hockeymom

We've been thinking of either Palm Springs/Palm Desert or Arizona for an April, 2006, vacation with two kids (12 & 17). I've been looking at Phoeniz, Sedona, Tucson, Scottsdale. We have a timeshare that we're hoping to use. Any suggestions for things to do, what area would be better? Kids like swimmming, sports, simple climbing (hiking), caves, etc. We went to Washington, D.C. this year and we want a different vacation next year. Any suggestions? I'm hoping to book something in the next week or two. We are hoping for weather warm enough for swimming, etc.
I appreciate any help you can give us.

hockeymom

I should also say that we went to Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Zion in April, 2004, so we won't be looking for any day trips or overnights to these places.

USNR

April in Arizona usually is quite dry and sunny, but the nights can still be quite cool in the high country -- Sedona, Flagstaff, Payson, Grand Canyon. Altitudes there range from 4,000 to 7,000 ft. Ideal for day trips or for a few days but too chilly for outdoor swimming, especially after sundown. Best time of year, however, for picnicking, hikes, etc. By the way, since you mentioned caves, have you checked out Kartchner Caverns in southeastern AZ? We haven't gone through them yet but we understand they rival any caves anywhere in the US. I think they have a web site.

hockeymom

I will check the caves out. Any other suggestions? Is Tuscon warmer than Sedona? I appreciate any help.

TheWeasel

Hockeymom-I was in Tucson this past January, and Phoenix in April. I'd recommend staying in Phoenix (or Scottsdale) if you'll be on vacation for a week or longer. You'll find it much easier to find activities in the Phoenix metro area for that length of time than in either Tucson or Sedona.

I think the weather would be similar in all locations, so you'd have about an equal chance of having good swimming weather no matter where you stay. Phoenix has a ton of parks (flat and/or mountainous) that offer more miles of hiking than you could imagine.

Tucson is nice though, and you could find plenty to do there. They have Saguaro NP, Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum (zoo), and the Catalina Mountains. You could also drive down to Mexico (Nogales) in a few hours.

Sedona is more touristy and kind of New-Agey, so it's not my favorite place. Very scenic, but the commercialism detracts from the whole experience IMO.

tucsonartist

For the kind of activities you mentioned, Tucson is great! Tucson, IMHO, is much prettier than Phoenix. Kartchner Caverns is amazing! I've been twice and throughly enjoyed it. It's about an hour drive from Tucson. Also nice side trips from Tucson - Tubac and Bisbee. Nogales, Mexico is about an hour away and while I hate it, it may be an eye opening experience for the kids. Tucson is warmer than Sedona, definetly. That said, though, Sedona is very pretty. The town, I think is awful and touristy, but the surrounding countryside is spectacular.

hockeymom

Thank you. You've given me a lot to think about.

bigtyke

To swim, you will need a heated pool. Weather could be as hot as 100 in Phoenix in APril, but unheated pools are cold before June.

hockeymom

I will keep the pool issue in mind. Thank you.