We will be visiting AZ and the Grand Canyon for the first time in early April. We will be driving from Phoenix to the park. Any suggestion on the best route to take for first time AZ visitors? We have two kids under 10 y/o who (like most kids) have limited attention spans on drives longer than couple of hours.

We have guaranteed late arrival reservations at our hotel at Grand Canyon, so we will not be real rushed to get there and would like to see some of what Arizona has to offer in the way of scenery & history on our way to and from the Grand Canyon.

Any suggestions?

Things to see along the way:

Jerome (at one time Arizona's largest city, now has several historic sites)

Anasazi Ruins at Walnut Canyon, Tuzigoot, or Wupatki National Monuments (not as good as Mesa Verde or Casa Grande, but it's a start).

There is a National Park with cliff dwellings along the way. I can't remember the name. They were fascinating. They are not far from the road so a trip there does not take up much time. It was a great way for our kids to stretch their legs.

From Phoenix drive north on I-17 past Camp Verde and stop at Montezuma's Castle (the cliff dwelling mentioned above). Then back on I-17 a few miles to exit 298 (Route 179) and drive 15 miles into Sedona. Lots to see and do there. Check their web site. From Sedona continue north on 89-A through Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff, then 180 to South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park. Distance: about 235 miles.

I have driven 3 times from Phoenix to the Canyon. Once when I was about 15 on my first trip, my parents stopped at Montezumas castle. I can only tell you that as a 15 year old I was bored stiff, but it was good for stretching the legs. I much preferred a stop off in Sedona for lunch and some souvenier hunting, plus the scenery is amazing to anyone of all ages. Now that I am 30,I would probably enjoy the Montezuma's castle more. But, on our last visit to the canyon, my wife and I stumbled upon a park called Slide Rock. It cost $5 to drive into the park, and it was well worth it. It is just north of Sedona, and right off the highway, so you don't have to go too far out of the way. This was in September, and the scenery was beautiful, and the park had a river running over the red rocks with huge boulders that you could walk on. You could wade or swim in the stream and pools and we got some incredible pictures and video footage. There was also a snack hut, but it wasn't open the day we were there. We originally pulled into the park to get some pictures since it rained the whole day we were at the Grand Canyon, and I mean really rained, so we only spent 20 minutes at the canyon, and about 2 hours at this Slide Rock park where the weather was nicer. But you could spend 30 minutes to an hour there and make it a fun rest stop for the kids. Not sure exactly where it is located, but it was about 10 miles north of Sedona. I have seen it mentioned in travel books for Arizona.

It's a beautiful drive. Enjoy!

I agree with Al's route except for one leg. From Flagstaff, take #89 North and enter the park on #64 from the east. As you drive north on #89, you will have a wonderful view of the Painted Dessert on the horizon and on #64, there are many fantastic overlooks. Just my humble opinion after having done it both ways.

I agree with Slide Rock! We took our boys (little older at the time) and they loved that. Great way to get out of the car. Also loved Schniebly Hill Road out of Sedona toward the canyon. Two track which was awesome! Our boys loved it!