Ben

We are planning to fly out to Arizona in September and would like to take in as much of the southwest as possible with-in a three week period. We are considering a car rental and drive trip or a guided bus trip type tour. Any suggestions as to which would be best and any suggestions regarding bus tour companies.

elvira

Rent a car...as long as you've got three weeks, you can break up the long drives and stay over in smaller towns. In Phoenix, you can get jeep or van tours of the desert, which I'd recommend. Take a drive through the Painted Desert; there are usually Native American gatherings, fairs, competitions, etc. during that time in different parts of the state; it's still hot enough to go swimming in the lakes.
You can drive to Las Vegas if you'd like a taste of the ridiculous (I love Vegas, by the way). A trip into Four Corners (Navajo and Hopi Nations) is an eye-opener.
Enjoy the state!

Dayle

Ben, whatever you do, don't spend 3 weeks cooped up inside a bus in the west! You could be outside enjoying it! Keep your freedom. It's very easy to drive out here and find your way around. Just remember to keep your gas tank 1/2 full, carry some extra water and food and have good maps. You'll have a wonderful time. In 3 weeks you could start with Flagstaff/Grand Canyon (3 days), Canyon de Chelly (SP?)(1 day), Lake Powell (3 days - houseboat?), Canyonlands/Arches (Moab area 2-3 days), Bryce (2 days), and Zion (2 days), Las Vegas (2-3 days). All the parks have great hiking (variety of difficulty and distance) and sight seeing. You would have time to spare to swing into part of SW Colorado or go further north in Utah or south from Las Vegas to LA. Have a great time!

Howard

Definitely drive. Here's a rough itinerary--a sort of stream of consciousness for a trip we'd go back on right now!
If you're starting in Phoenix, drive north to Sedona (definitely take a jeep tour there), then on to the Grand Canyon.
We weren't that crazy about Lake Powell (perhaps because it was man-made!). Then, Zion and Bryce in southern Utah, followed by Monument Valley, which is not to be misssed (stay at Goulding's Lodge there and get up early to watch from your balcony as the sun rises over the monuments--make reservations early, they fill up). Then on to Mesa Verde (also not to missed) and Durango in the southwestern corner of Colorado. Return to Arizona and go to the Painted Desert and Canyon de Chelly (another must)and finally down to Tucson (lots to see) and then back to Phoenix.

Howard

P.S.: The previous posting is only a part of what you should see in the Southwest/Rockies area. Save New Mexico, the rest of Colorado, Wyoming, etc., for other trips!

marilyn

This past Wednesday my husband and I returned from a trip you were asking about.Because we are retirees we like the escorted bus tours.We went with Globus.We flew from the East Coast and met the group at the Radisson Resort(beautiful)in Scotsdale.We then proceeded to Sedona.Grand Canyon,Momument valley.We stayed at Gouldings.On to lake Powell.Bryce and Zion and finally Las Vegas.Where we stayed on our own for 3 days.It was an eight day tour and Globus did a wonderful job.Stayed at very nice places and meals were the choice of menu mostly on your own time.The sights we saw were so magnificent words don't do them justice.It was one if if not the best bus trips we have taken and we have taken several.One thing it was a lot to see in eight days but we managed very well although we are tired now but that could be from staying the extra time in Vegas.But how could we not!!!Hope this helps you and what ever you decide you are in for some fantastic sight seeing.
Marilyn