Phoenix to Flagstaff to LAs Vegas

Question

We will have 3-4 days in late March between Phoenix and Las Vegas. We thought we’d spend two nights in Flagstaff as a home base and do some hiking and see Walnut Canyon in that time. We will have two young teens. What should we see and do? We have already done the Pink Jeep tour. Anything else like this?Should we go further to see Antelope Canyon and Zion? Is it not worth doing this in early spring and with the time we have? Any recommendations on what we should see and do in this area and our timeframe is appreciated!

Answer

With 3-4 days between Phoenix and Las Vegas and two nights in Flagstaff as a base, you have a good window to explore northern Arizona’s highlights without overloading your teens. Early spring is generally a good time for hiking and sightseeing, though mornings and higher elevations can still be chilly.

From Flagstaff, your initial plan of hiking and visiting Walnut Canyon is solid. Walnut Canyon National Monument offers cliff dwellings and short, manageable hikes suitable for teens, providing both history and scenic views.

Walnut Canyon: The Island Trail is a loop with staircases leading down to cliff dwellings. It’s short but very rewarding for teens interested in history and photography.
Lowell Observatory: In Flagstaff, this is a fun educational stop for astronomy enthusiasts and teens can enjoy interactive exhibits.
Historic Route 66 and Downtown Flagstaff: Explore the old town charm, shops, and local eateries for a casual afternoon.
Sunset Crater Volcano & Wupatki National Monument: These can be combined in a day trip from Flagstaff to see volcanic landscapes and ancient pueblos.

Regarding Antelope Canyon and Zion, it’s doable but ambitious with your timeframe. Antelope Canyon is about 2.5-3 hours from Flagstaff, and guided tours are required. Zion is about 4 hours further from Page, AZ, which may be tight if you’re planning to stay two nights only in Flagstaff. With two teens, long drives may become tiring and limit your enjoyment.

Option 1 – Focus on Northern Arizona: Spend both nights in Flagstaff and explore Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, Wupatki, and Sedona day trips. This keeps drives manageable and gives more time for hiking and relaxation.
Option 2 – Quick Antelope Canyon Day Trip: Leave early from Flagstaff for Page (2.5-3 hours) to do Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, then return or stay overnight in Page. This is doable but makes the day long.
Option 3 – Include Zion: Requires at least one overnight near Zion, which adds more driving and may reduce time for Flagstaff attractions. Probably not ideal for a 3-4 day window.

For hikes suitable for teens in early spring, focus on:

Bright Angel Trail (short segments) in the Grand Canyon if you want a day trip from Flagstaff.
Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock in Sedona for moderate, scenic hikes with photo opportunities.
Sunset Crater Lava Flow trails for a unique volcanic landscape experience.

Summary: For your 3-4 day timeframe, it’s generally best to stay around Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. Antelope Canyon or Zion are amazing but would require very early starts and long drives, which may be stressful with teens. Focus on scenic, historical, and moderate hikes near Flagstaff for a balanced and enjoyable trip.

Phoenix to Flagstaff to LAs Vegas

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