GC on Memorial Day and what to see on the way back to Scottsdale
May 14th, 2009, 11:24 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
GC on Memorial Day and what to see on the way back to Scottsdale
I am going to GC on coming Memorial Day weekend... This is my second thread and I adjusted my itinerary and lodging per Fodor’s’ suggestions already (thank you!).
I am going to stay at Tusayan on Saturday, enjoy GC ( sunset and sunrise) and on Sunday afternoon- planning to drive back to Scottsdale, where going to be rest of the Sunday and full day on Monday.
My wife and me –very moderate hikers and more into sightseeing. What would you recommend to see/do at South Rim (half day-Saturday, half day-Sunday?)
What to see on the way back to Scottsdale (Tusayan ruins, Montezuma castle) and in Scottsdale on Monday? We will have car and transportation not an issue. Thanks a lot.
I am going to stay at Tusayan on Saturday, enjoy GC ( sunset and sunrise) and on Sunday afternoon- planning to drive back to Scottsdale, where going to be rest of the Sunday and full day on Monday.
My wife and me –very moderate hikers and more into sightseeing. What would you recommend to see/do at South Rim (half day-Saturday, half day-Sunday?)
What to see on the way back to Scottsdale (Tusayan ruins, Montezuma castle) and in Scottsdale on Monday? We will have car and transportation not an issue. Thanks a lot.
May 14th, 2009, 11:45 AM
#2
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,904
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The rim trail is very easy, almost like walking down a side walk with the most beautiful view you could imagine and there is a shuttle that goes along parallel to it from bright angel lodge to hermit's rest and it stops at some of the most spectacular places so when you get tired you can hop on and ride up to the next stop, walk a way and hop on again. There are some ruins that you can visit in the park and ranger led hikes, talks etc. to keep you busy for the time you are there. Montezuma's castle is certainly worth a stop and if you are likely to visit other national parks or monuments in the next year, get a park pass at the first one you enter, it lets you and everyone in your vehicle into all the parks for a year.
May 14th, 2009, 08:05 PM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
At the South Rim, I'd recommend walking along the Rim Trail - it is as emalloy says - and also take the shuttle west our to Hermit's Rest. Be sure to listen to the driver's announcements about the stops, as you can't head back east from some of them, so if you get off at the wrong spot, you'll have to reboard to head west before getting a shuttle back towards the Bright Angel Lodge.
Although the Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular, I'd still hike a little ways down it so you can at least say you have hiked INTO the canyon, even just a short way. There is an arch a short way down that is a good turnaround point. This trail is used for the mule trains, so you'll want to be careful of the mule droppings near the top. Don't let that stop you from going down!
On Sunday, you could exit the park to the east and make a stop at the historic Desert View watchtower overlook. Great vistas of the GC from there. Heading out of the park this way takes you toward Cameron and its historic trading post. If you time it right, you can have a Navajo taco at the post's dining room and admire the rugs, jewelry, and other items for sale. The tacos are huge, so if you are not a big eater, split one. The frybread is the best part! You'll head into and through Flagstaff this way as well, and catch I-40 west to I-17 South to head down to Phoenix.
On the way down to PHX, you could take 89A just south of Flagstaff down Oak Creek Canyon into Sedona. Even if you just drive through, it's worth it to see the red rocks. You can continue on down 179 to pick up I-17 again and stop in at Montezuma's Castle before dropping back down into PHX.
Back in PHX, I'd recommend visiting the Desert Botanical Garden (dbg.org) and see the Dale Chihuly exhibit. Absolutely stunning! Reservations are required, but can be made online.
Hope this helps - have a great trip!
Although the Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular, I'd still hike a little ways down it so you can at least say you have hiked INTO the canyon, even just a short way. There is an arch a short way down that is a good turnaround point. This trail is used for the mule trains, so you'll want to be careful of the mule droppings near the top. Don't let that stop you from going down!
On Sunday, you could exit the park to the east and make a stop at the historic Desert View watchtower overlook. Great vistas of the GC from there. Heading out of the park this way takes you toward Cameron and its historic trading post. If you time it right, you can have a Navajo taco at the post's dining room and admire the rugs, jewelry, and other items for sale. The tacos are huge, so if you are not a big eater, split one. The frybread is the best part! You'll head into and through Flagstaff this way as well, and catch I-40 west to I-17 South to head down to Phoenix.
On the way down to PHX, you could take 89A just south of Flagstaff down Oak Creek Canyon into Sedona. Even if you just drive through, it's worth it to see the red rocks. You can continue on down 179 to pick up I-17 again and stop in at Montezuma's Castle before dropping back down into PHX.
Back in PHX, I'd recommend visiting the Desert Botanical Garden (dbg.org) and see the Dale Chihuly exhibit. Absolutely stunning! Reservations are required, but can be made online.
Hope this helps - have a great trip!
May 15th, 2009, 11:29 PM
#4
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Don't miss Sedona, it's our favorite place to visit. we just did the desert botanical garden chihuly exhibit inPHX and did not need reservations, go a bit before dusk and you can see then in the light and in the dark.We also really enjoyed the Frank Lloyd Wright Taelisin West home.
