First Time to Grand Canyon
 

We'll be staying in Sedona over the 4th and plan to make at least one day trip to the Grand canyon. Any advice on which entrance to the south rim that we should use? Also, any tips on where to park to get the shuttle will be appreciated.
We've never been to Arizona - any info. on must-sees and where to eat in the Sedona area would be appreciated!!

From Sedona the South entrance is by far the clossest.

In Sedona I ate at Cowboy Club in town for more of a beef meal and Picassa in Sedona West for gourmet salads and pizza.

If you have time it is worth going to the west rim to walk the glass skywalk, amazing. Hope your not doing Sedona on a budget as it can be very expensive. Arizona is beautiful it is my favourite state, Utah being my second, Bryce Canyon and Zion are fantastic.

What's wrong with Sedona on a budget?

There are many nice motels in the 150. range and meals don't have to be expensive.

The rest is a matter of buying tours or doing the drives and hikes yourself.

Forget the glass Skywalk as it is a long way from Grand Canyon National Park. Reviews are Very mixed.

From Sedona, you could do a loop trip---north to the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, then along the East Rim Drive stopping at various viewpoints. Be sure and stop at the Watchtower, designed by early 20th century American architect Mary Colter.

Once you arrive at the main Grand Canyon village area. park where you can and walk the Rim Trail for a bit. Parts of the rim drive to the west (Hermit Road) are closed due to construction. The park brochure ou receive at the entrance station will have more information.

You are going to need lunch at some point. My first choice would be to get picnic fixings at the deli aat the Canyon Marketplace (the grocery stoe inside the park) and then walk to the Rim Trail and find a place to sit and soak up the views. But if you would prefer a sit-down lunch, El Tovar has a nice menu of Southwest-style cuisine.

Exit by the south entrance and head back to Sedona for a loop trip.

beth,

Sorry, I thought you asked for the closest entrance to GC from Sedona.

Goin in the East entrance and out the south and then back to Sedona is probably best.

Utahtea, an expert on this forum recommended to me about 4 years ago to go in the south entrance, then exit thru the east. She felt you then get a better view, heading east towards the Painted Desert. You could then stop in Cameron before heading back to Sedona.

MY

I just returned from GC on Sunday night and must agree with going in the South entrance and out the East entrance. There are many places to stop and view the canyon along this route.

The canyon is beyond words.

With regard to visiting the GC South Rim, this is how we take visitors: From Sedona, drive up Oak Creek Canyon towards Flagstaff. South of Flagstaff, get on 17 North into town (just a few miles - you'll see the San Francisco Peaks ahead of you at 12,644 feet unless shrouded in monsoon-season clouds). This will probably take about 45-60 minutes.

Take 17 into town-it turns into Milton Road. Drive through town a few miles. Just past the railroad underpass, get in the left lane to turn left onto Humphreys St (I think the sign also says Grand Canyon Hwy 180). Follow the signs to the Grand Canyon and Hwy 180 (you'll turn left a few miles up Humphreys St.) to head to the GC. After a while, at Valle, turn right onto Hwy 64 to Tusayan (just south of the entrance). Should take you about 1-1/2 hours give or take from Flagstaff.

I'd recommend leaving as early as you can stand (we often go before sun-up) to get your choice of parking spots. We've had good luck parking down by the historic train depot. It's easy to walk up to the El Tovar Lodge from there and then walk along the rim.

If you plan to hike, the Bright Angel Trail is quite popular but accessible. You'll encounter mule pee and poop along the top part of this trail, but go down a short ways anyway so you can experience being IN the GC. Take lots of water and snacks in your pack, too. It will be hot!

Driving back to Sedona, do drive along the rim as others have suggested, stopping at the Desert View Watchtower near the east entrance.

After you exit the park on Hwy 64, head towards Cameron. IF you like jewelry and pottery, stop at any one of the many outdoor tables and booths run by the Navajos to have a look and negotiate a good deal.

Depending on time of day, when you get to Hwy 89, turn LEFT and go to the historic Cameron Trading Post, a couple miles up. Lots to see (and buy-no negotiating). If you are hungry, have a Navajo Taco in the restaurant in the back. It consists of Navajo fry bread (which I could eat all day long) piled with beans, meat, lettuce and cheese. They are huge, so consider sharing or getting the mini size. You'll see them coming out of the kitchen, so you can judge. When done, roll yourself out to your car and head back through Flagstaff and get on I-40 West to return to Sedona. You'll get off at Exit 195, heading south on I-17 a few miles before exiting to drive back down Oak Creek Canyon. A good long, incredible day trip!

My Sedona suggestion list will be shorter than my last post - I promise!

July is the start of our monsoon season, which means possibility of rain in the afternoon. So, plan all your outdoor hiking, biking, jeep rides for the morning. Pink Jeep's Broken Arrow Tour is a perennial favorite. Lots of good hikes - you can't have a bad time here!

Food: Picazzo's (previously suggested), Wildflower Bread Company (in the Hyatt vacation club shops at the "Y"), Heartline Cafe for an amazingly delicious upscale dinner, Dahl & DiLuca for nice Italian. Reservations suggested for the last two.

If you drive and park to hike or bike, you'll need a Red Rock pass. Your hotel can help you source one for your stay. If you have a National Parks Pass (like you'd use at the GC), it covers this so you don't need to buy a separate one.

Hope this helps - have a great time!

We also will be visiting the GC for the first time in late July, staying overnight at El Tovar. We will be heading to the GC from Las Vegas and heading to Sedona when we leave the canyon. We'd like to stop in Cameron on our way to Sedona. What's the recommended way to enter and exit? Thanks.

I guess from Vegas you'll be coming around from the south. Your best entrance will be the south entrance. It's very close to the village and hotels.

To go to Cameron you'll be exiting the east entrance/exit and going along Rt 64.

From Cameron go south on Rt 89 and it goes thru Flagstaff to Sedona.