We are in the VERY beginning stages of a trip to the Grand Canyon---never being further west than Denver from Boston! Which is the easier APO to fly into --Phoenix or Vegas ? We would be renting a car and just "going"....We have racked up enough points Finally to fly for free and stay at any Marriott for free along the way...Yahoo!....so price is no object when we get to the park....we are NOT hikers/campers. Any suggestions for hotels for one night? Anyone stayed at the Fray Marcos? Looks like the train trip from Williams is fun...? Any info would be appreciated !!

If your not very outdoorsy, I'd suggest flying into Las Vegas and taking a one day tour from there. We took a tour company that took us to Hoover Dam--down Route 66--to the bottom of the Grand Canyon at the Colorodo River (lunch)-to the top of the Canyon--out through Joshua Tree National Park. Long day but worth it.

Then you can play the rest of the time in Vegas!

I believe this is the tour ompany we went with --http://www.adventurephototours.com/

Phoenix is about an hour closer to the South Rim if you take I-17 (~4 hours vs ~5hrs from Vegas). Alternatively, if you wish to take your time, there are numerous things to do along this route as well (Montezuma's Castle, Sedona, etc.). From Vegas there's Hoover Dam and not much else.

If you plan to visit the North Rim (or do a loop to visit both rims) then Vegas is obviously closer. Plus you can visit some of the National Parks in southern Utah as well.

If you're planning to stay in the park, you should make reservations as far in advance as possible. This can be done on-line through "http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/". Even though price may not be an issue, availability is.

Unless you really want to gamble, I would pick Phoenix over Las Vegas. The Marriott Camelback Inn in Phoenix/Scottsdale is a beautiful resort with golf and a world-class spa. A great place to unwind before or after the Grand Canyon. There are several other Marriott resorts in the area (Mountain Shadows, McDowell Mountaints) that you could also consider. Mountain Shadows is brand new and you may be able to get more for your points as they are still trying to build up business.

The drive up to the Grand Canyon is very pretty, especially Sedona. A good place to stop for lunch or the night.

First rule of going to the Canyon -- do NOT go during July, August, or September. These are the absolutely worst times to go in terms of heat and crowds; yet this is the time most people go.

If you take a one day tour of the Canyon, you will NOT have time to get into the National Park area for more than a few hours. The tour described by Christina takes you (most likely) to the "west" rim of the Canyon -- a nice site but nowhere near the best part of the area. You absolutely MUST spend overnight in the Canyon itself; seeing the area as the sun rises is a site you will NEVER forget.

If you plan on visiting the North Rim, note that it is closed from October to May.

Wow. Lots of questions. First lets start at the end of your question. We did the train from Williams. This is pretty good but unless you book the overnight trip to the Grand Canyon you will arrive at noon and depart at 3PM. Not a lot of time to enjoy one of the natural wonders of the world. Next we have flown into both Las Vegas and Phoenix. Phoenix is by far the easiest destination to pick up a rental car. Alamo is right in the terminal parking building.
Here's what we did last year. Flew into Phoenix and drove to Sedona. Stayed 2 nights at Sedona and were very impressed by Red Rock Country.
Then drove to Grand Canyon and stayed 1 night at Bright Angel Lodge (a quaint cabin on the rim). Saw the sunset and sunrise drove east along the rim and then moved on to Monument Valley. If as you say your not hikers or campers 1 night at the Grand Canyon might be enough. Anyway enjoy your trip. Arizona is a beautiful state and there is a tremendous amount of scenery to enjoy. We are from Canada and plan on another visit (our third in three years) this July

ttt

As others have mentioned - good points to both (depending on your interests).

If coming from Phoenix - drive through Red Rock Canyon / Sedona area enroute.

If coming from Las Vegas - you'll be able to see Hoover Dam enroute.

I agree you will want to stay at the Grand Canyon overnight. Even if not a hiker, you will want to do the drive from "end to end" along the south rim - stopping at all of the lookout points. It sounds like a bus tour doesn't give you long enough at the canyon.

I agree you will have to book NOW for a night at the Grand Canyon.

p.s. - Don't be disappointed when you arrive if it looks like rain. My best visit to the Grand Canyon was during thunderstorms. The clouds gave the canyon a MUCH more amazing look & colour than on a bright sunny day.

You didn't say how many days you have for this trip. If time, since you are not hikers/campers - book in advance the smooth water raft ride. It leaves (by bus) from the South Rim Grand Canyon & takes you to the river for a very enjoyable, relaxing rafting day with interesting, informative guide.

You didn't say how long of a trip. Last year, we did a 10 day trip, flying into Phoenix, staying there three nights (we took a day trip to Tucson from there), then two nights in Sedona, a night at the Grand Canyon and then one in Flagstaff before spending the last two in Vegas. We thought it was a great trip where we got to see a lot of different things, and although a bit busy (which we prefer) it was never boring. At first, we had planned to take the train, but a friend of mine that had taken it said it was rather boring and not at all scenic like see thought that it would be, so we passed on it. It gave us more time to spend at the park.

If you've never been west of Denver, both cities would offer something good for a quick stopover and then head on to the Grand Canyon. Vegas offers lots of excitement (shows, gambling if you don't mind loosing some money). Phoenix is a clean city. The drive to the South Rim through Sedona and Flagstaff is truly beautiful. The train from Williams is OK but you don't have much time to spend in the canyon. Enjoy!

Don......We will flying into Phoenix for one night (Sunburst Resort), then head to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for two nights (El Tovar). Next, we drive to Sedona for 4 nights at the Enchantment. We finish we two nights at the Royal Palms in Scottsdale. This is our first trip to Arizona...based upon your trip, what are the activities you would recommend? Thanks.

Pamela....last year was our first trip to the West (from the east). We flew into Vegas for 2 nights , then drove to Zion (3 nights), Bryce (2 nights) and would have gone to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon ---- however, the roads were not to open until May 15. This was a great trip and we are now hooked on seeing more of the National Parks!

Why not do both? Fly into Phoenix, spend a day in Sedona, a few days Grand Canyon, then drive to Hoover Dam and on to Las Vegas for a few days and fly home from there. We did this same trip 10/01.

Tom-you have an awesome trip planned. Activities for GC-enjoy the scenery, walk around; Sedona-Pink Jeep Tour, spa treatements at Enchantment, hiking, quaint art shops; Phoenix-definitely eat at T. Cook's the restaurant at Royal Palms, shop at Fashion Square down the road a bit, golf, swim, do the tourist thing in Old Town Scottsdale, Diamondbacks Game or Spring Training, museums, hike Camelback Mt., lots to do. Enjoy!

ttt