jenfromthesun

Hi everyone

I have been tasked with planning our family trip this Christmas/NYE. We are a family of 4 with varying age ranges (Parents in late 50s,a 18 y/o, and me 25y/o). We are flying into Phoenix (Christmas day and flying out of Vegas (Jan 3rd) . Things we want to see: and want to see

-Phoenix downtown (first night)
-Sedona (2 days seems to be the most popular reccomendation.. why?)
-Flagstaff (potential skiing @Snowbowl?)
-Antelope mountains/Page (1 night)
- Zion (2 nights)

We also like good food, shopping, and are looking for a NYE spot.
Not sure how "Active" all of us will be but I definitely would like to do some moderate hiking and also have no intention of spending NYE in Vegas but my parents went ahead and booked the flights w/o doing other research so... working with what we got here!

Looking forward to all responses and feedback Thanks!

nytraveler

I hope you are aware that 18 year olds are not allowed in casinos at all - and it may well be a problem getting into most places for NYE.

jenfromthesun

Yes we have no intention of spending NYE in Vegas! They just booked their flights Rountrip to Vegas!

emalloy

Are you going to go to Grand Canyon while in the area? You could do that on the way to Page. It is much more interesting than Page IMHO.

jenfromthesun

Wasn't planning on going to GC.. wanted to check out Antelope Canyon (which I think is in Page or close to page!)

StantonHyde

Skip Flagstaff--to to the Grand Canyon. Antelope Canyon is pretty but it takes all of 2 hours to see it. Page has nothing. You might be able to take a boat ride to see Rainbow Bridge--but you would have to check to see if the boat runs that time of year. You will need to check to see what is open at Zion then as well as in the town of Springdale.

Are your drivers used to snow and ice? Weather conditions between Page and Zion could be interesting to say the least.

Phoenix has an amazing American Indian Museum that I would highly recommend you see before you tour the southwest. Tucson also has some great sights--Senora Desert Museum is a highlight--its more of a zoo/natural garden etc. You really could do your whole trip in Arizona plus a trip to the Grand Canyon. It would be warmer and the roads would be better.

jenfromthesun

Thanks - but they are flying in and out of Vegas, and I am meeting flying into Phoenix to meet them, and we will drive upwards and back. Will Zion really be icy over NYE? Should we just spend 2-3 nights in Phoenix/Scottsdale and do Tuscan?

HappyTrvlr

Why Sedona? Beautiful, large red rock formations are found throughout the town. It is easy to get to, a short distance off of I-17. Oak Creek Canyon is there too. Incredible hiking. Google Sedona and click images.

jenfromthesun

Okay - we are spending 3 nights in Sedona, and swinging over to Antelope Canyon, before doing 3 more nights in Zion/Bryce. We are thinking of booking a snow-shoeing tour.. not sure if this is possible or not!