6 Day Itinerary

Question

Looking to do a 6-day trip in mid-March with my husband and 20-year-old daughters. Can you let me know if you would make any changes to the itinerary? We are from the east coast and this is our first trip out west. Any thoughts/ suggestions are welcome!

• Day 1: Arrival in Phoenix + Sedona

• Day 2: Full Day in Sedona

• Day 3: Sedona to Grand Canyon

• Day 4: Full Day at the Grand Canyon

• Day 5: Grand Canyon to Hoover Dam, Lake Mead + Las Vegas

• Day 6: Las Vegas + Red Rock Canyon

• Day 7: Departure from Las Vegas

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Answer

Your 6-day itinerary covers some of the best highlights of Arizona and Nevada and is overall well-structured. Here’s a detailed assessment with suggestions to optimize your trip:

Day 1: Arrival in Phoenix + Sedona

Driving directly from Phoenix to Sedona is about 2 hours, so depending on your arrival time, you may be able to catch a short walk or sunset in Sedona.

Consider stopping at the Chapel of the Holy Cross for a quick photo and scenic view upon arrival.
If time allows, take a brief stroll along the Bell Rock Trail for easy views without a strenuous hike.

Day 2: Full Day in Sedona

Use this day for both sightseeing and mild hiking, enjoying the famous red rock formations.

Morning: Hike Devil’s Bridge or Cathedral Rock (both moderate; you can choose shorter segments).
Afternoon: Scenic drive along Red Rock Loop Road, stopping at viewpoints like Coffee Pot Rock and Soldier’s Pass.
Evening: Explore Uptown Sedona for shopping, galleries, and dinner.

Day 3: Sedona to Grand Canyon

Driving time is roughly 2.5–3 hours to the South Rim. Plan for sightseeing stops along the way.

Optional stop at Oak Creek Canyon for photos and a short walk.
Arrive at the Grand Canyon in the afternoon to catch sunset at Mather Point or Yavapai Point.

Day 4: Full Day at the Grand Canyon

Focus on scenic viewpoints and short walks along the Rim Trail. Avoid long hikes if you prefer easy activity.

Walk parts of the Rim Trail from Yavapai to Bright Angel Lodge.
Consider a short excursion along the Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail for partial views; turn back before it becomes strenuous.
Visit the historic Grand Canyon Village, including El Tovar Hotel and Kolb Studio.

Day 5: Grand Canyon → Hoover Dam → Lake Mead → Las Vegas

This is a longer travel day (roughly 4–5 hours of driving). Plan carefully to maximize sightseeing.

Stop at Hoover Dam for a tour and photo opportunities (allow 1–1.5 hours).
Optional brief stop at Lake Mead for scenic views or a picnic.
Arrive in Las Vegas in the evening; check into your hotel and consider a casual walk along the Strip.

Day 6: Las Vegas + Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is about 30 minutes west of Las Vegas and offers beautiful scenic drives.

Morning: Scenic drive at Red Rock Canyon; optional short hikes like Calico Tanks or Moenkopi Loop.
Afternoon/Evening: Explore the Strip, see a show, or visit Fremont Street for a different experience.

Day 7: Departure from Las Vegas

Depending on your flight time, you can enjoy a final breakfast or a brief walk on the Strip before heading to the airport.

General Suggestions:

Consider starting Day 5 early to allow extra time for stops without feeling rushed.
Pack layers; March weather can be variable, especially at the Grand Canyon.
If hiking is limited, use scenic drives and viewpoints to experience the landscapes fully.
Booking accommodations near the Grand Canyon South Rim is recommended to maximize time there.

Overall, your itinerary is balanced between sightseeing, mild activity, and travel. Minor adjustments for timing and optional stops can help avoid rushed days and maximize enjoyment for your first trip out west.

6 Day Itinerary

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