Suggestions for Sedona and Grand Canyon
 

Hi all,
Very late to post..but maybe someone could provide some suggestion for a brief trip to AZ. WERE flying into flagstaff staying outside GC, goal is to do some rim hikes, birding, view sunrise and sunset. Next stop is Sedona- hike, birding, good meals? We are more interested in seeing and doing vs eating fussy food etc. 3 days GC and 2 in Sedona we have a rental car and are up for exploring. Thank you in advance for any suggestions

It all depends on your physical shape and endurance.
And most importantly, will the journey be with the children?
Or without children.
Yours faithfully

In GC:

Hike along the rim trail and do hike down into the canyon at least a short way on either Bright Angel trail or South Kaibab.

For food, elTovar has the nicest restaurant with a fantastic view.

Ask the rangers where the condors are when you go there. We have seen them resting on the cliff very near Bright Angel lodge, flying near the rim trail between Bright Angel and Hermit's Rest. They were not visible once and the ranger said that an elk had fallen into the canyon and they were doing their job and cleaning up the remains.

Thanks, no kids busy that day!
We Poland on hiking most of the trip but will remain on the rim or near.

Any recommendations for things places in Sedona??

I don't know if you've already taken your trip. There are plenty of great hikes in Sedona and you can find out more by visiting any Ranger Station or Hike House just south of the circle at Tlaquepaque on Rt. 179.

Sedona has beautiful hikes but my favorite non hike activity is sitting at the restaurant:bar patio at the Enchanment Resort. A wonderful way to kill a few hours with the one that you love. It's breathtaking and you can watch people walking on the ridge across the canyon.

I like the route between Sedona and Grand Canyon thru Jerome

Inakauaidavidababy, there is no route that will take OP from GC to Sedona via Jerome. However, there is a nice alternative route between Flagstaff and Sedona on 89A via Oak Creek Canyon

Its been awhile but I drove the route 3 times, stopping for lunch in Jerome.

Hmmmm... did you smoke your lunch? :)

Inakauaidsvidbaby, did you driven north from Phoenix to Prescott for a visit first and then on to Jerome? That could be a possibility...

Perhaps it is not the most direct route but it is the one we took from Sedona to GC and found it quite scenic. I can't remember the exact roads we took.

64 south, I-40 west to 89 south. East on 89A to Jerome then continue on to Sedona.

http://preview.tinyurl.com/yd5w7d27 - that is a link to the google map route. It's not direct, adds an hour to the trip but quite doable.

And to the OP - if you want to do light hiking and birding, I'd give yourself two days at the Grand Canyon and 3 in Sedona.

If you don't want the hassle of switching all your lodging, then at least take an indirect route from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. Head east and visit Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument, then continue north and enter the Grand Canyon through the East Entrance at Desert View.

For dining in Sedona, Dahl and DeLuca is tevommended.

Flagstaff..Little America or La Quinta Inn

Sedona..Hyatt, Garland Lodge, Sedona Rouge

Grand Canyon..El Tovar

Jerome is a cool funky artsy place.

Sedona..dinner at Elote Cafe, Fowboy Club, Dahl & Deluca happy hour.

Second that recommendation of Enchantment Resort in Sedona. Lovely.