8 day Sedona/Grand Canyon/etc late Feb early March

1st day - Arriving Phoenix Airport 12:30 pm, drive to Flagstaff spend night. 2nd day - wake early and head to Page, booked noon tour of Antelope Canyon. Hoping to arrive early enough to see the horseshoe bend lookout first. After tour head to Grand Canyon and spend two nights at the Maswik Lodge at the canyon. Day 3 hike into the canyon a few miles each way, Day 4 explore the rim of the canyon then head towards Sedona to arrive before dark. Day 5 & 6 hike Sedona. Day 7 & 8 Stay in Tempe (Scottsdale hotels expensive) rent bikes one day and explore the greenbelt trail to Scottsdale and relax in hopefully warm weather before heading back to the cold. Open to suggestions of switching anything. Both in our early 60s, pretty active (long distance cyclist) will hike 7 miles but mostly easy to moderate trails. Not interested in anything too risky.

Your 8-day Arizona itinerary is ambitious but doable for active travelers in their 60s, especially since you are comfortable with long cycling and moderate hikes. Here’s a detailed look at each segment and some suggestions to optimize your trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Phoenix and drive to Flagstaff

  • Arriving around 12:30 pm gives you time to pick up your rental car and drive (~2.5 hours) to Flagstaff. Consider grabbing a late lunch or coffee in Phoenix before heading north.
  • Flagstaff is a good overnight stop, and downtown has nice historic streets with restaurants if you want an easy dinner.

Day 2: Page, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, then Grand Canyon

  • To see Horseshoe Bend first, plan to arrive early (around 8–9 am) to avoid crowds and harsh mid-day light. It’s a short 1.5-mile roundtrip hike from the parking lot, fairly easy for your activity level.
  • Noon Antelope Canyon tour works well, but remember parking and travel time—leave Page in time to drive to Grand Canyon South Rim (~2.5–3 hours) and check in at Maswik Lodge.
  • This is a long day, so evening at the rim or short walk to Mather Point could be relaxing.

Day 3: Hiking into the Grand Canyon

  • For a moderate hike, South Kaibab Trail or Bright Angel Trail are both excellent options. Hiking a few miles each way is ambitious but appropriate given your fitness. Carry plenty of water and snacks, start early, and aim to return by early afternoon.
  • If you’d prefer a less steep option, consider hiking partway and returning without going all the way to the river.

Day 4: Rim exploration, then drive to Sedona

  • Spend the morning walking along viewpoints on the South Rim, then drive to Sedona (~2.5 hours). Aim to arrive before dark to check into your hotel.
  • If you want a slightly more scenic route, consider taking Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon.

Days 5–6: Sedona hikes

  • Moderate hikes like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, or West Fork Trail fit your level. Each is scenic and not overly strenuous.
  • If you want variety, add a short jeep tour or scenic drive to see other red rock formations.

Days 7–8: Tempe/Scottsdale biking and relaxation

  • Rent bikes and explore the Arizona Canal Greenbelt Trail. It’s flat, scenic, and connects to multiple neighborhoods in Scottsdale.
  • Take it easy and enjoy the warm weather after your Grand Canyon/Sedona adventure.
  • If timing allows, explore downtown Tempe or Scottsdale Old Town for dining and galleries.

Optional adjustments and tips:

  • Consider switching Day 2 and Day 3 if you prefer a less hectic schedule. Spend the morning at Antelope Canyon, then stop at Horseshoe Bend and arrive at Grand Canyon in the late afternoon, doing the canyon hike the next morning.
  • Book accommodations and tours well in advance, especially for Antelope Canyon, as slots fill quickly.
  • Carry layers—weather can vary in February/March between Phoenix, Flagstaff, Page, and Sedona.
  • Limit the drive to Page on Day 2 as this is a long day, but your plan is feasible with an early start.

Overall, your itinerary balances sightseeing, moderate hiking, and activity levels well. It is active but manageable given your fitness, and the mix of canyon views, Sedona red rocks, and cycling near Phoenix/Scottsdale provides variety.


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