Going to Phoenix in january 08 (Tucson, Sedona: appointed, store, train)

[carlosmad6]

Hello!! I am a spanish guy who is going to Phoenix area next january 2008. Even I was there 9 years ago, this time I will have 4 days to do some sightseeing and I would like to visit some places/cities from de old west (far west). Do you have any recommendation?

I am thinking (and due to the short time I have) in two routes: North of Phoenix area (Sedona, Grand Canyon, Navajo reservations...) or south (Tucson, Tombstone, Willcox,...). How is the weather is this areas during winter?
Do you have any recommendation for a Far West city?

Thanks a lot in advance...and sorry for my english...
Cheers

[Stumblina]

Hola, Carols! Tu inglEs es mucho mejor que mi espan~ol (estoy aprendiendo todavIa ). Anyway, here's my take on your two routes: The northern route will be breathtaking and beautiful. The southern route will be more adventurous - more like the "old west" you seem to be looking for. I've never been to the Tucson area, but from everything I've read about it, including in so many posts here, it seems to be an incredible area to visit. However, if you've not yet seen the Grand Canyon, then do the northern route. I think it should be mandatory that everyone in this country see the Grand Canyon. It's a mysterious, breathtaking and spiritual experience all rolled into one. Anyway, whichever route to do decide to take, I know you won't be disappointed. Arizona is beautiful with lots to see and do. Tiene un viaje magnIfico!

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by carlosmad6

Hello!! I am a spanish guy who is going to Phoenix area next january 2008. Even I was there 9 years ago, this time I will have 4 days to do some sightseeing and I would like to visit some places/cities from de old west (far west). Do you have any recommendation?

I am thinking (and due to the short time I have) in two routes: North of Phoenix area (Sedona, Grand Canyon, Navajo reservations...) or south (Tucson, Tombstone, Willcox,...). How is the weather is this areas during winter?
Do you have any recommendation for a Far West city?

Thanks a lot in advance...and sorry for my english...
Cheers

Unfortunately, Carlos, four days makes it rather difficult.

Considering the limited time, I would recommend The Train . . .

GRAND CANYON RAILWAY | Grand Canyon National Park train | Grand Canyon Railroad

A fantastic day trip from Williams to The Canyon which is beautiful in the Winter and then maybe you can wander around Sedona, Jerome and Cottonwood.

Plan "B" would be Southern Arizona including Tucson (Old Tucson Studios), Tombstone and Bisbee.

Good Luck

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by carlosmad6

Hello!! I am a spanish guy who is going to Phoenix area next january 2008. Even I was there 9 years ago, this time I will have 4 days to do some sightseeing and I would like to visit some places/cities from de old west (far west). Do you have any recommendation?

I am thinking (and due to the short time I have) in two routes: North of Phoenix area (Sedona, Grand Canyon, Navajo reservations...) or south (Tucson, Tombstone, Willcox,...). How is the weather is this areas during winter?
Do you have any recommendation for a Far West city?

Thanks a lot in advance...and sorry for my english...
Cheers

Sedona is, arguably, the prettiest spot in the state, WELL worth a visit. I recommend taking one of their Pink Jeep Tours while in town. Its a bit gimmicky, but theyll take you off the beaten path. Either that or take one of the helicopter tours. The Grand Canyon is something that must be seen at least once in your life, but if youve seen one rim, youve seen them all. Strangely, I was bored after 2 hours there. But the first 15 minutes is something I cannot describe, its just AWESOME. I cant relate to the Indian Reservations, Ive never been on one.

Tombstone is cool, but its a haul from Phoenix. Tucson was disappointing IMO and Ive never been to Wilcox either, so I cant really comment on it.

The weather will be brisk in Sedona, Grand Canyon, etc. It will be warmer in Tombstone, but nowhere in AZ is as warm as the Valley.

[Magnum Mike]

Originally Posted by carlosmad6

Hello!! I am a spanish guy who is going to Phoenix area next january 2008. Even I was there 9 years ago, this time I will have 4 days to do some sightseeing and I would like to visit some places/cities from de old west (far west). Do you have any recommendation?

I am thinking (and due to the short time I have) in two routes: North of Phoenix area (Sedona, Grand Canyon, Navajo reservations...) or south (Tucson, Tombstone, Willcox,...). How is the weather is this areas during winter?
Do you have any recommendation for a Far West city?

Thanks a lot in advance...and sorry for my english...
Cheers

Like Bummer said, 4 days is an awfully short time to see all of the places you mentioned. You also have to take into consideration the possibility of winter weather in the northern part of the state and the Grand Canyon, where elevations are prone to snow fall. If weather allows it, I'd definitely visit Sedona and the Grand Canyon. We haven't had a decent amount of snowfall for the past few years in the higher elevations, but you'll never know what mother nature has in store for us this winter.

Sedona's elevation is 4000 feet above sea level, and the south rim of the Grand Canyon is 6900 feet ASL. The low temperatures can drop to the single digits, or even to below zero at the Grand Canyon, and daytinme temperatures are usually in the 30's. Sedona's temperatures are a little milder in January, hights are in the 40's-50's and lows are in the 20's.

For the desert elevations in the state - Phoenix, Tucson, and Tombstone, temperatures are usually mild in the winter, highs in the 60's, and lows in the 40's. Wilcox is at 4100 feet in elevation, so it gets a little colder, but they're all great places to see in case the weather is bad in the higher elevations. We also do get freezing weather on occasions in January in the deserts, so be prepared.

[gnubler]

It's funny - as a former PHX resident I never have any recommendations of sights to see IN Phoenix itself, but rather to get out of the city as soon as possible and explore the beautiful areas far, far away from the stinking pit of Maricopa County. Looks like everyone else is also suggesting places out of town to visit.

The best thing PHX has to offer is its international airport, so you can arrive, quickly drive out of town to see the beauty of Arizona, and return for departure.

[steve22]

Originally Posted by gnubler

It's funny - as a former PHX resident I never have any recommendations of sights to see IN Phoenix itself, but rather to get out of the city as soon as possible and explore the beautiful areas far, far away from the stinking pit of Maricopa County. Looks like everyone else is also suggesting places out of town to visit.

The best thing PHX has to offer is its international airport, so you can arrive, quickly drive out of town to see the beauty of Arizona, and return for departure.

LOL! Well said. Arizona'd be a great place, if you could just erase metropolitan Phoenix. Keep Sky Harbor, though, and then the good parts would still be accessible.

[carlosmad6]

Thanks a lot for the info!!