Need help with planning an itinerary - appr 3.5 - 4 days?

Question

Hello,

We are a family of 3 - 2 adults and a teen girl. Planning a trip to Sedona, GC and possibly other places to visit.

How should we plan our trip?

- Fly to Phoenix on Sat morning April 19 ( possibly Fri night April 18th) - rent a car.

- Drive to Sedona ( not professional hikers but would love to go for a nice hike, easy access from the hotel/trails suggestions/biking/other fun activities etc.? Where to stay?

We are foodies so good recommendations for places to eat are appreciated) - how many days to stay? 1/2 Sat, 1 day Sunday and 1 day Monday?

- Drive to Grand Canyon - either stay overnight or drive to Las Vegas or back to Phoenix and catch a flight from there.

- Can we squeeze anything else - Antelope canyon? What is the best plan?

We need to flight out April 23 at night.

Thank you!

Answer

With approximately 3.5–4 days for your trip covering Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and possibly other destinations, careful planning will help you maximize your time without feeling rushed. Here’s a detailed suggestion based on your interests and schedule.

Day 0 / Friday Night (optional): Arrive in Phoenix Friday night if possible. This gives you a relaxed start Saturday morning and avoids rushing directly into the drive to Sedona.

Day 1 / Saturday, April 19: Drive from Phoenix to Sedona (about 2 hours). Depending on your arrival time:

Check into a centrally located hotel in Sedona. Consider staying in West Sedona or near Uptown for easy access to shops, restaurants, and trailheads.
If you arrive mid-day, explore some short and scenic hikes such as:

Bell Rock Trail – easy/moderate, great views and iconic red rock formations
Cathedral Rock Trail – moderate but short; rewarding views for a short hike
Red Rock State Park – easy loops, good for families and a quick nature introduction

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local Sedona restaurant. Options for foodies include:
- Elote Café – Mexican-inspired cuisine
- Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill – upscale dining with views
- The Hudson – casual yet quality American food

Day 2 / Sunday, April 20: Full day in Sedona.

Morning: Choose an easy to moderate hike such as West Fork Trail (about 3 miles round trip, beautiful canyon scenery).
Optional: Bike rentals for short trail rides or e-bike tours.
Afternoon: Explore local art galleries, Sedona Chapel of the Holy Cross, or take a scenic drive along Oak Creek Canyon.
Evening: Sunset viewpoint at Airport Mesa or Red Rock Crossing for photography opportunities, followed by dinner.

Day 3 / Monday, April 21: Drive from Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim (about 2.5–3 hours).

Morning: Depart Sedona early and check into a hotel near the Grand Canyon Village or Tusayan.
Afternoon: Explore viewpoints along Desert View Drive or walk part of the Rim Trail (easy, accessible, several miles if desired).
Optional: Short hike below the rim, such as part of the Bright Angel Trail for a few miles.
Evening: Sunset at Hopi Point or Yaki Point.

Day 4 / Tuesday, April 22: Optional side trip or start heading back toward Phoenix / Las Vegas.

If you want to add Antelope Canyon, this will require a longer drive north to Page (about 4.5 hours from Grand Canyon). Book a guided tour in advance (morning tours recommended for lighting).
Alternative: Spend the morning enjoying the Grand Canyon, then drive back toward Phoenix (or Las Vegas if flying out from there), stopping for scenic breaks.

Day 5 / Wednesday, April 23: Departure day.

If flying out from Phoenix at night, you can use this day for a relaxed drive back from the Grand Canyon, stopping at interesting spots like Flagstaff or small towns along the way.
Make sure to leave enough time for car rental return and airport security.

Additional Tips:

Reserve accommodations and any guided tours (Antelope Canyon, optional bike or jeep tours in Sedona) well in advance.
Start drives early to maximize sightseeing and avoid heavy traffic, especially on scenic routes.
Pack layers, as April temperatures can vary from cool mornings to warm afternoons.
If including Antelope Canyon, consider whether you want to skip some Grand Canyon exploration or plan for a very early start to make it feasible.

With this itinerary, you get a mix of hiking, scenic drives, cultural spots, and foodie experiences while balancing travel time and activity levels for your teen and yourselves.

Need help with planning an itinerary - appr 3.5 - 4 days?

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