Requesting your opinion on our Southwest itinerary
 

Hi all ---

I've used these forums so much to help me plan an upcoming trip.... thank you all so much for the information you've posted! I would like your help in validating our activities, timing and driving. So much to do, so little time!

We (me, DH, DS11) will be in Scottsdale for a family event over Labor Day weekend. I know this is not exactly the most coveted time to be in AZ. But we've never been to the amazing southwest, and want to seize the opportunity.

Here is the plan (typically doing activities during day, and driving later in day/early evening):

- Fly into LV on Aug 19th
- 1 night in Las Vegas (strip/Hoover Dam)
- 2 nights in Zion (hiking, etc.)
- 1 night in Bryce (hiking, etc.)
- 2 nights in Page (float trip, hiking, etc.)
- 2 nights in Tusayan (GC-South Rim)
- 1 night in Kayenta (Monument Valley)
- 1 night in Chinle (Canyon De Chelly)
- 1 night in Holbrook (Petrified Forest, etc.)
- 1 night in Sedona
- 3 nights in Scottsdale (family events)
- Fly out of Phoenix on Sept 3

My questions for you:

Do you think we're spending an appropriate amount of time in each place?

Is the itinerary realistic? or too aggressive?

Thank you so much!!

Looks alright.For the petrified forrest you will onlu need about one hour to visit,it's very small and a bit out of the way.If possible I would prefer to add natural bridges park.On your way to Scottsdale from Sedona dont forget to visit Montezuma castle(cliff dwelling).It's close to the Interstate.Have fun.Paul

nikki15,
It looks like you've done your homework and your itinerary looks good. The only changes I would suggest would be skipping the overnights at Kayenta (MV) and Holbrook and adding a night to Canyon De Chelly (although I have not been there yet and cannot elaborate on what to do) and the other night in Sedona or Bryce/Zion. I think a drive by MV for some photo opps is sufficient during the very hot, dusty summer - I prefer the Valley of the Gods area just to the north in Utah. And the Petrified Forest doesn't need an overnight. You will love the southwest and will probably plan a return trip to see more anyways.

I would skip the hoover dam on day 1. If you only have 1 day, it is not worth the drive and time it takes away from the strip. There is so much to see with every casino!

Besides gambling and the overview architecture and view of the casinos...

MGM - Lion Habitat
Mirage - secret garden and dolphin habitat
Paris - eiffel tower
Bellagio - dancing fountains
Venetian - take a gondola ride
Caesars Palace - shopping, fountains, everything
Flamingo - wild life habitat
Mandalay Bay - shark reef

Star Trek fan? Go to the Hilton!


8-)

Thanks for the replies, and the advice!

Now I'm rethinking....
My original idea was to stay in Holbrook for 1 night (near Petrified Forest) to break up the driving a bit.

But I think 2 nights in Sedona sound great.... and if we break up the long drive to Sedona from Chinle by stopping in Petrified Forest and Holbrook, etc., then the drive to Sedona doesn't seem nearly as long.

Thanks again!
~rikki