DavidTH

We are planning a 9 night trip, flying into Las Vegas and out of Phoenix. We are not gamblers but want the Las Vegas experience...but do enjoy the outdoors and look forward to hiking at the GC and Sedona.
Our dilemma is how to schedule the 9 nights (this October)...right now I am thinking 3 nights in Vegas and then 2 nights in each of the subsequent locations. Our flight arrives in Vegas in the early afternoon, and we leave Phoenix the morning of the 10th day.
Is this a good plan? Would it make more sense to spend 3 nights in either Grand Canyon or Sedona, and only spend one night in Phoenix?
Any recommendations/suggestions would be appreciated.

LSky

If you're not gamblers you may be done with Las Vegas with an overnight.

When are you going? It's going to be hot in the summer, that will be the nice part about Vegas.

Spend your time doing what you love, hiking the canyon and enjoying Sedona.

What else are you interested in doing?

LSky

You didn't ask but imo, Phoenix has some interesting art/architecture.

Of course while in Las Vegas you may be interested in the Hoover dam. I'm not a huge fan of vegas.

emalloy

IMO, the Vegas experience itself should need only one or possibly two nights if you are planning on seeing shows in addition to walking the strip and oogling the casinos. If you are looking at as place to stay for day trips to other places in the area, then get the best deal you can. Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley NP are all great places to go to from Vegas. Zion NP is doable in a very long day trip.

I love Grand Canyon, but unless you are planning on doing lots of hiking, two nights will be plenty. You could see sunset, sunrise, hike along the rim trail out to Hermit's Rest and down Bright Angel trail or Kaibab trail and visit the spectacular sights on the east end on your way out. Then go south on 89 and stop at Wupatki and Sunset Crater on your way south. If you want to see a neat cliff dwelling, stop at Walnut Canyon, about 10 miles east of Flagstaff. Near Sedona there are interesting ruins too.

Have a wonderful trip.

LindainOhio

We've done this trip. The most important part is finding a car without a steep one way drop off charge. Starting in Las Vegas should help since car rentals in Phoenix are really expensive.

If you are hikers, I would spend 2 nts Vegas, 2nts Grand Canyon, 3 nts Sedona. Depending on how early your flight is, I might spend the last night in Sedona and go to the airport from there. It's going to be hot in Phoenix.

Uma

When you are in Sedona, have lunch or dinner one day at Enchantment Resort. You will have to make reservations ahead of time to be let on the property. The resort is in Boynton Canyon and is spectacular. We also like Heartline Cafe.
Phoenix/Scottsdale has Taliesin West(if you like Frank Lloyd Wright); the Heard Museum(Native American art and culture); the Musical Instrument Museum; Denver Botanical Garden. Stay at El Tovar in the Grand Canyon if you can.

tomfuller

If you have an interest in seeing Hoover Dam/Lake Mead, stay 1 night at the Hacienda. http://www.haciendaonline.com/
It will save time and money on the way from LV to South Rim GC.
There is a short helicopter tour over the dam/lake that takes off at the edge of the parking lot.

DavidTH

thanks for the suggestions...we have decided to reduce our stay in Vegas to 2 nights and add a night in Sedona. Can't wait!

Myer

I did a trip similar to this 4 years ago.

I had been to Las Vegas several times so didn't stay at all.

The dropoff charge then for LAS-PHX was $100. Make sure on this now. They gouge you.

I spent 2 days around Bryce Canyon (1 for Bryce itself is enough but make sure you do a sunrise at Bryce Point and at least one hike into the Canyon), 1 day in Zion (you could easily do 2 here), Antelope Canyon, The Best Damn View and Horseshoe Bend around Page AZ, evening and morning at GC (should have spend a few more hours and hike down an hour into the Canyon - not one of my favorite places), and 3 days hiking around Sedona (many excellent hiking trails here).

tomfuller

If you can swing 3 nights at either GC or Sedona do it. Try to fly to/leave from one or the other. The car rentals are cheaper in LV but you need to return there. You could see Phoenix as a day trip from Sedona. Phoenix is only 5.5 hours by car from LV by car. Even closer from Sedona. Be sure to see Hoover Dam.
One night in LV and you'll be ready to head east to Arizona. There are a few things in the LV area worth seeing ie: Red Rocks and Valley of Fire.
If you choose LV you could go through Page and Zion on the way back to Las Vegas.

orangetravelcat

If you said when you are coming, I missed it, but if it's in the summer, Phoenix will be hot as hell. That said, right now we seem to be having weather that is cooler than normal, but don't know how long that will continue.

When in Sedona, be sure to do a Pink Jeep tour. They are lots of fun and you get to see things you won't see from your car. I also recommend Dean & Deluca and Cucina Rustica in Sedona for dinner. Both are fantastic Italian restaurants (same owners).

Have fun.

DavidTH

thanks for all of the suggestions. I guess we decided to spend 2 nights (really just 1 1/2 days because we arrive in the afternoon) in LV because we've never been there...I feel like we're the only people we know who haven't! Anyways, if nothing else than to see a couple of shows. (and orangetravelcat....it's October that we're going...and we definitely plan to do the Pink Jeep tour).

From what I can see, renting a car from Fox eliminates the dropoff fee at Phoenix Airport. If anyone thinks otherwise, please let me know.
again, thanks for all of the great advise.

tomfuller

One time I got to Fox's lot mid-afternoon with a car reservation in hand. All of the economy cars had been rented and we got a Jeep CJ at the same price. The fuel mileage was not as good and one of the tires was a bit low. I don't think Fox does too much more than change the oil and hose the cars off when they come back. Be careful!
I had a tire pressure issue with a Fox car in SLC also.
Make sure any dings on the car are well noted and the gas level is correct on the slip before leaving the lot.