September Arizona Trip

Question

Hello! I will be flying in from Europe in September together with my wife, we are early 40s. Reading the forums here, I have planned an itinerary. What is your opinion regarding it and do you have any suggestions for things I may have missed?

-For Sedona I plan on using the shuttle if available to get to the trail heads, maybe avoid the parking situation as I've seen on Google Maps that these parkings are quite small.

-Although nice to stay in GCNP, I myself being a sunset and sunrise lover, due to budget constraints, we will be staying in Williams, so I will be driving to GCNP each day in the morning.

-Due to budget constraints also, we will spend some nights in Page, then driving the 2h-3h to Monument Valley, is this a good idea that you recommend?

- We would also like to include Las Vegas in this trip so this part I would not take out.

Fri Sep 19 - Arrival in Phoenix

Sat Sep 20 - Day in Phoenix after long flight, pick up rental, stock up on water and some food (I have some dietary restrictions so I will hit the convenience stores)

Sun Sept 21 - Phoenix - Sedona, visit Montezuma's Castle on the way.

Mon Sept 22 - Sedona - visit Sedona, Cathedral Rock, the Chapel

Tue Sept 23 - Sedona - visit Sedona, Bell Rock etc.

Wed Sep 24 - Sedona - Williams, visit Williams as its a Route 66 Town.

Thu Sep 25 - Visit GCNP, using the Shuttle to Hermits Rest, walk the trails, back to Williams

Fri Sep 26 - Visit GCNP, visit the viewpoints along the road and maybe go to Ooh Ah point, then exit via the east exit towards Cameron (stop along the way at the road side shops) and then towards Page

Sat 27 Sep - Day in Page, visit Horseshoe Bend, Glenn Dam overlook and Marble Canyon

Sun 28 Sep - Day trip Page to Monument Valley, maybe book a tour around 13:00 if its available.

Mon 29 Sep - Page - Vegas driving day

Tue 30 Sep - Visit Vegas

Wed 01 Oct - Death Valley Road trip

Thu 02 Oct - Vegas - Phoenix driving day with stop at Hoover Dam

Fri 03 Oct - Day in Phoenix

Sat 04 Oct - Fly back to Europe.

Thank you!

Answer

Your September Arizona itinerary looks ambitious but quite well-planned, covering many highlights of northern Arizona, southern Utah, and Nevada. Given your timeframe and interests, here are some detailed thoughts and suggestions to optimize your trip and make it more enjoyable.

First, your plan for Sedona is sensible. Using the shuttle to trailheads is a smart move, especially since parking can be limited at popular sites like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Consider starting hikes early in the morning to avoid crowds and the afternoon heat, even in September.
Cathedral Rock is iconic, but the climb can be steep; Bell Rock and Doe Mountain are gentler alternatives if you want less strenuous hiking.
Check if the Sedona Shuttle has updated schedules in September, as service frequency can vary.

Regarding your Grand Canyon plans:

Staying in Williams is budget-friendly but requires early starts to catch sunrise or maximize time in the park. The drive from Williams to the South Rim is roughly 1.5 hours, so for sunrise, you’ll need to leave Williams well before dawn.
Using the Hermits Rest Shuttle is excellent for minimizing walking distances while visiting multiple viewpoints. For short hikes, consider the Rim Trail between Hopi Point and Mohave Point, which is mostly flat.
If you are really into sunrise photography, you could consider one night at a lodge near the South Rim to reduce driving time, though budget constraints are understandable.

Page and Monument Valley:

Spending multiple nights in Page is convenient for Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam, and Marble Canyon. All are relatively short stops but can be crowded, so arriving early in the morning is ideal.
Driving to Monument Valley for an afternoon tour is doable, though it will be a long day. Booking a guided tour around 1:00 PM works, but be aware that the drive each way takes 2–2.5 hours. Ensure you have enough daylight for the return to Page.
If Monument Valley is a must-see, consider spending one night nearby (e.g., Kayenta) to break up the drive and allow more relaxed exploration.

Las Vegas and Death Valley:

Your sequence Phoenix → Vegas → Death Valley → Phoenix is reasonable. The Death Valley trip will be long, so start very early to avoid midday heat and traffic.
Consider checking sunrise and sunset times; Death Valley is extremely photogenic at sunrise and sunset, and temperatures will be more comfortable then.
The Hoover Dam stop on the return to Phoenix is perfect; you may want to book a short guided tour or walk across the dam for maximum experience.

Additional suggestions:

Allow some flexibility in Sedona and Grand Canyon days in case of weather or fatigue.
Check entry requirements or fees for each National Park in advance, and consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan multiple parks.
Pack plenty of water, sun protection, and snacks for all hikes and road trips. Even in September, temperatures can be high in lower elevations.
For scenic stops, consider Horseshoe Bend at sunrise and Monument Valley at sunset for the best lighting.

Overall, your itinerary is doable but quite packed. It balances natural wonders, road trips, and a touch of city life in Phoenix and Las Vegas. With early starts and attention to timing, you should be able to see most of the highlights without feeling rushed.

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