Itinerary Phoenix to Flagstaff to Page to Grand Canyon Villa

Question

My family (ranging from 19 to 80) will be traveling from Phoenix to Flagstaff to Page to Grand Canyon Village to Phoenix this next weeks (two nights in each already booked except just flying in and out of Phoenix). What are your recommendations for must sees along the way especially. Already have Upper Antelope booked. Fitness levels vary but all can walk a mile and those wanting to hike more may go in mornings at the places we are staying overnight. Also we plan to eat a Thanksgiving lunch at Cameron Post. I know it’s not fancy but we will be going from Page to GC Village that day and figured it would be an interesting way to celebrate Thanksgiving. All accommodations are booked. I figured we would go up 17 and stop at the castle and come back to Phoenix through Sedona and 89 to catch those sites or is that too long? That will be our longest day in the car. Perhaps I should flip flop those and do that route when we are just doing Phoenix to Flagstaff instead of GC to Phoenix or just do 17 both times? Thank you in advance!

Answer

Your planned road trip from Phoenix to Flagstaff, Page, Grand Canyon Village, and back to Phoenix is a classic Arizona itinerary with plenty of stunning sights. Since your group ranges from 19 to 80 but everyone can walk a mile, you can comfortably combine scenic drives, short hikes, and iconic stops. Here’s a detailed guide to make the most of each leg of your journey.

Phoenix to Flagstaff: This leg is about 2.5–3 hours via I-17 north. Stopping along the way is optional but recommended for scenery and brief breaks.

Montezuma Castle National Monument: A short stop to see ancient cliff dwellings. The path to view the castle is very short and flat, making it accessible for all ages.
Red Rock State Park (optional detour near Sedona): If you want a taste of Sedona's red rocks without a full hike, consider a 30-minute stop to stretch and enjoy the scenery.
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive: A slight detour before Flagstaff, offering beautiful views of the canyon.

Flagstaff Stay: Use Flagstaff as your base for exploring the surrounding areas.

Lowell Observatory: Offers short, easy walks and is a hit for all ages.
Downtown Flagstaff: Walkable area with shops and cafes. Consider a short stroll in the historic district.
Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift or Short Hikes: If some family members want a more active morning, this is ideal.

Flagstaff to Page: This is about a 2.5–3 hour drive via US-89 north.

Wupatki National Monument: If your group enjoys history and brief walks, this is a good stop.
Sunset Crater Volcano: Offers easy boardwalk paths for short hikes.
Lake Powell / Glen Canyon: Near Page, great for scenic views and photography.

Page Stay:

Upper Antelope Canyon: Already booked, which is perfect. Consider visiting Horseshoe Bend either early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Other Activities: Lake Powell boat tour or a short hike at Hanging Garden Trail.

Page to Grand Canyon Village: Roughly 2.5–3 hours. Since you’re planning Thanksgiving lunch at Cameron Trading Post, this works well.

Cameron Trading Post: Good choice for a unique Thanksgiving experience.
Scenic Stops Along US-89: Consider Navajo Bridge and Desert View Watchtower for quick photo stops.
Grand Canyon Village: Easy walking trails along the rim and visitor center access. Some family members can do the Rim Trail (flat and scenic), while others may opt for shorter lookouts.

Route Considerations: For your return to Phoenix, the longest drive is likely Page to Phoenix via Sedona. The total trip if you detour through Sedona can be around 6–7 hours with stops. To reduce fatigue, you could consider:

Going directly from Grand Canyon Village to Phoenix via I-17 south (about 4–4.5 hours) and saving the Sedona detour for the first leg from Phoenix to Flagstaff if timing allows.
This way, the longer scenic Sedona drive is split and you’re not trying to do too much after multiple days of travel and Thanksgiving lunch.

Other Tips:

Check sunrise and sunset times for scenic stops—Grand Canyon sunrise is spectacular but requires early departure from your accommodations.
Keep the driving flexible; allow extra time for photos, short hikes, and snack breaks.
Consider minor route flips if anyone in the group prefers shorter driving days, especially for the 80-year-old family member.

Overall, your plan is solid. Prioritize scenic detours on the less rushed legs (Phoenix to Flagstaff or Flagstaff to Page) and keep the return to Phoenix as direct as possible. This balances driving with sightseeing and accommodates the varied fitness levels in your group.

Itinerary Phoenix to Flagstaff to Page to Grand Canyon Villa

More Flagstaff Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions