Seeking Advice for Arizona Itinerary (September)

Question

Hello! We’re three retired adults in our 60s planning our first trip to Arizona this September. We’d love input on our itinerary.

Limitations:

My husband has a pinched nerve and is undergoing treatment. His mobility in September is uncertain, so we’re aiming for a relaxed pace with short, scenic walks.

Interests:

Scenic drives with photo stops (we’re amateur photographers).

Historic sites, local art, and unique shops.

Breweries, wineries, and great food.

Guided tours or recommendations for local guides.

Preferences:

Limit driving distances between overnight stays to <2.5 hours.

Considering whether to add Page, Zion, or Bryce to the itinerary (all three may be too ambitious).

Tentative Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Phoenix, overnight (suggestions for activities and hotels welcome).

Day 2-3: Sedona (tentative stay two nights at Arabella Hotel).

Day 4: Grand Canyon South Rim (tentative stay at El Tovar).

Day 5: Page / Zion / Bryce? (Suggestions on which makes sense).

Day 6: Flagstaff?

Day 7: Phoenix.

Day 8: Fly home.

We’d greatly appreciate recommendations for must-see spots, scenic photo stops, easy hikes, local dining, and accommodations. Thank you!

Answer

Your itinerary is already a great starting point, and given the mobility concerns and preference for short drives, you can easily shape this into a very comfortable, scenic, and photography-friendly Arizona trip. Below is a detailed, relaxed-paced plan with suggestions for easy walks, scenic stops, great food, and lodging options that fit your goals.

Because you prefer short drives and scenic highlights rather than “checking boxes,” I recommend skipping Zion and Bryce on this trip—they require long drives and more physical effort to fully enjoy. Page can work if you want dramatic photography opportunities with minimal walking, but I’ll outline options with and without Page.

Here is a structured guide to help refine your plan.

Driving kept under 2.5 hours where possible.
Easy scenic walks and overlooks.
Arts, food, wine, and cultural stops included daily.

Revised Itinerary Option 1: Phoenix → Sedona → Grand Canyon → Page → Flagstaff → Phoenix

Day 1: Arrive Phoenix (1 night)

For a relaxed first day, choose a hotel in the Biltmore or Old Town Scottsdale area. Both have great dining and easy strolling.

Easy activities: Old Town Scottsdale art galleries, Scottsdale Museum of the West, or a slow walk around the Desert Botanical Garden (very accessible).
Dining: The Gladly (great cocktails, modern American), Oregano’s (casual), or Phoenix City Grille (Southwestern).

Day 2–3: Sedona (2 nights at Arabella is fine)

Sedona offers stunning scenery without demanding long hikes. It’s perfect for photography and relaxed exploring.

Scenic drives: Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179), Upper Red Rock Loop Road, and Schnebly Hill Vista (stop at the early viewpoints only—no rough road).
Easy walks: Bell Rock Pathway (flat section near the trailhead), Courthouse Vista, and Sedona Heritage Museum.
Art & culture: Tlaquepaque Arts Village—easy strolling, great shops.
Food & drink: Creekside (great views), The Hudson (excellent for photos), and Vino Di Sedona (wine & live music).
Guided tours: Pink Jeep’s “Scenic Rim” or “Panoramic Tour”—gentler options, limited walking.

Day 4: Grand Canyon South Rim (1 night at El Tovar)

The Grand Canyon is extremely accessible with many rim-side viewpoints reachable with almost no walking.

Don’t miss viewpoints: Mather Point, Yavapai Point (excellent photography), and Grandview Point.
Easy rim walk: A short paved section of the Rim Trail between El Tovar and Mather Point.
Dining: El Tovar Dining Room (make reservations).

Day 5: Page or Skip Page?

Here’s how to think about it:

Page is a good fit if: you want dramatic photos, smooth pavement, and very easy access to world-famous views.
Page might not be ideal if: your husband cannot manage short walking distances on uneven surfaces.

If you choose Page (recommended if mobility allows gentle walking):

Horseshoe Bend: 3/4-mile walk roundtrip, paved but slightly inclined.
Antelope Canyon (Lower or Upper): Upper Antelope is more accessible—very short walking, but still soft sand; check accessibility needs before booking.
Wahweap Overlook: zero walking required.

If you skip Page: Drive directly from the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff (90–100 minutes) for a shorter day and more relaxing pace.

Day 6: Flagstaff (1 night)

Flagstaff is cooler, easygoing, and surrounded by nature.

Easy scenic spots: Sunset Crater viewpoints, Buffalo Park Loop (flat and very scenic).
Culture & history: Lowell Observatory (easy walkways) and downtown shops.
Breweries: Mother Road Brewing Co. is excellent.

Day 7: Return to Phoenix (1 night)

Relax before your flight. Enjoy a nice dinner and maybe a short museum or garden visit you missed on Day 1.

Day 8: Fly home

Revised Itinerary Option 2: Skip Page for even shorter drives

Day 1: Phoenix
Day 2–3: Sedona
Day 4: Grand Canyon
Day 5–6: Flagstaff (using it as a base for Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, or Wupatki—all with very short or optional walks)
Day 7: Phoenix
Day 8: Fly out

Must-See Spots for Photographers (Minimal Walking)

Airport Mesa Overlook (Sedona)
Cathedral Rock from Red Rock Crossing
Yavapai Point (Grand Canyon)
Desert View Watchtower (near parking—beautiful at sunset)
Wupatki National Monument overlooks (Flagstaff)

Recommended Easy Guided Experiences

Sedona sunset jeep tour (gentler versions available)
Grand Canyon guided photography tour with limited walking
Flagstaff stargazing experience (weather dependent)

Final Thoughts

Your plan is already very solid, and with a few adjustments based on mobility and preference, it can become a perfect, relaxed photographic journey. I recommend Sedona → Grand Canyon → Flagstaff as a core route, with Page added only if the easy walks feel manageable.

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