Phoenix, AZ.......Grand Cannon

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scott_l

Member
I am going to be heading down to Phoenix, AZ in a couple weeks and thought about driving up to the Grand Cannon for a day (or drive up one day spending the night in the general area and then drive back the next day). Who knows what about the Grand Cannon, coming from AZ as I believe there is a national park on the north and south side? Places to stop along the way, things I must see, tourist traps that are not worth the time or money?

Franash (or any one else) what can you tell me, anything else cool/must see in the general Phoenix area as I will be down there for about a week?

Thanks
 
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frnash

Active member
scott_l said:
I am going to be heading down to Phoenix, AZ in a couple weeks and thought about driving up to the Grand Cannon for a day (or drive up one day spending the night in the general area and then drive back the next day). Who knows what about the Grand Cannon, coming from AZ as I believe there is a national park on the north and south side? Places to stop along the way, things I must see, tourist traps that are not worth the time or money?

Franash (or any one else) what can you tell me, anything else cool/must see in the general Phoenix area as I will be down there for about a week?

Thanks
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Grand Cannon? Like this one?:D

(More info on the Grand Canyon & more, to follow.) :)
<hr width="75%" size="2">It's still very much winter at the Grand Canyon, last snow 0.1 in. on March 13). At the South rim high temperatures will be in the mid 50s, and lows in the 20s for the next week at least.

The South Rim is open all year, 24/7, but the North Rim, about 5 hours and 210 miles by road from the South Rim, doesn't even open 'til May 15th. (Open from May 15th to October 15th, conditions permitting.)

Since the North Rim is over 1000 feet higher than the South Rim at an elevation of 8500 ft, it is much cooler during the summer months and much colder during the winter.

Here's the official Grand Canyon National Park web site.

"Places to stop along the way, things I must see …"
Ahh, so much to see, so little time!
Whatever you do, absolutely do not miss the Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon area!

Oak Creek and Sedona are about 115 miles north of Phoenix, while the road distance to Grand Canyon Village, at the South Rim is about 225 miles.

If you had more time, I'd also suggest a few more must see sites, like the Verde Canyon Railroad, which is a whole day experience itself! Or perhaps taking the the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to Grand Canyon Village. Of the two, I would definitely prefer the Verde Valley route for some awesome scenery, that and traveling via the Grand Canyon Railway would limit your flexibility at the Canyon.

Lunch anyone? Although it always seems to be hard to hit this place at mealtime on a trip to/from the Grand Canyon, you should definitely make an attempt to work it in: Rock Springs Cafe, dining, world famous pies! (see map).

In and around the metro Phoenix area? How about some baseball: it's Spring Training season!
 
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S

scott_l

Member
frnash said:
Grand Cannon? Like this one?:D

O boy how did I mess that one up :(

Good info so far........we have not set our travel dates yet, some time between April-early June.

Already been to Sedona.............and that was beautiful, I love seeing the Red mountains!

Have not done much research yet, but it looks like you can stay the night (hotel only as my wife will not camp) in the park any info/thoughts on that or is it better to stay some place near by out side of the park. It looks like we could easily spend a full day plus in the general area.

Thanks
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F

frnash

Active member
scott_l said:
Have not done much research yet, but it looks like you can stay the night (hotel only as my wife will not camp) in the park any info/thoughts on that or is it better to stay some place near by out side of the park. It looks like we could easily spend a full day plus in the general area.
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"… it looks like you can stay the night (hotel only as my wife will not camp) in the park …"
That you can, absolutely! See the "in park lodging" overview here. The very best option would be the El Tovar hotel, for views and "character".

Reservations can be a serious problem on short notice, as many accommodations are booked months in advance, or more! Particularly the "prime locations". There are other options outside the park, at Tusayan, perhaps. I have stayed at the Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn, for example, quite a few years ago. Nothing spectacular, but entirely serviceable. But you'll likely be spending most of your time at the canyon anyway, rather than at the hotel.

Worst case, you might have to plan your trip based on when you can find accommodations!
 
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srt20

srt20

Active member
We were at the Grand Canyon in OCT. You just cant see everything and enjoy it in one day. To really get it all, plan on at least 2 full days.
The Grand Canyon Railway was just "OK" at best. We took a helicopter tour also, and that was pretty cool. There is alot of rooms at the south rim, and they are always full, so also plan on alot of pedestrian traffic as well. Take good cameras and video recorders.
 
srt20

srt20

Active member
We were at the Grand Canyon in OCT. You just cant see everything and enjoy it in one day. To really get it all, plan on at least 2 full days.
The Grand Canyon Railway was just "OK" at best. We took a helicopter tour also, and that was pretty cool. There is alot of rooms at the south rim, and they are always full, so also plan on alot of pedestrian traffic as well. Take good cameras and video recorders.
 
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teamblue

New member
A few years back there was a Wild life park outside of Phoenix dont know if it's still there but it was worth a day visit.
 
F

frnash

Active member
teamblue said:
A few years back there was a Wild life park outside of Phoenix dont know if it's still there but it was worth a day visit.
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Maybe this is the one you're referring to: Out of Africa Wildlife Park, at Camp Verde, AZ. (Directions may be found at the web site.) I haven't been there yet!

I seem to recall that there was one of the same name in southern California a couple of decades ago, I first visited there on the day after the park closed! I'm not sure if there is any connection between the two.

Then there's also the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium, just west of Luke Air Force Base in Litchfield Park, AZ. (Directions may be found at the web site.) That one sure has grown since its early days! (I haven't been there either.)
 
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whitedust

Well-known member
We saw the the huge whole in the ground in about 2 hours 2 viewing points on south rim & hotels a couple of miles out from Mathers Point which was the best view IMHO. Then shot down to Sedona for a photo shoot. Also saw Hoover Dam the same Day. Just keep the pedal to the metal & stay out of Kingman tried to rip me off 2 times in an hour.lol.
 
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ripcord

New member
You wanna REALLY see the Grand Canyon?.... Take the six day rafting trip.

http://www.westernriver.com/

It's the only way to really get an appreciation of the immensity of it... looking up at the rims from a mile below.

We did it a number of years ago and it was an awesome and unforgettable experience... one of the best vacations I've been on. Truly worth it.

The anti-climax came when they flew us back to Las Vegas for two days after six days in the wilderness.

Oh,,,, and see the Grand Canyon in two hours?.... sheesh, you might as well look at some pictures of it on the internet.
 
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