Jeffwink1

I want to take my wife to Phoenix/Scottsdale for our 25th anniversary. We are not hikers or campers, but like to view scenery, relax, and enjoy good food. I would like to take in the Grand Canyon for a day while we are there. Can this be done using Phoenix as a base and driving to and from in one day? Or are we better off to plan one night at the Canyon? Looking for ideas in itinerary. Thanks.

MaryZ

I'd plan on staying the night at the Canyon. It's a good 4- 4 1/2 hour drive from Phoenix, so it would make for an awfully long day.

utahtea

It is 500 miles round trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon. If you do it in one day then you will not have time for any siteseeing. Spend at least one night but two would give you a more relaxing time at the Grand Canyon.

The scenery is beautiful and it can be seen without hiking.

Utahtea

CleoB

I'd also recommend not doing it in a day. You could stay in Flagstaff (alternative to the Canyon), then see Sedona on your way back to Phoenix the second day.

Enjoy!

kkj

I live in Phoenix and can tell you that the Grand Canyon is the most popular one-day tour for visitors. Yes, it is a long day, but well worth it. If you would prefer to not drive and relax with someone else doing the driving you could take a tour. Gray Line Tours, Open Road Tours and Southwest Custom Tours all run one day trips to the Canyon. Beware of tours that include both Sedona and the Grand Canyon in their itinerary as that makes a very short stay at each place.

snarla

Hi Jeff,

You can do a two day trip, stopping in Sedona on the way back. Doing it in one day is very rushed and long, although it can be done.
Another great thing to do would be the Verde Canyon Railway. I haven't done it, but I've heard great things about it, and will do it one of these days. They should have a website.