I am planning a trip to Arizona in March. There will be myself, my husband 2 kids & my mom. PLEASE TELL ME IF WHAT I'M PLANNING IS CRAZY,And please send advice. We've got our tickets already: we are flying into Tucson. I plan on staying one night in Tombstone and leaving the next day. From there I was planning to go over to Chiricaha Nat.Mon. then driving up to the GrandCanyon.But from Chiricaha taking Rt191 to 70 then Rte88 to
I-17. This looks shorter on the map, but would it be a bad idea? HELP.. Then, where should we spend that night once we finally hit I-17, around Camp Verde?

Hope you (and your family!) reeeeaaaalllyyy like driving because, while this is some beautiful, unspoiled territory, it is very expansive, and there is a relative dearth of services (just the basics). I've travelled the 'back route' from Albuquerque to Phoenix just to have done it. I wouldn't have wanted to put my family through it, though. The scenery from I-10/I-17 isn't quite as pretty, but by the time you get up to Camp Verde, you'll have quick access to the 'good stuff'. You'll see a good sampling of the real desert east of Tucson.
Just my opinion.

You are going to have a huge, long day of driving and I would get to I-17 as quickly as possible. It's true, that the scenery along that route till you get out a ways from Phoenix, is not much, but in March, it should be better with the spring greenery and, and hopefully, wild flowers...although we've had no rain for months and wild flowers are iffy. But you are going to be on the road a long time and I would try to at least get on the north side of Phoenix...on the freeway, there are alot of motels, or Camp Verde has some too. Are you skipping Phoenix altogether? Don't know when you are coming, but the Dons Club is having their annual Superstition weekend, lots to see, do and eat and is fun...think it is around the 12th and you have to have tickets...that area is relatively easy to get to from the Chiricahua area.
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Thanks so much guys! It's great to see that this forum really works. And it sounds like you are both heading us in the right direction. I'm figuring that, that one day is going to be alot of driving,and I'm hoping that the other days we spend there will be filled with lots of other fun stuff!I'm going to take your advice!
You guys are so nice out there! Is everyone in Arizona just the same??

As I was reading through the 2 replies to your note, Lisa, I realized that my point (Karen's too) wasn't explicitly stated: the off-highway route to the Grand Canyon is very slow compared to taking the Interstate. Yes, on the map it calculates to a shorter distance, but these are not express routes, as many sto signs, town speed limits and such really slow you down. We were trying to say that the Interstate will actually be much faster though the mileage is greater.
As for the demeanor of Zonies in general, I find it to be considerably more easygoing and friendly than most anyplace else in the US, rivalled perhaps by those in the plains states. It's just too hot most of the year to get stressed....

Thanks again Drats. I am going to head up I-17. And Hopefully make it as far as the Camp Verde area so the next day we can do some sightseeing from there up to the Grand Canyon. Where would you suggest staying that night in the Camp Verde area? It isn't too far-fetched trying to get that far in one day, is it? Thanks, again, SO MUCH! Lisa.

Lisa:
The drive from the Tombstone area to Camp Verde is certainly tolerable...boring but tolerable. If you leave at say, 10 AM you should be in by 5 depending on stops and driving style.
Camp Verde has the typical selection of roadside lodgings, Super 8, Comfort Inn, Microtel, etc. The Comfort Inn is only 1.5 years old and looks to be in good shape. If you're on a budget, it's a solid choice.
If your budget is more generous, you might consider trying to push on into Sedona, home to some of Arizona's nicest resorts. If you're only sleeping and showering, might not be worth the $$. Sedona is situated in a very beautiful and unique part of the state and is worth a side trip if you're in the neighborhood. Good luck.

DDrat,I can't tell you how much I appreciate all your help. I tried to e-mail you at your pers. address to thank you but it was returned. I will be taking all your advice, being that I've got NO idea of what I'm doing. And when we get there, everyone is going to be looking at me as the social director. Thanks!