A few hours in Phoenix - July 11
 

I have an 8.5-hour layover in Phoenix.

I am thinking that I will take light rail and go to the Heard Museum.

My concern is that from Google Maps, I can see there's a 5-minute walk to transfer stations at 44th Street. Ordinarily this is perfectly fine, but I see Phoenix will be at 106F. Is this walk above ground and unshaded? I'll have luggage - is it all stairs, or are there elevators and escalators?

I'm actually not so worried when I read that the forecast is for 106, but I know that Phoenix has lately had 115-120F temperatures.

Alternatively, how much is a taxi ride?

Is there a convenient place to get a late lunch/early dinner near the Heard Museum (again with minimal exposure to heat and sun by walking)?

a 5 minute walk if you are verrrry slow.

Can you check your bags through to final destination or is this carry on that you will schlepp?

Yes, I have to carry my laptop and purse around at minimum, and I will likely have a carry-on bag too (if I don't want to pay $25).

If you schlepping bags I would opt for a cab. Especially if you're not used to our heat. I just used this estimator:

http://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.p...o=Heard+Museum

which shows you're fare would be approximately $20. Worth it to be out of the heat.

The museum has its own small café.

Hmmm - that might even make me want to check my luggage for $25 and just be able to forget about it so I can better enjoy my time in Phoenix.

If you dress for the weather (ie light clothing, sunscreen, bring water) and are in relatively good health, then you can do the 5-minute walk.

If you carry an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun you will feel cooler and won't need to mess around with sunscreen. My wife and I do this when visiting hot climate areas.

This was a super-easy trip from the airport. I kept my duffel bag and laptop with me, but there were lockers at the museum so I held them there while I enjoyed the museum, its cafe, and its courtyards. This was a perfect layover. That said, it was only about 95F, so that's a lot different than dealing with 120F.