Phoenix - Sedona - Saguaro National Park in one week

Question

I'm planning a family trip to Arizona in late December. Is it doable to visit all three in one week? We plan to fly to Phoenix, rent a car, then visit Sedona, Saguaro, come back to Phoenix to fly home.

Right now I am thinking 1.5-2 days in Sedona, 3 days in Saguaro, then the rest of the week in Phoenix. Any comments on the plan? I would also appreciate recommendation on things to do and places to go. We are a family that loves the outdoors, museums and good food:)

Answer

Yes, visiting Phoenix, Sedona, and Saguaro National Park in one week is very doable, especially with a rental car. Your proposed plan of 1.5-2 days in Sedona, 3 days in Saguaro, and the remaining time in Phoenix is reasonable and allows for both outdoor activities and some city exploration.

Here’s a breakdown and suggestions:

Sedona (1.5–2 days): Sedona is famous for its red rock formations, hiking trails, and scenic drives. Short hikes like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, or Devil’s Bridge are very family-friendly. Consider a jeep tour for a fun way to see the rugged terrain. Sedona also has art galleries, shops, and nice restaurants.
Travel time: Phoenix to Sedona is about 2 hours driving. Factor in extra time if you plan stops along the way, such as Montezuma Castle National Monument.

Saguaro National Park / Tucson (3 days): Saguaro National Park is divided into two districts: the Tucson Mountain District (west) and the Rincon Mountain District (east). Both offer scenic drives, short hikes, and incredible saguaro landscapes. Staying near Tucson gives you access to both districts without long daily drives. Other family-friendly activities include:
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – combines a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum
- Pima Air & Space Museum
- Short hikes such as Valley View Overlook Trail or Signal Hill Trail
- Optional day trip to Mount Lemmon if weather permits (nice for hiking or scenic drive)
Travel time: Sedona to Tucson area is ~3.5–4 hours. Plan to break up the drive with stops if desired, but it’s manageable in a morning.

Phoenix (rest of the week): Phoenix offers a mix of urban attractions and nearby outdoor activities. You can explore:
- Desert Botanical Garden – beautiful desert plants and seasonal displays
- Heard Museum – Native American art and culture
- Hiking in Camelback Mountain or South Mountain Park
- Old Town Scottsdale – boutique shopping, galleries, and restaurants
- Taliesin West – Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and studio

Tips for your itinerary:

Consider starting early on travel days to maximize sightseeing time.
Check the weather for Tucson/Saguaro in late December; mornings and evenings can be chilly.
Make lodging reservations in advance, particularly in Sedona, as it can be busy even in winter.
If your family enjoys wildlife, the Desert Museum and short hikes in Saguaro are excellent for spotting native birds, coyotes, and javelinas.

Overall, your plan allows for a good mix of outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and city experiences. The driving distances are reasonable and provide opportunities to see different desert landscapes, from the red rocks of Sedona to the iconic saguaros near Tucson.

Phoenix - Sedona - Saguaro National Park in one week

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