first time in AZ
 

Thinking of driving to Arizona from PA, taking our time. We would like to see some of the parks,canyons, sights. can someone suggest an area where we could center and branch out form on day trips? thanks

What time of year ?

If you are thinking of the Grand Canyon - that is a great place to spend a couple days. Within a couple of hours - you can go float the river at Page, see the marvelous Monument Valley to the East (maybe two and a half hours - look for Kayenta on a map) - and also visit/see Cliff Dwellings close to there at the Navajo National Monument.

You are also close to beautiful Sedona - and if you are continuing on - not that far from spectacular Zion and Bryce parks in Southern Utah.

Tomsd gave you great advice. Please just keep in mind the temps and the time of year you'll be traveling.

Are you only going to Northern AZ or are there other parts of the state you are interested in?

Is natural beauty the reason why you are going?

What else do you like to do?

AZ is full of things to do.

How long are you staying? What time of year?

I'm not so sure about a central spot for day trips, since AZ is big and there are lot of attractions.

Maybe start with a couple of days at the GC -- do float trip, etc., as tom suggested. Then drive to Sedona for a few days and catch the sights there. Then south to Scottsdale/Phoenix. Phoenix isn't my favorite city, but if you're going this time of year, you can get some good deals at some of the tonier hotels/spas. I happens to like the Boulders, but it's a bit removed from the action.

Did you have a thread about this earlier? Maybe a year ago? I think you had several responses there.

Time of year is important. Northern AZ is a great area to explore, BUT could easily be a disaster if you do it in the winter. If you are coming to sunny and warm AZ to get out of the PA winter, you need to be flexible and stay out of northern AZ in case of wintery weather.

Northern Arizona is beautiful, Flagstaff, Sedona...I love it there.

It really is impossible to answer without knowing what month you'll be traveling, as mentioned above. This does sounds like a "let's drive to sunny Arizona and escape the winter" kind of inquiry. But maybe maribeth has forgotten she asked.