Planning a trip to (Phoenix, Flagstaff: car rental, rental, hotel)

[bande1102]

I'm coming from the East Coast and planning to fly into Las Vegas. We've no desire to stay in Vegas. Travel dates are late February.

We would like to see the Grand Canyon, head to Sedona, and then fly out of Phoenix. I was thinking we could drive to Williams and take the train to the Grand Canyon. We would spend then night in Williams and then drive to Sedona for 3 nights, using Sedona as a base to see Antelope Canyon.

Does this plan sound doable? How is the drive from Vegas to Williams?

Should we just drive to the Grand Canyon ourselves?

Is there anywhere to stop between Vegas and Sedona that is more scenic? We are all about natural beauty.

Thanks in advance.

[mtnbkr5]

Rent a Car in Vegas and drive to the NORTH rim. Just as scenic, no ridiculous crowds. Great view that you haven't seen a thousand times in pictures.

[teddyearp]

The north rim will not be open in February. Otherwise, it is everything mtnbkr5 states.

[bande1102]

Thanks, yeah, we really wanted to visit North Rim; but I could only get time off in February so it looks like South Rim for me. I am still really excited. And debating about just landing in Phoenix and driving to Sedona and using Sedona as my base.

[azdr0710]

if you have no interest in Las Vegas, then don't go there....it's a few hours from all the other places you want to see, anyway

go in and out of Phoenix Sky Harbor.....frequent flights, easy access to freeways, nice car rental facility.....only concern will be that it's high season in the Phx area in February and some prices/rates will be frustratingly high......

I wouldn't use Sedona as a "base"...other area sites are too far away and the resulting daily "commute" to and fro Sedona is entirely unnecessary....instead, give Sedona a couple or three days (that's all it needs), then move on to a couple or three days at the South Rim and then wherever else you want to be....distances out here are huge - budget your driving times.....

Antelope Canyon is about four++ hours from Sedona and about three from the South Rim!.....if you want to see Antelope, stay at least two nights in the nearby town of Page and go on an organized tour of it (it's on the Navajo rez land)....three nights up there is better so you can see other area sites (Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Navajo stuff)......(and there's the long drive up there!)

highly suggested you stay inside the South Rim area, not in Tusayan or Williams.....it's very convenient to not have to haul back into your car and drive to some far-flung motel in the dark at the end of your day....just walk back to your room from the rim!....concessionaire Xanterra operates the South Rim lodging and prices/accommodations vary widely

Grand Canyon National Park Lodges - You're not just close - You're there!

Sedona will be crowded and expensive.....though not really near, the Cliff Castle Casino is a less-expensive alternative about 30 miles from the center of Sedona.....the town has a good visitor website, but you'll need to decide what your priority is (shopping, hiking, new age-y stuff, jeep tours, parking!?).....drive carefully!!!

many other sites in the area...Indian ruins, forest hikes, skiing....it will be cold at night!......be ready for mountainous driving on narrow two-lane roads

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by bande1102

We would like to see the Grand Canyon, head to Sedona, and then fly out of Phoenix. I was thinking we could drive to Williams and take the train to the Grand Canyon. We would spend then night in Williams and then drive to Sedona for 3 nights, using Sedona as a base to see Antelope Canyon.

Thanks in advance.

You cannot beat The Train, Bande . . .

Over the years, I have enjoyed The Train a number of times and it is definitely one of my all time favorites. AAA offers some great packages for The Train to the Grand Canyon including overnight at the Train Station Hotel in Williams before, after or both.

Good Luck.

[bande1102]

Thank you! I decided to fly in and out of Phoenix. Thank you for the tips regarding the other towns. I definitely need to plan/allow for more drive time. There is so much to see and do. I'm mainly interested in seeing natural beauty. I'm not into shopping.

[rational1]

Antelope Canyon is not at all near Sedona.

Personally I would avoid the train, especially if you have a car. Instead drive from Williams, drive along the rim toward Desert View, continue toward Cameron. Then turn left and go to Page. Stay at Page if you really want to do Antelope Canyon.

[More Rock]

There is lots of varied natural beauty in the state, but it is spread out. It is not all in the north.

[KurtAZ]

Originally Posted by More Rock

There is lots of varied natural beauty in the state, but it is spread out. It is not all in the north.

Especially not in February. If you are focused North of Phoenix of course the usual suspects....Sedona, Flagstaff, Williams/Grand Canyon...don't miss Jerome and if you are going to go to Antelope Canyon, I think you need reservations for the guide but I may be wrong. If you are flying into PHX you should consider Tombstone, Patagonia, Sonoita (AZ Wine Country) to the South but you will need more than a week to see everything if you plan on going to the Grand Canyon. This is a big state.