Mid April Itinerary Help - Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff

Question

Hi all, I've read your advice to various people and you are excellent. We are in our early 60s, in decent physical condition, like easy to moderate hikes and bike rides. We live in NYC, so we are familiar with traffic, but on the other hand haven't owned a car in 20 years (we'll have a rental car for the trip). We don't like to pack it in on vacation. We want to enjoy natural beauty but have limited patience for touristy places where it is impossible to park.

We have 9 nights. We're flying into Phoenix 8 am, and out of Phoenix 11 am. So here goes.

I am thinking the first 3 nights in the Phoenix area: Desert Botanical Garden, Roosevelt Row (RoRo) , Taliesin West, maybe Musical Instrument Museum if it rains (or even if it doesn't). Questions:

1- any advice if we rent bikes? Any mix of park, lake, and city would be great - Arizona Canal path, Scottsdale Greenbelt, the McDowell Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park Preserve, the Beeline Highway, Hayden Wash Loop. We prefer to be off road.

2 - what neighborhood in Phoenix, - or Scottsdale or wherever - do you recommend we stay?

Then I have booked 5 nights in Flagstaff: a day tour to the Grand Canyon (Really, it's enough. Remember the Griswolds?), a day trip or two to Sedona including Pink Jeep tour of Broken Arrow, Lowell Observatory, Tuzigoot Natl Monument, and again biking - the FUTS sound good.

1 - any recommendations for Sedona? I see some people are horrified by the traffic and others are unfazed and recommend only to leave extra time. So we're open to visiting Vortexes and generally spending time outside, but not so that all the healing vibes are completely undone by rampant tourism. I called Pink Jeep and she was lovely, but did not minimize how difficult it is to park near their office, so I am wondering if it is worth it.

2 - any advice re biking the FUTS?

3 - any recommendations for local live music in Flagstaff?

Then back to Phoenix the night before we leave.

I know this is a lot, and thank you in advance.

Answer

Your proposed itinerary for Phoenix, Sedona, and Flagstaff in mid-April sounds well-paced and enjoyable for your interests in moderate hiking, biking, and natural beauty. Here’s a detailed look at each part of your trip with recommendations.

Phoenix Area (First 3 Nights)

For Phoenix, you’ll want a base that allows easy access to cultural sites, bike paths, and scenic drives.

Neighborhood to stay: Consider staying in Scottsdale (Old Town) or the Arcadia area. Both are central to restaurants, shops, and parks. Scottsdale offers walkable areas, while Arcadia is near bike paths and South Mountain Park.
Bike options: Renting bikes is a great way to see the city and surrounding nature. Recommended routes include:
- Arizona Canal Path – flat, scenic, and paved.
- Scottsdale Greenbelt – parks, lakes, and some urban trails.
- McDowell Mountain Regional Park – more off-road mountain biking, moderate difficulty.
- South Mountain Park Preserve – several trails and scenic viewpoints, a mix of paved and dirt paths.
- Beeline Highway and Hayden Wash Loop – better for road cycling; minimal traffic on early mornings.

Other Phoenix Recommendations:

Desert Botanical Garden – early morning visits are ideal to avoid crowds and heat.
Taliesin West – reserve in advance; tours are guided and give a fascinating view of Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert design.
Roosevelt Row (RoRo) – best late afternoon for murals and cafes.
Musical Instrument Museum – great for a rainy day or if you want a cultural diversion.

Flagstaff & Sedona (5 Nights)

Flagstaff is an excellent central base for day trips to both the Grand Canyon and Sedona.

Grand Canyon Day Tour: One day is plenty, especially if you prefer a relaxed pace. Morning and afternoon viewpoints along the South Rim can be combined with easy walks.
Sedona Visits: Traffic can be heavy near popular trailheads and scenic stops. Plan extra time and consider visiting early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
- Pink Jeep Broken Arrow Tour – convenient but parking can be tight. Arrive early or book a pickup if available.
- Red Rock Scenic Drive – park at designated pullouts; fewer crowds early or later in the day.
- Vortexes – popular but brief visits are enough; prioritize one or two.
Biking the FUTS (Flagstaff Urban Trail System): Excellent paved multi-use trails. Great for moderate rides, with options along scenic creek corridors. Trails are well-marked and relatively flat, suitable for casual rides and viewing nature.
Other Sedona Recommendations:
- Tuzigoot National Monument – easy walking, historic pueblo ruins, good photo stop.
- Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff) – evening visit if you want stargazing; check times.
Local Live Music in Flagstaff: Flagstaff has a few good spots for casual live music:
- Historic Brewing Company – often features local bands.
- Orpheum Theater – check schedule for concerts or performances.
- Green Room at Flagstaff – small venue with local acts.

Back to Phoenix (Final Night)

Return to Old Town Scottsdale or central Phoenix for easy airport access in the morning.
Consider a relaxing evening at a local restaurant or lounge near your hotel or Airbnb.

Overall, your itinerary balances city culture, desert landscapes, and light outdoor adventure. With moderate planning around parking in Sedona and early starts for scenic areas, you should have a comfortable, enjoyable trip without feeling rushed.

Mid April Itinerary Help - Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff

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