June Itinerary Help

Question

We are a family of 7: Grandpa (me) and grandma (we are 70 and fairly fit), son (40), daughter and SIL (43) and twin grandkids (15). We have outgrown a minivan, so we will most likely be renting two cars. Here is my initial plan:

Monday June 2 - arrive in Phoenix around noon, drive to Tusayan, check in and eat dinner, then GCNP for sunset and then return to Tusayan.

Tuesday June 3 - Early start to GCNP, visit the western view points in the morning. After lunch, drive east and hit the eastern viewpoints on the way to Page. Arrive in page by 5:00-6:00? What to do after arriving and eating?

Wednesday June 4 - Need help with timing here. We want to do a canyon tour (currently looking at Canyon X), Horseshoe Bend, and Glen Canyon Dam. Please advise the best time and order to do these activities. How hot will it likely be June 4? We would need to leave by 3:00 or so to drive to Sedona?

Thursday and Friday June 5-6 - explore Sedona. Would like some specific ideas for these two days. We will do the scenic drives. Two in our group do not enjoy hiking, so a few short and easy hikes would be okay, but not long/ hard/numerous hikes. Probably won’t do a jeep tour due to the significant cost for 7 people. How hot will it likely get in Sedona at this date?

Saturday June 7 - Drive to Phoenix for around 2:00 flight.

So to summarize, one night in Tusayan, one night in Page, three nights in Sedona.

The whole trip could be moved a day earlier, i.e. arrive Sunday June 2, depart Friday June 6. Would this be better by avoiding a more crowded Sedona on Friday?

Thanks in advance for your input and suggestions!

Answer

Your June itinerary looks well-structured for seeing the highlights of northern Arizona while accommodating a multi-generational family. Here’s a detailed breakdown and suggestions for your plan.

Monday, June 2 – Arrival & Grand Canyon Sunset

Arrive in Phoenix around noon and drive to Tusayan (approx. 4–4.5 hours).
Check in to your Tusayan hotel (Best Western Plus Grand Canyon Squire Inn or similar).
Have an early dinner in Tusayan.
Head into Grand Canyon National Park for sunset. Recommended viewpoints near the South Rim are Mather Point or Yavapai Point. These are easily accessible and offer spectacular views without strenuous walking.
Return to Tusayan for the night.

Tuesday, June 3 – Grand Canyon & Drive to Page

Early morning start to catch sunrise if desired, then visit western viewpoints along Hermit Road (shuttle required if road is open; otherwise, drive to Trailview points accessible by private vehicle).
Midday, have lunch at the Grand Canyon Village or pack a picnic.
Drive east along Desert View Drive, stopping at key viewpoints such as Desert View Watchtower, Moran Point, and Lipan Point.
Continue to Page (approx. 2.5–3 hours). Check in to your hotel (Best Western Plus at Lake Powell or Courtyard by Marriott Page).
After arrival and dinner, consider a short evening visit to Horseshoe Bend. The lighting in the evening can be nice for photography, but avoid late-night walking due to heat and limited lighting.

Wednesday, June 4 – Page Activities & Drive to Sedona

Morning (start around 7–8am) for Canyon X tour – cooler temperatures make for more comfortable exploration and better lighting for photos.
After Canyon X, visit Glen Canyon Dam. Allow 30–45 minutes for the overlook and visitor center.
Horseshoe Bend can be done early in the morning or just after Canyon X, but visiting early avoids peak crowds and midday heat.
Expect temperatures in Page in early June to reach the high 80s–low 90s°F (31–34°C), so bring water, sunscreen, and hats.
Depart for Sedona by 3:00 pm (approx. 3 hours). Check into your Sedona hotel or rental.

Thursday & Friday, June 5–6 – Sedona Exploration

Scenic drives are highly recommended for all fitness levels. Key drives include:

Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) – stops at Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock viewpoints
Oak Creek Canyon Drive – scenic drive with stops at Slide Rock State Park and viewpoints

Short, easy hikes (1–3 km) suitable for the group:

Bell Rock Pathway – gentle and accessible
Cathedral Rock Trail (short climb to viewpoint for those comfortable with stairs and rocks)
West Fork Trail (optional, can be done partially for a shorter walk)

Other activities:

Explore Uptown Sedona shops and galleries
Consider a Pink Jeep tour for those who want a short off-road experience (may split group if cost is high)
Enjoy a spa or wellness session for relaxation

Expect temperatures in Sedona in early June to be in the mid-80s°F (29–30°C) during the day, cooler in the mornings and evenings.

Saturday, June 7 – Departure

Drive back to Phoenix (approx. 2 hours) to catch your flight around 2:00 pm.

General Tips & Alternatives:

If you move your trip a day earlier (arriving Sunday, departing Friday), you may avoid heavier weekend crowds in Sedona on Friday, making it slightly more relaxed.
Always start canyon hikes and tours early to avoid the midday heat, especially for older family members and teenagers.
Carry plenty of water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.

This itinerary balances sightseeing, moderate walking, and relaxation while accommodating your group’s needs, ensuring you see the Grand Canyon, Page attractions, and Sedona highlights efficiently over your six-day trip.

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