8 days in June Itinerary - scenic routes

Question

We will be visiting Grand Canyon, Sedona area in June, 2 adults + teen. I’ve gotten great tips from this group already, thanks! Would appreciate feedback on this itinerary draft, particularly the best routes to take (you locals know the roads and traffic) and any must-dos I missed. Questions have a Q.

Day 1 (Saturday) Arrive PHX from east coast 12:30 pm, pick up rental car. Head to La Posada hotel, 2 nights. Winslow.

Q: Good area before the drive to get a quick lunch?

Q : Is 87 N the best route for the time of day (Sat aft)? Expect to arrive by 6 pm (before dark)

Winslow Walmart for water, sandwich supplies for the week (we’ll have a cooler)

Day 2 Early start for Petrified Forest National Park

Q: Is there advantage to start at North or South entrance, or all the same ?

Meteor Crater

Day 3 Early start, head for GC east entrance. Morning stop at either Wupatki or Walnut Canyon National Monument. Arrive at Cameron Trading Post for lunch at 1 pm.

Q: Route 40 to 89 the best to take to Cameron?

Arrive at the GC East Entrance no later than 3 pm. Slow drive to Bright Angel Lodge (2 nights)

Day 4 GC all day, lunch at Tovar

Day 5 (Wednesday) Head to Sedona

Q: Recommendations for the most scenic, interesting ride down from GC to Sedona. We aren’t on a time line and could back track if necessary.

Lodging at the Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas, 3 nights

Dinner splurge at the Elote Café

Day 6 Broken Arrow Pink Jeep tour 8 am , rest of day TBD (things we want to see in the 2 ½ days in Sedona: Oak Creek Canyon, Tlaquepaque Village, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Red Rock State Park, Montezuma's Castle (maybe), Jerome (maybe)

Q: What’s the best route through Oak Creek Canyon?

Q: Recommendations easy-ish early morning hike. Is Boynton Canyon a must do?

Day 7 Sedona morning hike, rest of day TBD

Q: I’ve read we don’t want to be driving in the more remote areas at dark. What about Sedona to Lowell Observatory, about 45 minutes. My guys and I would love the telescopes at night, it finishes up about 10pm so we’d be driving back at dark. Do it or skip it?

Day 8 (Saturday) Leave Sedona to PHX; have the red eye back east at 11 pm so we have the full day.

Q: Most scenic route toward PHX? Will we get into traffic reverse route?

Lunch in Scottsdale to meet a friend (maybe)

Musical Instrument Museum afternoon, Desert Botanical Gardens early evening (open til 8 pm)

Thanks for your expertise!

Answer

Your 8-day itinerary through Arizona looks well-paced and covers many of the must-see highlights. Here’s detailed feedback with route suggestions, scenic alternatives, and answers to your specific questions:

Day 1 – PHX to Winslow

For a quick lunch before leaving Phoenix, consider grabbing something near the airport or along I-10 east. Options:

Grab-and-go at airport food court or Starbucks.
Quick Mexican or deli in Mesa near US-60 if you want local flavor.

Regarding Route 87 N from Phoenix: It is the most direct route to Winslow, and on a Saturday afternoon, traffic is usually moderate. You’ll pass through smaller towns like Payson. This route gives a pleasant scenic drive through Tonto National Forest.

Day 2 – Petrified Forest & Meteor Crater

Start early to avoid afternoon heat. Regarding the North vs South entrance at Petrified Forest:

South Entrance is closest to the Painted Desert Visitor Center and Blue Mesa Trail; a typical route starts here.
North Entrance offers quieter stops, but most travelers start South and exit North if time allows.

Meteor Crater is straightforward to access from I-40 near Winslow; plan for 1–2 hours there.

Day 3 – GC East Entrance via Wupatki/Walnut Canyon

Both Wupatki and Walnut Canyon are worth seeing. Route suggestion to Cameron Trading Post:

From Winslow, take I-40 west to Flagstaff, then AZ-89 N to Cameron Trading Post for lunch. This is the most direct and well-maintained route.
From there, continue on AZ-64 W to Grand Canyon East Entrance (Desert View). Timing looks good for arrival around 3 pm.

Day 5 – GC to Sedona

For a scenic, interesting route:

From GC, take AZ-64 E to US-89 S at Cameron, then continue through scenic Oak Creek Canyon into Sedona. The route through Oak Creek Canyon (from Flagstaff side) is dramatic with red rock formations, winding roads, and pullouts for photos.

Day 6 – Sedona activities

Oak Creek Canyon Drive: The main route is SR-89A, starting from Flagstaff side through the canyon into Sedona. It’s scenic, well-maintained, and safe for most drivers.

Easy morning hikes:

Bell Rock Trail: easy, short loop with red rock views.
Cathedral Rock: steeper, but short; iconic for photos.
Boynton Canyon: moderate, scenic; yes, it’s highly recommended but not mandatory if pressed for time.

Day 7 – Sedona and Lowell Observatory

Driving back at night from Sedona to Lowell Observatory is generally safe but is a 45–50 minute drive through dark, winding roads. If you enjoy astronomy and telescopes, it is worth it. Alternatives:

Consider going earlier if observatory allows, or stay overnight in Flagstaff if feasible.
If not, skip and enjoy sunset in Sedona followed by stargazing locally.

Day 8 – Sedona to PHX

Most scenic route toward PHX:

Take SR-179 S from Sedona to connect with I-17 S. This passes through Red Rock State Park and beautiful desert scenery.
Reverse route generally avoids major congestion; early to mid-morning departures reduce risk of heavy traffic from weekend travelers.

Lunch in Scottsdale is convenient along your route on I-17; MIM and Desert Botanical Gardens are easy to fit in before heading to the airport.

Overall tips:

Start early on key scenic days to avoid heat and crowds.
Always carry water, sunscreen, and hats, especially in June.
Flexibility is key – Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Oak Creek Canyon have plenty of pullouts and photo stops, so adjust timing as needed.

This itinerary maximizes scenic drives, natural highlights, and cultural stops while keeping driving times reasonable for a family with a teen.