Fly from LA to Vegas & rent a car to Page, GCSR, Sedona?

Question

Hello guys!

Would you please advise on whether my itinerary makes sense?

1- Traveling with my parents who want to go visit horseshoe bend, Page, GrandCanyon South Rim and Sedona then fly back from AZ (dont know which airport is most convenient to fly from?) Does completing this itinerary in 5 days make sense?

2- Would you kindly contribute with your input so I can create a good itinerary?

3- Not interested in staying in vegas whatsoever,just trying to save time as much as possible transportation wise, hence why the flight from Los Angeles to Vegas and then flying from AZ back to LA.

4- suggestions regarding hotels in these places and which stops we should overnight or stay a couple days, etc?

5- Restaurant recommendations at these stops or that we can stop by on our way?

6- Should we fly from Los Angeles to AZ Sky harbor or from LA to Las Vegas for this itinerary?

7- Should we fly back to Los Angeles from Vegas airport or from AZ Skyharbor?

8- As a reference: My parents like to be out in the nature and to walk and a nice moderate hike.

Thank you so much in advance, I really am trying to make of this trip the best I can for my parents and I.

iOpen to suggestions and thanks very much

David

Answer

Hi David,

Your proposed itinerary is ambitious but definitely doable in 5 days if you plan your travel times carefully and focus on a few key highlights each day. Here’s a detailed breakdown with suggestions for flights, driving, hotels, and moderate activities suitable for your parents.

1. Flight & Arrival Strategy

Flying from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is a fast way to start the trip, but since you are skipping Las Vegas entirely, it may make more sense to fly directly into Phoenix Sky Harbor. This reduces overall driving time.
Flying back from Phoenix is most convenient since Sedona and Grand Canyon South Rim are closer to Phoenix than Las Vegas.

2. Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor, rent a car, drive to Page (approximately 6–7 hours). Overnight in Page. If your parents want a shorter drive, consider a stop in Flagstaff for lunch.
Day 2: Visit Horseshoe Bend in the morning. Optionally explore Antelope Canyon (book in advance). Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim (approximately 2.5–3 hours). Overnight near Bright Angel Lodge or in Tusayan.
Day 3: Explore Grand Canyon viewpoints. Do moderate hikes such as the Rim Trail sections or a short portion of Bright Angel Trail. Overnight at South Rim or drive toward Sedona late afternoon (about 2.5–3 hours) and overnight in Sedona.
Day 4: Full day in Sedona. Moderate hikes: Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock (short section), or Devil’s Bridge (consider shuttle parking). Explore Chapel of the Holy Cross and Oak Creek Canyon. Overnight in Sedona.
Day 5: Drive back to Phoenix Sky Harbor for flight home (approximately 2 hours). Optionally, stop at Montezuma Castle or Tuzigoot National Monument on the way.

3. Hotel Suggestions

Page: Lake Powell Resort, Hyatt Place Page.
Grand Canyon South Rim: Bright Angel Lodge, Yavapai Lodge, or El Tovar (book well in advance for spring).
Sedona: Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, Enchantment Resort (if budget allows), or Airbnb options near Uptown Sedona.

4. Restaurant Recommendations

Page: Bonkers Restaurant (American cuisine), Big John’s Texas BBQ.
Grand Canyon: El Tovar Dining Room (South Rim), Bright Angel Restaurant.
Sedona: The Hudson, Creekside American Bistro, Cowboy Club for southwestern cuisine.

5. Driving Considerations & Moderate Hikes

Moderate hikes for your parents: Rim Trail at Grand Canyon (mostly flat), Bell Rock Pathway in Sedona, short sections of Cathedral Rock (use caution if mobility is limited).
Allow extra time for scenic stops along the way, especially Oak Creek Canyon and viewpoints along the Grand Canyon.
Try to avoid very early or late drives in remote areas after dark.

6. Overall Advice

Five days is doable but will involve several hours of driving on some days. If you want a more relaxed pace, you could consider adding a night in Flagstaff instead of driving directly to Page on the first day.
Book tours like Antelope Canyon and any guided Grand Canyon activities in advance, as spring is a busy season.
Consider starting early each day to maximize daylight for sightseeing and moderate hikes.

In summary, flying into Phoenix, renting a car, and following the route: Phoenix → Page → Grand Canyon → Sedona → Phoenix is likely the most efficient. Hotels and hikes mentioned provide comfort and accessibility while still enjoying iconic natural scenery.

Fly from LA to Vegas & rent a car to Page, GCSR, Sedona?

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