Tucson-GC-Page-Sedona, thoughts please

Question

Hi all,

My husband and I (both mid 60s) are planning to visit Arizona in April/May before heading to visit family in Oregon. We've been to Arizona before but many years ago and never to Tucson. The plan is to fly to PHX and drive directly to Tucson for 3 nights. From there, drive to the Grand Canyon for 2 nights. We already have our cabin booked inside the park and can't change the dates. Then on to Page for 2 nights to go to Antelope Canyon ( this is something I've wanted to do for as long as I can remember) and Horseshoe Canyon. I'd love to do a boat trip (which is why we have 2 nights booked) but not sure there's enough time as we'll also be visiting Sedona for 2 nights before flying out of PHX to Oregon the next morning.

Our flight leaves at 11 AM so I know we'll need to be on the road to the airport by 5:30-6AM. If I cut out one night in Page, we could spend the night by the airport. Is this recommended or should we do the 2 nights in Page to do the boat trip since I don't know when or if we'll be back? I know this is my decision to make ultimately, but I appreciate all feedback. Thanks so much!

Answer

Your Arizona itinerary sounds fantastic and well-paced overall. Since you are both in your mid-60s, balancing scenic stops with driving distances is important. Flying into PHX and heading straight to Tucson is a solid start, giving you a chance to explore southern Arizona’s unique desert landscape without rushing.

Tucson (3 nights): This allows time to explore the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park, and possibly a short hike or scenic drive. Tucson has a charming historic downtown and several excellent restaurants, so three nights is comfortable.

Grand Canyon (2 nights): Staying inside the park is ideal, and two nights is enough to see the South Rim viewpoints and enjoy short hikes. This timing works well for sunrise or sunset photography, and also allows a relaxed pace for meals and casual walks along the rim.

Page (2 nights): This is where planning gets critical. Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend can be done in one full day, but a boat trip on Lake Powell requires extra time. Two nights in Page gives flexibility to:

Book a morning or afternoon Antelope Canyon tour without rushing.
Include Horseshoe Bend either early morning or late afternoon for best light.
Have time for a boat tour on Lake Powell, which can take 2-4 hours.
Avoid feeling rushed, especially since spring temperatures can get warm and parking/traffic can take time.

If you cut down to one night in Page, you could still do Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, but the boat trip may be tight or not feasible. Additionally, you would have to start very early the next morning to drive to Sedona in time for your activities, which can be tiring.

Sedona (2 nights): Sedona is perfect for winding down, enjoying scenic drives, short hikes, art galleries, and dining. Two nights is adequate to explore the main sights like Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, and Uptown Sedona without rushing. Since your flight leaves early from PHX, consider staying the last night closer to the airport if you want a more relaxed departure.

Recommendations:

Keep the 2 nights in Page if the boat tour is a must-do, as it’s likely your only chance to experience Lake Powell fully.
If the boat tour is optional, consider 1 night in Page and 1 night near PHX to avoid an early pre-dawn drive for your flight.
Drive times: Tucson to GC ~4.5-5 hours; GC to Page ~2.5-3 hours; Page to Sedona ~3 hours; Sedona to PHX ~2 hours. Plan accordingly, especially if including scenic stops.
Pack for flexibility: spring temperatures vary widely, so bring layers for both desert heat and cooler mornings at higher elevations.

Overall, the itinerary is feasible and rewarding. The main decision hinges on whether the Lake Powell boat tour is a priority. If so, two nights in Page is strongly recommended; otherwise, trimming one night for convenience and a closer stay to PHX is reasonable.

Tucson-GC-Page-Sedona, thoughts please

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