We spent a week in Sedona in January and
had a great time. We took a day trip to
the Grand Canyon(plenty of time IMHO).
We loved the hiking in Sedona, also shopping and dining in Sedona. We would
love to go back to Sedona one day-would
skip the Grand Canyon next time.

Don't miss Montezuma Castle between Phoenix and Flagstaff. Very interesting and gave me a better understanding of the plants and trees of the desert. I was also surprised that I enjoyed the IMAX film about the Grand Canyon. I was on a quick bus tour of the area and wish we had had more time.
I'd like to return to Sedona and rent a modified jeep but I'd thought the Pink Jeep tour was great. We had a very considerate driver named Hal who told us a lot about the flora and fauna. The tour went up Schnebly's road but then he drove the jeep over a small ledge toward the canyon edge. We got out of the jeep for a better look. It is beautiful to see birds flying around. He also pointed out lizards, etc. Some people have questioned the amount of bouncing you do. Hal drove slowly when we were off the road. Vehicle parts suffer from excessive bouncing. On a recent local off-road ride I paid more attention to how much wear and tear on my back. (On the Pink Jeep Tour I got a front seat which may have been more comfortable.) When crawling over rocks there you are going to get some bouncing against the seat back but not on your tail bone. There is not much up and down jostling. I still wouldn't recommend it for anyone with back problems. In the past there was a recommendation for a rental place that specialized in modified jeeps. The most difficult trails require a guide. It was interesting to see the trails used by Pink Jeeps were classified among the easiest. Hence, I would caution anyone who rents to have some knowledge of the trails and some off-road driving expertise as well as making sure what the rental insurance and agreement covers if they wanted to go on the more challenging trails.

Regarding the use of a rental vehicle to go where the Pink Jeep tours go...I am almost 100% sure that you are not allowed to take vehicles over this type of terrain even if it is an LR3.

We own an LR3 and use it for off-road/4 wheel driving. You should be familiar with both the car and the terrain to ensure the safety of yourselves and vehicle. We recently did the same route as the Pink jeep and did fine as we are experienced as to know where you can and cannot go and how to drive in the proper manner so as to not damage the car or us!

Take the tour, you will enjoy it more with the guide's narration and expertise. Yes, you bounce around, but you will in a private vehicle too. We saw lots of Pink Jeeps and the people on them looked like they were liking what they were doing and appreciated the professional drivers.

Hope this helps...
Debi

Recent wildfires have resulted in restricted use of some trails in the Sedona national forest areas. Make sure you are using permitted trails before going off-road.

Schnelby Hill Rd. with an LR3 is one thing. Driving off-road on other trails or with a different kind of vehicle in Sedona can be a completely different deal. Anyone thinking about doing it would be wise to heed all the advice above and then some, and be sure you are very very well-informed about the trail you are driving on.

This past May I spend 3 nights in Cottonwood (right next to Sedona) and 2 nights inside the Grand Canyon. I would say 3 nights at Sedona was perfect and to be honest, I wish I would of spent 1 more night at the Grand Canyon. Then again, I did some pretty extensive hiking into the Canyon and didnt see much of the rim. Since you dont seem to be interested in hiking that much, I'd probably split it up 4 nights in Sedona and 2 nights at the Grand Canyon. That way you can make some side trips out of Sedona IE Jerome.

A Grand Canyon must - sunrise!

So staying at the Canyon makes that so so much more easier. We stayed at Maswik and couldn't have been happier, esp with the price. We were disappointed that we were too late to get a room with a view, but we had the view all day long as we ate lunch, rode in the park's vans, and in our own car. I'm glad I saved the money on a couple of rooms; we only slept there.

Also, if possible, get to see a sunset.

I don't have my notes with me, but the folks at the Canyon will know the best places to view sunrise and sunset.