Road Trip

Question

This will be our 2nd trip, last year we did Phoenix to Tucson, Tubac,Tombstone,Bisbee, Douglas, Globe and returned to flight home from Phoenix. This year we would like to head North, possibly to Show Low, Holbrook, Flagstaff,Page, Sedona and back to Phoenix for flight home. We're in our early 70's, no longer hikers,enjoy natural beauty, old ruins with history, a nice scenic ride, not to fussy about accomodations, good food and cold beer. We're planning 10-14 days, and of course we have to see Grand Canyon-thinking of air trip from Page, and maybe a stop in Grand Canyon with car. Open to all recommendations, fairly open budget, and don't mind long rides. Not really interested in crowds, or big cities-but Grand Canyon is a must.

Answer

For a scenic northern Arizona road trip that balances natural beauty, historic sites, and relaxing drives, here’s a suggested itinerary and tips based on your preferences. Since you’re in your early 70s and prefer minimal hiking, I’ve emphasized scenic drives, historic sites, and short walks.

Suggested Route (10–14 Days)

Phoenix to Show Low: Start your trip heading northeast via Payson and the Mogollon Rim. This drive offers beautiful forested scenery and overlooks. Stops along the way can include Tonto Natural Bridge State Park for a short walk to the bridge.
Show Low Area: Enjoy a relaxed stay among the White Mountains. Check out local lakes such as Fool Hollow Lake for scenic drives and gentle walks. There are a few historic downtowns to explore.
Show Low to Holbrook: Take the scenic route via Snowflake and Winslow (historic Route 66). In Holbrook, visit the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert for short, accessible trails and overlooks. Many of the trails are paved or boardwalked, ideal for minimal walking.
Holbrook to Flagstaff: Flagstaff has a historic downtown with Route 66 charm, local breweries, and a lively but manageable city area. You can also drive the scenic Oak Creek Canyon en route to Sedona from Flagstaff.
Flagstaff to Sedona: Enjoy the famous red rock scenery with plenty of pullouts for photos. Sedona offers vortex sites, art galleries, and short easy trails. Slide Rock State Park is fun for a brief stop, even if you don’t plan to hike.
Sedona to Page: Head northeast toward Page, with a possible stop at Cameron Trading Post for history and souvenirs. In Page, consider a scenic flight over the Grand Canyon or helicopter tour if you want a breathtaking view without hiking.
Page Area: Explore Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend with short walks to overlooks. Antelope Canyon tours are mostly guided, easy walks, and perfect for photos. The area offers excellent local eateries and casual dining.
Grand Canyon: If not flying from Page, drive south to the Grand Canyon South Rim for short, easy viewpoints along Desert View Drive and Yavapai Point. Shuttle stops and overlooks allow you to enjoy the scenery without strenuous hiking.
Return to Phoenix: Consider an easy scenic drive via Route 89 and stop in small towns like Williams or Prescott for lunch and local breweries before heading back to Phoenix.

Additional Recommendations

Plan for 2–3 nights in Sedona or Flagstaff to relax and soak in scenery without rush.
Historic sites: Include Old Town Winslow, Meteor Crater near Winslow, and Native American ruins at the Petrified Forest.
Food & Drink: Try local breweries and casual restaurants in Flagstaff, Sedona, and Page. Many offer scenic patios or historic ambiance.
Scenic Flights: Consider a short air tour of the Grand Canyon from Page for stunning views with minimal effort.
Timing: Spring or fall offers cooler weather and fewer crowds, which aligns with your preference to avoid big crowds.

This route balances scenic drives, history, minimal walking, and relaxing stops. You can adjust days per location depending on whether you want to linger more in Sedona, Flagstaff, or Page. The combination of the Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, and Sedona red rocks ensures spectacular, memorable views with manageable activity levels.

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