Closest City to GC/80 yr old traveler

I%26#39;m planning a trip to GC with my 80 yr old Dad....who always said it was the one thing he wanted to see. What is the closest city to fly into? He has severe arthritis and a very long drive isn%26#39;t good. We%26#39;re planning late April and possibly staying in Phoenix or Mesa.....any ideas?

Closest City to GC/80 yr old traveler

If you are talking major airlines, then Phoenix and Vegas are your options....perhaps a shorter drive from Phoenix by an hour...depends on traffic. If you want a puddle jumper, you can fly right to the Canyon from Phoenix or Vegas.

Closest City to GC/80 yr old traveler

You can fly into Phx then take a connecting flight to Flagstaff. Then drive the 1hr 20 mins from Flagstaff. My concern is will your dad be able to handle the high altitude? Flagstafff 7200+ ft Williams 6300.

What kind of problems would he have with the altitude? He%26#39;s basically in good health other than the arthritis. What should I be prepared for?

Hillbilly,

Problems with the altitude would be maybe shortness of breath. It can sneak up on you unexpectedly.

I grew up in a low altitude and was pretty active, hiking, biking, swimming, etc. My first trip to the GC surprised me when I became very short of breath just from walking around the rim and hiking down a way on the trail. My husband grew up in a higher altitude though, and was fine.

It may affect you and your dad, it may not. Just be aware if you start to feel weary, take a break.

Thanks so much for all your help. We were both raised in the Smokies and are used to a lot of physical activity. I think I%26#39;ll give it a try.....after all, who could turn down their Dad?

The high altuide can also raise our blood pressure

One person above said you can fly directly to the canyon from Las Vegas or Phoenix. That is not correct as far as commercial airline service is concerned. There are tours which fly from Las Vegas or Scottsdale to GC Airport, but not regularly scheduled airlines.

As per dragonflylady, Flagstaff is the closest airport, which requires connecting thorugh Phoenix. It is only an easy 4-hour drive from Phoenix to GCNP. If you are planning on staying in Phoenix or Mesa in any case, would you fly just between Phoenix and Flastaff round trip?

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