bbi

We are spending 7 nights in AZ the end of April. Landing in Phoenix and driving to Sedona, stopping at Montezuma's Well along the way. Staying 3 nights in Sedona with a trip to Jerome, pink jeep tour ,& hot air balloon ride. We are spending the 4th night at the Thunderbird Lodge in the park at the GC. We are undecided where to spend the 5th night as we are staying day 6 and 7 in Scottsdale. Do we drive from the south rim to Lake Powell, staying 1 night at the Waheap Lodge and driving back to Scottsdale the next day? Or should we leave the GC and drive to Flagstaff where we can take in the sights around there- Walnut Creek, Sunset Crater etc and spend the 5th night there?How long is the drive from the GC to Page and from Page to Scottsdale? We are locked into our nights in Sedona and the GC and wanted to spend the last 2 days in Scottsdale to relax and visit family. Any ideas?

utahtea

From the S. Rim of the Grand Canyon to Page is 140 miles and will take about 2 3/4 hours if you don't make any stops. Just be aware that there are many scenic overlooks as you drive east on Hwy 64 towards Cameron, AZ. The views change and so it's worth some time to stop at these overlooks.

It is 287 miles from Page, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ and will take about 5 hours without stopping.

Lake Powell is beautiful and it will be a hard call of which to do.

If you do decide to spend a second night at the Grand Canyon you would have time to see Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater both on Hwy 395 and even do a short side trip to Walnut Canyon and still make it to Scottsdale by evening. This route is 290 miles and will take about 5 1/2 hours of driving time.

Also another option you might be interested in is spending that second night at the Grand Canyon and taking the float trip on the Colorado River. It's a little more expensive to do it from the Grand Canyon, but they bus you (very nice tour buses) up to Page, AZ where you load in the rafts and float down the Colorado River for 14 miles to Lee's Ferry. Then you are bused back to the Grand Canyon. I highly recommend the float trip for all ages. You will get a few views of Lake Powell from a distance as the bus you to Page.

http://www.utahtea.lithium.com/vacation2003/float.htm

Utahtea

USNR

From Wahweap Lodge you can take the boat up to Rainbow Arch on Lake Powell. This is a comfortable, exciting ride through a vast wonderland of red rock and blue water to the world's largest natural stone arch. It's so huge that the National Capitol in Washington, D.C. could be thrust under it. Check with Wahweap Lodge to find what time the boat leaves. No other way other than through Lake Powell to reach this arch, tucked back off the main channel.

bbi

Thanks. We wouldn't be spending a second night at the Grand Canyon. We would stay in Flagstaff. Does this change any of your suggested itinerary?

bbi

How long is the entire float trip from the time you are bussed to Page until you are back at the GC. Also,what might the weather conditions be at this time of year(April 21)?

utahtea

bbi,

We did the float trip out of Page, AZ last August. We left at 7:30 A.M. and got back to Page around 1:30 P.M. We were in the buses for about 40 miles.

I don't know how long it would be when bused from the Grand Canyon but it is about 265 miles from the Grand Canyon to Page, and then from Marble Canyon back to the Grand Canyon. Very scenic area! I would plan on it taking ALL DAY.

Here is a link to a phone number for information:

http://www.nps.gov/grca/river/othertrips.htm

April can be a trick time of the year. It could be very cold and on the water could be colder! I would take layers of clothing and a waterproof bag to keep them in. You shouldn't get wet, but there's always the slight chance. We got wet because it was hot and our tour guide crashed us into the wake of other floats on purpose...to cool us off. It was fun!!!

Utahtea