Which is better as a home-base from which to make trips to sites in the area(including the Grand Canyon)? Any opinions would be most appreciated! Thank you.

One source of good information: just make a free phone call to 1-800-288-7336 and ask the Sedona Chamber of Commerce to mail you a free copy of their 70-page free booklet, "Experience Sedona." It lists several days trips (with maps) as well as many other things to do, places to stay, places to eat.

Depends on what you have in mind, but my opinion in that there is no "one" place that is a good base...maybe two places. Sedona is great; has access to Montezuma's Castle and another Indian ruin site (can't remember the name right now); also to the interesting little community of Jerome and the wonderful vistas provided by the round trip; plus all the sights in the very close geographic area. If you are not much into hiking, Sedona can also be a base for a Grand Canyon day trip; otherwise, move on closer to that area for at least one overnight.

Just want to say thanks so much to you both for your answers. They really do help narrow down the choice! Additional feedback is always welcome. Greetings from Oakland, California.

Tucson is also nice to visit - U of A is a pretty campus!

Just a thought.

Flagstaff is closer to the Grand Canyon; also close to walnut canyon, volcanic lava park is right out of town too. Also it is on I 40 and closer to painted desert and petrified forest. Whereas Sedona is about a 30 mile drive south; take oak creek canyon (89A south) instead of I 17, unless you hate driving on winding roads. (drive is magnificent though) From Sedona you can visit Jerome (old ghost town). Also consider the climate. In the summer Flagstaff will be in the 70's whereas Sedona will be in 85-95 range. While in Sedona try to make it to Boynton Canyon; beuatiful red rock and have an ice tea on the outside patio of the Enchantment Resort!

If you're looking for a nice place to vist go to Prescott. It's like going to an old New England town> Pretty square with lots of restaurants and antique-second-hand shops. Drive down Mt. Vernon or Pleasant street to see old Victorian Homes.

Again, thanks to all for information and suggestions. Anyone been to Lowell observatory in Flag? I'd like to go there on summer solstice day, June 21. Keep those ideas coming, Fodors Forum readers/writers!

I just came back from a week long trip to Arizona and Lowell Observatory was one of our first stops. They only have night viewing on certain nights of the week and unfortunately, the night we went the skies were cloudy so we couldn't do any viewing. But the talk they gave was very interesting. Definitely worth a visit on a clear night. Have fun on your trip!