Change in Arizona vacation itinerary

Looks like we will now be flying in to Phoenix on July 5th and leaving Phoenix on July 11th. In between the plan is to travel to Grand Canyon. so far, it sounds like we need to stay away from Canyon West. Sounds like we need to stay at South Rim and maybe make a day trip to Page for white water rafting or possibly look into the Canyon River Adventure. We will probably spend 3 nights at Grand Canyon and 3 nights in Sedona. I have heard Jerome is worth visiting. What else in between Phoenix and Grand Canyon is worth seeing? Again, I will be with wife and 2 kids (10 and 12). RedRox, your information has been great, so keep it coming.

Change in Arizona vacation itinerary

I think Jerome is worth visiting but you won%26#39;t need to spend much time there. The town is very small and not a lot to see. I would suggest stopping in Flagstaff and checking out the downtown area as well on your drive to the Grand Canyon. Other than that, not much else to see except the beautiful landscape on the drive from PHX to the GC. South Rim is where you should go when visiting the GC.

Change in Arizona vacation itinerary

Make reservations ASAP for accomodations at the South Rim!

Jerome is fun--a little quirky. You can see the whole place in 2 or 3 hours. The road into it is a %26#39;trip%26#39;.

Just to clarify, the river trip in Page is an excellent one. http://www.raftthecanyon.com/ You will see massive canyon walls, ancient drawings and petroglyphs, nature at it%26#39;s finest, and you%26#39;ll learn plenty of river lore. It is not a white water trip though. But don%26#39;t let that sway you. This trip is one of the best investments of your time and vacation money.

There is a poster who spends alot of time promoting the alternative trip in the western region on the Hualapai reservation. I have rafted that part of the river, and I can assure you that the canyon there is far less dramatic than what you will see at the GCNP South Rim, or in Glen canyon near Page. The water runs a little bit swifter and there are a couple of %26#39;white water%26#39; rapids, but IMO the trade off in cost, both in time and money, together with the discomfort on the bus ride that has been described as part of the adventure, is just not worth it.

Jerome is a quirky old mining town on the side of Mingus Mtn about 45 minutes south and west of Sedona. You can spend a half day there learning about the history which is colorful, seeing some of the shops and galleries that now are bringing the old town back to life, and find some very good dining options from great burgers at the Haunted Hamburger to casual creative dishes at the Asylum in the old Jerome Grand Hotel, and yes, it is haunted. A good addition to the Jerome visit is a stop at Tuzigoot to see the ancient ruins there.

But don%26#39;t worry, you won%26#39;t run out of things to keep you busy in Sedona.

Hi,

Thank you for visiting our beautiful part of the U.S. we appreciate your traveling.

Sounds like you have a great trip planned with 3 nights in Sedona and 3 at the Canyon. You will not run out of things to do. The Ranger programs at the Canyon are great for children, check at the Canyon View Information Plaza for details on those programs when you arrive so you know which ones you want to attend.

You asked what to see and do between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon. Between Phoenix and Sedona you will want to stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument, the visitor center has some great kids exhibits. Also the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a good stopping point before you get into Sedona.

Jerome is a nice half-day visit from Sedona during your stay and at the base of Jerome - is Tuzigoot National Monument.

A short distance up Oak Creek Canyon from Sedona is Slide Rock State Park - a fun place to take the kids in the summer - natures super slide!

On your drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon I recommend you travel through Flagstaff - on old Route 66 - and take Hwy #89 up past Sunset Crater National Monument, Wupatki National Monument - also worthy of a visit - to Cameron Trading Post on the Navajo Reservation. At Cameron you will connect with Hwy #64 which will take you up to the East Entrance to the Grand Canyon and Desert View Watchtower - another great place for kids.

I agree with Redrox, the Colorado River Float trip from Page to Lees Ferry is the best way to get a feel of running the Colorado River. I have done this trip 3 times and have enjoyed it each time. The canyon walls are sheer and beautiful, there is an stop on a sandy beach area about half-way down the river where you will see some ancient Anasazi petroglyphs too. You can either drive yourself from the Canyon to Page to do this trip or take the tour offered that departs early from the Grand Canyon Village area. You have a great trip ahead and I know you will have memories and photos you will cherish a lifetime!