5 day itinerary

Question

Hello all - I promise I am searching the form as we speak, there is just so much information to wade through. I have never been to Arizona and am a little overwhelmed.

We land on 12/14 in Phoenix at 11 am and have to be back at the airport on 12/18 about 8 pm. So we have part of the day Sat, all day Sun, Mon, Tues, and part of the day Wed for exploring.

We plan to spend most of that in Sedona. I'd like to drive up to the GC for an overnight but am not sure if this is worth the trip in December when it sounds like trails may be icy? I also wanted to do Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, but we have cut that part due to time. A few questions:

I see the PJ tours are highly recommended but the cost - holy cow. What about an all day ORV rental? Is it a worthy comparison? Or should we just hike?

Is it worth a detour toward Holbrook for sites that direction on the way to GC?

If anyone wants to help with a five day itinerary I would love ideas.

Thanks!

Answer

With five days in Arizona, focusing mainly on Sedona is a great choice, especially for your first visit. December weather is generally mild during the day in Sedona, though mornings and evenings can be chilly. Some trails may be icy or slippery, particularly at higher elevations, so caution is advised if you choose to hike. Driving to the Grand Canyon for an overnight is doable, but in December the North Rim is closed, and the South Rim can be cold with possible icy patches. If you want to maximize time outdoors and avoid icy conditions, a day trip is possible, but an overnight stay is optional depending on how much you want to explore the canyon itself.

ORV vs Pink Jeep Tours:

Pink Jeep Tours offer guided experiences with knowledgeable drivers who know the best viewpoints and terrain, including off-road areas you may not access safely alone.
All-day ORV rentals allow for more independence and adventure, but you will need to research trails carefully and consider your comfort with handling the vehicle in off-road conditions.
Hiking is always an option, with trails ranging from easy to moderate. For a mix of adventure and safety, you could combine a shorter hike with a scenic drive or ORV rental.

Detours and Nearby Attractions:

Holbrook and the Petrified Forest National Park are about 2–3 hours from Sedona. If your schedule is tight, it may be more practical to save this for another trip, as it could take a full day round trip.
Within Sedona, scenic drives like Red Rock Scenic Byway and Oak Creek Canyon provide breathtaking views with minimal walking.

Suggested 5-Day Itinerary:

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrive in Phoenix, drive to Sedona, check into lodging, and explore downtown Sedona or take a short scenic walk.
Day 2 (Sunday): Morning hike (e.g., Bell Rock or Cathedral Rock for moderate hiking), afternoon ORV adventure or guided Pink Jeep Tour, evening at a local restaurant.
Day 3 (Monday): Scenic drives through Oak Creek Canyon and Red Rock Scenic Byway, optional short hikes along the way, and visit Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Day 4 (Tuesday): Optional day trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon if weather permits, otherwise explore additional Sedona trails like Devil's Bridge, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at a spa or local shopping.
Day 5 (Wednesday): Morning hike or scenic drive, lunch in Sedona, and drive back to Phoenix for your evening flight.

This itinerary balances light adventure, scenic drives, and time to relax, while minimizing long drives or risky hiking in potentially icy conditions. It also allows you to experience Sedona's highlights without feeling rushed, leaving room to adapt based on weather or personal preference.

5 day itinerary

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