Short Grand Canyon itinerary

Question

Hi all

We (family with two pre-teen boys) have a six week long trip to Canada and the US planned for Mar/Apr next year. In between leaving NYC and arriving in LA for a few days before we fly home, we would like to try and visit the Grand Canyon.

I’m working on a 4 day, 3 night plan. Obviously there is so so much to see and do, so we have to be selective with our plans.

Would appreciate input on this itinerary:

Apr 20: fly from NYC to PHX, pick up rental car, drive to Sedona. Hoping we can arrive with enough time for little look around? If we get an early enough flight is there anything else we should try and do this day?

Apr 21: quick hike in the morning, drive to the Grand Canyon Village via Flagstaff for lunch. Will book Maswick Lodge for 2 nights

Apr 22: full day to enjoy the Grand Canyon

Apr 23: drive to Las Vegas via Hoover Dam.

I don’t really need/want to spend much time in LV but it’s convenient for flights to LA. I looked into doing this in the opposite direction and flying directly to Flagstaff from NYC but there weren’t direct flights on our dates.

Our priority is to enjoy the natural landscape as much as we can. I know there is a fair bit of driving in this plan, but I think it’s as relaxed as possible given the time frame and where we need to fly from/to, but absolutely hit me with alternatives as you see fit!

Thanks!

Answer

Your 4-day, 3-night Grand Canyon itinerary from Phoenix to Las Vegas is quite doable and strikes a good balance between seeing the highlights and minimizing fatigue, especially with pre-teen boys. Here’s a detailed breakdown with suggestions and alternatives to maximize your time in nature.

Apr 20 – Phoenix to Sedona:

Fly from NYC to Phoenix early morning. Pick up rental car at PHX airport.
Drive to Sedona (approx. 2 hours). Depending on your arrival time, you may have time for a short hike or scenic stop. Recommended options:

Bell Rock Trail or Courthouse Butte Loop – easy and family-friendly, quick hike with excellent views.
Chapel of the Holy Cross – short visit, iconic red rock backdrop for photos.

Evening: Explore Sedona’s Uptown shops and grab dinner. Sunset views at Airport Mesa overlook are beautiful and kid-friendly.

Apr 21 – Sedona to Grand Canyon Village via Flagstaff:

Morning: Optional short hike in Sedona, such as Doe Mountain Trail for a moderate view without too much strain.
Drive north through Flagstaff (approx. 2 hours). Stop for lunch; Flagstaff has family-friendly restaurants and quick grocery options.
Continue to Grand Canyon Village (approx. 1.5 hours from Flagstaff). Check into Maswick Lodge for 2 nights.
Afternoon: Easy rim walk along the Bright Angel Trail or Rim Trail for sunset views.

Apr 22 – Full day at Grand Canyon:

Morning: Start early for sunrise if possible (Mather Point is iconic). Bring snacks and water.
Hike options suitable for kids and families:

Bright Angel Trail (partial, easy descent for a short adventure – turn around after 1–2 miles)
Rim Trail sections near Yavapai Point or Trail of Time – mostly flat, informative, and scenic.

Afternoon: Optional shuttle ride to Hermit’s Rest viewpoints for easy access to multiple scenic stops without additional hiking.
Evening: Relax at lodge, dinner in the village, enjoy sunset.

Apr 23 – Grand Canyon to Las Vegas via Hoover Dam:

Drive west toward Las Vegas (approx. 4.5–5 hours). Stop at Hoover Dam for a short visit and photos.
Arrival in Las Vegas, depending on flight timing, explore briefly or head directly to airport for onward flight to LA.

Tips and alternatives:

If you prefer less driving, consider staying overnight in Flagstaff on Apr 20 and heading to Sedona and GCNP on Apr 21.
Book Grand Canyon accommodations as early as possible; Maswick Lodge is ideal for families near the rim.
Check weather forecasts; late April can have variable temperatures at the canyon rim.
Consider the shuttle system at Grand Canyon to minimize walking for younger kids while still accessing scenic viewpoints.
Bring layers for canyon mornings/evenings and sun protection for daytime hikes.

Overall, this plan is balanced with nature-focused activities, family-friendly hikes, and scenic driving. It prioritizes Grand Canyon exploration while allowing a manageable pace and still hits the key highlights en route to Las Vegas.

Short Grand Canyon itinerary

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