ValSmith

We are planning a trip from Vancouver BC to Phoenix and then to the grand Canyon.

We are arriving in Phoenix at 1:30 on Saturday April 26-2014. Then planning on traveling either to Flagstaff or Sedona or directly to the grand Canyon for two evenings.

Would you recommend us staying in Sedona as we also want to see the red rocks etc..

I am confused about where to stay for the two nights before we head back to Surprise AZ for the remainder of our trip.
Any advice on which company gives a better helicopter trip over the Grand Canyon???

Help!!!!

tomfuller

If you had asked before buying the tickets, some (including me) would have advised flying to Las Vegas. The best helicopter trips over the Grand Canyon are from there IMO.
How late in the day are you going to be coming out of the Phoenix airport? How far do you want to drive the rental car after you fly?

HappyTrvlr

I would stay in Sedona the first night, one and a half to two hrs.drive.

MikePinTucson

The helicopter tour from Las Vegas does not go to the Grand Canyon National Park. It goes to the so-called "west rim", which is a side canyon downriver from the south rim. You are making the right choice by opting for the real Grand Canyon.

I would go directly to the Grand Canyon -- book rooms ASAP. Check this site for availability:

http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/Lod...rview-411.html

Looks like the only availability is at Yavapai Lodge. Book the 2 nights there, then check back frequently to see if anything opens up at one of the rim lodges -- El Tovar, Kachina, Thunderbird, or Bright Angel. Also try calling occasionally to see if you can get one of those. If not, being inside the park at Yavapai is preferable to staying outside the park.

I most definitely recommend spending the other 2 nights in Sedona. You will wish you had more time there once you see the beauty. Leave the GC by the east gate, stop at the Cameron Trading Post for a Navajo Taco, then down 89 to I-40 west to I-17 south, to 89a through Oak Creek Canyon. On 89 north of Flaghstaff, if you have time, take the road that goes to Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater. It will add about 2 hours to the trip from the GCNP to Sedona, so take that into account.

Dayenu

Sedona over Flagstaff, no doubt. And if you are thinking of the Grand Canyon train - forgeddaboutit. Their commercial is misleading.

In Sedona drive up to that church built into a rock, nothing to do with religion, go for great views.

There is a local small airport in Sedona, not many know about it, people go there for sunrise and sunset. I only went for sunset, it was gorgeous, kids went for sunrise, and said it was even better.

MikePinTucson

Dayenu is referring to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It is a special place, and not only for the views. I am not a religious person, but the chapel is moving in its simplicity.

Everyone who goes to Sedona pretty much knows about airport mesa. The large viewing area right at Sky Ranch lodge gets very crowded for sunset during busy months. The better sunset view is about half way up airport road, on the left. Small parking area, so usually too packed for sunset. Other great sunset viewing is at Red Rock Crossing and a few places on Upper Red Rock Loop Road.

Also, take the Pink Jeep Broken Arrow tour, you will learn a lot about the geology and the flora and fauna of Red Rock Country.

spirobulldog

I like Papillon. Go for the longest tour available and do it in the one that is the best helicopter. I believe that is called Eco Helicopters(something like that). They all face the front and offer a better view. You may even be able to secure a seat up front(might not be able to, IDK). I've done some sort of aircraft 5 or 6 times in the grand canyon, including landing at 2 super small airstrips(dirt) in airplanes, landing in the bottom to go rafting(from Bar 10 Ranch). The helicopter tours on the South Rim is great. I have not done one from the North Rim, so couldn't comment on it. I think the one that goes to the west rim is good, but not as good as south rim.

MikePinTucson

The helicopter tour to the south rim originates in Tusayan, right outside the south entrance to the GCNP. Same with the helicopter tour to the north rim.

bigtyke

On either the entrance or exit from the Grand Canon, use the east exit thru Cameron. Stop for some fry bread at the trading post and go thru Wupatki/Sunset Crater National Monument. At the main Wupatki ruin, go all the way down to the ball court and blow hole.

ValSmith

Thanks for all the advice. I think we have decided to drive directly from Phoenix to GC for one night a and then the second night in Sedona.

ValSmith

Any recommendations for affordable accommodations in Sedona. I am thinking about the Big Sky Ranch out by the airport?

MikePinTucson

Sky Ranch Lodge is a good choice. Kind of dated, but clean. And they have a great private viewpoint on their property.