Grand Canyon and surrounding area

Question

My husband and I have 5 days to spend at the Grand Canyon and surrounding area at the end of this month. Suggestions for towns to stay and what else to do would be appreciated. As of now, we are planning to drive our personal vehicle, and do want to include a tour of the Antelope Canyon. Otherwise, we're open to ideas from those who know best! (We are active and enjoy some moderate hiking, but don't mind tours and relaxing, either.) Thanks for the ideas!

Edited: 1 year ago

Answer

For a 5-day trip exploring the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas, you have a great mix of driving, hiking, and tours to enjoy. Since you’re planning to drive your own vehicle and want to include Antelope Canyon, your itinerary can balance scenic stops, moderate hikes, and relaxed sightseeing.

Here are some suggested towns for your base and their benefits:

Flagstaff: Centrally located with easy access to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Route 66 attractions. It has a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and services. Ideal if you want a comfortable home base with moderate driving to most sites.
Grand Canyon Village / South Rim Lodging: Staying inside the park allows you to experience sunrise and sunset at the canyon without long drives. Options are limited and tend to book fast, but it’s very convenient for hiking and photography.
Page, AZ: Best for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend tours. Staying here allows you to explore those attractions early in the morning, which is the best light for photography, and avoid long day trips from farther away.
Sedona: Beautiful red rock scenery, hiking, and restaurants. A bit farther from the Grand Canyon (~2 hours), but excellent if you want to mix canyon views with the iconic red rocks and small-town charm.

Suggested activities and route ideas:

Day 1: Arrive and settle into your chosen base (Flagstaff or Sedona). Explore local scenery, shops, or a short hike nearby.
Day 2: Drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Take scenic viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and Desert View Drive. Consider a short hike on Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail for moderate exercise.
Day 3: Continue exploring the Grand Canyon or take a helicopter or small plane tour for aerial views. Alternatively, hike along the Rim Trail or explore less crowded areas like Hermit’s Rest viewpoints.
Day 4: Drive to Page, AZ for Antelope Canyon (book a guided tour in advance) and Horseshoe Bend. Depending on time, explore Lake Powell or take a short boat tour.
Day 5: Return via scenic routes such as Oak Creek Canyon if staying in Sedona or enjoy additional hikes or photography stops along the way.

Additional tips:

Book Antelope Canyon tours well in advance, especially if traveling at peak times.
Check sunrise and sunset times for optimal photography.
Pack layers; desert and canyon areas can have large temperature swings even at the end of the month.
Moderate hikes at the Grand Canyon can be steep; plan your pace and carry plenty of water.
Consider timing your canyon visits to avoid crowds at popular viewpoints.

This itinerary balances the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon, the unique slot canyons near Page, and the scenic charm of Sedona, while keeping driving manageable and allowing some flexibility for relaxation or spontaneous adventures.

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