Looking for places to explore

[LordBalfor]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

Bryce Canyon is definitely beautiful! IMO, it's a lot prettier than Grand Canyon.

sierraAZ -

Thanks for the note & point.
Yeah we are SOOOOOO anxious to move down there. My wife and I TRULY talk about it nearly every single day.

In regards to the subject at hand, we haven't been to Bryce yet but I know that Zion just blew us away. I put Zion up there with Bora Bora, Sedona, and Yosemite Valley as the most awe-inspiring places I've ever been.

Like you, I found the Grand Canyon to be a bit less so. I can't really say why that is - I mean it is pretty incredible but maybe it was soooooo big that the shear scale of it made it hard for me to really comprehend what I was looking at.

Ken

[mdtoaz]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

Bryce Canyon is definitely beautiful! IMO, it's a lot prettier than Grand Canyon.

Never been to Bryce, but I'll take Arches and Canyonlands over the Grand Canyon anyday. We'll probably go to the GC just because hubby hasn't been there and I don't think he believes me that the other places were better.

For me, the tourists ruin the GC. My sister and I got yelled at by the park ranger while driving in (that's a story for another day ) and we were followed by a pack of German tourists everytime we maneuvered to get a picture. Very annoying. Then she had someone break the lock on her bathroom stall (which was an outside door) and break right in because they couldn't figure out what "hold on" meant. It was a great trip.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by LordBalfor

In regards to the subject at hand, we haven't been to Bryce yet but I know that Zion just blew us away. I put Zion up there with Bora Bora, Sedona, and Yosemite Valley as the most awe-inspiring places I've ever been.

Like you, I found the Grand Canyon to be a bit less so. I can't really say why that is - I mean it is pretty incredible but maybe it was soooooo big that the shear scale of it made it hard for me to really comprehend what I was looking at.

Ken

I haven't been to Zion. Was just driving down from UT and didn't have time for it. Grand Canyon is just huge... that's all that's so special about it...

[BillyBaroo]

I've always enjoyed going to the Tonto Natural Bridge.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Payson, Arizona

Rent a cabin somewhere around Payson, check out Strawberry and Pine for cabins.

West Clear Creek is a nice out of the way place with a lot of quiet, secluded spots. Great place to go camping.

West Clear Creek, Arizona

The Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area is a fun place to explore.

Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area

[TwoSticks]

Saguaro National Monument, Meteor Crater...

White Mountains -- Definitely see the White Mountains.

[Badland wonder]

As you will have your pooch with you, that can change your travel mode somewhat.
Starting in the Sedona area could be good. Whether camping out in Oak Creek Canyon along the water (good for dogs), or staying somewhere along the creek, would be enjoyable for all. Take a full day in Sedona area taking in all the sights and spend another night there. From there the drive to the Grand Canyon is about 3 hours. Take Hwy 179 to the Grand Canyon south entrance. The canyon is not a very good place for dogs because of the National park, steep cliffs and so many people. If your husband has not seen the canyon, you should definitely go there. Spend just the morning and then drive out of Grand Canyon National Park on the east rim drive and go to Page. (a little over an hours drive) Spend the night in Page and play around the lake the next day.(Antelope canyon, Wahweap beach) You can go north on Hwy 89 and hike a little down the Paria river (good for dog, should be some water in the Paria.) Perhaps then, you could go to Monument Valley taking the short cut from Page south and on to Kayenta and Monument Valley. (about a 2 hour drive) Stay the night at Gouldings Lodge in Monument Valley. Drive north to see the San Juan river (good for pooch), have lunch at the San Juan river inn and drive about another 30 minutes to Mexican Hat. Not the little town, but the actual hat itself! Also right on the river.
Maybe even spend 2 nights at Gouldings. By now, you have had about 5 days worth of activity and covered some amazing places. There is so much to see. A lot of things in between everywhere, but if you take this general route, your time will be well spent and your husband will see Grand Canyon, you will get to Antelope Canyon, and your doggie will have water and places to roam.

[esselcue]

Is near Las Vegas...not the Grand Canyon. You can fill a month just sight-seeing in AZ. Lots of history, lots of beauty and fantastic natural sights to see. Numerous Indian ruins, Tonto Natural Bridge, old Fort Verde near Sedona, Monument Valley (where John Wayne once rode), drive down to Tombstone and check out that ghost town, which is wonderful! Especially the Bird Cage theater and the OK Corral. Just grab an AZ map and look around. You will not be bored.

[Laurie-Anne]

My other half and I will be taking a road trip to Arizona in May as well all the way from beautiful Vancouver Canada! We were there for a short time last year and we are coming back to spend more time. One place I'd like to visit is Prescott. It sounds like a great little town. I am really looking forward to seeing Sedona and we'll be camping at the Manzanita campground (hopefully if we find a spot) as this campground is supposedly right beside Oak Creek. Have a great time!

[LordBalfor]

Originally Posted by Badland wonder

As you will have your pooch with you, that can change your travel mode somewhat.
Starting in the Sedona area could be good. Whether camping out in Oak Creek Canyon along the water (good for dogs), or staying somewhere along the creek, would be enjoyable for all. Take a full day in Sedona area taking in all the sights and spend another night there. From there the drive to the Grand Canyon is about 3 hours. Take Hwy 179 to the Grand Canyon south entrance. The canyon is not a very good place for dogs because of the National park, steep cliffs and so many people. If your husband has not seen the canyon, you should definitely go there. Spend just the morning and then drive out of Grand Canyon National Park on the east rim drive and go to Page. (a little over an hours drive) Spend the night in Page and play around the lake the next day.(Antelope canyon, Wahweap beach) You can go north on Hwy 89 and hike a little down the Paria river (good for dog, should be some water in the Paria.) Perhaps then, you could go to Monument Valley taking the short cut from Page south and on to Kayenta and Monument Valley. (about a 2 hour drive) Stay the night at Gouldings Lodge in Monument Valley. Drive north to see the San Juan river (good for pooch), have lunch at the San Juan river inn and drive about another 30 minutes to Mexican Hat. Not the little town, but the actual hat itself! Also right on the river.
Maybe even spend 2 nights at Gouldings. By now, you have had about 5 days worth of activity and covered some amazing places. There is so much to see. A lot of things in between everywhere, but if you take this general route, your time will be well spent and your husband will see Grand Canyon, you will get to Antelope Canyon, and your doggie will have water and places to roam.

Indeed. We drove up through the area (taking 89 from Page) on our way back to Seattle and were REALLY sorry we had not allotted more time to explore the region. There is SOOOOOOOO much to see in that area and it seemed that virtually ALL of it was scenic. We promised ourselves that one day we would plan a vacation specifically to that part of the country and make our home base for the trip Page - since it's so centralized with tons of Stuff to see in all directions.


Ken