You have two days in Page, Arizona. Sweet! Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are definitely on your to-do list. We’re with you so far. Then what else are you going to do to occupy your time? Here’s a news flash for you: you’re going to find so much cool stuff to do here, you’ll wish you had three days to spend in the area! More on that later…
So, what’s the Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary in Page, Arizona? Well, like the Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary, it consists of touring Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell, but with a few twists.
Since a good majority of Page/Lake Powell visitors come to us from Grand Canyon South Rim, Flagstaff and points South, we’re going to assume that you are, too. If not, just take our suggested itinerary and shuffle it around a bit.
Day 1
Sunrise: Pack up the night before so you can get an early start on the drive to Page, Arizona. Depending on how often you stop, the drive from Grand Canyon South Rim or Flagstaff can take anywhere from 2.5- 4 hours. Enjoy breakfast at the Historic Cameron Trading Post. The Navajo Taco with an egg on top is amazing, but fair warning: unless you’re starving, get the “mini.” The regular is huge!
Mid-morning: Stop at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook just 5 miles South of Page, AZ, at Mile Marker 545 on US89. The new parking lot is well-signed, easy to find, and open from sunrise to sunset. After paying your entrance fee of $5 per motorcycle, $10 for standard passenger vehicles, or $35 for light commercial vehicles, hit the trail to the rim! The walk to the overlook is .7 miles each way and is manageable for most people in relatively good health. Along with the parking lot construction, grading and partial paving of the trail was done, making it a slightly longer, but less hilly walk than in years past. There are benches placed every few hundred yards if you or anyone in your party needs a breather, plus wheelchair access is also manageable with assistance. Other recent improvements include a raised platform with safety railings. However, the railings do not extend all the way around the overlook. For the most part, this remains an exposed overlook in a desert environment. Water and sun protection are a must, as are appropriate, preferably close-toed walking shoes. What To Bring to Horseshoe Bend Keep children and pets under control at all times; it’s a 500’+ drop to the river. Restrooms are available at the parking lot. Allow 60-90 minutes to enjoy the stunning view of this 270° turn (what geologists call an “entrenched meander”) of the Colorado River! Can’t make the walk? Here’s what to do.
Early afternoon: Tour Antelope Canyon. This world-famous slot canyon is on the photographic “bucket list” of every traveler to Northern Arizona, and deservedly so. Its surrealistic colors and shapes must be seen to be believed. You’ll need to decide ahead of time whether to tour Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon. The walk through Upper Antelope Canyon itself is 100 yards and flat pretty much the whole way. A newly constructed exit ramp consisting of a short staircase and a network of metal walkways back to the tour vehicle parking area adds approximately a one-half mile onto your adventure. Three (3) Antelope Canyon tour companies depart directly from to the Tribal Park Entrance on Highway 98. Two (2) meet at their respective offices in downtown Page, AZ. Lower Antelope Canyon is a bit more physical, requiring some stair climbing and simple boulder scrambling. For Lower, you must drive to the Tribal Park Entrance Gate directly. Whichever branch of Antelope Canyon you choose to tour, you’ll need to book a tour well in advance of your arrival. This attraction is becoming more popular – and crowded – every year. If the prospect of sharing a confined space with all those people doesn’t thrill you, or Antelope Canyon tours are already sold out, consider doing an Antelope Canyon Alternative Tour which will take you to slot canyons that are every bit as beautiful as Antelope, but far less populated OR check Antelope Canyon Now for last minute availability.
Depending on the time of year, your preference and Antelope Canyon tour availability, these activities can easily be done in reverse order as well. During the summer months, visiting Horseshoe Bend right at sunrise offers cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.
Did we forget that you had to eat at some point? Not at all! Page, AZ has a diverse array of restaurants to choose from, both familiar franchises and independently owned. For those who choose to tour Antelope Canyon directly from the Tribal Park Entrance Gate on US98, grab a hearty, hand-made sandwich to go from the Deli at Big Lake Trading Post, or sit down to a relaxing lunch or dinner with a view that’s off the hook at the Sandbar Restaurant at Antelope Point Marina.
In the town of Page itself, you can take your pick of burgers to sushi and everything in between! The Grand Circle Grille, located in the historic Sanderson Building, offers up delicious American food, large portions, and reasonable prices for lunch or dinner, with occasional live music. For a totally different dining experience with an extra helping of local history, dig into a plate of sushi, a piping hot bowl of miso ramen, or a light traditional Japanese bento box at New York Teriyaki. This unique eatery happens to be built inside the Canyon King, a retired paddleboat that logged many tours on Lake Powell in its heyday.
What a day it’s been, and you’re just getting started. Go to your Page, Arizona hotel or vacation rental and get a good night’s sleep. Be sure to set your alarm. In Page, AZ, the fun starts early in the morning!
Day 2
Sunrise (optional): Many of you like to start your day back home with a brisk walk or jog to get the blood pumping. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with your exercise routine, and do a little sightseeing to boot! The Page Rim View Trail is a 10-mile dirt track that encircles Manson Mesa (the site Page, AZ was originally built on). Popular with local walkers, runners and cyclists, it is manageable for adults and children who are at least moderately fit. It offers spectacular views of Lake Powell (though no lake access), and for those visiting in springtime, a radiant display of colorful wildflowers. Once on the trail, you are able to exit it at several points along the way. You are by no means obligated to do the full 10 miles! Also, it is completely exposed to the elements, so water and sun protection are a must, as is appropriate footwear.
Be sure to fuel up for your busy day with a good breakfast. Some Page, AZ hotels may include continental or cooked-to-order breakfast in their room rates. Those staying at vacation rentals or accommodations with full kitchens have the freedom to do their own cooking. Favorite breakfast spots in Page, AZ include the Ranch House Grille, Canyon Crepes Cafe, and Hot & Sweet Donut & Coffee Shop.
Option 1 – 6:15 AM: Check in at Wilderness River Adventures for the Horseshoe Bend Half Day Float Trip. This leisurely raft trip, which takes place on a silky-smooth 15-mile stretch of the Colorado River through the only remaining intact section of Glen Canyon, is safe for children as young as 4. Putting in at the base of the massive Glen Canyon Dam, you’ll coast through Horseshoe Bend (be sure to wave to the people gazing down at you from the overlook!), stop at Petroglyph Beach where you can take a cool dip in the river, marvel at centuries-old etchings in the canyon walls left by Ancestral Puebloan people, or munch on a bag lunch purchased at one of the local grocery stores or restaurants. After pulling off the river at Historic Lees Ferry, you’ll board a motorcoach and be dropped off back in Page at approximately 11:30 AM.**
Grab lunch if you desire, then head over to the Glen Canyon Conservancy Information Center (formerly the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum) to learn more Glen Canyon, the Colorado River, Lake Powell, and the ongoing controversies about land and water conservation that continue to this day. You can also examine relief maps of Lake Powell, and shop for mementos of your visit for the folks back home.
Option 2 – 6:30 AM: Meet at the Public Launch Ramp of Antelope Point Marina for Hidden Canyon Kayak’s Antelope Canyon Waterside tour. This 4-hour land and water combination tour will immerse you in the beauty of Lake Powell and the complexity of Antelope Canyon in a way that can only be experienced by small watercraft. Your certified tour guide will guide you through towering sandstone cliffs until you reach the northernmost portion of Antelope Canyon. From there, you’ll begin an incredible hike through the section of the slot canyon just before it joins Lower Antelope Canyon. This tour is suitable for those of all levels of physical fitness, including those who have never kayaked before! Tour price includes all kayak equipment and dry bags to store valuables. After your tour, enjoy lunch or an early dinner at Antelope Point Marina, or at your choice of chain or independent restaurants in Page, AZ.
Next, it’s time to hit the wave. Not The Wave, the one that everybody and their sibling wants a permit for – we’re talking about The “New” Wave! Located a short drive past the Western flank of the Glen Canyon Dam, this easy-to-follow cairned trail, which doesn’t require a permit to enjoy, will take you into a small but interesting cluster of rock formations, some bearing a resemblance to that Wave, others not so much. Radio Tower Rock is one of many unique sandstone features you’ll encounter. Just be sure you’re not accidentally parking in someone’s campsite. Beehive Campground is right next door to the trailhead.
In the mood for more fun and exploration? Go back across the Glen Canyon Dam and take another easy but fun hike to the Hanging Gardens. At the end of the trail, you’ll find a stalwart colony of ferns, mosses, and flowers, surviving on the precious drops of water that trickle through a crack in the sandstone walls in an isolated alcove. Time/desire permitting, you can also walk across the Glen Canyon Dam and Steel Arch Bridge for an unobstructed view of the 700′ chasm and the Colorado River below!
Head back to your hotel, kick back, and reflect on your day’s adventures, or discover a new place for dinner. If you’re still feeling perky towards the day’s end, take the short drive off the mesa to the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, also known as the “White House” to enjoy sunset. Or, kick up your feet to some live music at State 48 Tavern, Gone West Family Restaurant (formerly Ken’s Old West), Big John’s Texas BBQ, or the Dam Bar.
Hit the sack, sleep in if you want. You deserve it!
A few last notes: this suggested trip plan is designed for Page, Arizona’s peak travel season of late spring through early fall. Due to extreme heat typical of this time period, you don’t want to be out on the water in the blazing afternoon sun if you can possibly avoid it. If you happen to be traveling in early spring or late fall, you can flip the order of these activities around and still be comfortable, for example, on Day 2, maybe hit Horseshoe Bend or Antelope Canyon in the morning, then do the Horseshoe Bend Raft Trip or Kayak Horseshoe Bend in the afternoon. Keep in mind, also, that many of these activities are offered seasonally. If you’re visiting in the winter months, water-based activities most likely won’t be running at all, or would require a certain number of passengers to guarantee operation. Last but not least, any tour, food & beverage, lodging, or retail establishment in Page, AZ, may require masks or face coverings to enter, or operate at reduced capacity to facilitate social distancing should COVID-19 remain a concern.
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So here it is, Day 3, and time to head to your next destination, like Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, or maybe back to Phoenix, AZ, or Las Vegas, NV. We hope you’ve had fun! If you’ve followed these suggestions, and maybe done a little “mixing and matching,” the last 48 hours will have certainly been memorable ones. But, that doesn’t mean the fun is over until you hit your next park. Here are just a few ideas for some “bonus activities” to add on to your list as you leave Page, AZ for the next phase of your vacation:
On US89 as you head toward Bryce, Zion or St. George:
- The Big Water Visitor Center: located 15 miles Northwest of Page, AZ over the Utah border on US89, this small but impressive facility features locally-excavated dinosaur bones, a topographical relief map of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and award-winning paleontology and geology displays.
- The Paria Rimrocks-Toadstools Trail: at mile marker 19 between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT on US89 you’ll find a moderate 1.5 mile round-trip trail leading to a Mars-like landscape of whimsical hoodoos, balanced rocks and other geological oddities. Don’t be fooled by what looks like the end of the trail; a short rock scramble leads to the main hoodoo garden.
- Kanab, Utah: once the on-location darling of Western movie producers, Kanab, Utah is a charming small town with plentiful shopping and dining opportunities. Locals and visitors alike are partial to the Rocking V Cafe and Houston’s Trail’s End Restaurant.
On US89 heading toward Flagstaff, Sedona or Phoenix:
- The Gap Trading Post: if you’re into Old West trading posts, but prefer those that are more “real” trading post than tourist trap, pop into The Gap Trading Post just 45 miles South of Page on US89. Still an active commerce center, albeit a low-key one, you can purchase Navajo textiles, jewelry and pottery, or a cool beverage to refresh you for the drive ahead.
- Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks: 20 miles South of the Gap Trading Post, take a slight Eastern detour off US89 to AZ160. A few miles before you get to Tuba City, you’ll find an unassuming sign advertising free parking. Here you can see fossilized dinosaur tracks, eggs and dung. The jury is still out on the latter two; the former, though, is obviously the real deal. This area is located on Navajo Indian Tribal Land, so you must have an authorized representative escort you to the track site. There is no charge, technically, but gratuities are appreciated.
- Wupatki/Sunset Crater National Monuments: Double your pleasure, double your fun, two cool monuments are better than one! Just North of Flagstaff, Arizona, these are actually two separate monuments connected by a convenient loop drive. Wupatki showcases the remains of an ancient, and surprisingly expansive Ancestral Puebloan Village with some unusual features, including a multi-story complex and a ball court. Sunset Crater is a dormant cinder cone that last erupted approximately 800 years ago, which, according to geologists, seemed like yesterday.
Do you have anything to add to this list? We’d love to hear about it! Feel free to write us in the comments, or visit our companion sites:
‘Til next time, good luck and happy traveling!
227 Responses
Hi Alley! What a GREAT website. I really appreciate your willingness to help out so many of us as we are planning the trip of a lifetime! Our family of 4 will be traveling to AZ for Spring Break this year – March 20-27. We’re planning to fly into Phoenix Friday morning and take the scenic drive to Page. We found a great place through vrbo to stay in Page Friday and Saturday nights.
Saturday we’re thinking of doing the half day Glen Canyon Float trip. And then Sunday doing the Antelope Canyon tours – upper and lower before driving onto the South Rim. We’re thinking of staying Sunday night at the Holiday Inn Express so we’ll be close to start on our hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon on Monday. We have reservations at the Phantom Ranch for Monday and Tuesday and will hike back out on Wednesday.
From there, we’re not sure where to go next? Perhaps Sedona or Flagstaff? We have 2 very active teenage boys that would enjoy biking, ATVs or else more hiking. Any ideas? We would stay there Wednesday and Thursday evening and fly home on Friday.
Hey Julie!
Congrats on scoring those reservations for Phantom Ranch, and for 2 nights? SWEET!
As it stands, your itinerary is very well though-out and logical. As for where you go to cap off your trip, I’d recommend Sedona. For one, even though your family sounds very healthy and active, you’re bound to be pretty wiped out from your Grand Canyon hike. One advantage is that you’re doing it at a cooler time of the year; if you were doing it in June, then you’d really be whooped! Still, the hike will take a lot out of you, and being able to just relax and chill for two days afterward is bound to be welcome. Sedona, AZ, is the ideal place to do that! So if you and your spouse want to work out the aches with a massage or other spa services, it’s there. If you are ready for more action in the form of an ATV tour, hiking, or other high-intensity sightseing, it’s there, too. Afterwards, you only have a 2-hour drive back to Phoenix to catch your flight home.
At the time of year you’re visiting, the one thing that may put a kabosh on any plans you make is weather. Late March is in the transitional zone between winter and spring, so, best case scenario, it will be cold, and a snowstorm or two could decide to make an appearance even that late in the year. Snow and ice may be present on the top half of inner Grand Canyon trails, so you may wish to rent or bring instep crampons or other traction devices for safety on your Grand Canyon hike. What the weather will actually shake out like is too soon to call at this point, but start monitoring local weather 2-3 weeks before you get set to travel. You can use the site GrandCanyon.com to monitor Grand Canyon South Rim weather, as well as weather for the Antelope Canyon area.
Another thing: be sure that any and all driving is done during daylight hours. Roads in this part of the country tend to be very dimly lit, which is a deliberate move to preserve the natural darkness of the night sky. Also, deer, elk, free range cattle, and even wild horses like to roam at night, and their wanderings can and do take them near local highways, which ratchets up your risk of an accident. Not something you want to deal with in an unfamiliar area that’s pitch black, where cell phone service is spotty to non-existent, and a tow truck will be a long time in coming, not to mention really expensive. At the time of year you’re visiting, sunrise occurs at around 6:15 AM, and sunset takes place at about 6:45 PM.
RE: Holiday Inn Express at the South Rim, that’s a decent place to stay, about 20 minutes from Grand Canyon Village. But, staying inside the park is always most desirable for convenience of access to the Kaibab Trailhead Shuttle (which you’ll have to take if you’re planning to hike down the South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch, as most do). Before you commit to the HIX, check hotel availability at Grand Canyon Village through Xanterra South Rim, or Delaware North Corp for Yavapai Lodge. In the likely event you find in-park lodging to be sold out already, you might go ahead and book the Holiday Inn Express, and keep checking back for cancellations in-park. HIX might charge you a fee for cancelling, so that legwork and associated cost might negate the convenience of staying inside the park. That’s, of course, your call to make (or not).
Hope that helps! Good luck, safe travels, and Happy Holidays!
Alley 🙂
Thanks SO much for the suggestions! Just a couple more questions – do you think we’ll have time to see both the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon and still drive to the South Rim in the same day? Or should we choose one tour? And if so which one?
Would you suggest we spend time around the rim of the Grand Canyon in addition to our hike down to the bottom?
And what about the day we’ll have down at the Phantom Ranch – any suggestions of a day hike?
Thanks!!
Hey again, Julie!
Theoretically, you should be able to tour both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon prior to driving to the South Rim, but that will be contingent on availability. The tour companies have not yet begun to take reservations for 2020, but expect to open up that inventory later this month or the early part of next. I’ve tried to get a firmer answer from them, but no joy. If you have to choose one or the other, do either Lower Antelope or Antelope Canyon X. If you’re doing the hike to Phantom Ranch, you’ll have no problem handling either one of those!
As for spending time on the rim, you’ll have already done just that by virtue of the route you’ll take from Page, AZ, to the South Rim. Between the Eastern entrance of the park at Desert View and Grand Canyon Village, there are over half a dozen named Grand Canyon viewpoints you can stop at (with the exception of Yaki Point, which is the site of the South Kaibab Trailhead; you’ll be taking a shuttle to that area to start the hike to Phantom), as well as the Tusayan Ruins & Museum. Time/inclination permitting, you might take the Hermit’s Rest shuttle around to some of the viewpoints on the spur road that extends to the West of Grand Canyon Village.
Regarding day hikes from Phantom, there are several good options. At the time of year you’re visiting, you might try the hike to Ribbon Falls. It’s long, ~10 miles, but a worthwhile trip that shouldn’t be too ghastly hot in late March. For other suggestions of Phantom Ranch Day Hikes, visit HitTheTrail.com or simply ask the staff at Phantom for any suggestions they might have!
Have a great trip, and if you think of it afterward, let us know how you get on!
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley!
I just stumbled across this page and I am so happy I did. All the info you have given to people is incredible! I am going to be arriving in Mesa, AZ on Thursday 1/2/20. From there, I would like to travel with a friend by car to Page for a couple days/nights then drive back to Mesa to fly back out of AZ on 1/6/20. I am slowly getting through all the questions and comments from others, but I am basically completely open to ANYTHING because I just stumbled upon what looks like a beautiful city by searching “things to do in AZ.” Anything you think we CAN’T miss? Of course we want to do Horseshoe Bend and the Antelope Canyon (thinking the lower), but we want to get in as much as we can. Not sure on travel times from are from Mesa to Page and what else we can fit it. If you see this, let me know what else we for sure should do. We are up for anything and everything. Are there tons of hotels to stay in nearby? Something you suggest? Thanks in advance for your reply and for all the info that you provided everyone. You’re knowledge is incredible.
Hi Heidi, and thank you for your compliments!
Given your flight dates, you have approximately 2.5 days to work with on this trip. Assuming that you’re not wanting to spend one of those days in Mesa, here’s what I’d recommend:
Thursday 1/2/20: Arrive in Mesa, overnight in that area
Friday 1/3/20: Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim via Sedona, AZ (~2 hour drive from Mesa, then 3 hour drive to Grand Canyon, ~6-6.5 hour total drive factoring in stops ), have lunch in Sedona, overnight at Grand Canyon
Saturday 1/4/20: Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ (~3.5-4 hour drive, factoring in stops), stopping at Grand Canyon viewpoints between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View Point, then other points of interest as desired upon exiting the park, lunch at Cameron Trading Post, tour Antelope Canyon in the afternoon, overnight in Page, AZ
Sunday 1/5/20: Visit Horseshoe Bend and Glen Canyon Dam, spend 2nd night in Page, AZ, or drive back to Mesa (~5 hour drive)
Monday 1/6/20: fly home
The feasibility of the above itinerary will depend on two key factors: availability (or lack thereof) of Grand Canyon hotels, and availability (or lack thereof) of Antelope Canyon tours. If needed, you can flip-flop the above itinerary, hitting Page, AZ, first, then the Grand Canyon. You might also consider saving Sedona, AZ, for another trip when you can spend more time there. It’s a stunning area with lots to see and do, and you really need 3-4 days minimum to do it justice rather than a quickie drive-by. You are visiting just after the New Year’s holiday which is a relatively busy time, too, so be sure to make all lodging and guided tour reservations ASAP.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the time of year you’re visiting is winter, so be prepared for anything weather-wise, up to and including snow. In the event any local roads are closed due to weather, your best bet is to just stay put and go with the flow. This may necessitate cancelling some plans, but hotels and tour companies tend to be very understanding of those situations and should give you a refund, if it comes to that.
Another important consideration: daylength. At that time of year, it’s short, with sunrise occurring at approximately 7:30 AM and sunset taking place at around 5:30 PM. Be sure to get any and all driving done during daylight hours. Roads in this part of the U.S. don’t have much in the way of supplemental lighting, and deer, elk, and other wildlife tend to move about after dusk, which hikes up your risk of having an accident. Definitely not a good vacation memory!
Good luck, safe travels, and Happy Holidays,
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley,
I was not sure on going to Page, AZ however, after reading all your advises on your blog, I actually am very excited and looking forward to it. Thank you very much for taking your time in providing details information on Arizona.
My husband and I will be going to Page, AZ, and spend 1 night at Lake Powell Resort 10/17 to 10/18, we had visited the Lower Antelope Canyon in the past, so would like to visit the Upper antelope Canyon this time, however, the tours are sold out. so I have listed few places below as my alternative spots, but not sure in which order, hoping to take advantage of these places as many as I can!
Your recommendation is much appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Lien
Wed. 10/16 – afternoon, drive from Los Angeles, CA to Vegas and spend a night there.
Thurs 10/17 – depart from Vegas early morning to Page, AZ
Place to visit when I am in Page: Horseshoe Bend, Vermillion Cliffs, Rainbow Bridge Boat Tours, Catherdral slot canyon tour, or Canyon X
Friday 10/18 — depart from Page, AZ to St. George UT aprx. evening time (7pm) and spend a night there
Sat 10/19 depart from St. George UT to Zion for half day, then head home
Hi Lien,
Glad you’ve decided to visit us in Page, AZ, on your upcoming vacation. October is a great time to visit the American Southwest!
Unfortunately, I have to start things off with a bit of bad news: you don’t have enough time to do the Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour. The drive from Las Vegas to Page, AZ, via the Vermilion Cliffs (which is a beautiful drive!) will take you anywhere from 6-7 hours minimum due to construction taking place on a section of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge.
That’s going to take the better part of a day right off the bat. The Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour is an 8-hour commitment as well, due to the water level of Lake Powell. There are two daily departures, one from 7:30 AM-3:30 PM, and another from 12:30 PM-7:30 PM, so as you can hopefully see, it just won’t be practical this time around. But there still might be a way to work it in… more on that in minute.
As for whether you tour Antelope Canyon X or Cathedral, you won’t go wrong with either one! Personally, I’m partial to Cathedral Slot Canyon, because it has both “classic” slot canyon scenery, and some formations you won’t find in any other Page, AZ, slot canyons.
Back on the subject of Rainbow Bridge: since the boat tour is pretty much out of the question, you might consider flying over it in a fixed wing airplane! In just 30 minutes time, you’ll not only get to see Rainbow Bridge, but a ton of other amazing scenery. Mornings are generally regarded as the best time to fly optimal light and lack of wind. For more information, check out the Rainbow Bridge Air Tour
Hope that helps and that you have a wonderful time!
Alley 🙂
Hello Alley,
Is the construction still happening on I-15? we planned on driving in from Vegas at dawn straight to Antelope Canyon. Then drive back same day. I read your post on trying to avoid driving when it was dark so i know if there was still construction, this whole plan would be null lol.
Thanks in advance
Hi Adwoa,
Sorry to be the bearer of potentially bad news, but the construction project is still going on, and is expected to continue until June of 2020. Depending on the time of year you’re traveling, I wouldn’t necessarily let that deter you from visiting. One advantage to Las Vegas is that it has a rather large light dome, so if you are able to get to Mesquite, NV, by nightfall, you should be good to go the rest of the way.
If you use Google Maps regularly, it does have a real-time traffic feature. You might also join the very aptly named Facebook group, “Pain In The Gorge” to receive (and post) real-time traffic updates through the construction zone.
Hope that helps. Good luck, safe travels, and Happy Holidays!
Alley 🙂
Hi! I can’t find my post from yesterday and I was going back to it to see my itinerary. Sorry to bother you.
Hi Jennifer,
You posted your inquiry in the Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary section, so that’s where it has been answered 🙂
Alley
Hi there! This website is full of great information, so thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and experience here! I’m planning my first ever trip to Vegas and the Grand Canyon in early November and am thinking of the following itinerary:
Day 1-3: Enjoy Vegas
Day 4: Drive from Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim, overnight there (perhaps a sunset view)
Day 5: Enjoy a Grand Canyon hiking day
Day 6: Drive to Antelope Canyon (see Horseshoe Bend along the way), tour both upper and lower canyon
Day 7: Drive to Sedona late afternoon
Day 8: Enjoy Sedona
Day 9: Drive to Phoenix
Day 10: Enjoy Phoenix
Day 11: Depart
Does this sound like a realistic itinerary? Am I missing anything along the way? Any “must-do” items in/near Antelope Canyon and Sedona?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!
Hi Alan, and thank you for your compliments!
Your itinerary looks pretty fun, and I especially like the fact that you’ve built some “chill time” into your vacation. In my profession, I often find folks trying to plan every single second of their vacation and not allowing for any down time.
As to whether you’re “missing” anything, that’s kind of a loaded question. For example, if you’re traveling as far as Page, AZ, you might be tempted to try and squeeze Bryce Canyon and/or Zion into your itinerary, but frankly, I’d leave things just the way you have them, with one exception: drop a day in Phoenix and give it to Sedona. Sedona has so much to offer that 3 days bare minimum are necessary to do it justice. While you won’t be able to do any swimming at Slide Rock State Park or Oak Creek, you can still enjoy hiking in those areas, with the proper clothing and shoes. Besides, IMO, Phoenix is just another big city, and I’m definitely of the “been there, done that” frame of mind!
Whatever you decide, be sure to book all lodging well in advance, and to make advance reservations for Antelope Canyon tours. Also keep in mind that early November is usually a nice time to be here, but still falls in that transitional period between fall and winter. Keep an eye on the weather, starting about 2 weeks before you get set to travel.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
Thank you, Alley, for your response and your advice! I’ll certainly factor that into the final itinerary. I’m looking forward to exploring your beautiful state!
If you have any tips on how to make the most of the Sedona experience (e.g., top things to do), I’d be all ears!
Alan
Hi again, Alan!
What can one do in Sedona? Let me count the ways! LOL
While water-based activities won’t be an option at the time of year you’re visiting, you’ll have no trouble filling your days with fun and exploration!
Popular activities in Sedona during its “shoulder” season include, but are certainly not limited to:
– Wine tastings
– “Retail” therapy
– Hot air balloon rides
– Pink Jeep tours
– Verde Canyon Scenic Railroad
– Day trips to Montezuma’s Castle/Well and/or Tuzigoot National Monuments
– Spa days
– Horseback riding
– “Out of Africa” Wildlife Park
– Day visit to Jerome, a ghost town turned artists’ colony (or you can swing through there on the way back to Phoenix)
– Devil’s Bridge, Bell Rock Trail, Red Rock Crossing, Coffee Pot Rock — just a small sampling of the easy but scenic hikes available in this area! For more information on hiking in Sedona, AZ, visit http://www.AllTrails.com: Sedona
Have a great time and let us know how things go!
Alley 🙂
Alley,
I apologize if this is a duplicate message, as I thought I left a reply a few days ago but can’t find it now. I love this site and thanks for all the information! Planning a trip for myself and my 3 kids (14, 12, 10) next spring break at the beginning of April. Not sure if I’m building enough time in for things, and want to do it right, as it’s our first time at all of these destinations. Suggestions? Here’s what I have …
Day 1 – Fly to Phoenix, (potentially a Diamondbacks game, but otherwise drive to Grand Canyon). Maybe a later-day ranger-guided tour. Night 1 at Canyon
Day 2 – early ranger guided tour, also use the shuttle for the viewing points. Drive to Page, Az. Overnight in Page.
Day 3 – early Upper Antelope Canyon tour. Could I do a float tour of Colorado River/Horseshoe Bend that same day? OVernight in Page.
Day 4 – Drive to Zion. Zion Canyoneering Tour for families. Night in Zion
Day 5 – Drive back — potentially to Vegas, as the airport is much closer.
Maybe I’m doing too much and need to add a night somewhere, either in Page or at the Canyon? I’d love your thoughts! Thank you so much!
Hi Lori, this is copied from my reply to your previous inquiry, so apologies in advance if you’ve made changes that aren’t reflected here.
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Your tentative itinerary looks pretty fun, still, I’d recommend making a couple of modifications for the sake of convenience.
First off, you mention in your previous inquiry that you’ve been to Sedona before, so I assume that’s why you’re leaving it out this time around.
I did some research and it appears that the Arizona Diamondbacks 2020 season opener is scheduled for April 5th, vs. the Boston Red Sox.
At the Grand Canyon, it is not necessary to take a guided tour. The South Rim is a very easy area to self-tour, and a good chunk of your sightseeing of the Grand Canyon will actually occur on the drive to Page (or from Page… more on that in a minute). Most of the overlooks are open to private vehicles, except for the ones on the Hermit’s Rest/West Rim Drive, which are served by a free hop-on/hop-off shuttle line. If possible, book your Grand Canyon lodging inside the park, or Tusayan, just 7 miles South of the park so you can easily enjoy sunset and/or sunrise on the rim of the Grand Canyon!
For the Page, AZ, leg of your trip, the boat tour on this particular site isn’t the one that goes through Horseshoe Bend. The trip you’re looking for is the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip. During the month of April, the 1/2-Day Float Trip departs once daily at 11:00 AM with a 10:00 AM check-in, and concludes at 3:30 PM. As to whether you should tour both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, they are both beautiful, you would just need to be sure that neither slot canyon tour overlaps with the float trip on either side of it. Upper + Lower Antelope Canyon “bundle” If you opt to tour just one slot canyon, and your family is physically fit enough to handle Lower Antelope, I’d recommend going with that. Full Video Walk-Through of Lower Antelope Canyon
On Day 5, where you propose to visit Zion as a day trip from Page, AZ, that’s doable, but you must keep a close eye on the clock. Nighttime driving is strongly discouraged in this part of the country due to lack of artificial lighting on local roads, and the possibility of colliding with a deer, elk, free range cow, or even a wild horse. It typically takes ~2 hours to drive from Page, AZ, to Zion, but that’s wheels turning, no stops. That rarely happens, since it’s a very scenic drive, and you’ll want to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves along the way, such as the Big Water Visitors Center, Paria Rimrocks/Toadstool Hoodoos trail, and Moqui Cave, just to name a few. So a 2-hour drive could easily turn into 3.5 or even 4 hours, unless you resist all temptations to stop. Another thing to keep in mind is that while Utah DOES observe Daylight Savings Time, Arizona DOES NOT. So, you’ll “lose” an hour traveling between Arizona and Utah, but “regain” it as you travel back to Arizona. Sunrise in AZ occurs at ~6:00 AM in early April; sunset takes place around 6:45 PM. Taking all that into consideration, that wouldn’t give you much time to work with in Zion, which is an amazing park that really deserves 3-4 days time to fully enjoy.
If you’re open to making some changes, you might consider flying into Las Vegas instead of Phoenix. Las Vegas occasionally hosts some Spring Training games, if catching a baseball game is a non-negotiable element of this trip. If not, you’d probably find Las Vegas to be better poised to make this itinerary work. Your schedule would look something like this:
Day 1 – Fly into Las Vegas, catch a spring training game, overnight in Las Vegas
Day 2 – Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim (~5 hours), overnight at the Grand Canyon
Day 3 – Ranger-guided hike at South Rim. Drive to Page, AZ (~3-3.5 hours factoring in stops), night 1 in Page
Day 4 – Antelope Canyon early morning tour, 1/2-day Glen Canyon Float Trip, either spend 2nd night in Page, AZ, or drive to Zion and overnight in Springdale, UT.
Day 5 – Early AM drive from Page to Zion, or get early start out of Springdale, UT, for Zion National Park tour.
Day 6 – Drive back to Las Vegas (~3.5 hours), fly home
If you prefer to keep Phoenix as your staging city, and depending on your tolerance for making a longish drive at the beginning of your tour, you could do something like this:
Day 1 – Fly into Phoenix, catch baseball game, overnight in Phoenix
Day 2 – Drive from Phoenix to Kanab, UT (~6 hours), overnight in Kanab.
Day 3 – Drive from Kanab to Zion Ponderosa Ranch (~1 hour drive), take canyoneering tour, spend 2nd night in Kanab.
Day 4 – Drive to Page, AZ (~60-90 minutes), check in 10:00 AM for 11:00 AM float trip, take afternoon tour of Lower Antelope Canyon, overnight in Page.
Day 5 – Drive from Page, AZ, to Grand Canyon South Rim (~3.5-4 hours factoring in stops), overnight at South Rim.
Day 6 – Drive back to Phoenix, fly home.
Sorry to ramble on for so long, but hope that’s given you some things to think about. Please don’t hesitate to hit us up again if you need further guidance!
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Thank you so much! I apologize for the duplication! I appreciate the advice. 🙂
Awesome, let us know how you do!
Alley 🙂
Looks like the Glen Canyon 1/2 Day Float Tour has a check-in at 10 am. Are early morning tours available in April for Upper Antelope Canyon so that we’d be able to both in the same day? I can’t see times yet because we’re more than 6 months out.
I’m also curious — we’ll probably arrive in Page in the afternoon. Would you recommend we hike Horseshoe Bend (and how long might the hike be?), or even the Navajo Grand Tour?
So excited about all the possibilities. Thank you for all your insight!
Hi Lori!
If I remember correctly, Antelope Canyon tours in April start as early as 7:00 AM, so you should be able to manage a morning Antelope Canyon tour with the Glen Canyon Float Trip. However, since temperatures in April tend to still be moderate, you shouldn’t have a problem touring Antelope Canyon after doing the float trip if need and/or availability should dictate.
RE: Horseshoe Bend, the hike in and out is less than 1.5 miles in length. Whether you do it the afternoon you arrive in Page, AZ, will depend largely on the parking situation and whether or not you can find space. Since the 2nd phase of the parking lot was added, it has helped matters in that regard.
Hope you had a Happy 4th and that your family is doing great!
Alley 🙂
I just found your website and it is awesome!! We will be flying into Phoenix the end of September and starting our trip via RV from Mesa. Here is what I am thinking so far:
Sat Sept 28 Phoenix-Mesa-Montezuma’s Castle-Camp Verde
Overnight in Camp Verde
Sun Sept 29 Camp Verde-Cottonwood-Jerome-Grand Canyon
Overnight in Grand Canyon
Mon Sept 30 Sunrise at Grand Canyon south rim, mule ride-Drive to Page
Overnight in Page
Tues Oct 1 Page-Horseshoe Bend-Antelope Canyon
Overnight in Page
Wed Oct 2 Page-Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour-Start drive to Bryce
Overnight somewhere or all the way to Bryce
Thurs Oct 3 Bryce sunrise if we get there-drive to Zion
Overnight in Zion
Fri Oct 4 Zion
Overnight in Zion
Sat Oct 5 Las Vegas Eagles concert!!
Sun Oct 6 Fly home from Vegas
Is this doable or way too much?
Things we don’t need to see?
Things I missed on my list?
Any suggestions on RV parks?
Thank you so much!!!
Hi Noelle and glad you found us!
Your itinerary looks pretty fun, and you’ve chosen a great time to be here! Still, I have to offer a few “reality checks” before you commit to it 100%.
Driving an RV is going to limit you slightly on the places you can realistically go. You don’t specify whether you’ll be driving a motorhome, or driving a truck or SUV pulling a 5th wheel or travel trailer. Since you’re flying into Phoenix, I’ll assume it’s a motorhome, so, no tow vehicle that can be unhooked to explore areas that may be impractical for a larger rig. Camp Verde RV Parks
On Day 2 when you say you want to explore Jerome, AZ, many RV forums advise against driving that section of US89A in a rig over 30′ in length as it’s very narrow and twisty. You might want to skip it this time around and go directly to the Grand Canyon. At Grand Canyon South Rim, there are 2 RV parks located in Grand Canyon Village: Trailer Village, which has electrical and water hook-ups, and Mather Campground, which does not have hook-ups, but has a laundry and paid showers on site, plus an RV dump station located nearby.
On your 3rd day when you indicate you’re taking a mule ride, I assume you’re referring to the 3-hour Canyon Vistas ride? The only other option is a 2-day/1-night trip to Phantom Ranch, which is booked 1 year in advance. I’d suggest taking the 8:00 AM departure so you don’t risk doing any of the drive to Page, AZ, at night. Nighttime driving is strongly discouraged in Northern AZ due to the lack of artificial lighting on local roads, and the tendency for deer, elk, free range cattle, and even wild horses to graze around them at night. Even in a motorhome, you don’t want to risk a collision with a large animal in areas where cell service is spotty at best, and a tow truck will be a long time in coming and very expensive! In early October, sunrise occurs at ~6:30 AM, sunset at around 6:00 PM.
On October 2nd, where you intend to drive to Bryce after the Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour, keep in mind that this trip could run anywhere from 6-8 hours in length depending on the water level of Lake Powell at the time of your visit. A hike of 2-3 miles round trip from the boat dock will also be required to actually see Rainbow Bridge. After an activity like this, just about the only thing you’ll probably be in the mood to do is relax with a cocktail somewhere, not make a 3-hour drive to your next destination. If the prospect of skipping the Rainbow Bridge Boat tour doesn’t appeal – which I totally would understand – then take the earlier departure at 7:30 AM, which would conclude sometime between 2:30 and 3:30 PM. That would at least buy you some time to get to Bryce before sunset (which occurs at 7:00 PM Utah time). Remember, driving a motorhome means you have to take the drive more slowly than if you were in a passenger car! If you feel this would be cutting it too fine, and you still want to see Rainbow Bridge, an efficient and exciting way to accomplish this goal is to fly over it. Fixed-wing airplanes depart from the Page Municipal Airport daily, usually first thing in the morning for better light and less wind. Rainbow Bridge air tours typically take only 30 minutes time. RV & Camping Options in Page, AZ
For Bryce Canyon, there are 2 first-come/first-serve campgrounds located inside the park, North and Sunset Campgrounds. Neither have hook-ups, so if you prefer to have them (you’ll probably need some heat at night at this time of year since Bryce is 8,000′ above sea level), look to Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon City, and other developed areas just outside the park boundary. Bryce Canyon RV Parks
In Zion, there are two campgrounds located in Zion Canyon, which is the main commercial area of the park. Neither have electrical, water, or sewer hook-ups. If you prefer these services, you’ll want to look at developed RV parks in Springdale, UT, which is situated near the Western border of the park. Also keep in mind that coming from East to West, the most convenient route will be the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel, which requires an “escort fee” for all RV’s and oversized vehicles to travel through it. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the particulars of traveling in Zion National Park in an RV before you set out on your trip.
On the drive back to Las Vegas from Zion, be aware that construction is taking place on a stretch of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge, which will tack another 30-60 minutes onto your trip time.
In order to free up a full day to devote to seeing Bryce Canyon, I’d recommend dropping that first night in Camp Verde and just driving all the way to Grand Canyon South Rim instead. If that’s not an option, then, again, reconsider the Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour.
Hope that helps! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley,
Thanks for all the wonderful information on the site. I have a trip planned with my 2 teenage daughters from Phoenix on July 5th to Page for two nights, then off to Bryce on the 7th, and Zion on the 8th. Could you help with suggestions for an itinerary on what best to do with our time in Page and the other stops. Your help is much appreciated!
Hi Brandon,
The piece you commented on, the “Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary in Page, AZ” had ample suggestions for how to use your 2 days in Page, AZ. In a nutshell, the “must-do’s” here are:
– touring Antelope Canyon (check out the new “bundle” options!)
– visit Horseshoe Bend (best done just after sunrise at the time you’re visiting for cooler temperatures and less people)
– do some kind of water-based activity, such as the Lake Powell Boat Tour to Rainbow Bridge, or the Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip; if doing such a long boat or raft tour doesn’t appeal, note that many of the Antelope Canyon tour “bundles” combine an Antelope Slot Canyon tour with a short boat tour of Antelope Canyon’s waterside from Antelope Point Marina
As for what you might do in Bryce and Zion, that ultimately depends on you and your family, your interests, and how much hiking you’re willing to do, or not do. On the trip from Page, AZ, to Bryce, a couple of good stops to make are the Big Water Visitors Center and the Paria Rim Rocks/Toadstool Hoodoos Trail between Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT at mile marker 19 of US89. However, another important consideration is that at the time of year you’re visiting, it’s going to be very hot. Any hiking or other labor-intensive activity should be undertaken early in the morning for optimal safety and comfort. Hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water should be carried at all time, and appropriate footwear for walking should be worn.
In Bryce, start by taking the rim loop drive (or use the free shuttle) to the various overlooks in the park. Popular hikes rated as “easy” to “moderate” include, in order of length/distance, Mossy Cave, the Rim Trail, Queens Garden, the Navajo Trail, Tower Bridge, the “Hat Shop,” and Swamp Canyon. For more suggestions of good hikes and other activities in Bryce, consult the National Park Service guide to Day Hikes in Bryce Canyon
In Zion, the two “grand-daddy of all hikes” are The Narrows and Angel’s Landing. The Narrows might be fun for you guys as it entails walking in the Virgin River for a good part of it, and the cool water is very refreshing. Appropriate shoes for hiking in the water are necessary for this. However, if a flash flood warning is in place, you’ll probably have to take a pass on that. If Angel’s Landing doesn’t appeal, there are plenty of other good hikes to make in Zion, as well as activities such as horseback riding, river tubing, ranger talks, etc. Keep in mind that unless you have reservations at the Zion Lodge in the park, you’ll have to utilize the shuttle from Springdale, UT, to access the Zion Scenic Drive.
Hope that helps, and that you have all reservations in place for lodging and guided tours.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hello Alley,
I have been reading your recommendations to others and learned so much! I’m wondering g if you could give me some help with a trip I’m planning for my adult daughter and me for April of 2020. We will have a Saturday through the next Saturday to visit. Right now, I’m planning on flying into and out of Phoenix but haven’t purchased any tickets yet. I plan to rent a car in Phoenix. (Thanks for the advice not to drive at night! I had no idea.) Depending on the time of our return flight’s departure, we may want to stay in Phoenix Friday night.
The Grand Canyon south rim and Sedona are places on our for sure list. Would you just stick with those two places based on our time frame? If I were to add another place, it would be Page (Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell). Would all of this be possible in our timeframe? Neither of us has been to Arizona or Utah and I had originally thought about possibly adding either Bryce, the Arches, or Monument Valley, but I am thinking this will be another trip (unless you think one of these makes sense logistically instead of the trip to Page).
We are both pretty fit (her more than I am) so we would be doing some hiking. I had a question about the tours offered through the Grand Canyon website. Would you recommend doing any of them or just doing things on your own. I had wanted to do one of the mule rides down into the canyon, but can’t figure out if that is a one day experience and if this is only offered through the park service. I’d opt for the one that includes an overnight at Phantom Ranch, but from what I can tell, the Ranch is already booked through next June.
Thank you again for all the time and thought in your responses!
Hi Susan and thanks for your compliments!~
I’m going to work “backwards” here, so hope you don’t mind. Grand Canyon mule rides are indeed booked up 1 year in advance, plus the daily rider quota was reduced from 20 to 10 some years ago. Therefore, getting on one is going to be next to impossible, even for April 2020. The only mule ride that goes into the inner canyon from the South Rim is the overnight ride to Phantom Ranch. There used to be a one-day trip that went to below the rim to Plateau Point, but National Park Service kaboshed it and offered up the “Canyon Vista,” a 3-hour ride along a rimside trail, which IMO was a poor substitute for the Plateau Point ride. The mule rides, by the way, are offered by the park concessioner, Xanterra South Rim, but since they operate in a National Park, National Park Service has carte blanche to make a lot of decisions concerning day to day operations that may impact the “resource,” which, in this case, is the Grand Canyon.
RE: what you can accomplish in 1 week’s time, using Phoenix as your staging city, you could spend 3 days in Sedona, 1 day at Grand Canyon South Rim, 1 day at Monument Valley and 2 days in Page. The order in which you allot your time will depend heavily on two key elements: 1. availability of lodging at the Grand Canyon and 2. availability of Antelope Canyon tours Since you’re planning your trip well in advance (which we definitely commend you for!), you should still have good availability to work with. Another consideration is your preference for getting the longer drive out of the way first, or are you OK saving it for last? Since most trip planners fall into the former category, and assuming you do as well, here’s what I’d recommend:
Day 1 – Drive from Phoenix to Page (~5 hours), overnight in Page
Day 2 – Visit Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, possibly a short boat tour on Lake Powell (Lower Antelope Canyon/Boat Tour bundle), 2nd night in Page
Day 3 – Drive from Page, AZ, to Monument Valley (~2 hour drive), overnight in Monument Valley
Day 4 – Take backcountry tour of Monument Valley (or do this day before time permitting), then drive to Grand Canyon South Rim (~3.5 hour drive), overnight at Grand Canyon
Day 5 – Take free shuttles to Grand Canyon overlooks on Hermit’s Rest Road, or take short hike on Bright Angel Trail, drive to Sedona (~3 hours), overnight in Sedona
Day 6 – 2nd day/night in Sedona, take Pink Jeep Broken Arrow Tour, or hike to Bell Rock or West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon.
Day 7 – 3rd day/night in Sedona, or drive to Phoenix (~2 hours) and fly home
As mentioned earlier, this itinerary can be reversed if lodging availability is more conducive to doing so, or you prefer to chill for a few days leading up to the busier part of your vacation.
As you can see, Bryce Canyon and Arches were left off this itinerary. They’re a bit impractical when using Phoenix as a staging city. Las Vegas is better positioned as a “jumping off point” to Utah’s Mighty 5, so you might indeed save that for another trip.
Hope that helps – feel free to hit us up again if we can provide further guidance.
Alley 🙂
Thank you SO much, Alley. You have been most helpful!
🙂
HI Ally –
I need some help. 🙂 We are planning on coming to Las Vegas with my husband and 2 teenagers. It will be in July – thinking 4th of July weekend, we are going for a basketball event in Las Vegas. We want to head over to Zion, Bryce, Horseshoe Bend and Lower Antelope. What would be the best itinerary if we left Vegas on the 5th but come back to Vegas on the 7th. I know it will be super hot so we do not plan to do any hikes. What do you think would be best route to go and stay? So basically it would be 2 nights to stay between these 3 areas/ spots. What is something also we should def not miss from any of these places.
Thanks so much!! Hannah
Hi Hanna, and apologies for the delay in response to your inquiry.
With that short of a timeframe to work with, you won’t really be able to explore any of these attractions in a manner that will do them justice. As you’ve noted, however, that time of year is really hot, so not the ideal time of year to do any long hikes.
The order in which you visit Zion, Bryce, and Page, will be largely dependent on where you can find lodging, and when.
You could do something like this:
July 5th: Drive from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon via Zion, drive time ~5.5 hours, stay overnight in Bryce Canyon or nearby
July 6th: Drive from Bryce Canyon to Page, AZ (~3 hours), tour Antelope Canyon, overnight in Page
July 7th: Visit Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise, head back to Las Vegas (~5 hour drive)
Depending on availability of hotels, or lack thereof on this busy weekend, you may need to be prepared to flip-flop this itinerary, hitting Page, AZ, first, then Bryce, then head back to Las Vegas. You could do the drive-through of Zion either on the way out or back depending on your schedule. Keep in mind that there is a construction project in progress on a stretch of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge that will add some time to both drives.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hello,
Thank you so much for your wonderful information. I am so stuck in my itinerary of what to do after reading all the wonderful comments. I have been to GC multiple times but husband has not and our goal is to hike the GC. We are flying into Flagstaff Sept 27 at 730 pm, renting a car and the only reservations we have made are to the El Tovar on 9/28-29. Below is the tentative dates and places. 9/27 Fly into Flagstaff, rent care should we stay in Flagstaff or drive to Williams.
9/28 go to GC, definitely want to see sunset today. Dinner at El Tovar
9/29 hike GC and see sunrise.
9/30 drive to Page, AZ should we do an afternoon canyon tour?
10/1 Page, AZ do canyon tour and boat tour
10/2 sedona
10/3 Sedona would like to do a jeep tour??
10/4 Phoenix or somewhere else???
10/5 Fly home out of Phoenix
Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated. Trying to get everything pinned down. Thank you in advance for your help.
Mona
Hi Mona,
Good job on scoring reservations at El Tovar, and late September/early October is a great time to be here!
Your itinerary as it stands looks pretty fun, still, I’d recommend making a couple of minor adjustments, plus injecting a couple of “reality checks.”
For one, when you say “hiking the Grand Canyon is the goal,” if you’re thinking you’ll go rim-to-river and back in one day, that’s not likely to happen. It takes anywhere from 4-6 hours to hike from the South Rim to the Colorado River — all downhill — then another 7-10 hours to hike from the Colorado River back to the rim — ALL UPHILL. I’ll put it this way: marathon runners have had a hard time doing what is referred to as a “burn run” (rim-to-river and back, 1 day). To experience the Inner Canyon in the safest, most comfortable way, it’s best to hike down, spend the night, either at Bright Angel Campground or Phantom Ranch, then hike back out the next day. Unfortunately, Grand Canyon backcountry permits for Bright Angel Campground or reservations at Phantom Ranch are extremely hard to come by, and tend to be sold out 1 year or more in advance.
The good news is that day hiking can be done without a permit, and there are plenty of wonderful hikes you can do, depending on your fitness level, timeframe, and inclinations. The over-arching rule of thumb is that 1 hour hiking down = 2 hours to hike back out. Food and water must be carried if you plan on spending any more than 1 hour’s time, or going further than 1 mile round-trip below the rim. If 2-3 hours tops is all the time you want to spend, you might consider hiking to Cedar Ridge on the South Kaibab Trail. It’s 3 miles round trip, amazing views, but no water on the trail. You must utilize the National Park Service’s hiker’s shuttle to get to the trail head. If you’re up for a hike of 6-8 hours or thereabouts, you might go as far as Indian Gardens (9 mile round-trip) or Plateau Point (12 miles round-trip) on the Bright Angel Trail. The Bright Angel Trail does have potable water piped into several resthouses located every 1.5 miles down the trail, but you should still bring your own, as well as high-energy snacks, sunscreen, and some first aid items such as moleskin (for blisters). For other suggestions of good day hikes, visit Grand Canyon National Park Service: Grand Canyon Day Hiking
As for the rest of your trip plan, with a 7:30 PM arrival time in Flagstaff, I’d recommend just staying there for the night. Williams is only ~30 minutes away and has fewer choices of hotels, restaurants, etc, plus it will already be dark by the time you arrive, and you want to avoid doing any driving around here after sunset. The next morning, you might get an early start on the day and plan on being at the Grand Canyon Railway Depot in Williams for the Wild West Shootout. That occurs at ~9:00 AM.
On your arrival day in Page, AZ, there’s no need to do another slot canyon tour since you’re already planning to do one the next day. The drive from the Grand Canyon to Page, AZ, will have already entailed a lot of sightseeing, so you might simply settle in at your hotel, or go relax with a cocktail somewhere. If you’re still feeling energetic enough to do some other things, a visit to the John Wesley Powell Museum is a good way to get to know the “backstory” of Page, AZ, or you might do one of several interesting yet low-key hikes in the area, such as the Hanging Gardens or the “New” Wave. Parking permitting, you might also pop into Horseshoe Bend on the way into town; in the likely event you find the parking area full, plan to visit it just after sunrise the next morning.
In Sedona, plan on doing the Pink Jeep Broken Arrow Tour. On the day prior to when you indicate you’re flying out of Phoenix, I interpret “10/4 Phoenix or somewhere else??” to mean that you were thinking about visiting another area that day? I’d actually recommend simply remaining in the Sedona area. 3 days is the minimum recommendation for a vacation there, but nevertheless, I hear from tons of people who spent 4-5 days there yet feeling as though they only scratched the surface. If you’re open to doing a day trip at that point, you might consider Montezuma’s Castle & Well and/or Tuzigoot National Monument, the former ghost town turned artist colony of Jerome, AZ, or perhaps a scenic train trip on the Verde Canyon Railway (much better views than the Grand Canyon Railway!). Then again, simply hanging out and enjoying some downtime is OK, too. There’s no law saying you have to plan every. single. minute. of your vacation. 😉
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂