I know that everyone asks this question, but the answers are just too good not to ask it for myself! We are a family of 4 (kids 17 and 14) and it is our 1st trip to the SW. I haven't booked anything yet, but planning to go last week in March 2005. Is the following ok? Will Grand Canyon be open for touring (NOT HIKING, NO MULES)?

Day 1: Las Vegas (arrive 3 pm)
Day 2: Las Vegas
Day 3: Drive to Flagstaff (stop at Hoover Dam)on the way- stay over Flagstaff
Day 4: Day trip to Grand Canyon
Day 5: Day trip or stayover at Sedona (Sedona seems beautiful and romantic, but I don't think those two adjectives describe what my children are looking for in a vacation!)
Day 6: Drive to Phoenix- stay there for Day 7 and Day 8 - leave.
Is there anything for us to do as a family in Phoenix? Are we better taking an extra day earlier and go to Zion, or will it be too cold?
Thanks so much for your help!!

The south rim of the Grand Canyon is open all year long, and the shuttle services around the park run all year also. Have you considered staying in the canyon? The kids might think it's fun (unless they are not nature-lovers, but then, I wouldn't do this trip with them if they don't enjoy nature).

In Sedona, your kids (and you) might like an off-road jeep tour - go to www.pinkjeeptours.com for details. It's great fun.

You are moving around an awful lot. I'd skip Zion on this trip. According to mapquest, Phoenix to Springdale, UT (one entrance to Zion), is almost 400 miles. That's very out of the way for this itinerary.

Hope this helps a little.

Karen

Zion is at a lower elevation than the Grand Canyon so it could be warmer. Both can be cold at this time of the year. You could even get snow this time of the year, but not very likely in Zion.

I disagree with Karen on Zion being out of the way.


Day 1 Las Vegas
Day 2 Las Vegas
Day 3 Drive the 165 miles (3 hours) to Zion National Park and stay either in the park or in Springdale.
Day 4 Zion
Day 5 Drive the 255 miles to the Grand Canyon. Stop in Page and see the Glen Canyon Dam instead of the Hoover Dam. On the drive into the park from Cameron on Hwy 64 there are many stops to see overlooks.
Day 6 Grand Canyon
Day 7 Drive though Sedona on your way to Phoenix 235 miles.
Day 8 Phoenix.

If you do keep to your plan, keep in mind that the trip from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon round trip will be about 4 hours of driving. You are better off staying at the Grand Canyon or in nearby Tusayan so you can be there for sunsets and possibly sunrises too.

Utahtea

Thanks to you both for good info.
Do either one of you have a favorite resort in the phoenix/scottsdale area?

We always stayed at Grandma's house in Phoenix, but I wouldn't call it a resort! LOL!