cangel

We are beginning to plan a 4 day round trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon September 7-10. Our main intention is to experience and photograph this area. Please advise on Phoenix area car rental, and Sedona (night of the 7th) and South Rim (night of the 8th) accomodations. We'll probably stay around Phoenix the night of the 9th for as early a flight back East as possible on Sept. 10. Is a convertible appropriate for the late summer drive? Also, as far as GC activities...we were thinking some hiking or mule tour. What is best for our limited time? Possibly a photographic tour group. So many questions... Any help will be appreciated.

Cicerone

If you want to experience the canyon, then you need to stay on the rim -- especially to photograph sunrise and sunset. However if you don't already have a reservation at one of the rim lodges go right now to their website, take a look at the hotels and call them right away. Xanterra.com. Most rooms are booked over a year in advance. We went in October which really is not prime vacation time for schools, etc, and were glad to get on a waiting list 5 months out, which did finally clear.

This is even more true for the mule rides. I don't think you could get one for September at this late date. We could not get one for mid-October a few years ago.

Also, if you really want to experience the canyon, you will need more than 1 night. I would actually skip staying in Sedona and just spend an afternoon or more there on your way up and back.

cangel

Thanks, Cicerone. Any thoughts on which rim lodge to try? I do sense an urgency about arrangements for September. Perhaps two nights on the rim and a night in Sedona for the return to Phoenix. Anything else that we should know, please post. Thanks again.

sluggo

We loved our Bright Angel cabin, which was cozy and near the rim. Try to go on some of the Ranger-led walks so you can learn more about what you are seeing.

GoTravel

If you do rent a convertible, don't forget your sunblock!

utahtea

I agree with Cicerone.

Utahtea

Cicerone

I would call the booking service and see what is left, take whatever they have available. You may also be able to get on a waitlist to move to another rim hotel if you don't like what is available at this time. My first choice would be one of the suites in El Tovar, specifically the ones with balconies looking over the rim. These are often not mentioned on the phone or website, but it is worth asking by phone if they are available. Other than that, the rooms in El Tovar are small and basic, as are the other hotels on the rim. You are paying for the location, not room quality. That being said it is definitely worth the money to stay on the rim. If you stay at El Tovar and don't get a suite, try to avoid the ground floor rooms, as they can be noisy, especially the ones that have windows onto the front or back porches. I have not seen the rooms at the Thunderbird, but the website says they have 2 queen beds which would mean they are good-size rooms.

The website also has information on guided walks and other activities, as well as the mule rides.

gail

The reservation website you want is Xanterra.com I just did a quick check on September availability. El Tovar is essentially booked up, but there are scattered vacancies for Gright Angel and Thunderbird, but mostly at the end of September, so you may be stuck.

There have been other not-in-the-park accomodations discussed on this board which you may be able to text search out.