mymatemarmite

We're heading to Arizona in April, plan is to travel from LA to Sedona in a day, stay two nights in Sedona, get up crack of dawn to drive to Grand Canyon, one night in Grand Canyon, drive back to LA after having breakfast at sunrise.

We can't stay any extra nights at any point and accomodation is booked and paid for. We also can't really add the cost of flights and hire car so flying to Phoenix isn't an option.

So! What routes there and back would you recommend? And considering our limited time, what to prioritise when we're there? We're both fairly fit and active (2 adults) but not used to very long hikes or excessive exercise - would definately like to do some hiking within our capabilities - in which case is it better to join an organised hike than set out on our own?

The Road Trip itself, I know it will take us literally all day and we don't have much room for stopping anywhere, was thinking we'd just bomb it down the 10 as quick as poss and get an hour or two in Phoenix before heading up to Sedona (though it doesn't matter if we arrive late and we can set off as early as we want), then on the way back leave as early as possible so we can maybe do some of Route 66 and get in some ghost towns? Or would you leave as early as possible on the first day to get in some stops as well? We've done the 10 to Joshua Tree a lot and I've read the next section of the drive is pretty dull, but we'd likely be arriving after dark in Sedona anyway so what's your number one thing to do if passing through Phoenix?

Thanks in advance!

jpie

Given your limited time I think your ideas for route are good especially if you have seen Joshua Tree. The only thing that might affect the route would be what part of LA you are leaving from and coming back to.

utahtea

Going out 10 to Phoenix to Sedona is pretty much the fastest route.

I haven't done much hiking in Sedona. It's to populated for my liking. At the Grand Canyon start hiking along the rim and when you get tired pick up the free shuttle bus and just go to the next overlook.

Make sure you stop in Seligman and find Elvis! The section of route 66 to Peach Springs and on to Kingman is a good fast driving road. My FAVORITE section of Old Route 66 is from Kingman to Oatman. If you really want to experience the road like it use to be...that's what I remember...the narrow curvy road! Oatman is a kick!

Utahtea

mymatemarmite

thanks so much for speedy responses

Shuttle bus sounds a good idea, guessing you can find info for that online?

great specific advice for Route 66, thanks!

Keep 'em coming

mymatemarmite

any tips on where to be/which trail to be on for sunrise and sunset at both parks?

utahtea

Here is info on the shuttle buses for the Grand Canyon http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses.htm

Sedona is not a park, it's a city that is in a very scenic area. Sorry I don't have any suggestions for sunrise or sunset.

Hopi Point is suppose to be the best sunset overlook for the Grand Canyon but it gets very crowded and can be time consuming getting a shuttle back. Mohave Point is another good point, but really any point is good for sunset at the Grand Canyon. We enjoy sleeping in so we've never done a sunrise at the Grand Canyon...LOL!

Utahtea

Tomsd

Why stop in Phoenix?

And my sister and niece hiked below the rim for a mile or so and thought it was a great experience.

Drive around Sedona to get some early morning sun - which is beautiful off the red rocks - as is the evening sun. Up at the airport - is a good vista for sunset.

At the GC - get up early to head east to find one of the lookouts to greet the sunrise.

emalloy

Instead of stopping in Phoenix, spend a little time at Montezuma's Castle and well, not too far from Sedona.

MikePinTucson

No r3ason to stop in Phoenix. As emalloy said, Montezuma's Castle is a good stop, also Montezuma's Well, a few miles further up I-17.

Going into Sedona, maybe stop at Bell Rock. Chapel of the Holy Cross is a MUST-SEE. Nothing to do with religion, as I am not at all religious. It is just a very moving place.

Sunrise in Sedona --airport mesa right at Sky Ranch Lodge is good. Sunset, the knoll on airport road, about half way up, is very good but may be too crowded. Maybe try for Red Rock Crossing or one of the viewpoints along Upper Red Rock Road.

For sunset at the GC, avoid Hopi Point, unless you want to be there with about 300 of your closest friends. I always walk along the rim trail east from the rim lodges (with a bottle of wine), find a nice spot and just sit and enjoy.

For sunrise, I like Yaki Point. You can't drive right to it -- only the shuttle buses are allowed. But you can park along the east rim drive and walk the 1/2 to 3/4 mile to the point. I have never seen more than 3 or 4 other people there.

mymatemarmite

wow thankyou! OK - Phoenix crossed off the list except to pass through (maybe get a late lunch recommendation)...think we'll just leave LA as soon as we can otherwise we know we have to wait til after 10am to avoid sitting on the I-10 for hours to even reach DTLA...we'll look up Montezuma's Castle, that sounds fun!

Thanks Utahtea for the shuttle link as well

Trails in GC we were thinking leave Sedona as soon as poss, dump our car and stuff at the lodge (I know we can't officialy check in til later called and they're fine with us just arriving)...torn between Bright Angel Trail or walking along the rim/getting the shuttle to South Kaibab

Anyone have a particular preference for either?

This is so helpful, thanks a lot

emalloy

Do go down Bright Angel trail at least a little way, a half hour down or so, it is really neat to look back up the canyon walls, then do the rim trail and use the shuttle if you feel tired.

MikePinTucson

For a late lunch, about an hour north of Phoenix, at Black Canyon City (really sounds like the old west, doesn't it?), stop at the Rock Springs Cafe. Food is OK, nothing special, but it is a unique place and they have great pies.

We have been able to check in as early as 1:00PM, so do check at the desk when you arrive.

wave725

A beautiful hike in Sedona that actually starts inside town within a subdivision is Brins Mesa. You'll see plenty of red rock and can hike as far/short as you like.

http://discoverthewest.blogspot.com/...esa-trail.html

In the Grand Canyon, just remember that if you hike down into the Canyon you'll have to hike back up. When we hiked rim to rim years ago, lots of people were hiking down Bright Angel with cameras only - no water, food, backpacks. Going downhill is easy, and if you're not used to the elevation it can be quite difficult hiking back up.

http://discoverthewest.blogspot.com/...im-to-rim.html