Itinerary help for May trip please

Question

Hello there Arizona experts,

I am in the early stages of planning a trip for May this year. I have read recent posts on here and looked at tours on the internet to come up with a draft itinerary. We are a couple flying into and out of Phoenix as these flights offer us the best value. We are flexible with dates and will work around availability of accommodation at GCNP. We love nature and history. Can you please comment on the following trip idea. I’m also interested whether the weather will be too hot to hike at any of these locations in May? We can also add nights if necessary.

Day 1 Fly into phoenix stay overnight phoenix, ? worth staying extra night here?

Day 2 -3 saguaro national park stay near Tucson visit Tombstone?

Day 4 -5 petrified forest national park stay in Holbrook or winslow

Day 6 -7 monument valley

Day 8 -9 stay in Page for antelope canyon, I know tours need booking early here

Day 10 - 13 Grand Canyon

Day 14-15 sedona

Day 16 fly home from phoenix

Thank you

Answer

Your proposed Arizona itinerary for May is ambitious but covers many of the state’s top natural and historical attractions. May is generally warm across Arizona, but temperatures vary by region. Here’s a detailed look at your plan with suggestions and considerations.

Day 1: Fly into Phoenix

Spending one night in Phoenix is practical to recover from travel. An extra night could be worthwhile if you want to explore downtown, the Desert Botanical Garden, or take a short hike in the nearby Camelback Mountain area. Early May is usually pleasant in Phoenix, with daytime highs in the 80s°F (27–30°C), making short hikes comfortable.

Option to add extra night: explore downtown, Old Town Scottsdale, or South Mountain Park.

Day 2–3: Saguaro National Park & Tucson

Tucson is about a 2-hour drive from Phoenix. Saguaro National Park has two districts (East and West); both offer scenic drives and hiking. Tombstone is an interesting historical detour (~1.5 hours from Tucson) if you enjoy Wild West history. In May, Tucson can start getting hot in the afternoons (highs in the upper 80s to low 90s°F / 31–33°C), so morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended.

Stay in Tucson for convenience to Saguaro National Park and local restaurants.
Plan hikes early morning to avoid midday heat.
Consider guided tour or short day trip to Tombstone.

Day 4–5: Petrified Forest National Park

Holbrook or Winslow are good bases. Petrified Forest is relatively small but has long drives and short hikes. May temperatures are generally warm but manageable (highs 80s°F / 27–31°C). Plan hikes early and carry water, sunscreen, and hats.

Stay in Holbrook for proximity to the park entrance and Route 66 attractions.
Winslow is slightly closer to I-40, convenient for driving to Monument Valley next.

Day 6–7: Monument Valley

Monument Valley offers iconic landscapes. Staying at The View Hotel inside the park or nearby Kayenta gives you sunrise and sunset options. May daytime temperatures are warm (mid-80s°F / 29°C). Hiking is optional; guided jeep tours are the best way to explore the valley.

Consider staying inside the park for sunset/sunrise views.
Guided jeep tours are highly recommended for full experience.

Day 8–9: Page / Antelope Canyon

Page is your base for Antelope Canyon and other attractions like Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell. Antelope Canyon tours must be booked well in advance. May is very warm here, especially midday (highs 90–95°F / 32–35°C), so plan tours in early morning or late afternoon.

Book Antelope Canyon tours months ahead to secure spots.
Visit Horseshoe Bend early morning or sunset for cooler temps and better lighting.

Day 10–13: Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is cooler at the South Rim compared to lower desert areas, with May highs in the 70s°F (21–25°C). Hiking along the Rim or short descents into the canyon is pleasant; avoid long hikes during the hottest part of the day. Consider splitting your time between scenic drives, short hikes, and mule or guided tours.

Stay near the South Rim for convenience to viewpoints.
Consider one overnight or more in Tusayan for extra flexibility.
Morning hikes like Bright Angel Trail are best to avoid midday sun.

Day 14–15: Sedona

Sedona offers beautiful red rock landscapes and excellent hiking. May is perfect here, with highs in the low 80s°F (27°C). Popular hikes include Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Bell Rock. Consider time for scenic drives, art galleries, or a jeep tour.

Stay in Sedona for 2 nights to explore hikes and relax.
Try a guided jeep tour for off-road trails and unique views.

Day 16: Fly home from Phoenix

Driving back to Phoenix from Sedona is about 2 hours. Ensure you leave early if you have afternoon flights. Morning flights are ideal to avoid any stress from potential traffic or delays.

General Notes:

May weather is generally good for all planned locations; lower deserts will be warm, higher elevations cooler.
Carry water, sunscreen, hats, and layers, especially for early morning or evening hikes.
Booking accommodations near national parks early is essential for May, which is a popular travel month.
You might consider adding an extra night at the Grand Canyon or Sedona if you want a more relaxed pace.

Overall, your itinerary is well-planned, balancing nature, history, and iconic sights. With some adjustments for heat and early booking, it should make for a memorable Arizona adventure.

Itinerary help for May trip please

More Arizona (AZ) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions