Basic Beginnings

General Information

Lay of the Land

Getting to Flagstaff
Most Flagstaff visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport because it is the closest major international airport to Flagstaff. From there, it’s best to rent a car and drive yourself to Flagstaff via I-17,  which is about a 2.5 hour drive. There are a limited amount of flights from Sky Harbor Airport to Flagstaff Airport available, but that is an option. There are shuttle companies that offer daily scheduled trips for about $38 per person each way, while Amtrak has a train station in heart of town as does Greyhound bus service.

Lodging

Flagstaff experiences an influx of Phoenicians trying to beat the summer heat during the months of July – August. Grand Canyon visitors start coming around in May and keep flowing in all the way through October. Then the snow players take it from there during the months of December – February. This town has plenty of hotels, motels, cabins and bed and breakfasts, but it gets booked pretty quickly on holiday weekends, days following a good snow storm or extra hot days in The Valley.  Making plans in advance is recommended especially if you, your family or travel friends have accommodation preferences. Even the hostels get booked up regularly!

Hotels and Motels

A variety of hotels and motels are available all over greater Flagstaff. You’ll find both familiar brand hotel chains and independent properties. Prices range from $75 – $250 per night in the peak months and $50 to $200+ per night in the off-season.

Cabins
Flagstaff is the perfect place to rent a cabin. Flagstaff’s four season weather makes it inviting year round. Cool off  and relax in a summer cabin surrounded by wildflowers with picturesque mountains in the distance. Better yet, stay warm by a crackling fire with a cup of hot cocoa after a day of skiing or sledding in the winter wonderland. Cabins tend to be visitors’ first choice in Flagstaff lodging, so book early if possible.

Bed & Breakfasts

Flagstaff’s charming mountain home atmosphere makes it a perfect place to enjoy staying at a bed and breakfast. Rates vary widely based on the size, amenities offered and demand for these charming inns, but you’ll find anything from $125 per night to $350 per night, based on the season and the style, from simple to luxurious.

Pet-Friendly
Flagstaff is certainly pet-friendly. Several Flagstaff bed & breakfasts, inns, cabins and hotels cater to four-legged family members. Check out this list of dog friendly hotels in Flagstaff, which may or may not be complete, so don’t be afraid to call your hotel or bed & breakfast and ask if Spike or Fluffy can come along.

Dining

How to See Flagstaff…

“Is everyone here young and cool? Even that old man with a white beard acts like he’s 35.” – overheard at Charly’s Pub at the Weatherford Hotel

It’s true. Flagstaff tends to attract people who are looking for adventure. The vibrant spirit often appears as being young at heart – and it’s everywhere. It can’t be helped. From hiking, snowboarding and rock-climbing to Grand Canyon helicopter tours and Colorado River rafting, it all starts in Flagstaff. How do you want to see Flagstaff?

…on a Bicycle Ride Around Town

If you’re planning on staying in town, a bicycle is the perfect way to get around Downtown Flagstaff. That’s what the locals do! There are bike racks everywhere and nothing is far enough to actually need to hop in a car to get to.  In fact, finding a spot to part a vehicle can be quite the chore in this part of town. Rent a bike. You’ll be able to see, experience and interact with more  of everything, guaranteed. There are people from all over the world and all walks of life in the mountain town that you won’t want to miss.

…on a Guided Tour

You won’t want to miss a guided tour of Lowell Observatory. This was where the once so-called planet, Pluto, was discovered. Flagstaff’s fresh mountain air and clear skies make it a wonderful place to explore the Beyond. Other guided tours include the Museum of Northern Arizona, which features a wealth of geological and cultural information about the Southwest; then there is the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, a five-acre park showcasing an extraordinary early 1900s mansion owned by the Riordan family who logged Flagstaff in the city it is today.

Other tours that depart from Flagstaff are tours to the Grand Canyon. Many tours to the Grand Canyon leave from Flagstaff since it is the biggest city near the canyon. Visitors often take helicopter tours, jeep tours, bus tours, river trips or guided hikes. See Flagstaff.com‘s tour guide to get more information and pricing.

…On Foot (Hiking)

Flagstaff offers both easy and challenging hiking, and the reward for those willing to make the effort is a chance to marvel at the beauty of Flagstaff from above,

• Must-Do – Humphrey’s Peak

Humphrey’s is located 14.5 miles northwest to Flagstaff, Arizona. Take US 180 north for 7 miles, then Snowbowl Road (FR 516) for 7.4 miles to the Snowbowl lower parking lot. Find the Humphrey’s trailhead at the north end of the parking lot. All roads are paved.The trail is very well marked until you reach the saddle. The first 3 miles the trail gradually climbs the mountain, then the last 1 3/4 miles it gets steeper and more difficult. There are posts added on the last 3/4 of a mile to help mark the trail. It is very rocky and loose above 12,000 feet. The trail ascends 3 false summits before reaching the true summit. The trail is moderate to difficult, but anybody in some sort of shape can make it without consideration to elevation sickness. Total mileage is approximately 4 3/4 miles.

Trail Length:4.5 miles one way.
Elevation Range: 9,300 to 12,633 feet.
Elevation Gain: 3,333 feet.
Summit Peak: 12,633 feet.
Trail Rating: Strenuous.
Hiking Time: 3 hours one way.
Hiking Season: Late spring to fall.
Winter Permits: Required
Camping:No camping above tree line.

• Local Favorite – Mt. Elden Trails

The summit of Mt. Elden is a 9,299-foot peak on the north edge of Flagstaff. You can hike any of several good trails or drive up a rough road. Wildflowers, a variety of forests, and panoramic views reward those who ascend even part way. A fire-lookout tower marks the summit. Climb the tower, if it’s open, for the best views. On a clear day you’ll see much of north-central Arizona: Oak Creek Canyon and Mormon Lake to the south; the Painted Desert to the east; Humphrey’s Peak, Sunset Crater, and other volcanoes to the north; and Bill Williams Mountain to the west. Flagstaff lies directly below. An eruption of thick, sticky lava created Mt. Elden.
The hiking season runs from May to October, a bit longer for the drier eastern slope. You’ll need to carry water.  Allow at least half a day for a hike to the summit and back; elevation change is 1,300–2,400 feet, depending on the trailhead. Horseback riders and mountain bicyclists can use most of the trail system.

Rating: Moderate
Distance: 2.5 – 3.5 miles
Map and Information: Mt. Elden Trail Guide

 …On a Wall (Rock Climbing)

The Pit (Le Petit Verdon) is one of Flagstaff’s most accessible rock climbing areas for people of all skill levels. Most of the routes are sport but there are a handful of trad routes.

Take I-17 towards Flagstaff. Take the Lake Mary Road Exit. Turn right onto Lake Mary Road, then follow this road approximately 6 miles down. On your left, you will see “Canyon Vista” campground. This is where we are camped at the trailhead to the Pit. Park in the parking lot, trail starts at the end. Go down the small trail, take a right at the fork. You can see the crag from the parking lot and trail. Follow the trail to the other side, there you will see the bolts and pitches.

Flagstaff Temperatures and Precipitation:

Flagstaff receives an average annual snowfall of 99.5 inches
based on the 1st day of each month

Flagstaff Average Clear, Partly Cloudy and Cloudy Days by Month Annual Total

So, there you go! That’s our primer all the basics of visiting Flagstaff. Did we leave anything out? What else would you like to know? Feel fee to comment and we will reply!

Visitors are revving up to travel to North Scottsdale Jan. 15-22

Rev up your 2012 travel plans and come to the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale January 15-22. More than 250,000 classic car lovers from all over the world flock to WestWorld of Scottsdale each year for “the world’s greatest collector car auction”; will you be one of them? Even if you don’t have six figures of bid money burning a hole in your pocket, you can enjoy all that Scottsdale has to offer away from the action of the auction block.  Kick back at one of the area’s resorts or hotels, enjoy luxurious resort spa treatments, great restaurants and bars, first-class shopping and championship golf.  The entire destination is sure to please auto enthusiasts and their friends and families alike. Read our Visitor’s Guide to Barrett-Jackson to find out where to stay, eat, expected weather and how to get around North Scottsdale near WestWorld.

Hotels and Resorts near WestWorld

(with approximate rates during Jan. 15-22)

• Scottsdale Links Resort – Rooms from $259/night
• Hilton Garden Inn North Scottsdale – Rooms from $234/night
• Fairmont Princess Resort Scottsdale – Rooms from $399/night
• Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains – Call for availability 1-888-559-2575
• Zona Resort Hotel and Suites – Call for availability 1-888-559-2575
• Residence Inn Scottsdale North – Rooms from $269
• Sleep Inn at North Scottsdale Road – Rooms from $229
• La Quinta Inn & Suites Phoenix Scottsdale – Rooms from $165

5 Places Locals Like Eat in North Scottsdale

Weather Forecast

Average January temperatures you can expect around during Barrett-Jackson around the state:

                      High / Low (F°)
Scottsdale 66° / 41°
Phoenix 67° / 46°
Sedona 56° / 28°
Prescott 51° / 21°
Flagstaff 42° / 15°
Grand Canyon
South Rim 41° / 18°
North Rim* 37° / 16°
West Rim 64° / 39°
Below the Rim 56° / 36°
Tucson 65° / 42°
Lake Havasu 66° / 40°

*North Rim is Closed Oct – May

Getting Around

Wondering if you should rent a car when you arrive in Phoenix or take a taxi/shuttle? Take it from a local, cabs here are pricey and Phoenix and Scottsdale are very large, spread-out cities. We’d hate to see you get stuck paying expensive taxi fares every time you venture out to the car auction, restaurants, shopping and golf courses. Save the cab fare and rent a car at the Phoenix airport and enjoy exploring Scottsdale on your own schedule. Sure, you won’t save enough cash to buy one of the collector cars at the auction, but you could treat yourself to a “long drive” on the golf course!

Photo credit: CEBImagery.com on Flickr | CC 2.0

Today, we’re proud to present the second installment of a series we call Back(pack) to Basics with a general guide to Sedona, Arizona. We’ve included everything you need to know about visiting Sedona in a lightweight, easy-to-carry guide you can stuff in your “backpack” of travel resources and this year, visit the place USA Today hailed as The Most Beautiful Place in America.

General Information

Lay of the Land

Getting to Sedona
Most Sedona visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport because it is the closest major international airport to Sedona. From there, it’s best to rent a car and drive yourself to Sedona via I-17 to Highway 179 (exit 298) which is about a 2 hour drive. There are several Phoenix to Sedona shuttle companies offering daily scheduled trips for about $90 – $140 per person round trip.

Lodging

The peak seasons in Sedona, when lodging is at a premium and rates escalate, are January 1 – April 15 and September 15 – November 30. You’ll find the best bargains in the summer months and December, both of which are still fantastic times to visit Sedona. The average length of stay in Sedona is about 2.3 nights; you can see most of the sights in two days, but smart visitors will take advantage of many hotels’ “extra night free” programs, making Sedona their home base for additional day-ventures to the nearby Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Verde Valley. You can find all the great lodging we describe on our guide to Sedona hotels, resorts and lodging, Sedona.net.

Hotels and Motels

A variety of hotels and motels are available all over greater Sedona. You’ll find both familiar brand hotel chains and independent properties. Prices range from $90 – $250 per night in the peak months and $70 to $200+ per night in the off-season.

Resorts & Spas

Sedona is home to some of the most world-renowned resorts and spas in the country. Indulge in a spa vacation or luxury creekside retreat, perfect for couples, honeymooners, girlfriends’ getaways and individuals (go ahead, you deserve it!) Rates range from $200 – $400 per night in the peak months and $130 to $200 per night (and up to $300 per night for the most upscale resorts) in the off-season.

Bed & Breakfasts

Boasting over 17 unique bed & breakfasts, Sedona is a haven for Europhiles who love the personal touch of a bed & breakfast. Innkeepers of these Sedona gems attract guests with uniquely decorated guestrooms, gourmet breakfasts, personal concierge service, and significant overall value. Whether you’re seeking romance and privacy, sightseeing guidance from an expert Sedona insider, or simply a one-of-a-kind accommodation you’ll remember and recommend for years to come, these bed & breakfasts are certain to fit the bill. Rates vary widely based on the size, amenities offered and demand for these charming inns, but you’ll find anything from $150 per night to $500 per night, based on the season and the style, from simple to luxurious.

Pet-Friendly
Sedona is pet-friendly. Several Sedona bed & breakfasts, inns and Sedona hotels cater to four-legged guests. Check out this list of dog friendly hotels in Sedona, which may or may not be complete, so don’t be afraid to call your hotel or bed & breakfast and ask if Spike or Fluffy can come along.

A pet friendly Sedona vacation goes beyond accommodations; check out these suggestions for Sedona pet friendly activities and restaurants that don’t just accept pets, they cater to them.

Dining

How to See Sedona…

There are many scenic viewpoints accessible by car that offer spectacular views of the red rocks of Sedona, BUT first be sure to pick up a Red Rock Pass ($5/day, $15/week) at one of many commercial vendors (stores, gas stations, hotels, etc.,) government offices and self-serve machines throughout the area. (Where to buy) A Red Rock Pass allows you to park, hike, picnic, and take photos on Coconino National Forest land.

…on a Guided Tour

Likely the most popular way to see Sedona, a Jeep tour from any one of nearly a dozen expert companies is a great way to see some of Sedona’s most breathtaking views, discover the backcountry, learn about Sedona’s history, geology and ecology, and bond with friends, family and other visitors. It’s also an ideal way for multi-generational groups to see Sedona together; a Jeep tour is exciting, yet safe, for kids and grandparents, teens and adults alike.

That’s not to say that a tour by Jeep is the only way to see Sedona from a different point of view. You may opt for other guided tours such as van tours; horseback riding; wine tasting tours; river rafting and kayaking adventures; railway tours; hot air balloon, helicopter and airplane tours; or guided vortex hikes. Every one of these tours satisfies a different interest, taste, ability and budget. And whether you’re seeing Sedona from the back of a horse, or down on Oak Creek, or high above the red rocks, each one of these tours changes your vantage point, so even if this is a return trip to Sedona, you can see it in a whole new light. Find a tour that’s right for you on our guide to Sedona tours, Sedona.net.

…on a Self-Guided Driving Tour

The following are loosely listed in order of how you might encounter them on a driving tour of Sedona, starting in the Village of Oak Creek off Hwy 179 and continuing to the “Y” at Hwy 89A, heading west and then doubling back along Hwy 179 toward Uptown Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon along Hwy 89A. Many include easy to advanced hiking in order to reach the best viewpoints, but several can be viewed from a parking lot or on the side of the road (be careful parking roadside; traffic in Sedona can be very busy.)

You can start this self-guided tour at any of the points below and simply go back to the top of the list and work your way down. Since most Sedona visitors begin their visit by entering the area from the south, (from Phoenix, off I-17) we’re starting our list there.

1. From the Village of Oak Creek on Highway 179, where you can pull into the Coconino National Forest parking lot for the Bell Rock Pathway to view Bell Rock and Cathedral Butte. This turnoff on the east side of the road is about 1.1 miles north of the National Forest’s South Gateway Visitors Center.

2. Return to Highway 179 and head north 2.8 miles to Back O’ Beyond Road, turning west off the Highway and see spectacular Cathedral Rock.

3. Return to Highway 179 and continue north 0.5 miles to Chapel Road, then 0.8 miles east on Chapel Road up the hill to the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross.

4. Continue on Highway 179 and go to the “Y” at the junction of Highway 179 and Highway 89A. You’re now in Uptown Sedona.

5. From Highway 179, take Schnebly Hill Road. This 38 mile winding and picturesque route ultimately ends at an intersection with Interstate 17. You may choose to go the entire way or turn around and head back down to Highway 179 – it’s up to you. (If you do go all the way up to Interstate 17 and want to come down a different way, you can either go south 38 miles to exit 298 and come back up to Sedona through the Village of Oak Creek on Highway 179, or head north on the 17 and come down Oak Creek Canyon 27 miles on Highway 89A.)

6. Back at the divergence of Highway 179 and Schnebly Hill Road, continue around the world-famous Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Shopping District and follow to the “Y,” a traffic circle at the intersection of Highway 179 and Highway 89A. An exit to the right of the Y will take you to Uptown Sedona, where you’ll find shops, hotels, galleries and restaurants with public free parking lots and on-street parking. Best to get out and stroll a while here… there’s too much to see from your car windows!

7. Leave Uptown and head west on Highway 89A 1.1 mile, turning south on Airport Road (keep your eyes out… there is no traffic light here.) A short, steep climb up the hill to Airport Mesa, home of one of Sedona’s vortex spots and perhaps the most popular scenic viewpoint at sunrise and sunset.

8. Return to Highway 89A and head through West Sedona where you’ll find more shops, dining, hotels and galleries. From Airport Road, travel 2 miles west to Dry Creek Road at which you make a right and head north up Boynton Canyon. Boynton Canyon is one of the most scenic of the box canyons that make Arizona Red Rock Country so famous. Boynton Canyon is also home to the renowned Enchantment Resort.

9. Back out on Highway 89A to the west 1.1 miles is Upper Red Rock Loop Road. Red Rock Loop, aptly named, creates a complete loop that passes through Red Rock State Park, one of Sedona’s most popular hiking, picnicing and photography spots. From here, many iconic photos of the view from Red Rock Crossing to Cathedral Rock have been taken.

10. Complete the loop on Lower Red Rock Loop and return to Highway 89A. From here, your trip doubles back 5.5 miles toward Uptown Sedona, and continues up Oak Creek Canyon. You’ll pass Midgley Bridge and Indian Gardens, both great places to stop and take photos. (If traveling north to south, you’ll enter Uptown Sedona about 7.1 miles from Slide Rock.)

11. Just 7.1 miles from Uptown Sedona is Oak Creek Canyon’s most popular attraction, Slide Rock State Park. With easy walking trails, wading in the creek and a natural waterslide, this park is open year-round but is most popular (read: crowded) in the summer months with visitors and families looking for some cool, natural water play. (If traveling north to south, look for West Fork about 2.8 miles from West Fork .)

12. Another 2.8 miles up Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A will take you to the trailhead for the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon Trail, an easy 3-mile and extremely popular day hike. (If traveling north to south, look for West Fork about 6 miles from the Oak Creek Vista .)

13. Nearly 6 miles of winding switchbacks up Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A is the Oak Creek Canyon Vista. Look for a well-marked and ample parking lot on the east side of the highway. Don’t miss this opportunity to stretch your legs and view Oak Creek Canyon from its apex as it runs south. Breathtaking year-round, it’s a signt to behold in winter, fall, summer or spring. (If returning from I-17 in the north, the turnoff is about 8.3 miles down the canyon.)

14. From here, you can either turn around and head back down Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A south or continue 6.4 miles to the junction of 89A and Interstate 17. If you continue north toward Flagstaff and the I-17, you can either take I-17 south to Schnebly Hill Road or the full 38 miles to exit 298 and return to your starting point in the Village of Oak Creek.

…Through the Lens (Photography)

For viewing and photographing Sedona, the light is most dramatic early or late in the day; mid-day sun tends to flatten the view and soften the colors. Remember that days are short in the winter and long in the summer. Times for sunrise and sunset are listed below along with our Sedona weather tables.

…On Foot (Hiking)

Sedona offers both easy and challenging hiking, and the reward for those willing to make the effort is a chance to marvel at the beauty of Sedona unfolding below.

Best Easy Hike – West Fork Trail

West Fork of Oak Creek Trail is probably the most popular hikes in Sedona because it’s an easy hike and offers something new and uniquely beautiful every season of the year. Though easy, the trail does cross the creek in a number of places, so be prepared to walk across stepping stones or through some shallow water.

Rating: Easy
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 2 – 3 hours round trip
Map and Information: Coconino National Forest Service

Best Moderate Hike – Brins Mesa Trail

A convenient and picturesque trail, Brins Mesa leads hikers out into the open to delight in unobstructed views of spectacular red rock formations. Start your hike at the trailhead located about a mile from Highway 89A on Jordan Road in Uptown Sedona. Brins Mesa can be hot in the summer, so be prepared with plenty of sunscreen and water, as you would with all hikes. Turn around at the edge of Brins Mesa to return to the trailhead. If you have two cars, park one at the Jordan Road end and one at the Soldier Pass trailhead and do the whole trail one way.

Rating: Moderate
Distance: 3 miles – 4.1 miles
Time: 1 hour
Map and Information: Coconino National Forest Service

Best Difficult Hike – Schnebly Hill Trail plus Munds Mountain Trail

Schnebly Hill Trail features a moderate and steady climb toward several overlooks offering great views of Munds Mountain, Bear Wallow Canyon and the red rock formations beyond. With simple signage, it’s easy to continue onto Munds Mountain Trail, a steep, switchback ascent, climbing 500 feet in just over .5 mile. You’ll be rewarded by fine views over Jacks Canyon and the rim country all the way to the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. Turn around where the trail flattens out as it emerges on the broad, open, flat expanse of the mountain top.

Rating: Difficult
Distance: 6.2 miles
Time: 4 hours
Map and Information: Coconino National Forest Service

Sedona Weather: Temperatures, Precipitation and Sunrise/Sunset Times

Sedona Temperatures and Precipitation:

Sedona Sunrise, Sunset Times and Length of Days:
based on the 1st day of each month

So, there you go! That’s our primer all the basics of visiting Sedona. Did we leave anything out? What else would you like to know? Feel fee to comment and we will reply!

I will be traveling to Las Vegas for my nephew’s wedding in early August 2011. We would like to fly in early and stay at the Grand Canyon one or two nights and do the White Water rafting trip from the west rim down and the helicopter back up.

What is your recommendation on where we should fly in to?  Where is a good place to stay that would still have availability?  Is it better to stay at the South Rim and drive over to the West Rim?  We also still need to make flight & room reservations for Vegas.  I have looked at discounted flight/room packages on line.  Is there a way to get rooms in the Grand Canyon 1 or 2 nights and then Vegas the other nights?

We have never traveled to this area and would like to take in as much of the outdoors as possible.  Or as much as we can handle due to the heat in August!

 

Thanks for your help,
Lori L., Pensacola, FL

Hello Lori!

Thanks for your email.

I assume for the Las Vegas portion of your stay, you’ll either stay at or near the location of the wedding and will easily find Las Vegas accommodations that will suit your needs, has availability, etc. August is not the peak season in Las Vegas so you should have no trouble finding a room there.

You may need a total of 3 nights to really do this pre-wedding portion of your trip. This is big country out here… lots of driving, walking, and touring makes for quite action-packed, and thus tiring, long days. Depending on your arrival time (you’re smart to try to arrive early; from the east coast, you’ll be gaining time but still, flying cross-country can be tiring) you may want to spend one night in Phoenix or Scottsdale or Las Vegas, depending on which itinerary you choose, and rest up for the next few days of moderate-to-heavy driving, walking, rafting and touring.

Here are two ways to do this trip with handy links to options for hotels, tours and packages:

• Day/Night 1: Fly into Phoenix (one way). Stay overnight at one of the hotels near Phoenix Airport.
• Day 2/Night 2: Drive to the South Rim (4 hours.) See the South Rim and stay 1 night at one of these hotels near the South Rim.
• Day 3/Night 3: Drive to Peach Springs early (about 2 hours) and depart on the 1-day whitewater rafting. They’ll drive you back to Peach Springs. That night, stay at the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs.
• Day 4: Drive to Las Vegas (about 3 hours.)
• After the wedding and the Las Vegas portion of your trip, fly home from Las Vegas (one way.)

Or

• Day 1/Night 1: Fly into Las Vegas (round trip). Have some fun and stay the night in Las Vegas. I suggest you book a nice but budget-friendly hotel off the Las Vegas Strip for this quick overnight.
• Day 2/Night 2: Drive to Peach Springs, AZ very early (about 3 hours) for whitewater rafting all day. They’ll drive you back to Peach Springs. Stay at the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs.
• Day 3/Night 3: Drive yourselves to the South Rim (about 2 hours.) See the South Rim all day, stay in or near the South Rim that night.
• Day 4: Drive to Las Vegas (about 5 hours.)
• Fly the return round trip home from Las Vegas.

When you book your whitewater rafting through the Hualapai tribe (Hualapai Lodge and River Rafting Packages are available) do add on the Grand Canyon Skywalk. You might as well do it as long as you’re already paying for the rafting and other mandatory fees applied to being on Hualapai land.

The South Rim is the “real Grand Canyon” and will give you an unforgettable and different experience than the West Rim, with plenty of easy walking, light to moderate hiking, education, dining, etc. Staying overnight at the Rim may be very limited in availability if not sold out for your dates, but you should be able to find something Williams (about an hour south of the South Rim.)

You’ll probably book your Grand Canyon and Las Vegas stays separately, on two separate “packages”… e.g. your Las Vegas nights alone and then a Grand Canyon heli+rafting package through the Hualapai Tribe and/or a Grand Canyon South Rim flight+hotel package through a tour booking service such as Viator.com, AllGrandCanyonTours.com or AllLasVegasTours.com.

Enjoy your trip!
– ChristinaToo

Photo credit: heyjohngreen on Flickr.com - View from Cathedral Rock

Sedona is a beautiful destination year-round. The most popular seasons are March through May and September through mid-December. Lodging rates are slightly lower in July and August, but the most economical prices of year are available from the first week of January to mid-February.

Planning a Sedona vacation and you want to bring Rover along? Now you can travel unleashed! Check out these suggestions for activities and lodging accommodations that are family and pet friendly.  These hotels and attractions are doing more than just accepting pets, they’re catering to them! So pack your pooch and check into these exceptional family and pet friendly Sedona accommodations and attractions!

• Sedona Dog Park – Thanks to the generosity of the residents of the city of Sedona’s only dog park is complete. Hundreds of donations by residents and two large donations by anonymous donors made this possible. The Sedona Dog Park is located in West Sedona, just north of Highway 89A on Soldier Pass Road.
• Sedona Pet Friendly Hotels, Cabins & Resorts. Fido can sleep at the foot of the bed…even when you’re on vacation.  Lodging choices like El Portal, Best Western Inn of Sedona, L’Auberge de Sedona, Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa, the Lodge at Sedona and half a dozen others allow pooches and people alike!  See our complete list of pet friendly hotels, cabins and resorts for more information.
• Activities – Adventure Company Jeep Tours offers a variety of jeep tours of Sedona’s spectacular red rock country. If Rover is well-behaved, he’s welcome to join in on the journey as long as none of the other riders object. If your dog is a large breed and needs his own seat, you may be required to pay for a separate ticket. Of course, dogs must be leashed at all times and cleaned up after. If you and the pup like more solo activities, try hiking Coconino National Forest or Slide Rock State Park.
• Outdoor Restaurants – Dining al fresco in Sedona offers more than just a great view of the red rocks or Oak Creek; it also offers a chance to dine with your doggie. Check out restaurants with patio seating like Dahl & Diluca’s Cucina Rustica, Blue Moon Cafe, Ken’s Creekside Cafe, Rene at Tlaquepaque, Wildflower Bakery and Troia’s Pizza, Pasta, Amore.
• Sedona Arizona Pet Stores – Forget Fido’s favorite toy? Need some last minute supplies? Try Bark N’ Purr Pet Care Center, Sedona Pet Supply, Cody’s Pet Emporium and Sedona Ace Hardware.

There’s really nothing quite like Spring Training in Arizona. In many other parts of the country, snow still sits on the ground, while Phoenix, Glendale and Scottsdale invite you with sunshine, baseball -America’s favorite pastime-, cold beer, happy people (regardless of who is winning the game), hot dogs, peanuts, family…you get the point. Spring Training is the time and place where people from all over the country get together and genuinely appreciate all the wonderful things being to be experienced all in one place.

Spring Training Locations

View Arizona Spring Training Map – Greater Phoenix Spring Training Sites in a larger map

• Glendale Stadium
• Goodyear Ballpark
• Hohokam Stadium
• Maryvale Baseball Park
• Peoria Sports Complex
• Phoenix Municipal Stadium
• Scottsdale Stadium
• Surprise Stadium
• Tempe Diablo Stadium
• Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

Hotel Theodore 7353 East Indian School Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 The Hotel Theodore is your getaway to the extraordinary. This sophisticated Scottsdale oasis offers a spectrum of amenities sure to astound even the most seasoned traveler. More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

3 Palms Hotel 7707 East McDowell Road Scottsdale, AZ 85257 When you enter our stunning yet intimate lobby, the desert stone accents set in the hand laid white crystal granite warn you to expect something special including a level of service that some people… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

W Scottsdale 7277 East Camelback Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Sizzling hot and sparkling cool, W Scottsdale is infused with natural water elements flowing with meditative energy surrounded by exhilarating arts, sophisticated shopping, destination golf and a… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

Hilton Scottsdale Resort Villas 6333 North Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250-5428 Located in Scottsdale Arizona the Hilton Scottsdale Resort – Villas hotel offers impeccable accommodations in a beautiful resort-style setting. A warm welcome and exceptional luxury awaits whether… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

Hotel Indigo SCOTTSDALE 4415 North Civic Center Plaza Scottsdale, AZ 85251 New Boutique Hotel in Downtown Scottsdale, Arizona Boasts Affordable Luxury Hotel Indigo Scottsdale is a new boutique hotel located in trendy Old Town Scottsdale, within walking distance of the… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel · Packages Available!

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites SCOTTSDALE 3131 North Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 You are invited to Stay Smart and enjoy resort style amenities beyond your expectations at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Scottsdale. Whether you are coming in on business or just to get… More Info · Details on this Spring Training Hotel · Packages Available!

The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician 6000 East Camelback Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Valley of the Sun. Located in Scottsdale surrounded by the stunning Sonoran Desert is one of America’s most luxurious resorts. Recipient of the AAA 5 Diamond Award, Phoenician Residences, Luxury… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale Old Town 7324 East Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85251 Free Internet (Wired, Wireless and Public Wi-Fi) Come and experience deluxe accommodations a relaxed atmosphere and true Southwestern hospitality at the Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale Old Town hotel in Arizona. Located in the heart of Old Town our… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

Dear Arizona Travel:

Visiting the US for the first time from Wales UK in early April. We will stay in Phoenix for 2 days with our daughter at Uni.,then shuttle to Flagstaff for much of the remainder of our 10 day trip. The Budget Inn, Flagstaff, seems to be well considered or do you have another to recommend?
However, we fancy seeing Las Vegas for a short trip (1 or 2 nights.) Please can you advise us on travel? We would welcome advice. Thank you.

Rebecca R.

Dear Rebecca,

Your trip sounds wonderful! Welcome to the US!

Flagstaff’s weather should be lovely in early April; you’ll experience high temps of about 57°F (14°C) and lows around 26°F (-3°C) with a majority of the month being sunny or partly cloudy.

The Budget Inn in Flagstaff is not a hotel with which I’m personally familiar but I can recommend a couple of other hotels that might suit your budget as well as be a bit more comfortable for a 10-day stay. Look for “Inn and Suites” type hotels, which has become a sort of code word or euphemism for “upscale motel.”  I think a suite hotel, with a typical two-room setup (or at least a bachelor suite with a separate sitting area) and sometimes a fridge, microwave or even a full kitchen, makes an extended stay more comfortable, less expensive and healthier (when you prepare some of your own meals and snacks in the suite.)

Try these Flagstaff inn and suites:

• Hotel Aspen Inn Suites (around $64/night for a two-room suite in early April) Book Here
• Days Inn and Suites (around $75 – $99/night for a mini-suite to two-room suite in early April) Book Here
• Embassy Suites Flagstaff (around $129/night in early April) Book Here

» Another smart tip: Look for hotels with a 3rd or 4th Night Free promotion, and those with complimentary Continental or full breakfast included in the rate (such as Embassy Suites) to add further value to your 10-day stay.

Embassy Suites Flagstaff

Las Vegas is a great 1 – 2 night side trip idea, and it’s easy to drive there from Flagstaff.  I suggest you rent a car (I would rent a car in Phoenix for the entire trip, myself… Flagstaff is a walkable city, but you’ll need a car at some point, since cabs get expensive and there is no public bus or metro transportation in and around Flagstaff.) Drive yourselves to Las Vegas via Interstate 40 to US-93. Las Vegas is approximately 250 miles (402 km) and takes 4 hours, 10 minutes.  You can browse, compare and book Las Vegas hotels on Flagstaff.com’s hotel booking tool, and I suggest you opt for a Las Vegas hotel on “The Strip” versus Downtown Las Vegas or Off the Strip. Of course, the Strip is where you’ll find the ultimate in luxury hotels (and prices) but there are several budget-friendly casino resort hotels such as Bally’s that will put you right in the center of the action and still leave money left over for a little gambling and entertainment.

You can’t come to Flagstaff for ten days and not venture out to see the Grand Canyon (another reason to have your own rental car.) It’s just 90 minutes from Flagstaff to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, and you can soak up the awesome beauty in a day-long trip, walking along the Rim Trail to different view points, attending free Park Ranger talks and dining in the Grand Canyon National Park lodges and visitors’ areas. Check out our sister website, theCanyon.com, for things to do at the Grand Canyon, from helicopter tours to day hikes to free events.

Once again, welcome to the US and enjoy your trip!

– ChristinaToo

Dear Arizona Travel: My wife and I with two teenagers would like to visit the Grand Canyon around the middle of March ’11. Stay one night and spend the morning. Is this too short notice for lodging? We will be driving from Texas.

Thanks,
Frank P., TX

Hi, Frank!

You should be able to find lodging outside the park without any trouble. Look for hotels in the Village of Tusayan, just 5 miles outside the southern entrance to the South Rim. Some hotels you might like are Red Feather Lodge, or the Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn.

If you have your heart set on staying inside the park, you may be able to book a room just in the nick of time. A quick check of the website for Xanterra Resorts & Lodges, the in-park lodging provider, – www.grandcanyonlodges.com – shows that all the in-park lodging is currently sold out except for Maswik Lodge. There are some rooms and cabins at Maswik Lodge that may appeal to you, your wife and two teenagers. However, you’ll pay almost three times the nightly rate of the Tusayan hotels, because of the supply and demand for lodging inside the National Park.

Both options are great; you’ll just have to weigh your budget, expectations and needs – and of course, book right away if you want to get one of the few remaining rooms inside Grand Canyon National Park for your date.

Best wishes,
– ChristinaToo

We got a two-part email from a visitor this week. I’m posting our entire email exchange because I think it illustrates some of the questions one should consider when in the planning stages of a trip to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. The rest is pretty self-explanatory, but feel free to leave any comments or questions if you have a similar trip planned!

Dear Arizona Travel:

I plan on coming to the Sedona area late June/early July. Love the area, want to go see the Grand Canyon. I need help planning my stay with resonable [sic] prices and inside information on the “must see” stuff while I am there. I will be in the area for a week… Thank you.

–Leslie L., North Carolina

Hi, Leslie. No problem. I have a couple clarification questions, though:
Are you traveling as an individual or with a group? What do you consider reasonable as far as pricing for an overnight stay in a Sedona hotel or bed & breakfast, and for a tour of either Sedona or the Grand Canyon (or both)?

Lodging prices in the summer range from $100/night for a budget motel up to $300/night for a luxury resort hotel or bed & breakfast. Most lodging is in the middle… about $200/night. As an alternative, would you rather have a timeshare rental or a vacation home since you’ll be here a week?

If you’re thinking of staying a few nights in Sedona and a night or two at the Canyon, let me know. There’s little chance you’ll get a room inside the National Park, but I can recommend some places to try outside the park in Tusayan or Williams. As an alternative, you can stay the whole time in Sedona and just do the Grand Canyon as a day trip/tour.

Tour prices range from ~$65 – $150 per person for a Sedona tour, and about $200 – $300 per person for a Grand Canyon tour. You can take a really comfortable van tour of both areas and let someone else do the driving for under $200 per person.

What are your interests? Are you more of an individual hiker or a Jeep tour participant? At the Grand Canyon, do you imagine yourself just doing a walking tour, taking pictures from different viewpoints, etc. or taking a helicopter tour or something like that?

You love the area… have you been to Sedona or the Grand Canyon before and want to do something different this time? Tell me what you’ve experienced before so I don’t duplicate anything.

–ChristinaToo

…Reasonable pricing–there is 2 of us; so two beds or a king would be good. We have both been to Sedona on a long mother’s [sic] out weekend. But neither of us have been to the Grand Canyon.

We will be traveling from Phoenix (Mesa to be exact) and both of us are on a fixed budget. We don’t need “fancy” but a good comfortable place to relax and enjoy some down time. We were discussing two nights in Sedona, then moving onto the Canyon (I believe that means the South Rim–but I am not the expert!).

Not sure about the tours, but she and I are not into hiking and getting heat exhaustion—and the time line is the only time we have. We plan to be in the area June 29th or so to July 5th or there abouts [sic].

We would like to see some of God’s wonderfulness he created in both areas. We don’t need a hot tub or pool, but somewhere to wet our whistle and feet would be nice. We are pretty easy to please.

As much as I would love to take a mule ride in the canyon, I believe the heat will be too much. I would love to know about a helicopter tour through some canyons, but am not sure that will fit in our budget.

We do not need a tour in Sedona, as much as we would like some pointers to go see on our own. As for the canyon, we would like to have at least one tour where we can both relax and let someone else be the expert tour guide. Tusayan or Williams could be interesting–I am not familiar with them. I… know that there is tons of things you can find if you find someone willing to surrender the good information.

I thank you for your time and attention, and I am real close to making the plane reservations. Thanks!!! for all your help—I look forward to making plans every year to come do something nice in the West.

–Leslie L.

Okay, great! That gives me lots of insight as to what you’re looking for.

In Sedona, check out this article I wrote on doing a driving tour of the area… kind of a nice way to go, in order, and hit all the great spots around town for almost no cost… you will need to get a Red Rock Pass parking permit at the first stop in the Village of Oak Creek.

There’s no better place to wet your feet than Oak Creek. Definitely go wading in Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park. It’s well worth the parking fee and it’s a fairly easy hike/climb down to the creek banks. The water is fantastic in the summer and you’ll see lots of folks enjoying it down there. Directions on how to get there are included in that article above.

If you like spa treatments, I think the best insider secret I can give you is to go see one of these two “one-person” spas versus the mainstream resort or day spas in town. I have personally experienced both and think these two small spa/holistic therapists are the way to go in Sedona. Go to either Stillpoint…Living in Balance (better if you both want treatments at the same time) or A Spa For You (great if you can go one at a time or only one of you wants a treatment.) Feel free to tell them I personally sent you.

For your overnights, I recommend the Sedona Real Inn & Suites in West Sedona… again, tell them I sent you. I always stay there when I go to Sedona because it’s comfortable and reasonably priced at around $120 per night in the summertime on special (look for their Sedona.net special offer. Ask them if they’ll book a summer rate for you now and mention rate code SWM (so they’ll know I sent you!)

There are tons of restaurants in Sedona… My faves: breakfast: Coffee Pot Restaurant or Ravenheart Coffee Shop (in west Sedona.) Lunch: Red’s at Sedona Rouge Hotel or Oak Creek Brewing Company (in west Sedona.) Dinner: The Hideaway or Rene at Tlaquepaque (in uptown Sedona.)

At the Grand Canyon, I think you would both absolutely love the Grand Canyon Railway. True, it’s costs money (starting at $140 roundtrip per adult) – but it’s the same as a helicopter tour ($139/adult) and it’s a whole day of sightseeing versus 30 minutes on a helicopter. Nice, cool, air-conditioned, comfortable… you can’t go wrong. And you’ll have plenty of time (11:45am – 3:30pm) to do the easy Rim Trail (mostly paved, mostly flat walk/hike) and stick to the Grand Canyon Village where you can attend free Ranger Talks (there’s no better way to relax and have an experienced guide educate you… find specifics here and here) then eat lunch, go to the various visitor’s centers, take pictures, etc. Because the train departs around 9am and returns to Williams in the early evening, you’ll have the opportunity to drive up from Sedona that morning (leave about 7am), maybe have dinner in Williams (try Pancho McGillicuddy’s Mexican food or the Red Raven restaurant) and drive back to Sedona that night or stay overnight at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel or one of the hotels / bed & breakfasts in Williams.

You’re traveling over a very, very busy weekend at the Canyon, so definitely call now to reserve your rooms. You likely will not be able to get a room at the Grand Canyon National Park itself; reservations there usually require a year advance reservation. But you’ll find a great place in Williams (the GCR hotel would be my first choice if you can get in; then you can book your hotel and train tix together and possibly save $$) or I’ve also stayed at the Lodge on Route 66 and its sister property, the Downtowner, across the street. Both are vintage motels that have been renovated and fit your description of “not fancy but comfortable” and even a bit kitschy… very cool and affordable.

If you do end up being in Williams over the 4th of July, Williams does a really cute “Old Fashioned Small Town Fourth” celebration every year.

Enjoy your trip, Leslie…you’re going to have a great time!