Vttraveler

Lots of people like the IMAX of the GC but it would make more sense to me to spend more time actually seeing the canyon. The sunrises and sunsets are really spectacular.

In GC village the Kolb studio is worth a visit for historic interest and artwork. I'd also stroll through the Bright Angel Lodge and El Tovar lobbies

There is a Tusayan ruin and museum on the drive out to the east entrance which gives an idea of the native American history in the area. The Desert View Watchtower building is a beautiful historic structure in itself as well as the place to get a last great view of the GC.

On the way back to Phoenix Montezuma Castle National Monument (Sinagua cliff dwellings, very close to the interstate) is another possible stop
http://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm

Travelling

Yes, it is a quick trip. The point of going is that Mother really wants to go see it and my office is closed for a few days so I'm building this around a period when I would not have to use vacation time for the whole trip.

Maybe it it too short. I think I'll play with adding a day and staying in Sedona for a night or fly into Phoenix and out of Vegas.

Bill_H

Lots of people like the IMAX of the GC but it would make more sense to me to spend more time actually seeing the canyon.

Most people go see the IMAX movie at night, of course. Duh!

Vttraveler

Travelling--I would recommend that you put a higher priority on seeing a sunset (which I think would be around 6:40 in late September) than seeing the IMAX. The IMAX theater is open until 8:30 so you could do that "at night" after sunset, too.

Bill H-- I try not to get into little side arguments with other posters but it is beyond me why you think "duh" is an appropriate comment.

Travelling

So I think this is what it will be:

Day1 (Saturday) - fly to Phoenix, arriving around 11.30am, drive to the Canyon, spend the night at a nearby hotel most likely in Tusayan.

Day 2 (Sunday) - spend the next day sightseeing at the Canyon and spend a second night or drive to Sedona Sunday night.

Day 3 (Monday) - drive to Sedona Monday morning if we have not done so and do some hiking, then drive back to Phoenix and stay at the airport.

Day 4 (Tuesday)- return home.

What are some good, moderate to expensive hotels in Sedona if we decide to drive back there on Sunday night?

What should we do in Sedona?

Where to stay at the Phoenix airport?

We could add another day, but I think we will have done all we want in this period of time.

Thanks for your further suggestions!

bratsandbeer

You could stay the second night in Flagstaff. We stayed at the Hampton Inn on the west end of town. It was a convenient place.

That would break up the trip and you could enjoy the Oakcreek Canyon drive in the morning on your way to Sedona.

http://www.arizona-leisure.com/oak-c...yon-drive.html