Choosing between two itineraries

Question

Hello - we are coming to visit in December. I posted here previously but have more logistics figured out now.

Option 1: Arrive in Phoenix 11 am 12/14 , drive to Sedona, spend three nights in Sedona (lodging booked near Airport Mesa). On 12/16, wake up early and drive to the GC to visit and spend the night. On 12/17 wake up and return to Sedona for one last look around, then be in Phoenix by about 8 pm for our 11:30 pm flight. This is the option that I have booked right now, with lodging at Airport Mesa and one night at Bright Angel Lodge.

BUT I'm wondering about option 2:

Arrive in Phoenix at 11 am on 12/14. Drive straight to Flagstaff. On 12/15 drive to Page and see AC and Horseshoe Bend, possibly stopping at some sights recommended here on the way. Spend the night in Page. On 12/16, drive to GC via east gate and spend the night at GC. Wake up 12/17 and head to Sedona. But this plan only gives us one night in Sedona. We would arrive maybe 10 am and leave around 5 pm the next day. We plan to do a Pink Jeep tour one of those days. We mostly care about seeing the natural beauty of each area.

I'm traveling with my husband and two college age daughters. My youngest did a trip with friends this summer across country and complained she saw most everything from the car. I'm worried option 2 might feel like that to her, but we would see more. I'm also worried about the limited daylight in December, and of course weather botching the whole plan.

Would love your thoughts.

Answer

Both itineraries have their merits, but given your priorities—natural beauty, avoiding “seen-it-from-the-car” complaints, limited daylight in December, and travel with two college-age daughters—here’s a detailed comparison and recommendation.

Option 1: Focus on Sedona with a Grand Canyon day trip

Three nights in Sedona near Airport Mesa gives you time to enjoy hikes, scenic viewpoints, and the Pink Jeep tour at a relaxed pace. Airport Mesa is central for access to many short trails and overlooks.
One overnight at Bright Angel Lodge allows you to see the South Rim without feeling rushed, but only gives you roughly a day at the Grand Canyon. December daylight is limited, so sightseeing time will be shorter.
Returning to Sedona for a half-day on 12/17 lets you revisit favorite spots or do one last hike, then drive to Phoenix for your late-night flight. Minimal long driving days compared to Option 2.

Pros: Less time in the car, more relaxed, quality time in Sedona, better for early sunsets and winter conditions. Good if you prefer immersive experiences over covering more ground.

Cons: Only one day at Grand Canyon, less exposure to other scenic highlights (like Page/Antelope Canyon).

Option 2: More ambitious, including Page and Antelope Canyon

Driving to Flagstaff on arrival day sets you up for a long day to Page on 12/15. You’ll see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend but may feel rushed; December light is less ideal for Antelope Canyon photography.
Overnight in Page breaks up the drive, but your daughters may feel most of this day is driving with limited time at each location.
12/16 visit to Grand Canyon via east gate with overnight at South Rim works, but again daylight is limited; December sunset is around 4:45–5:00 pm, so sightseeing windows are narrow.
Returning to Sedona on 12/17 for a short visit gives you only a few hours to enjoy the area before heading to Phoenix, which may feel rushed.

Pros: You see more places—Page, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend—so a broader “northern Arizona” experience.

Cons: More time in the car, shorter time at each location, may feel rushed, limited daylight in December increases pressure, potential for winter weather delays.

Recommendation:

Given your daughter’s feedback about wanting to explore rather than just view from the car, but also considering December’s short daylight and possible weather challenges, Option 1 is likely the better choice. It allows you to:

Spend quality time in Sedona, hiking and taking the Pink Jeep tour without feeling rushed.
Enjoy a full day at the Grand Canyon with an overnight to capture sunrise/sunset views and some scenic hiking.
Avoid long, potentially stressful drives in winter conditions and maximize daylight usage.

Option 2 is tempting if your priority is to cover more ground, but the compressed schedule may lead to feeling “on-the-road” most of the time, especially with short winter days. For a December trip, quality over quantity usually results in a more memorable experience.

Choosing between two itineraries

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