Finalizing itinerary

Question

I have never had so much trouble deciding what to do on a vacation! I guess it's a good problem to have. We are traveling Dec. 14-18 with our two college age daughters. We primarily want to see nature and natural beauty, not too much interest in shopping but certainly don't mind looking around. We'll eat wherever is convenient. My family is fit but I have an injury that limits my distance and intensity.

I have two questions: I have a cute but kind of boring little Airbnb booked near Airport Mesa now, but just found a really, really cool place to stay outside Oak Creek on the way toward Cottonwood. Considering we will be heading back to lodging early since it gets dark so early in December, it might be nice to have someplace interesting to stay with great stargazing. Cons is we'll likely be driving out there in the dark each evening, and I'm not sure about that. (Near Cathedral Vortex if that helps).

Ok, on to the itinerary:

Saturday, land at 11:03 am, get rental car and groceries

Arrive in Sedona 3-4:00 via scenic highway if staying in Airport Mesa or even if not if we still have daylight, but if we are staying in the more remote location we want to get there before dark.

Sunday -

Red Rock Crossing to Butte Beach

Second hike somewhere in that area - open to suggestions

(I can't do super long hikes due to an injury.)

Explore uptown and Tlaquepaque/lunch

Broken Arrow Jeep tour at 3 p.m.

Dinner in Uptown afterward

Monday

Hikes! Please send suggestions. I am considering Soldier's Pass as far as the pools, but can't do the whole 4.8 mile route. Maybe Bell Rock? Upper Red Rock loop? I have not sorted this out yet. Anyway this day will be exploring outdoors until dark, and will grab lunch/dinner wherever is convenient. I'm honestly having trouble organizing the hiking portion of this trip. Need short 1-2 mile hikes of easy intensity, and I know I shouldn't be crossing town due to traffic.

Tuesday

Head out at first light. I'd love to stop and see Sunset Crater and/or Wupataki as kind of a driveby, no long hikes, then enter the GC at the east gate and take the road around to see as many scenic overlooks as we can and try to arrive at Bright Angel, where we have reservations, before dark. Not sure if this is too ambitious.

Wednesday

Head out at first light and head to Phoenix. I'd like to stop and see Montezuma's Castle and possibly the Crane Petrglyphs on our way through. Our flight doesn't leave until 11 p.m., but I'd like to to get close to Phoenix before dark. Dinner in Phoenix and maybe find some entertainment until we need to arrive at the airport.

Please share your thoughts! Thank you so much, I have learned so much here.

Answer

Your Sedona itinerary looks well thought out, and with some tweaks, it can accommodate your injury while still allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities. Here are my detailed suggestions and feedback:

Accommodation:

If stargazing and a more scenic, unique location appeal to you, the Oak Creek area near the Cathedral Vortex is a fantastic option. The only downside is driving back in the dark, which in December could be challenging due to winding roads. If you feel comfortable with that, the experience could outweigh the inconvenience, especially since it will be quieter, more remote, and visually striking.

Saturday:

Arrive, pick up rental car and groceries, and head to your lodging. If you stay at Oak Creek, prioritize arriving before sunset for safety and orientation.
Evening: settle in and enjoy a relaxed dinner nearby or cook in your Airbnb if possible.

Sunday:

Red Rock Crossing / Butte Beach: Easy, scenic walk along the river; suitable for your injury and family-friendly.
For a second short hike: consider the Cathedral Rock Trail viewpoint (instead of the full climb), which gives a great view without strenuous effort.
Lunch: Uptown or Tlaquepaque. Walk around briefly to enjoy the art galleries and shops.
3:00 PM: Broken Arrow Pink Jeep tour is excellent for seeing rugged terrain without hiking; works well for your group.
Sunset: Airport Mesa (short walk to viewpoint) is ideal.
Dinner: Uptown Sedona offers multiple casual options.

Monday:

Focus on easy, 1–2 mile hikes that are scenic and not overly strenuous:

Bell Rock Pathway: Flat trail with excellent views; can walk as little or as much as you like.
Courthouse Butte Loop (partial): Choose a short section near Bell Rock for views without the full loop.
Soldier’s Pass: Walk just to the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole and Seven Sacred Pools, then turn back (about 1–1.5 miles round trip).
Optional short hikes: Baldwin Trailhead, Fay Canyon Trail (easy, mostly flat, 1–2 miles).

These hikes keep you close to town, avoiding heavy traffic, and allow you to explore outdoors until sunset.

Tuesday:

Early departure to Sunset Crater and Wupatki. Both can be done as short walks or drive-by viewpoints; no long hikes required.
Enter Grand Canyon via east gate (Desert View). Drive along Desert View Drive to see multiple overlooks; stop at key viewpoints like Lipan, Navajo, and Moran Point.
Aim to reach Bright Angel Lodge before dark. Depending on timing, this itinerary is ambitious but doable if you start early and keep stops short.

Wednesday:

Drive toward Phoenix, stopping at Montezuma Castle National Monument (short walk) and optionally the V-Bar-V Heritage Site for petroglyphs (easy trail).
Lunch or early dinner in a scenic town along the route (Camp Verde or Cottonwood).
Arrive near Phoenix before dark. Use the evening for dinner and entertainment near the airport before your late flight.

Additional tips:

Start hikes early to avoid crowds and secure parking, especially near popular trailheads like Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock viewpoints.
Consider short, frequent hikes rather than long routes to accommodate your injury.
December sunsets are early (~4:45–5:00 PM), so plan outdoor activities accordingly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers; Sedona can be chilly in the mornings and evenings in December.

Overall, your itinerary is solid. Staying at Oak Creek offers a more memorable lodging experience with stargazing potential. By focusing on short, scenic hikes and strategically planning your drives and stops, your family can enjoy the beauty of Sedona without overexertion or long drives in the dark.

Finalizing itinerary

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