We are planning an one week get-away in Arizona, around Sedona, Phoenix, Tucson, in early December. That's our first time there, would like to seek suggestions on where to go and what to do, and in what sequence (itineraries). We love hiking, driving to scenary sites, taking pictures, especially in National Parks - any good ones there?
Our flight is to Phoenix and will rent a car from there.

Thanks in advance.

Any good national parks in AZ? Yes...with the Grand Canyon being one of the major.

This site might help you plan your trip a little better if you're really interested in spending a lot of time in parks.

http://www.nps.gov/state/az/

take the Verde Valley Railroad trip.

Lots of Natijonal Monuments - Montezuma's Castle (also see Montezuma's Well), Tuzigoot, Wupatki/Sunset Crater, Walnut Canyon, Paiinted Desert/Petrified Forest.

Also Jerome, Meteor Crater, Lowell Observatory

Sorry I didn't make it clear in my initial posting - We have been to most National Parks in Northern Arizona, including Grand Canyon, Sunset Crater, Walnut Canyon, Paiinted Desert/Petrified Forest. Now I am looking for the ones in the southern part of Arizona.

Following beanweb24 's link I found Saguaro National Park quite interesting and would like to visit it when down there, especially want to take photos of those giant Saguaro Cactus at sunset.

Anything else in Tucson to suggest? What's the must-dos in Phoenix and Sedona?

Thanks!

Rimwall-I am a little confused by your posting. Do you want to spend your time in Sedona and No. Arizona or just So. Arizona. If you are doing So. Arizona I would suggest that you go to Tucson and Bisbee. You already mentioned Saguaro National Park. While there be sure to visit the Desert Sonoran Museum in Tucson. You can take some day trips to the wineries in Sonoita, shop in Tubac and visit the Mission San Xavier Del Bac.

Then go south to Bisbee and stay two nights. While in Bisbee take the tour of the copper mine. Then spend one day going to Chirachua National Monument. From Bisbee it's about an 1 1/2 to 2 hour drive. I grew up in Arizona (live in CA now) and had never been to the Chirachuas as it is remote. I went for the first time this May. There are amazing rock formations, wildlife and great hiking trails. The only problem you might have is that they can get some snow in December. So keep an eye on the weather.

On the way back to Tucson from Bisbee you can stop in Tomstone. Not my favorite place but it's fun for a short visit. Tucson in December would be beautiful.

rimwall-Here is a link to view photos from my trip to Bisbee in May. Just click on view slideshow to see pictures.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...e&x=0&y=aa0nn1

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
is a must see !
http://www.desertmuseum.org/
I am a native Tucsonian and have been visiting the place all my life-it is always wonderful.

R5

Forgot to add-try to plan your visit to ASDM to watch the Raptor Free Flight-
links to info about the program are on the site link I gave you.
Just fantastic !

R5

With only a week. I'd stay in Tucson and enjoy hikeing in the Saguaro National Parks (west has good hilly trails). Also Mt Lemmon where you might even get to go skliing on the summit. Of course the Sonoran Desert Museum which is like a zoo/natural history museum. You might make an overnight to Bisbee and Chiricahua Nat. Monument is wonderful and has excellent hikes and is down Bisbee way...maybe stop the and hike than overnight in Bisbee.

Trying to do Sedona ansd souther AZ in one week would be rushed. Maybe Sedona and then just the Tucson are and that would be it.

Absolutely agree-it would be to rushed to visit Sedona and the Tucson area. Also if you have a chance go to Kartchner Caverns southest of Tucson. I was just there for the first time in Oct. Beautiful caverns and a very interesting story about their discovery.

Many thanks to all of you, Paula, R5, Peterboy, beanweb24, and bigtyke.

As you suggested, I'll just focus on Tucson, Bisbee and southern Arizona for this trip.

Paula, your Bisbee album is wonderful! Is that Schoolhouse Inn a good place to stay? How much is its rate? Do you have to reserve in advance in December?

Rimwall-Thanks for the compliment on the album. I can highly recommend The School House Inn. I actually picked it based on the price and the reviews on tripadvisor. It's #2 for all B&B's in Bisbee. Since I traveled with my two sisters, we preferred to have some separation of sleeping quarters. We got the two bedroom Principal's office suite for $129 a night. Where can you get prices like that? The one bedrooms start around $80 a night. I would definitely make a reservation as it is a popular place to stay.

Keep in mind it's an old building so you do hear a few creaks and groans as others walk around. But I never heard any of the other guests in their rooms. It was very quiet. It might be too cold to sit on the patio in December but they have a nice inside dining area. The elevation in Bisbee is much higher than Tucson so the weather will be colder there in Dec. Another advantage of this B&B is that's there is plenty of parking. I guess parking is an issue for some of the B&B's in town although in Dec it might not be as much of an issue.

www.schoolhouseinnbb.com/

This is the reviews on tripadvisor. Mine is the one dated May 23 2007.
http://tinyurl.com/2tbldd