Thanksgiving week itinerary

Question

Our family group of 7 ranging from 19 to 80 years young will be traveling from Phoenix to Flagstaff to Page to Grand Canyon Village back to Phoenix with 2 nights at each except one night each end at Phoenix (already booked along with Upper Antelope tour). I would love to hear what you recommend en route! I planned Thanksgiving lunch at Cameron Trading Post restaurant (said we didn’t need reservations) because we will be passing through at that time and thought that would be a unique experience and have ideas while we are at each location but I know there are options along the way during each drive so wanted to see! Also would you recommend 17 one direction and 89 the other to catch more sites? The Grand Canyon to Phoenix drive will be our longest travel day. Fitness levels vary but all are able to walk a mile and those with greater fitness levels may hike more in the morning at our stops.

Answer

Your Thanksgiving week itinerary from Phoenix to Flagstaff, Page, Grand Canyon, and back sounds like a fantastic mix of scenic drives, iconic landmarks, and cultural experiences. Given the range of ages and fitness levels in your group, here’s a detailed suggestion with stops and highlights along the way.

Phoenix to Flagstaff:

Route: I-17 north is the main route. If time allows, consider stopping at Montezuma Castle National Monument for an easy, short walk to see well-preserved cliff dwellings.
Verde Valley & Sedona detour: If your group wants a scenic detour, take Highway 179 through Sedona’s Red Rock area. Even a quick drive through Oak Creek Canyon offers breathtaking views without extensive hiking.
Lunch stop: Consider a casual stop in Sedona or Cottonwood for a local café if not stopping at Montezuma Castle.

Flagstaff area:

Downtown Flagstaff has historic charm and some easy walking areas.
Lowell Observatory is a fun stop for all ages and is easy to explore.
Consider a short walk in Walnut Canyon National Monument to see cliff dwellings without a strenuous hike. There is a rim trail with minimal incline.

Flagstaff to Page:

Take US-89 north for a scenic drive along the Navajo Nation. You could do the drive in one go or break it up with stops.
Cameron Trading Post: Thanksgiving lunch here is a great choice—iconic, local flavor, and easy to access from US-89. Even without reservations, arriving slightly before peak lunch hours ensures seating.
Consider a stop at Navajo Bridge near Marble Canyon for short walks and views of the Colorado River.

Page & Antelope Canyon:

Upper Antelope Canyon tour is already booked—plan extra time for photos and nearby Horseshoe Bend (short 1.5-mile round trip, moderate incline) if the group is up for it.
Lake Powell viewpoints and Glen Canyon Dam overlook are easy, short stops for the full group.

Page to Grand Canyon Village:

US-89 south to Cameron then east on AZ-64 is the main route. This allows a stop at Desert View Watchtower and overlooks along the way. The route is scenic and offers multiple pull-offs.
Consider both AZ-64 and AZ-89 alternately—if going back via 89, you will see some areas missed on the way up. Both routes have unique views, so doing a loop is nice.
At Grand Canyon Village, the Rim Trail is mostly flat and perfect for easy walking while seeing incredible views. For more active members, short hikes like Bright Angel Trail (1-2 miles) can be done in the morning.

Grand Canyon to Phoenix:

This is the longest drive; starting early is recommended. US-180 to Flagstaff then I-17 south is the most straightforward.
Optional stop at Sunset Crater or Wupatki National Monument for short walks and photo ops without strenuous hiking.
Consider a quick dinner stop in Flagstaff or Sedona depending on timing and traffic.

Additional Tips:

Start hikes early to avoid crowds, especially near Sedona and Grand Canyon viewpoints.
Parking at popular trailheads may fill quickly; arrive early or consider shuttle services where available.
Carry snacks and water, especially for older family members.
Check weather and daylight hours—November days are shorter, so plan driving and sightseeing accordingly.
Keep GPS and offline maps handy in areas with limited cell coverage, especially around Page and Navajo Nation.

Overall, your plan is ambitious but doable, with flexibility built in for group fitness levels and sightseeing. The mix of scenic drives, cultural stops, and easy-to-moderate hikes should make it enjoyable for everyone.

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