PHOENIX TO GRAND CANYON
 

HELP, WILL BE TRAVELING TO ARIZONA AT THE END OF JULY. STAYING IN SCOTTSDALE FOR SEVEN DAYS. WILL HAVE 4 EXTRA DAYS TO SEE SEDONA AND THE NORTHERN PART OF THE STATE. HAVE RESERVATIONS IN THE GRAND CANYON FOR 2 NIGHTS. TRAVELING WITH ELDERLY MOTHER,17YR OLD SON, 10 YR.OLD DAUGTHER. WE LOVE ARIZONA, <BR>ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT IS A MUST SEE FROM PHOENIX TO THE GRAND CANYON WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL WOULD LIKE TO SEE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. WOULD BHELPFUL

I've made that drive a couple of times, and, from my perspective, there are few "must-sees" other than Sedona. You might consider taking the longer scenic route from Sedona to the GC, which will take you through some picturesque country and an Indian reservation. Maybe some other people out there define "must see" differently than I do, and can give you some other ideas.

With a 10 year old girl, I would plan to stop at the Navajo Trading post between the GC and Sedona and let her look at the inexpensive silver jewelry. That will give your elderly mom a "pit stop" too and a chance to walk a bit. In Phoenix make sure to go to the Heard Museum and buy the kids a book about the kachina figures--really intersting. Barry Goldwater's collection of kachinas in there. Old Scottsdale has lots and lots of art galleries and the famous old "Pink Pony Saloon" for a hamburger at lunch. I don't like Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, but you might--tours only with docents. Kids might be bored. Sedona is wonderful. There's a water slide--a real one in Oak Creek Canyon Slide Park---bring an old pair of jeans that they won't wear again--it's hard on your bum!Kids that age will love it. Do not take your mom on a Jeep tour if she has any back/arthritis problems. Do take her to see sunset at the airport--yes, airport--you'll understand when you get there. She will also enjoy the pretty Tlaquepaque shopping arcade--meant to be a recreation of Guadalajara, with pretty courtyards and fountains around restaurants and galleries. On the way to Sedona from Phoenix you can stop at Montezuma's Castle, again a good pitstop for your mom. Been twice before and heading there again next year. Oh---old mining town of Jerome might be of interest and a lunch at the old hotel in Prescott on Whiskey Row would be good.

If I was leading a tour group and only had time to see two areas between Phoenix and the GC, I'd recommend Sedona and Montezuma's Castle. Sedona is gorgeous, and Montezuma's Castle is very, very interesting. There are few places like it in the world.

Emily, <BR>Just returned from that area on a 4 night mini vacation. Had the same itinerary as you. When leaving Phoenix to Sedona, be sure to stop at Montezuma's Castle. From Montezuma’s Castle travel to Sedona. Be sure to take the drive from Sedona to Flagstaff via Oak Creek Canyon Road. Stop at slide rock with the kids and let them swim there. Your 17 yo and 10 yo will have a blast! There are even cabins and motels that you can stay in during your visit to Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon. Preferred staying in the Oak Creek Canyon area and Flagstaff area to Sedona. Flagstaff and the places in the canyon are less expensive to stay at than in Sedona. Do keep in mind that the GC gets cool at night bring a sweater or sweatshirt. <BR>