Grand Canyon & More - Suggestions?
 

I plan to arrive at the Grand Canyon (South Rim) on Apr 5, evening. I am leaving Arizona through Phoenix on Apr 15 or 16.

I would like to visit Sedona, Canyon de Chelly and the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert during my visit. Am I too ambitious? Would I have enough time to enjoy all of these destinations?

I would like to spend the last day in Scottsdale visiting Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. Anyone been there?

Thanks for any help.

Hi woodstockguy,

I think you can do that trip without too much of a problem. You could do a loop from the GC, then head west to Canyon de Chelley, south to Petrified Forest, west to Sedona, then south to Phoenix.

You could spend 2 or 3 days in each place as you see fit to cover them in 10 days. I'd spend 2 in the canyon and 3 in Sedona, especially if you like to hike and view red rocks.

It sounds like a nice vacation to me!

Karen

That was supposed to be EAST from GC to Canyon de Chelley, obviously. :)

We made this loop easily and added Monument Valley: Sedona, GC, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelley, Petrified Forest and then to Phoenix. Along the way you will have views of Painted Dessert.

Taliesin West is well worth the visit and tour.

You should have plenty of time. I agree with Pollyvw, you should add Monument Valley even if it's just to make a quick detour to drive thought it.

Utahtea

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Can anyone suggest what towns provide accommodations for the loop through Canyon de Chelly, Monument Valley and the Painted Desert?

Just keep in mind I've never stayed at the lodging at these locations, I just know the closest locations that have modern motels.

Canyon de Chelly: Chinle, AZ or stay at the Tunderbird Lodge in the park.

Monument Valley: Gouldings, UT or Kayenta, AZ

Painted Desert: Holbrook, AZ

Utahtea

Can only suggest the ones we have researched and booked for our trip late April. Check out Mexican Hat Lodge for Monument Valley - sounds very friendly. Wigwam Motel for Holbrook - unique experience! Only 3 to choose from in Chinle and we have gone for Garcia Trading Post - pot luck!

Krissie

When visiting Monument Valley a couple of years ago we stayed at the San Juan Inn in Mexican Hat, UT. I was glad we chose this place as the other places in Mexican Hat did not look appealing from the outside. After driving through the Petrified Forest we stayed in Holbrook at a Best Western that was very nice for the price - only $45. It was near the Wigwam. The Wigwam did look interesting, but from their website it appeared the rooms were very small.

More than anywhere, i HIGHLY recommend Gouldings Lodge, right INSIDE Monument Valley. Partly built into the mesas, stunning views from your private balcony, amazing sunsets and sunrises, small museum of movies made right there (John Wayne flicks, City Slickers etc). Stay there and you'll never EVER forget it.

Another totally unique and memorable place is The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook. It was a blast! Think about it, you can always stay in a holiday inn, but when will you have this chance again? Check out our trip report for more details. (BTW, my guys are 6'2" and did just fine)

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