Arizona revised
 

After receiving feedback from this site and another, I revised my plan and switched the order. Also, less hotel jumping. I dropped Sedona since my husband and I have been and the boys would probably enjoy other things better. I added in places that will be new to all of us.

NH to Arizona. With 7 and 8 year old boys. Last week of April.

Sunday: arrive in PHX, get rental SUV, head for Flagstaff. Stop at Montezuma's Castle and maybe V Bar V on the way depending on time. Stay at SpringHill Suites Flagstaff for two nights.

Monday: day trip to Petrified Forest

Tuesday: Sunset Crater, Waputki. Drive north to Page. Stop at Horseshoe Bend. Stay at Courtyard Page for two nights.

Wednesday: Head north for dam tour and into Utah for Big Water and Paria Rimrocks

Thursday: Early Lower Antelope tour. Drive to GCNP via east entrance and stop along the way. Stay at Yavapai.

Friday: Hike either BA or SK to the 1.5 mile mark. Start the long drive south to Phoenix making stops along the way. Maybe lava tubes, probably drive thru Sedona, maybe stop for a quick hike. Stay at the PHX Airport Marriott.

Saturday: Head home

Thoughts?

Definitly drive through Sedona from 17.

Sounds like a nice plan. Pick up bottled water for your hikes.

Use 89A through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona, with maybe a stop at Slide Rock.

Definitely agree with the previous two posters. Drive through Sedona through 89A. It's a gorgeous drive. If you have time, stop at Slide Rock Park. The boys will love it!

We will do the scenic drive back to Phoenix. And we hike a lot. We will have plenty of water, snacks, first aid kits, etc.

Page
You don't have Big John's BBQ on your agenda.

Paria Rim Rocks also known as Toad Stools.
A long time ago, you could drive to them from the north end. But, the government in trying to protect us from all harm, closed that road. Very scenic and historic route

Now you have to hike 4.5 miles (one way) in an open canyon wash. They are spectacular.
Trailhead is at 37 06.722 111 41.333. Entry is from Big Water is Ethan Allen Road

Note: Purchase a full tank of gas at the junction of 89 to GRrnd canyon (highway 64?). Much cheaper.

Vaga