HotWheels

If we chose to fly into LV and make a week-long loop, where would you suggest we obtain lodging in between the two cities? What not to miss if stops include the Grand Canyon or Sedona?

tomfuller

You don't say what month you plan your trip. If you want to ride on the Grand Canyon Railway, Williams would be a good choice. If you are driving from LV to the Grand Canyon south rim, then try to get in park lodging. You can make it from the south rim to Sedona in less than 4 hours drive time.
There may be a few things you want to see in Flagstaff.
There is plenty to see and do in Phoenix depending on your interests. On the return trip to Vegas, US60 & US93 you may want to stay in Kingman so that you can stop at Hoover Dam in the morning before returning the rental car.

HotWheels

We're available for any month, as we're just starting planning. We've had Grand Canyon/desert areas on our travel list for some time. We would like to leisurely drive to see natural sites (enjoy historical places), explore local arts/crafts/food shopping, - just slow down & relax. (Work has been rather hectic!) Not to say we don't enjoy what cities offer - we would also like to spend a few days in LV. We're Nascar fans also, and thought we might include a race in late February, early March or November if it worked, but if another month is better for desert travel/sightseeing, we would do that and attend a race somewhere else.

MikePinTucson

I would suggest skipping the Grand Canyon Railroad. It takes about 2 1/2 hours each way and unless you get one of their overnight (expensive) packages, you would only have about 3 hours at the GC. You also do not get any views of the GC from the train, as it goes through some unremarkable scenery.

The drive from LV to the south rim is about 5 hours, so you can easily make it without having to stop overnight. Do try to get lodging at one of the rim lodges (El Tovar, Kachina,Thunderbird, or Bright Angel). Decide when you are going and check this site for availability:

http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/

From the GC to Sedona, I would exit through the GC east entrance. Head down 89 and take the loop through Wupatki National Monument / Sunset Crater. When you hit I-40, take it east a few miles and stop to see Walnut Canyon. Back on I-40 west, take I-17 south, then exit onto 89A through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. During your time in Sedona, you might want to take the very scenic Verde Canyon Railway out of Clarkdale. Also, a must-do in Sedona (IMO) is the Pink Jeep Broken Arrow tour.

I prefer Autumn for visiting Sedona and the GC. But earlier in Autumn, after mid-September through October.

HotWheels

Thanks for your suggestions - just what we needed!

MikePinTucson

Let me know if you need any additional info. We go to Sedona at least once a year. I do have a few favorite restaurants in Sedona.

Jerome is also a good town to visit -- an old mining town, resurrected as an artist colony, perched on the side of a mountain.