Traveling to the Southwest

Question

Solo senior traveler in the early stages of planning a trip to the Southwest. I'm thinking anytime from mid September to mid October time frame, maybe 11 days total. Starting in Phoenix and ending in Las Vegas. Would like stops in Sedona, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell dam and float trip, and continue on to some of the National Parks and fly home from Las Vegas. Now to fill in the blanks. Not into big hikes,amature photographer that likes nice views and scenic drives, decent clean hotels and options for some decent meals along with grab n go for some living out of a cooler. How is the weather during this time frame? Have been exploring some lodging options (The View in MV)

How much time should I spend in each of these places exploring at a relaxed pace. I'm retired so just looking for an estimate.

Thx to the experts as I will be lurking around a bit!!!

Answer

Planning an 11-day Southwest road trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas is a fantastic idea, especially for a relaxed, scenic, photography-focused journey. Mid-September to mid-October is an excellent timeframe, with generally mild weather: daytime highs in Arizona and Utah can range from the mid-70s to mid-80s (°F), while evenings can be cool, particularly at higher elevations like Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Expect dry conditions with minimal rainfall, and this is a quieter season compared to summer peak months.

For a relaxed pace with scenic drives, photography stops, and minimal strenuous hiking, here’s a suggested itinerary with estimated time at each location:

Phoenix to Sedona (1-2 days): Spend a day driving up to Sedona (~2 hours from Phoenix) and exploring the Red Rock Scenic Byway, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock viewpoints, and Oak Creek Canyon. Sedona has plenty of short, accessible viewpoints perfect for photography without long hikes. Overnight in Sedona.
Sedona to Grand Canyon (2 days): Drive (~2.5-3 hours). Spend a full day exploring South Rim viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Desert View Drive, and Hermit Road (accessible by shuttle). Optional short walks like Rim Trail segments. Overnight near Grand Canyon Village or Tusayan for easy access.
Grand Canyon to Page/Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend (1-2 days): Drive (~2.5 hours). Reserve a guided tour for Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon (1.5-2 hours for the tour) and visit Horseshoe Bend (30-45 minutes, short walk from parking). Stay overnight in Page. Consider a Lake Powell dam visit and a relaxed boat/float trip if desired, which can take 2-4 hours depending on your choice.
Page to Monument Valley (1-2 days): Drive (~2.5 hours). Stay at The View for sunrise and sunset photography. Enjoy scenic drives through Monument Valley Tribal Park, accessible via the 17-mile Valley Drive. Consider a guided tour if you want deeper exploration. Overnight in or near Monument Valley.
Monument Valley to Zion National Park / Bryce Canyon (2 days): Drive (~4-5 hours). Spend a day at each park, focusing on scenic drives and easy viewpoints. At Zion, consider the Riverside Walk or Canyon Overlook Trail for short, photogenic hikes. Bryce Canyon is excellent for scenic drives with multiple overlooks accessible by car. Overnight near each park.
Final stretch to Las Vegas (1-2 days): Drive (~2-4 hours depending on your starting park). Optionally, stop at Valley of Fire State Park for short walks and photography. Spend final night(s) in Las Vegas for relaxation, dining, or catching your flight home.

Tips for a relaxed trip:

Book accommodations in advance, particularly in Sedona, Grand Canyon, Page, and Monument Valley, as these can fill quickly in fall.
Pack a cooler and grab-n-go food for scenic stops; gas stations and restaurants are available but may be limited in remote areas like Monument Valley.
Leave flexibility for photography stops – sunrise and sunset light can dramatically improve your shots.
Carry layers, as mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially near higher elevations.
Most attractions are accessible by car with short walks, so hiking is optional but rewarding if you enjoy minimal activity viewpoints.

In summary, this itinerary balances driving, sightseeing, and photography at a relaxed pace, with 1-2 days in most major destinations, allowing you to fully enjoy the Southwest landscapes without rushing.

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