Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Sedona

Question

We will be taking our first trip out west mid April. We are flying into Phoenix on a Sat. and landing at 10:30, driving to Page, and staying overnight at Days Inn. We are touring Antelope canyon the next day at 11am, then driving to Monument Valley and staying overnight at the View. We booked a 9am-12 tour of monument valley, then will be driving to Grand Canyon and spending the night at Bright Angel. How is the drive? Which entrance to GCNP should we use? Will the iPhone maps app work or should I download maps for offline?

We will be driving from GC to Sedona and staying 3 nights at the Matterhorn. I’ve read here that you shouldn’t drive after dark. What time should we plan on leaving GC to get to Sedona before dark? Any tips for how to get the most out of our time at GC and Sedona would be appreciated! We're not hikers or very adventurous, just looking to see the sights! We also booked The Broken Arrow Pink Jeep tour.

Thanks so much!

Answer

Your mid-April itinerary covers some of the Southwest's most iconic sights, and with proper planning, it can be very manageable even without doing strenuous hikes.

Driving from Phoenix to Page:

The drive is about 6-7 hours, so with a 10:30 am arrival, plan to leave the airport around 11:30-12:00. Expect some stops for meals or gas along I-17 and US-89 north. The route is straightforward but keep in mind that traffic may add time near Phoenix exits and on US-89 through Flagstaff and Cameron.
Your overnight at the Days Inn in Page gives you a good buffer before your Antelope Canyon tour at 11 am the next day.

Antelope Canyon & Monument Valley:

After your 11 am Antelope Canyon tour, allow time for photos and souvenir shopping before driving to Monument Valley. It’s about a 2.5-3 hour drive from Page to Monument Valley.
Stay overnight at The View to catch sunrise and do your 9 am-12 pm tour. These tours are very scenic and an early morning start captures the best light for photos.

Driving to Grand Canyon:

From Monument Valley to the Grand Canyon South Rim (Bright Angel Lodge), the drive is roughly 3-4 hours. Use the Cameron Entrance for the South Rim, as it’s the most direct route from Monument Valley.
iPhone Maps generally works well, but cell coverage is spotty in some areas of the Navajo Nation and near Monument Valley. Download offline maps or use Google Maps offline for backup.

From Grand Canyon to Sedona:

The drive takes around 2.5 hours via AZ-64 S and AZ-89A S. Driving after dark is not recommended due to wildlife on the road and winding mountain sections near Oak Creek Canyon.
Plan to leave the Grand Canyon no later than 4-4:30 pm to reach Sedona before sunset (around 6:30-7:00 pm in mid-April).

Maximizing your time at Grand Canyon:

Stick to the South Rim viewpoints that are accessible by car or shuttle, such as Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View Drive. These give iconic views without long hikes.
If you like short walks, the Rim Trail has paved sections with spectacular views suitable for all ages.

In Sedona:

Since you’re not very adventurous hikers, focus on scenic drives (Red Rock Scenic Byway and Oak Creek Canyon) and short, easy trails near your hotel.
Your Broken Arrow Pink Jeep tour is a highlight—it provides off-road access to some of Sedona’s most famous formations without strenuous effort.
For shopping and dining, Uptown Sedona offers art galleries, boutiques, and a variety of restaurants.

Additional tips:

Leave early each morning to maximize daylight and avoid traffic delays.
Carry water, snacks, and layers, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly in April, especially in the high desert.
Check sunrise/sunset times for the Grand Canyon and Sedona to time photography and scenic stops.

Overall, your itinerary is ambitious but feasible with early starts, limited stops, and strategic planning. You’ll see spectacular scenery without needing strenuous hikes, and your accommodations are well-positioned for easy access to key sights.

Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Sedona

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