Help with Sedona & Grand Canyon Itinerary!
 

Hi All,

I am traveling to Sedona/Grand Canyon over Spring Break with my family of 5 (parents + 3 tween boys). We usually take beach vacations with the kids, so this one will be an experiment with hiking and more outdoorsy activities :-) Can you help with my itinerary? I'm wondering if this is sufficient or too rushed and too much travel time.

We would have 3 full days in Sedona and 1 day at Grand Canyon (then 2 travel days). I was considering adding an extra day to this itinerary so we can see some more sites in Sedona (interested in Cathedral Rock, Red Rock State Park, Oak Creek, Slide Rock for swimming, Chapel of the Holy Cross, swinging by Tlapequaque Mall, Devil's Bridge Trail) - BUT, when I spoke with the hotel concierge, they said most people stay in Sedona 3-4 days, including a day trip to the Grand Canyon - and after that, I was wondering if my kids would get bored and maybe this is enough time? Let me know your thoughts and perhaps things to do on each day, and what sites I can combine on each day.

Also, can you recommend easy hikes for families? And, is April a good time to do Slide Rock or is the water too cold? And how deep is it?

Thank you!! - L

Day 1 - TRAVEL DAY travel from NY to Sedona, arrive Enchantment Resort late Friday
Day 2 - AM Pink Jeep Tour/Scenic Drive 2.5 hours, back to Enchantment to chill by pool, dinner at hotel, Stargazing at night
Day 3 - Walk around local Boynton Canyon trails near Enchantment - dinner out (where?)
Day 4 - switch hotels to Hilton Bell Rock (Enchantment is not available on this night, but maybe good to mix it up anyway and be closer to town?)
Day 5 - Day trip to Grand Canyon (on our own or with a guide?)
Day 6 - Drive to Pheonix for afternoon flight

April in Sedona is considered prime visiting season, offering "spring-like" conditions with warm, comfortable days and cool, brisk nights, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. The weather is generally sunny and dry, although it can be breezy and occasionally chilly, requiring layers.

Key April Weather Statistics

• Sunshine: High, with approximately 13 hours of daylight.

• Average Highs: Low 60s°F (16°C) early in the month to low 80s°F (28°C) by late April.
• Average Lows: Low 40s°F (6°C) to low 50s°F (10°C).
• Precipitation: Low; with an average of 1.14 inches for the month.
• Wind:
  April is historically the windiest month in Sedona, with average speeds around 13.7 mph
  .

What to Expect & Pack

• Layers are Essential: Days can be warm, but temperatures drop significantly after sunset, with a 30-40 degree difference between day and night. Pack t-shirts, fleece jackets, and long pants.
• Hiking Conditions: The weather is considered "perfect" for hiking but it is recommended to start early to avoid crowds and the hottest part of the day.
• Crowds: April is very popular due to spring break, so expect high traffic on roads and trails.
• Water Levels: While it is warming up, water in Oak Creek may still be too cold for swimming, though it is becoming pleasant by the end of the month.

Potential Weather Swings
While usually pleasant, April can occasionally bring abrupt weather changes, including a mix of 70s°F weather followed by colder, 30-40°F nights. Although less likely than in March, snow is still possible, especially at higher elevations