Kabins at KOAs
http://koa.com/lodges-cabins-cottages/
The Kamping Kabins have a full bed and a set of bunk beds. Mattresses are there - you bring your pillow and sheets or sleeping bag. They have electricity and heat and/or a/c as needed. Usually a swing on the front porch, a picnic table and fire pit. You use the toilets and showers at the comfort station.
The lodges are cabins with their own bathrooms.
I checked one KOA in AZ and the rate for a Kamping Kabin was $48 for your dates. We stayed in them for many nights on our "kids trip" to the Grand Canyon. The one in Durango, CO was one of the prettiest campgrounds I've ever seen, next to a river, with a game room and even a small grill serving waffles in the morning. Each campground varies, but the one we stayed in during the AZ part of the trip was nice. You don't have to do the full camping/cooking experience but could pick up food from a restaurant, grocery store, pizza place, etc. They kids loved the KK and after that trip the boy had a couple of birthday parties "camping" at parks not too far from home. Plus, it's easy to just drive up, toss pillows and linens on the bed, play cards, build a fire, etc. and enjoy painless "camping".
Kamping Kabins at KOAs
http://koa.com/lodges-cabins-cottages/
The Kamping Kabins have a full bed and a set of bunk beds. Mattresses are there - you bring your pillow and sheets or sleeping bag. They have electricity and heat and/or a/c as needed. Usually a swing on the front porch, a picnic table and fire pit. You use the toilets and showers at the comfort station.
The lodges are cabins with their own bathrooms.
I checked one KOA in AZ and the rate for a Kamping Kabin was $48 for your dates. We stayed in them for many nights on our "kids trip" to the Grand Canyon. The one in Durango, CO was one of the prettiest campgrounds I've ever seen, next to a river, with a game room and even a small grill serving waffles in the morning. Each campground varies, but the one we stayed in during the AZ part of the trip was nice. You don't have to do the full camping/cooking experience but could pick up food from a restaurant, grocery store, pizza place, etc. They kids loved the KK and after that trip the boy had a couple of birthday parties "camping" at parks not too far from home. Plus, it's easy to just drive up, toss pillows and linens on the bed, play cards, build a fire, etc. and enjoy painless "camping".
Jan 12th, 2015, 02:39 PM
#19
The Shady Dell is half an hour, 25 miles, south of Tombstone (about 1:45 from Tucson), in Bisbee where I lived until recently. Significantly less "kitchy" than a teepee motel, it would only make sense, I think, if the itinerary were shifted south, rather than centered in the north which the OP seems to prefer. There are more comfortable and more convenient historic places to stay there, though, unless the trailers particularly appeal.
If you undertake the drive to Tombstone, then I'd recommend an overnight in Bisbee, rather than Tombstone, which is a small tourist destination, rather than a place with a variety of facilities. If what you'd like is the OK Corral experience, then Tombstone might be undertaken as a day trip from Tucson. But it's the least of what the SE corner of the state has to offer.
If you undertake the drive to Tombstone, then I'd recommend an overnight in Bisbee, rather than Tombstone, which is a small tourist destination, rather than a place with a variety of facilities. If what you'd like is the OK Corral experience, then Tombstone might be undertaken as a day trip from Tucson. But it's the least of what the SE corner of the state has to offer.
