My wife and I (from UK) have a three week road trip in June starting from Phoenix, heading south to Tuscon area, and onto Sierra Vista/Bisbee area.
The dilemma is which route should we take as we head north? We will leave the Bisbee area around the June 13th and need to be in Taos NM by June 23rd.
We will be staying in Flagstaff for a gig on June 18th, and will visit Monument Valley (probably including a balloon flight here). A overnight stay will be required near Monument Valley, and we will also visit the Grand Canyon (another 1 or 2 night stay).
There are so many options for routes we can't decide, so we wondered what you guys think might be the most scenic routes?

Thanks
fellsider

Well, I would certainly include a visit to Sedona - one of the most spectacular places on earth (be sure and drive up 89A from Sedona to Flagstaff - a very nice drive indeed). Lots to see and do in Sedona so plan accordingly).

Antelope Canyon near Page is also worth visiting if you have time. Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell is near Page as well - both worth experiencing.

What route are you thinking of taking?

How much time are you spending in SE Arizona before leaving the area on the 13th?

Ken

Ken
We were thinking of 3 - 4 days in SE Arizona before heading north. My first idea was to drive 191 right up to Utah then loop back through Monument Valley, down to Flagstaff before heading east. Not sure about best way to fit in Grand Canyon.
Now not so sure, I am thinking maybe the drive through central AZ ( Globe, Sedona....etc) might be more scenic, especially below I40.

fellsider

We fly out from AMS next weekend for a three week AZ/NM trip. We are starting in Phoenix, then going to Grand Canyon, staying a night there (we've been before), onto Monument Valley, then into New Mexico, Taos, Santa Fe and Las Vegas before going to Silver City for the blues festival and back to Arizona for Tucson area. The only things we have set in stone are the first night in Phoenix, the night at GC, a couple of nights in Medicine Hat for Monument Valley, and the Silver City Memorial Day weekend.
Maybe you could leave Tuscon until the end of your trip also so that you do a more clockwise trip around the two states?

OK.

Unfortunately much of the area you are looking to pass through it new to me. I've traveled some in Arizona (and bought some retirement property outside of Benson (SE of Tucson)) but have only just begun to explore most of Arizona.

I have not traveled on 191 north of I-10, but have been on it a bit south of there. North of I-10 and east of Phoenix-Flagstaff is a big unknown hole to me so I can't offer any advice about a route through there.

If you do end up approaching from the north,then entering Sedona via 89A is an even better option. Seriously Sedona is a DON'T MISS kind of place for me. It's right up there with Bora Bora and Yosemite Valley as the most beautiful places I've been.

Ken

I would head up north through the White Mountains (go through Safford and then north to Eagar and Show Low). From there you've got some options: you could head over to Payson and then Sedona, or go north to I-40 and then on to Flagstaff, or for a less-travelled path you could drive along the Mogollon Rim and eventually wind up in Flagstaff.

I would not head all the way up to Utah/Monument Valley and then backtrack to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. As long as you already have a visit to Monument Valley in your itineray, just do that after leaving Flagstaff/Grand Canyon while en route to Taos.

I'm with LordBalfor- do NOT miss Sedona! No place on Earth like it. Mesmerizingly beautiful.

Thanks for the help sofar folks.
I should have said earlier that we are flying into Phoenix and out of Albuquerque, so it's a one way trip.
Only problem I can see with going to Grand Canyon then Monument Valley after June 18th in Flagstaff, is that we would arrive in Monument Valley on the weekend. I guess it will be more crowded at the weekend? which we wanted to avoid.
We will take your advice and head to Sedona as you guys suggest. This kind of input is a great help. Many thanks.
fellsider

I think Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly(Shay) are MUST sees and the combination of the two makes for an absolutely gorgeous sightseeing event! Definitely try and stay at Goulding's, even if they say they are full, worth a drive in to see if they have an available room. Thunderbird Lodge outside Canyon de Chelly is the point to pick up your tour. Both Gouldings are old historic places, not the Ritz, but what you get in national park areas.

desertduds. Does Monument Valley become very busy on the weekends during June? Would it be better to visit during the week, would rather be there when it was quieter.
Anyone have any experience of the Weatherford hotel in Flagstaff? We are planning to stay there for one night.

Hi fellow Brit
I'm with BibE1 and would head up over the White Mountains - it will (literally!) be like a breath of fresh air, after Phoenix and Tucson - a very different Arizona; reminded me of the Black Forest! From there you could go to the Petrified Forest and either turn up to the Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley - or continue along towards Flagstaff (and therefore Sedona), perhaps taking in Meteor Crater along the way. Whatever - have a great time!
(I liked Sedona - it's a pretty enough place, but I didn't think it any way lived up to all the hype - but perhaps that's just me).