Dec itinerary help 8 days arriving and leaving from Phoenix

Question

Heading to Phoenix over the Christmas break. We arrive late on the 23rd and we leave late on the 30th. The only thing I have set so far is reservations for hotel in GCNP for 12/28-30. I don’t want to drive in circles or not maximize the trip by driving inefficiently (back and forth, wasting time…)

Things we’d like to do, but not sure in what order:

Hiking (not crazy, but enough to get a nice feel)

Indian reservation / show?

We were thinking of doing a mule trip at GCNP, but it is seriously expensive (I can live with that - once in a lifetime…) but I have also read it can be very hard, and I’m not sure if December is a good time for this.

ATV tour - this is high on our list

Helicopter tour? Maaaaybe

Not sure what else there is to do, but it’s all on the menu. We are a semi-adventurous family - not skydiving or rock climbing, but definitely enjoy the hiking, sunsets, wildlife, …

Thank you all in advance for any help you can give.

Answer

Your December itinerary from Phoenix offers a great opportunity to explore Central and Northern Arizona while balancing adventure, sightseeing, and winter daylight limitations. Since you’ve booked Grand Canyon accommodations for 12/28–30, we can work backward and forward from that to make a logical, efficient route.

December considerations:

Days are short—sunrise around 7:15 a.m. and sunset around 5:15 p.m. in Phoenix, and shorter further north.
Weather in Northern Arizona (Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Sedona) can be chilly with possible snow; layer appropriately.
Mule trips at GCNP in winter are possible, but most require good weather and the trails may be icy; check availability and dress warmly.
Helicopter tours and ATV tours are generally operational year-round, but confirm with operators for winter hours.

Suggested itinerary for maximizing your 8-day trip:

Dec 23 – Arrival:

Arrive late in Phoenix, pick up rental car, stay near airport or Central Phoenix depending on preference.

Dec 24 – Explore Phoenix / Desert Landscapes:

Morning: Desert Botanical Garden or hike in Papago Park for easy trails.
Afternoon: Camelback Mountain (short, moderate hikes only if comfortable) or South Mountain Scenic Drive.
Evening: Optional holiday light display in Phoenix neighborhoods or hotel dinner.

Dec 25 – Scottsdale / Indian Reservation / Local Culture:

Visit Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community for cultural insights, if open on Christmas (check holiday hours).
Enjoy Scottsdale’s Old Town for shops, galleries, and local dining.

Dec 26 – Sedona Day Trip / ATV Tour:

Drive to Sedona (approx. 2 hours). Consider an organized ATV tour in the red rock area for adventure and scenic views.
Hike easy trails: Bell Rock or Cathedral Rock base trails.
Return to Phoenix in the evening or stay overnight in Sedona if you prefer a relaxed pace.

Dec 27 – Travel North / Optional Helicopter or Scenic Stops:

Drive towards Grand Canyon area (approx. 3.5–4 hours). Stop at Montezuma Castle, Tuzigoot, or Oak Creek Canyon scenic viewpoint.
Optional: Helicopter tour over Sedona or nearby canyons if you missed it earlier.

Dec 28–30 – Grand Canyon National Park:

Stay at Bright Angel Cabins or similar.
Activities:

Rim Trail walks for easy, accessible hiking and sunset/sunrise views.
Mule trip if trails are safe—book in advance and confirm winter availability.
Visitor center and Geology Museum for easy indoor activity if it’s cold.
Optional Trail of Time for paved scenic walks.

Dec 30 – Return to Phoenix:

Drive south toward Phoenix. Consider scenic stops in Flagstaff or Sedona again for quick hikes or photography.
Optional: Montezuma Castle National Monument if not visited on the way north.
Arrive in Phoenix in the evening, have a farewell dinner before your late flight.

Tips for smooth travel:

Book activities (ATV, mule rides, helicopter tours) early as December holiday slots fill quickly.
Pack layers, waterproof shoes, and sun protection; desert sun can still be strong even in winter.
Plan driving segments with buffer for weather or short daylight hours.
Use Phoenix as a base early on to reduce back-and-forth travel and maximize sightseeing on route north.

This plan balances adventure, sightseeing, cultural experiences, and accessibility for all family members while minimizing inefficient driving and maximizing your winter daylight hours.

Dec itinerary help 8 days arriving and leaving from Phoenix

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