Thinking about this trip for next year with husband and teenage daughter. We'll need to go when school is out so what would be the best time between late May and early August? Fly to Phoenix and rent a car? I think I'd like to spend one night or two at Bright Angel and take a hike down into the Canyon. What's a good website for accomodations in Sedona? I'd prefer a suite-type hotel or one bedroom condo. I appreciate any input and suggestions.

I too am Planning a trip throughout Arizona, including the Grand Canyon and Sedona. I have found Arizonaguide.com very helpful, not only for that site but others you can find though it.

Pulling this back to the top for more input. I'd really like to know the best time to visit, considering school schedule for our daughter.

I would say go as early as you can--it will get hotter as the summer progresses and the grand canyon will be more crowded---there is a place in sedona named something like "enchantment" that is very nice

Agree with previous poster. The earlier in your time frame the better. Late May should be quite nice in the GC and Sedona, but August can be quite warm, even in that altitude. Pretty much the only way to get to the canyon is by car. Of course, you can go into Las Vegas and take an air tour. Or you can drive (a car again) into Williams and take the Grand Canyon train into the canyon, but that is quite pricey. Both the GC and Sedona are pretty remote and have no real public transportation into them. Yes, the closest city, I believe, is Phoenix, though Las Vegas is a workable alternative.

Flew to Phoenix 6-2, rented car and drove to Sedona...We were there three nights and the weather was wonderful and it was not too crowded...We stayed in Matterhorn Lodge which was somewhat dated but right in the midst of all the shops...Rather than driving to the Grand Canyon, we took an all-day van tour...It was great...and, again, the weather was great and no crowds...So I think the first of June is an excellent time to visit this part of the country...

I agree with the first part of June or the last of May. We have reservations next year for June 7th. This will be our 3rd trip there. First one, in March, was really quite cold. Lots of info on Sedona on this site--do a search.

As close to May as possible will give you the best weather. Be aware though, that if you hike down the canyon, the temps at the canyon floor are similar to Phoenix...ie. HOT. Be prepared for that.
A suite hotel in Sedona worth finding out about is Los Arbigados (sp).

Just returned from this trip yesterday, 6-31. Grand Canyon was beautiful, but quite warm on the rim with some afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures in the canyon range 30 degrees hotter. We camped in our trailer in Sedona for 3 nights and never turned off the air conditioner. Sedona was 105 degrees yesterday when we left. Gorgeous country, but I would never do it again in the warm season.

Hi Paige -
I just returned from a 3 day weekend with my fiance in Sedona and the Grand Canyon. He was based in Flagstaff for work & that's where I flew into Friday morning. From Flagstaff it was an easy & beautiful drive to Sedona (approx. 30min.)We saw all of the sites there & did a little shopping - I only needed a a day to see what I wanted to see there. We stayed overnight in Flagstaff and then headed to the Grand Canyon on Saturday morning. Took us a little over 1hr. & we stopped at some of the indian trading posts along the way. We stayed in one of the Bright Angel historic cabins & loved it. So central, clean & just the right size. The Grand Canyon was amazing. But it was hot! I'd do it again - just drink lots of water, wear shorts & sandals and don't over exert yourself. We opted not to do a hike - but we did take one of their sunset bus rides and loved it.
Returned to Flagstaff on Sunday night & I was at work by 11:00am (San Francisco) yesterday morning. Terrific vacation & I don't feel like I missed a thing.
Have fun!