My family is planning a weeklong trip through Arizona. The only thing that's certain is we'll spend the first night at the Grand Canyon (South Rim) For the rest of our time (6 nights remaining) we'd like to spend at least 2 nights in Sedona, and we'd like to see Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly. Maybe Tucson if it's possible. We could either fly home out of Phoenix or Las Vegas. Could anyone who knows the area please give us some ideas on a good intinerary and good routes to take? Thanks so much!!

I'm not from the state, but went there on vacation in Feb. At the G. Canyon we stayed at "THE GRAND HOTEL" Is was sooo wonderful there. They had Native American Dancers for you while you enjoyed a very nice dinner. It is fairly new, so the rooms were nice and new also. I didn't want to leave!! Also, we drove down to the bottom of the G. Canyon via Diamond Rd. (I think that was the name of the road) We had to get a pass for around $5, to have permission to drive there. (The $ goes to the Indians, etc.)The hotel had info on it in a catalog that we were reading on stuff to do. It is a long drive away from the main part of the tourist area of G.C. but WELL WORTH IT!! The road to the bottom was not long, but it took a long time because you could only drive 10 mph. due to the dirt/rocky road!! (It took 1hour for about maybe 8 miles) We went this route on our way to Las Vegas. Check it out if you can when your there. Have fun!!

Where is tis Grand Hotel located in the village? Is it by El Trovar and Bright Angel Lodge..I never heard of this road.is it far from main part of park/ Do you have a website or any info I can get online..we`re going in March2001..sounds interesting(the ride down the canyon)..the rest of the group are going on the mules..2 of us are staying on top and this would be a good way to see the canyon better

In one week, you can easily fly into and out of Phoenix spending some time in Sedona/Jerome, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelley if you do it in that order. You should even have time to see the Pertified Forest on the return, but personally, I don't think it worth the time.

Follow Polly's good advice and do all the things listed and also skip Petrified Forest. The grand hotel at GC is El Tovar located at the rim of the canyon next to Bright Angel Lodge...both are perfect locations.

Just found out THE GRAND HOTEL is in Tusayan outside the park(7 mi.).Also at that location is a Holiday Inn Express and Quality Inn and a few others..Check the Chamber of Commerce for some info..

Margo,

I'd definately recommend that you visit Monument Valley. We were on a driving holiday in this area in Aprilit.It's truly spectacular and easy to drive around in your own car.We stayed overnight at Gouldings Lodge which is the perfect location to watch the sunset and sunrise over the Valley. It's a bit pricey but by far the nicest lodge in the area and as I said a truly beautiful location. They have a website:
www.goldings.com