Advice on April Phoenix--Sedona--Page--GCNP visit

Question

My spouse and I are planning a 6-day kid-free (whee!) visit to AZ, hoping to do some hiking (we're fit but not seasoned hikers), relaxing, and stargazing. Would love advice on the itinerary I've put together, and in particular, (1) whether to stay in Sedona or Flagstaff on our way north ahead of a 2pm arrival time for a Lower Antelope Canyon tour, and (2) whether to stay in Page after the LAC tour (slated to end 4:15) or carry on into GCNP from the east entrance (right now we have that night and the next reserved at Thunderbird Lodge). Are our wait times at the entrance better close to sunset or the next morning? Will we have time to make a stop at Horseshoe Bend and a few GCNP overlooks on our way in before it's too dark to drive safely? Also, curious about the bike rentals/tours in GCNP - is this something we could do on our own day-of if we take a notion or should we have an advance reservation?

Monday 4/14 - arrive PHX noon, visit Taliesin West and local friends

Tuesday - leisurely depart from Phoenix, lunch in Sedona or Jerome, afternoon hike around Sedona, then EITHER stay in Sedona and do astrophotography tour with Susie Reed Photos OR taken Oak Creek Canyon drive to Flagstaff for astrophotography class at Lowell Observatory and sleep in Flagstaff

Wednesday - drive to Page via Sunset/Wupatki loop (any other places we should stop en route?), arrive by 2pm for 2:45 LAC tour (confirmed w/Dixie's). Visit Horseshoe Bend. Then EITHER stay in Page, or drive to GCNP through east entrance and stay at Thunderbird Lodge.

Thursday - drive GCNP south rim from east entrance stopping at overlooks if coming from Page. Walk/bike rim trail. Sunset and dinner in the park. Stay at Thunderbird.

Friday - sunrise in GCNP. Hike Bright Angel down to Havasupai Gardens or South Kaibab down to Skeleton and back. Depart for clamping at Under Canvas in GC Junction.

Saturday - slow roll out of the tent. Stop in Sedona again, or Flagstaff to tour Lowell Observatory (can't do a night visit b/c the one available night, Tuesday, they're closed to public). Late night redeye out of PHX back to east coast.

Answer

Your Arizona itinerary is well thought out and balances hiking, sightseeing, and stargazing nicely. Here’s a detailed assessment with suggestions to optimize your trip and answer your specific questions.

Tuesday – Sedona vs. Flagstaff for Astrophotography:

Both Sedona and Flagstaff offer excellent night sky experiences, but there are differences:

Sedona: Offers darker skies with less light pollution, especially if you head slightly outside town. Susie Reed Photos tours are highly rated for astrophotography and include guidance, making it ideal if you prefer a structured experience.
Flagstaff: Home to Lowell Observatory and dark-sky-certified areas nearby. The astrophotography class there is great, but staying in Flagstaff adds some driving compared to staying in Sedona after your afternoon hike. It also gives you easier access to northern Arizona routes the next morning.

If your priority is night sky photography and minimizing driving, staying in Sedona is likely more relaxed. If you’re intrigued by Lowell Observatory and don’t mind extra driving, Flagstaff works well.

Wednesday – Page and Lower Antelope Canyon (LAC) Tour:

Since your LAC tour is at 2:45 pm, arriving in Page by 2 pm is perfect. Horseshoe Bend is just a short drive from Page and can be visited before or after LAC depending on timing and parking. Note that hiking to the overlook can take 20–30 minutes each way.

Regarding staying in Page versus driving to GCNP:

Driving to Grand Canyon through the East Entrance after your 4:15 pm tour is possible, but it will be tight. Sunset in April is around 6:50–7:00 pm, and you’ll want daylight for safe driving and to see overlooks.
Traffic near the East Entrance is generally light midweek, but the drive from Page to the South Rim is about 2.5–3 hours without stops. You’d likely arrive at night, so staying in Page is safer and less rushed, allowing you to enter GCNP fresh the next morning.

Grand Canyon National Park (Thursday–Friday):

Driving along the South Rim from the East Entrance, you’ll have plenty of stops at overlooks. Morning or late afternoon provides different lighting for photography; late afternoon often has longer shadows and warmer light.

Bike rentals: The South Rim has a limited number of bike rentals, and availability can vary. For popular dates, advance reservations are recommended if you want a specific start time. If you’re flexible and arrive early, walk-ins are possible.
Hiking options like Bright Angel or South Kaibab are excellent. For a half-day hike, turn-around points like Havasupai Gardens or Skeleton Point are achievable without overexertion.

Friday – GCNP to Under Canvas in GC Junction:

After sunrise viewing, you’ll have a chance for a short morning hike and then head toward Under Canvas. This is an enjoyable transition from the park to glamping while keeping travel time reasonable.

Saturday – Return to PHX:

Stopping in Sedona or Flagstaff for a last visit or Lowell Observatory tour (daytime) works well before your evening flight.
Late-night redeye out of Phoenix is convenient and allows you a final relaxed morning.

Additional En Route Stops Suggestions:

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument are scenic and not far off your route to Page; brief stops provide interesting geology and cultural history.
Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive between Sedona and Flagstaff is worth a short stop for photos if you didn’t do it on Tuesday.

Summary Recommendations:

Stay in Sedona on Tuesday night if you prefer less driving and optimal astrophotography skies; Flagstaff is fine if you prioritize Lowell Observatory access.
Stay in Page Wednesday night after LAC and Horseshoe Bend; driving to GCNP afterward risks arriving in the dark.
Reserve bike rentals at GCNP in advance if you have a specific time in mind; otherwise, walk-ins may suffice.
Allow for flexible timing on drives and overlook stops to avoid feeling rushed, especially for photography and safety.

Your itinerary is very doable and provides a good mix of hiking, scenic drives, stargazing, and photography while keeping travel comfortable and safe.

Advice on April Phoenix--Sedona--Page--GCNP visit

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