Last minute change of plans advice please

Question

We had initially planned a Grand Canyon trip with an overnight stay inside the park from Phoenix but then some commenters on another site dissuaded (too cold). We canceled :(. But we are in Phoenix now on a week long trip and wondering if we can add GCNP back. Weather looks doable in the afternoon hours.

We’re here with our 10 yr old from the the East coast so do have have puffer jackets. Don’t have hiking boots though.

Current plan was to drive to Sedona on Thursday, hike, stay the night, do a jeep tour on Friday afternoon and drive back to Phoenix. I am wondering if we should cancel Sedona totally or add GCNP after. Nothing compelling in Phoenix to come back to as we’ve been here before.

So new plan could look like this:

Drive from Phoenix to Sedona on Thursday. Lunch. Jeep tour. Which would y’all recommend? Pink jeep (I don’t see them on viator) or Sedona Jeep tours, Diamond Glutch?

Stay Thursday night in Sedona and drive to GCNP south rim Friday morning. Do we need advance planning? In the park between noon and sunset (Mather point)and stay overnight in Page,

Drive back to Phoenix on Saturday. Do you see any holes in this plan? Would be very crowded, I do see same accommodation available in the park but if we are not doing sunrise (too cold with kid) then don’t know if we stay in the park.

Any suggestions very appreciated.

Answer

Your revised plan is definitely doable and makes for a busy but rewarding mini-road trip. With a 10-year-old and puffer jackets for warmth, you’ll be fine exploring in the afternoon hours, and focusing on accessible viewpoints like Mather Point is smart.

Here’s a detailed breakdown and suggestions for your plan:

Thursday: Phoenix to Sedona

Drive from Phoenix to Sedona in the morning (approx. 2 hours).
Lunch in Sedona – consider casual options like The Hudson or Sedona Memories Bakery & Cafe.
Afternoon Jeep tour – all three companies you mentioned are reputable. For a first-timer with a kid, Pink Jeep Tours are iconic and family-friendly, with experienced drivers who tailor the tour to comfort levels. Diamondback / Sedona Jeep Tours are also solid, and can be slightly less pricey. Check tour length and terrain – for a 10-year-old, a 1.5-2 hour moderate trail is ideal.
Evening: Stay in Sedona. The town has plenty of family-friendly hotels and lodges.

Friday: Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim

Drive early from Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim (~2.5-3 hours).
Plan to arrive around noon. This allows time to see Mather Point, Visitor Center, and a few nearby viewpoints without hiking.
No advance booking is strictly necessary for entrance to the park, but if you want to use shuttles or visit any specific attractions (like the IMAX theater in Tusayan) you can check ahead. Park entry fee is $35 per vehicle.
For hiking, stick to short, paved viewpoints or Rim Trail sections near Mather Point or Yavapai Point – no steep descents required.
Stay overnight in Page or Tusayan – both are convenient. Page is about 2.5 hours east and allows visiting Horseshoe Bend or Lake Powell if you wish. Tusayan is 10-15 minutes from the park entrance but can be pricier.

Saturday: Return to Phoenix

Morning optional: sunrise at the South Rim (if it’s too cold, skip and enjoy breakfast / short walk).
Drive back to Phoenix (~4-5 hours).
Optionally, stop in Flagstaff for lunch or a quick stroll to break up the drive.

Tips & Considerations:

Weather: December afternoons are usually fine for sightseeing, but dress in layers as temperatures can drop quickly.
Footwear: While hiking boots aren’t required, sturdy closed-toe shoes are recommended for any short trail walking.
Crowds: South Rim can be busy, but arriving midday avoids early morning and sunset crowds. Expect some parking difficulty near Mather Point.
Photography: Light in the afternoon is softer for photos; Mather Point and Yavapai Point are excellent.
Dining: Limited options inside the park; consider packing snacks or eating in Tusayan before heading in.

Overall, your plan is reasonable and avoids overnight stays in the park while still allowing a great South Rim experience. Sedona on Thursday night is still worthwhile, especially with a kid-friendly Jeep tour.