We plan to drive on Memorial Day w/e
starting around 1 P.M from Phoenix airport.I want to reach Thunderbird Lodge GC before sunset.What would be the best route?
I understand it is cutting it too fine but can I do a detour through Sedona and Oak Creek canyon on the way?Sunset is a 7PM.

Yes,
You can cut thru Sedona. However, the only really beautiful sight will be the drive north of Sedona on the way to Flagstaff as you go up in elevation.

Just below Sedona on the right side of the road you may get a look at Bell Rock on the way by.

In my opinion, the real beauty of Sedona are the surrounding Red Rocks and not the actual town itself.

Either stop for a day and get out on some trails or bypass it and try to get to GC for sunset at Hopi Point.

Fastest route is I-17 to Flagstaff, I-40 to Williams, then up to the canyon. This normally takes just under 4 hours from, say, the PHX airport, but Memorial Day traffic could add another half hour or more.

can I do a detour through Sedona and Oak Creek canyon on the way?Sunset is a 7PM

Sure, but this will probably add 2 more hours. I'd guess the road up Oak Creek canyon past Slide Rock will be jammed. I would save it for another day.

Bill

We just did this in December and followed the route Bill H posted. Just know that the Thunderbird is really terrible. We stayed there one night and then transferred over to the Bright Angel, which was much nicer.

Please keep in mind that Memorial Day weekend is going to be packed at the Canyon. If you are coming in on the South Entrance near Tusayan you could get in a traffic line that can take an hour or two to enter the park. I wouldn't take the time to do anything other than drive straight up to the Canyon to avoid any extra traffic going through Sedona or Oak Creek. You can do that coming back. I work for a company that does day trips to the Canyon and Memorial Day weekend is always a difficult time to get around that area.

We spent two nights at Thunderbird last June and didn't find it terrible at all--basic and clean but not terrible. Also, we had a nice view of the canyon from our room.

Dont miss th sights of Sedona, it is a magical place.
Yes I agree main street Sedona is not a must do but that's not why peopls flock to this area.
The magic of the red rocks should be viewed from the many places off the main drag or with a jeep tour or from the top of a mountain near a Vortex.