Need Arizona trip advice
Apr 25th, 2004, 07:50 PM
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Need Arizona trip advice
We will be arriving in Phoenix with our 10 and 22 year-old sons early on June 19 and have until the 26th. So far, we plan to drive to Sedona for two nights and are trying to decide between the Enchantment and the Hyatt Pinon Point. I want to make sure my youngest has a nice pool. We definitely will take a Jeep tour--just have to decide between Pink and Hummer. Then to Grand Canyon via 180/64 for one night where we have reservation at the Kachina Lodge. We plan to return via 64/89 to Flagstaff on the 22nd, stopping to see the Wupatki Ruins, Sunset Crater Volcano,Desert View,Cameron Trading POst, etc.
Now, I am undecided what to do next. Opition 1) Stay in Flagstaff for two nights and take a day trip to the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert or 2) stay in Flagstaff one night, go to Painted Desert/Petrified Forest, stay in Winslow or Holbrook then drive to Phoenix through the Tonto National Forest via 87 (or 377/260/87 from Holbrook).
This is our first and probably our last trip to Arizona, and I have researched and researched trying to make it perfect.
I have reservations at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for the last 2 nights but don't have to stay here. Will be glad for suggestions for better, more fun places to stay. The dive-in movies and waterslides sounded good for my son. Also don't have to spend two nights in Phoenix area for that matter if you think something else would be better. I just thought it might be a good thing to have nothing to do but hang out by pool, play minature golf, etc. before we go home.
I don't want the young one to have to spend lots of time in the car without fun things to do.
We always have taken beach vacations before because I am the only one who likes to tour, so I really want everyone to enjoy this so it won't be all beach from now on.
Sorry for such a long post but I'm so glad to have found this board. I am open to and will greatly appreciate any advice. The only thing I can't change is the night of the 22nd in the GC. Thanks so much. Lynda
Now, I am undecided what to do next. Opition 1) Stay in Flagstaff for two nights and take a day trip to the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert or 2) stay in Flagstaff one night, go to Painted Desert/Petrified Forest, stay in Winslow or Holbrook then drive to Phoenix through the Tonto National Forest via 87 (or 377/260/87 from Holbrook).
This is our first and probably our last trip to Arizona, and I have researched and researched trying to make it perfect.
I have reservations at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for the last 2 nights but don't have to stay here. Will be glad for suggestions for better, more fun places to stay. The dive-in movies and waterslides sounded good for my son. Also don't have to spend two nights in Phoenix area for that matter if you think something else would be better. I just thought it might be a good thing to have nothing to do but hang out by pool, play minature golf, etc. before we go home.
I don't want the young one to have to spend lots of time in the car without fun things to do.
We always have taken beach vacations before because I am the only one who likes to tour, so I really want everyone to enjoy this so it won't be all beach from now on.
Sorry for such a long post but I'm so glad to have found this board. I am open to and will greatly appreciate any advice. The only thing I can't change is the night of the 22nd in the GC. Thanks so much. Lynda
Apr 25th, 2004, 10:03 PM
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I like the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest but IMHO, it's something you do because you are passing by. It's also not really worth a whole day.
Instead of Flagstaff, what about spending two nights at Page, AZ. Take the boys on the 1/2 day Colorado Float Trip. This a lot of fun for all ages. You can also squeeze in a tour of the Upper Antelope Slots Canyon and the day you leave Page for Scottsdale you can take the short hike to Horseshoe Bend to view the river you floated down the day before. You can also still do Wupatki Ruins & Sunset Crater Volcano.
My pictures of the float trip are at the link below. Our guide was not only interesting but very funny too. It really was the highlight of our trip.
http://www.utahtea.lithium.com/vacation2003/float.htm
Utahtea
Instead of Flagstaff, what about spending two nights at Page, AZ. Take the boys on the 1/2 day Colorado Float Trip. This a lot of fun for all ages. You can also squeeze in a tour of the Upper Antelope Slots Canyon and the day you leave Page for Scottsdale you can take the short hike to Horseshoe Bend to view the river you floated down the day before. You can also still do Wupatki Ruins & Sunset Crater Volcano.
My pictures of the float trip are at the link below. Our guide was not only interesting but very funny too. It really was the highlight of our trip.
http://www.utahtea.lithium.com/vacation2003/float.htm
Utahtea
Apr 26th, 2004, 03:41 AM
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We drove through Painted Desert this summer - it was noticeably "unpainted" in our opinion - interesting for about 10% of the time it took to make the drive. Much of area is long, grey, flat - but a necessary drive to get where you are going. When I was not the driver I was very bored.
Depending on schedule - would either boy want to see a baseball game in Phoenix during your stay there?
As far as making trip "perfect" - I know the feeling. Try to invest the 10-year old in some planning - he probably could go on-line and do some research - even if it just seeing a picture of the pool at the next hotel, our kids used to think that was cool. We also would put together a folder/notebook with info, maps, etc - in order of where we are going next. Helps to put distances, geography in perspective and eases the "are we there yet" inevitable questions on a driving trip. Also gives him something to look forward to at next stop. Get a notebook with pocket folders and he can use it to store "stuff" he collects - our kids at that age and still managed to treasure small, odd items they collected (such as sugar packets with pictures of cacti on them!)
Depending on schedule - would either boy want to see a baseball game in Phoenix during your stay there?
As far as making trip "perfect" - I know the feeling. Try to invest the 10-year old in some planning - he probably could go on-line and do some research - even if it just seeing a picture of the pool at the next hotel, our kids used to think that was cool. We also would put together a folder/notebook with info, maps, etc - in order of where we are going next. Helps to put distances, geography in perspective and eases the "are we there yet" inevitable questions on a driving trip. Also gives him something to look forward to at next stop. Get a notebook with pocket folders and he can use it to store "stuff" he collects - our kids at that age and still managed to treasure small, odd items they collected (such as sugar packets with pictures of cacti on them!)
Apr 26th, 2004, 04:51 PM
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In Scottsdale if pools are a big priority I'd look into the Hyatt Gainey Ranch or Phoenician. The rooms at the Hyatt aren't anything special, but the grounds and pools are very memorable. The Phoenician is a better overall resort than the Princess and Hyatt, and its pool complex does have a nice water slide. The Phoenician is also more centrally located if you plan to visit the Biltmore shopping area.
I'd avoid making a special effort to see the Painted Desert. I think that's a very marketing-oriented name.
I'd avoid making a special effort to see the Painted Desert. I think that's a very marketing-oriented name.
Apr 26th, 2004, 06:01 PM
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Hi Lynda, sounds like a great trip!
Agree with the others...definitely skip the painted desert and petrified forest, or at the very least, just drive thru the painted forest. And i wouldn't spend more than 1/2 day in flagstaff either...
Check out Walnut Canyon Nat'l Mt. and Montezuma Nat'l Mt. Together they will take not even a full day.
You mentioned Holbrook...for something totally unique and unusual, why not spend the night in a concrete teepee on the old historic Rt. 66? In fact, with rates at The Wigwam Motel of only approx $50, why not get two teepees and let your sons have their own for some brotherly bonding!? (And a little alone time for you and dh!)
We spent a night there last summer on our 8th road-trip out west and it was truly one of the best nights of ALL of our eight trips out west. We giggled ALOT. The teepees are immaculate, surprisingly comfortable, and the vintage cars add a fun touch. Native american dances are held each night at the old courthouse, which also contains a museum and an old jail creepier than alcatraz!
Have a great time planning!
Agree with the others...definitely skip the painted desert and petrified forest, or at the very least, just drive thru the painted forest. And i wouldn't spend more than 1/2 day in flagstaff either...
Check out Walnut Canyon Nat'l Mt. and Montezuma Nat'l Mt. Together they will take not even a full day.
You mentioned Holbrook...for something totally unique and unusual, why not spend the night in a concrete teepee on the old historic Rt. 66? In fact, with rates at The Wigwam Motel of only approx $50, why not get two teepees and let your sons have their own for some brotherly bonding!? (And a little alone time for you and dh!)
We spent a night there last summer on our 8th road-trip out west and it was truly one of the best nights of ALL of our eight trips out west. We giggled ALOT. The teepees are immaculate, surprisingly comfortable, and the vintage cars add a fun touch. Native american dances are held each night at the old courthouse, which also contains a museum and an old jail creepier than alcatraz! Have a great time planning!
Apr 28th, 2004, 07:19 PM
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we took the Hummer trip into the desert with kids (from the Phoenician). It was great, 3 kids, 4 adults: raves from all.
Also Taliesin West was a great site--facinating (our 12 year old was fairly interested in tour, so that tells you something!)
Also Taliesin West was a great site--facinating (our 12 year old was fairly interested in tour, so that tells you something!)
Apr 29th, 2004, 04:31 PM
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I think you are missing two of the southwest's highlights, Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly....sounds like you're just filling in nights with nothing to do.....I would say do Sedona, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, Navajo National Monument and you will have really seem some beautiful scenery and heard some fasinating history. If you have extra time, Taliesin West has a sensational tour and a short drive to north Tucson to Sonora Desert Museum, an outdoor museum of animals and plants, really great...also remember it will be VERY hot(and dusty in the north) and that the heat does take some energy out of you, so doing the tours of MV and CDC and NNM in the mornings would be best. If you think you won't return for awhile, you should really do all these things for the beauty of this area.
