Sedona Travel Forum

Hello!

I am planning a trip for 4 people (including myself). We are all in our 20's and very excited as this is a much needed vaca for hard working NYC professionals! =)

I have done a significant amount of research on the forums and on the internet as well. I have specific places and experiences I would like to plan out but I am having some trouble in terms of time planning and efficiency of sightseeing. Basically, I want what anyone wants... to be able to see as much as I can in two days and get the most of the time I have in Sedona. So, any advice will be much appreciated. Here are some of the facts.

Coming from : Las Vegas (3 days), stop at GC staying in Flagstaff that night. Driving early morning 5/19 to Sedona, start 6 am.

Dates in Sedona : 2 full days : 5/19-5/20, leaving morning of 5/21 driving to Phoenix Airport.

Hotel : Orchard Inn

My general ideas for the itinerary is as follows:

1st Day : We are scheduled to arrive at Sedona at around 8:30 am from Flagstaff, which I know is about 119 miles away, approx. 2 hours 19 mins drive. I would like to see as many of the sites of interest before our scheduled Pink Jeep Tour at 4pm/5pm.

2nd Day : Since we are driving to Phoenix early the following day for our flight, I would like the second day to be a little less hectic. I was planning on dedicating this day to wandering around town, some driving around and a little shopping. I am considering an early morning hike and returning to the hotel to get changed to walk around/shop and later have dinner at the Cowboy Club. I am aware that some of the shops close early (i.e. Tlaquepaque at 5pm, Gallery Row before 7 pm). So, ideally, I would like to be out of the hotel at around 1 pm.

1st Day – Stops along 89A to 179.
- Stop Over at Oak Creek Vista (necessary???)
- Oak Creek Canyon (driving through on 89A?)
- Stop at Grasshopper Point
- Drop off luggage at Orchard Inn
- Stop at Coffee Pot to have brunch/lunch
- Airport Mesa (light hike)
- Drive SE to Chapel of Holy Cross
- Drive to see Bell Rock
- Can I see Cathedral Rock by driving from Bell Rock????
- Drive back up north for Pink Jeep Tour (Broken Arrow) at 4 or 5 pm

Major Question : Is this feasible???

2nd Day – Western Sedona
- Chimney Rock
- Hike an easy trail that doesn’t take too long and will allow us to see something different than what we saw the day before. From my research, I have read mention of Fay Canyon, Margs Draw Trail, Red Rock State Park Trail(s), Bell Rock Pathway. I am questioning Bell Rock Pathway and Margs Draw Trail since both are not in proximity to Chimney Rock.
- Get back to hotel to shower and change
- Tlaquepaque, Gallery Row
- Wandering around town, any suggestions for quaint walks, areas??
- Dinner at Cowboy Club

Can I fit in any of the following????
- Montezuma's Castle
- Tuzigoot National Monument
- Schnebly Hill Road and Vista

I know this is a lot of information. But, I would appreciate any advice.

Thank you in advance!!

- Kate

Not to be rude, but where's the vacation ? Gary

Gosh. I had the same thought. If I were one of your friends and found out that you'd planned a vacation that had us getting up at 6 AM to drive 2.5 hours and then spending a frantic day of nonstop driving with photo-shoot stops, I wouldn't be speaking to you afterwards!

Slow down...

Thank you. Neither positive nor constructive. This "tentative" schedule is in agreement with the people I am traveling with. Since we only have two days in Sedona, that is why I am asking advice as to whether or not this schedule is realistic... not your opinion on our preference of travel.

Yeah, frantic, but whatever floats your boat.
No reason to stay in Flag at night for seeing the Grand Canyon. Try to get in at the park lodging, but it's probably too late. If it is, try Tusayan or even Cameron Trading Post, which are both right outside the park gates. You'll get a chance at one of the spectacular sunsets the South Rim offers by staying in the park and, although Flagstaff is a wonderful city, you'd be best spending all the time you can at the South Rim, especially since you'd be hauling in from Vegas on the same day. Flagstaff is a 1.5 hour drive from the South Rim gates.
Please DO NOT try to drive up Schnelby Hill Road. My pick-up with high clearance barely cleared a couple of sections. Rental cars get absolutely destroyed. The Pink Jeep tours head up there, so just see it there. It is pretty spectacular.
You probably won't have time for the monuments. You need to get to Sky Harbor at least 2 hours before, and the rental car center is a good distance from the terminals. If you're traveling US Air or Southwest on a popular day/time, expect a long line at the ticket counter.
You guys would probably enjoy Scottsdale quite a bit. Lots of upscale shopping, dining and clubbing, as well as art galleries and various tourist activities. Personally, I hate Vegas, so I would tell you to cut a day off of that, but it's all about personal preferences.
hth

From Flagstaff, it is easier and faster to Sedona driving through Oak Creek Canyon (89a). The exit is just south of Flagstaff, off I-17. It will take less than an hour and it is a very scenic drive. Don't take I-17 all the way down to 179. That is way out of your way.

On the way to or from Bell Rock, yes, do stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It is a special place, even for us non-religious folks. You also get a great view of Cathedral Rock and of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.

It is a very easy walk to Bell Rock, and I do think you should take it. The drive south from Sedona to Bell Rock will also take you right by Cathedral Rock. You might also want to fit in a visit to either Red Rock Crossing or Red Rock State Park. You get to see Cahtedral Rock from the back side.

If you go up to Airport Mesa, try to do it before sunset so you can see the color changes on the red rocks from the viewpoint, on the left part way up the hill.


Can't help with Montezuma's Castle or Tuzigoot, I haven't seen them yet. But I will be in Sedona next week and may get a chance to do that. then.

Hope this has been constructive. Enjoy Sedona, one of my favorite places.

If you don't want an honest answer, then don't ask the question ! Gary