I would appreciate any suggestions or comments on my itinerary. We are two 40+ that have never been to AZ. We enjoy all outdoor activities. This is what I have so far:

9/2 Arrive in PHX, and head to Sedona. Stop at Montezuma's Castle and get NP Pass. Stop somwhere along the way for water/pop/beer/snacks (any idea?)Hang out in Sedona for the rest of the day.
9/3 Jerome in the a.m. and then ride on the Verde Canyon RR. Would also like to visit Tuzigoot(sp)if possible.
9/4 Hike in a.m. (any suggestions for easy to moderate hike w/ some shade)Maybe hang at the pool in the afternoon, Pink Jeep at 5:00.
9/5 Leave for Grand Canyon. 2 nights at Thunderbird. Plan to spend afternoon and early evening at the rim. Hopefully do some ranger programs.
9/6 Hike partway into canyon. Not sure if Bright Angel or S Kaibib Trail.
9/7 Leave for Page. Take our time on the way out to get last views of the G.C. Get to Page and either pool time or horseshoe bend depending on our level of exhaustion.
9/8 Float trip in a.m. and either horseshoe bend or Antelope Canyon in PM.

This is where I am stumped. We have 2 days left as we are flying home from PHX on 9/11. I am thinking of leaving Page on 9/9 and driving towards Flagstaff with a tour of Antelope Canyon in the a.m. if we haven't already done that. Stop at Cameron Trading Post for lunch and a little shopping, and stops at Wupatki, Sunset Crater, and Walnut Canyon. Check into a hotel somwhere around Flagstaff and have the next day available. I am not sure what there is to do in and around Flagstaff, and I am not sure what we'll feel like doing at that point. We may be overloaded by now on beautiful scenery and Indian ruins.

If anyone has any suggestions,especially the last two days I'd appreciate it. I would consider staying in Page an additional night. I would have liked to gone to Monument Valley, but I am not sure that is doable without extensive driving. I want to end up within a 2-3 hour drive of PHX.

Thanks!

Your planning looks quite good. Just make sure you allow enough time to relax. By early September, our summer monsoon season should be drawing to a close. Nevertheless, make sure that no rain is in the offing should you go to Antelope Canyon. Storms far away can dump enough water on the ground that this particular canyon becomes very dangerous and susceptible to flash flooding. A few years ago, a group of hikers in AC were killed by the onrushing wall of water.

You might choose to return and relax in Sedona. If you check their web site, you will find more than enough things to do to fill many days. From Sedona to Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix is 125 miles, or about three hours if you leave enough time for returning your rental car. Then you must add time for the early check-in required by the airlines. Most likely, you will run into traffic jams on I-17 as you approach Anthem, north of Phoenix.

You did not say at what altitude you live. Phoenix is about 800', Sedona 4,500', Flagstaff and the South Rim 7,000' -- allow for your body to make this adjustment. Too, you may be coming from an area with higher humidity. Many tourists to Arizona experience health difficulties due to dehydration. The best preventive step: drink lots and lots of water...before you become thirsty.

We actually were considering returning to Sedona, since I have a feeling we won't be able to see much in the 2.5 days we'll be there.

We're from Pittsburgh which is about 1200' and has terrible humidity. We've been hiking every weekend(carrying 96+ oz of water each) to condition but there is no way we're able to replicate Arizona desert!

While you are at Lake Powell & Page, had you considered taking the boat from Wahweap to Rainbow Arch? It's a fine trip with spectacular red sandstone cliffs and a clear blue lake that extends for many miles. Lower lake levels have changed the access to the Arch, so you might make inquiries as to its accessibility.

When in Sedona, be sure to check in at the tourist information center at Forest Rd. and Hwy. 89A, at the first stoplight uptown. Tons of free information about things to do, places to see, and other points of interest. Beware of fake "tourist information" offices that are really camouflaged sales desks for condos and time-shares.

Old truth: the more you drive, the less you see.

I'd get back to Phoenix/Scottsdale and pamper yourself at a resort for the day or twoyou have extra.

Sounds like a great itinerary. Be sure to do Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend - spectacular!

Have you considered Monument Valley? Its nearby and can be easily seen in a day as you drive in and around the monuments - or you can take a guided tour. Check out Gouldings Lodge for totally unique lodging; the sunset from private balconies is stunning.

Thanks for the suggestions. I would really like to see monument valley but from what I can tell it is a 4 hour drive from Page. Ahtough that is doable I want to be within a few hours of PHX by the next day. I'm afraid that we'll end up spending more time driving than enjoying. I keep thinking that we are going to enjoy this trip so much that we'll be back and can see some of the sights that we missed. Monument Valley is still on my list but I am going to wait and see how we feel at that point.

Oh and Ellen your trip reports are great. Very inspirational!

bbqboy - We're not really resort people, although I can't say I have ever been to a "resort" and I don't even know what you do at one. Pampering to us means sleeping in until 8:00!

Seriously, we don't spend much time in the room, and we like to eat at local places vs those that cater to tourists.
Although pampering sounds good, I'm not sure that's in my nature!

Now we're talkin'.Then I would say go to Jerome and Arcosanti. Those are my 2 favorite only in Arizona places.
http://www.azjerome.com
http://www.arcosanti.org