Help refining itinerary - Phoenix to Sedona

Question

Making our first trip to AZ with family during Thanksgiving week - our full trip will run Phoenix -Sedona-Grand Canyon-Winslow -and back to Phoenix. I've been planning since July and have received lots of helpful input from folks on these forums. I'm pretty comfortable now with our itinerary details for the Grand Canyon- Winslow-Phoenix end of the trip, and want to refine the itinerary for the early portion our trip.

We are mixed ages: 60's and 20's - we enjoy easy to moderate trail hiking in the East, but not sure how AZ terrain, weather, elevation will affect us.

Itinerary plan:

11/23 Saturday - Arrive Sky Harbor early afternoon, pick up rental car, and drive to hotel in Scottsdale - Courtyard Salt River. Grab an early dinner at hotel or in Old Town Scottsdale (maybe Los Olivos Mexican Patio) - and visit Desert Botanical Gardens for evening (open 'til 9pm)

11/24 Sunday - Depart hotel and get to Taliesin West for 10:00am tour. Leave Taliesin West by 11:30am, grab quick lunch somewhere (? tbd) near Taliesin West. Drive toward Sedona, stopping at Montezuma's Castle and Well sites. Consider stops at Crane Petroglyph site? and Holy Cross?. Pick up a few groceries at Clark's Market before getting to our Airbnb in Uptown Sedona. Dinner and evening plans are open/tbd... Considering Hideaway House for dinner - or someplace walkable in Uptown.

11/25 Monday - 10am Pink Jeep tour booked. Lunch, Afternoon, and Dinner plans open. Would like to try an easyish hike, tbd, in the afternoon. Also wondering about finding a sunset viewing spot late afternoon - mindful of crowds/traffic and reluctance to drive far after dark. Dinner tbd.

11/26 Tuesday - open day. would like to try another short - 1/2 day hike and mix-in any scenic sites/tourist shop/art gallery wandering. Dinner at Elote booked.

11/27 Wednesday - depart Sedona early am, drive directly to Grand Canyon East Entrance.

We are also interested in star gazing - weather dependent for clear skies. I see some formal evening programs to consider, keeping in mind we might ? also have an option for Night Sky programs at GC (To date, there are no Night Sky programs on the park calendar for Wed or Thurs nights at GC)

If trail hiking proves to be too challenging for any of us, thinking we might use full day Tuesday to go to Jerome and Tuzigoot.

I understand traffic and crowds are going to be part of our experience this week. We will be flexible - hoping to be as efficient/sensible as we can with our limited time. I appreciate any feedback or suggestions you might offer!

Answer

Your itinerary for the early portion of your Arizona trip during Thanksgiving week looks well thought out, with a nice balance of sightseeing, light hiking, and local experiences. Here are some suggestions and refinements to help make it smoother and enjoyable for mixed ages and abilities.

11/23 Saturday – Arrival in Phoenix/Scottsdale

Arriving early afternoon gives you some daylight to enjoy the Desert Botanical Garden, which is very scenic in the evening with lights. Consider visiting first, then checking into your hotel if possible, or storing luggage at the hotel.
Dinner options: Old Town Scottsdale has many walkable options. Los Olivos is a good choice, but if you want variety, FnB and Olive & Ivy are also popular.

11/24 Sunday – Taliesin West to Sedona

Taliesin West tour at 10am is excellent; allow time for traffic and parking nearby. A quick lunch near Taliesin could be Rancho de Teca or Wildflower Bread Company in nearby Scottsdale.
Montezuma Castle National Monument and Montezuma Well are great stops, and not strenuous.
Crane Petroglyph site is short and easy; Holy Cross hike is more strenuous and may not fit if mixed abilities, but you could consider the Chapel itself for photo opportunities.
Clark’s Market in Sedona is ideal for groceries. Planning dinner in Uptown Sedona is sensible; Hideaway House is good, but reservations are recommended for Thanksgiving week.

11/25 Monday – Pink Jeep Tour & Afternoon Hike

Pink Jeep tour at 10am is great, book early and expect a fun, moderate off-road experience suitable for all ages.
For an easy hike afterward, consider:

Bell Rock Pathway – short, scenic, and mostly flat
Fay Canyon Trail – easy, with interesting rock formations
Cathedral Rock base trail – very short, but view is stunning without the steep climb

Sunset viewing: Airport Mesa is very convenient, with panoramic views and minimal driving after dusk.

11/26 Tuesday – Open Day / Optional Hike & Sightseeing

1/2 day hike options:

West Fork Trail – shaded, easy-moderate, lovely creek views
Soldier Pass Trail – moderate, with Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole and Seven Sacred Pools

Scenic stops / galleries: Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Sedona Arts Center, Chapel of the Holy Cross (drive-up if you prefer less walking).
If hiking feels too strenuous, Jerome and Tuzigoot are excellent for history, photos, and easy exploration.
Dinner at Elote is excellent; reservation is key during Thanksgiving week.

11/27 Wednesday – Sedona to Grand Canyon East Entrance

Departing early gives you time to explore viewpoints along Oak Creek Canyon on your way to the Grand Canyon.
East Entrance (Desert View) is scenic, with lookout points and visitor center options. Minimal strenuous activity is required if you prefer.
Star gazing: Weather permitting, night sky viewing at GC can be very rewarding. Even if formal programs are unavailable, head to a viewpoint like Desert View or Mather Point for a clear night sky.

Additional Tips:

Traffic and parking can be heavy in Sedona, particularly Uptown and scenic stops, so plan accordingly and allow extra travel time.
Elevation in Sedona (~4,300 ft) is modest, so most easy hikes are fine for your group, but start slow to acclimate if anyone is sensitive.
Pack layers – temperatures in late November can vary from 40s-70s°F.
Consider making restaurant reservations wherever possible, especially for Thanksgiving week.

Overall, your itinerary is balanced, allows for flexibility, and captures both sightseeing and light outdoor activity. Adjust minor stops based on group energy levels and daylight hours. You should have a rewarding and scenic experience!