Phoenix to Phoenix 7 night itinerary help

Question

Hello! I am planning a 7 night trip mid October to Arizona and I would like your help. My plan so far is to drive up on arrival day from Phoenix and stay two or three nights at Yavapai Resort at the Grand Canyon, 1 night in Page to see Antelope Canyon and Horse Shoe Bend and then end 2 nights Sedona.

Should I do 2 or 3 nights at the Grand Canyon? Any other parks I could fit in with this plan or any other ideas? We enjoy hiking and nature photography.

Thank you so kindly for your help!

Answer

Your planned itinerary for a 7-night trip in mid-October to Arizona looks excellent, especially for hiking and nature photography. Starting in Phoenix and heading to the Grand Canyon, then Page, and ending in Sedona is a popular loop that covers some of the state’s most iconic landscapes. Here’s some detailed guidance on your questions and suggestions for optimizing your trip.

Grand Canyon Stay: 2 or 3 Nights?

Whether you stay 2 or 3 nights at the Grand Canyon depends on how deeply you want to explore and the type of activities you enjoy:

2 nights: This is sufficient if your main goal is to see the South Rim viewpoints, do one or two short hikes (like the Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge), and catch sunrise or sunset photography. You can also explore the Rim Trail for easier walking and good photography opportunities.
3 nights: Opt for 3 nights if you want a more relaxed pace, plan a full day hike into the canyon, or take more time for sunrise/sunset photography. A third night allows you to visit viewpoints like Desert View and Grandview Point, or even take a helicopter tour or scenic drive along Desert View Drive.

For photographers and hikers, an extra night is generally recommended to fully capture the Canyon in different lighting conditions and to explore beyond the most crowded spots.

Page, AZ: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

One night in Page is typically enough to visit Antelope Canyon (either Upper or Lower) and Horseshoe Bend. Make sure to book Antelope Canyon tours in advance, as mid-October can still be busy. Horseshoe Bend is best at sunrise or late afternoon for photography.

Sedona Stay: 2 Nights

Two nights in Sedona works well to explore the red rock formations and enjoy short to moderate hikes, such as Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, or Bell Rock. Sunset photography from Airport Mesa or Red Rock Crossing is also a highlight.

Additional Parks or Stops

Since you have a 7-night window, you could consider these options without making your itinerary too rushed:

Monument Valley or Navajo Tribal Park: If you start early from the Grand Canyon or from Page, a detour here is possible, but it adds significant driving.
Petrified Forest National Park & Painted Desert: Located east of Flagstaff, can be a shorter side trip if interested in unique landscapes.
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive: Between Flagstaff and Sedona, this drive offers beautiful vistas and stops for photography.
Flagstaff: Can be a convenient overnight stop if you want to break up long drives or access hiking trails near the San Francisco Peaks.

Suggested Itinerary Layout

Day 1: Arrive Phoenix, drive to Grand Canyon (~3.5–4 hours). Evening sunset at the South Rim.
Day 2: South Rim viewpoints, Rim Trail hike, sunset photography.
Day 3 (optional Grand Canyon day): Longer hike into the Canyon or scenic drive to Desert View. Depart for Page late afternoon or early evening.
Day 4: Antelope Canyon tour, Horseshoe Bend, overnight in Page.
Day 5: Drive to Sedona (~3 hours), scenic stops along Oak Creek Canyon. Sunset photography in Sedona.
Day 6: Hiking in Sedona, visit major formations, photography.
Day 7: Optional extra hike or scenic drive, return to Phoenix (~2 hours) for departure or next-day flight.

In conclusion, if your priority is photography and hiking, 3 nights at the Grand Canyon is ideal. Two nights would work if you prefer a faster pace. Your plan covers major highlights efficiently, and adding optional side trips depends on how much driving you’re willing to do. October weather is generally pleasant for hiking, with cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings.

Phoenix to Phoenix 7 night itinerary help

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