Arrive tomorrow. A few questions

Question

Hi all. Extremely last minute trip to AZ. Will arrive supper time in Mesa. Thought is to spend 3 nights in Scottsdale area (S,S,M) then head to Sedone for two nights (T,W) and then spend two back in Scottsdale or Mesa before flying back next Saturday. Made reservations at the restaurant near Airport Mesa one night at 7:30 pm… how early should we arrive for parking? Or should we just view sunset and eat somewhere else? My husband has not been to the GC so thought is to do a day trip from Sedona on Wednesday with an early out. How early? Would we enter at the South Entrance? I have done some hiking in Sedona in the past but not in the Mesa/Phoenix/scottsdale area. Any recommendations there? Would say I am a moderate difficult hiker… if difficult, I usually tell myself I have no business doing the hike! Don’t want to be too busy as we would enjoy some down time as well. Recommended stops from Phoenix to Sedona? Lodging recommendations in Mesa area? Maybe nice poolside reading area after morning hiking. Will be staying near Old Town Scottsdale for the first three nights. Thank you VERY much!

Answer

You have a nice, relaxed Arizona itinerary planned with a mix of Scottsdale, Sedona, and a day trip to the Grand Canyon. Here’s a detailed breakdown and recommendations for your questions:

Restaurant near Airport Mesa in Sedona

For a 7:30 pm reservation near Airport Mesa, arriving 15–20 minutes early is usually sufficient for parking, especially on weekdays or outside peak tourist months. Airport Mesa parking can fill quickly around sunset (roughly 6:30–7:00 pm in late spring/early summer), so if you want to catch sunset before dinner, consider arriving 30–45 minutes early to secure a spot and take photos.
If parking looks crowded or sunset viewing is important, you could enjoy the sunset first from the Airport Mesa viewpoint and then drive to another restaurant for dinner, or time your dinner reservation slightly later to overlap with sunset.

Day trip to Grand Canyon from Sedona

Entering the South Rim is the standard choice from Sedona. The drive takes roughly 2.5–3 hours one-way. Leaving early, around 6:30–7:00 am, will give you more time at the canyon before crowds build.
Recommended stops along the way: Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive (on Route 89A), viewpoints like Slide Rock State Park (short visit if time allows), and Flagstaff for a quick coffee or breakfast break.
At the Grand Canyon, popular viewpoints within easy walking distance include Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Grand Canyon Village. If you prefer a short hike, consider the Rim Trail (moderate, paved in sections) or the Bright Angel Trail for a partial descent (choose your distance carefully; “moderate” hikers usually do 1–2 miles down/up).

Scottsdale/Mesa hiking recommendations

McDowell Sonoran Preserve – Multiple trailheads near Scottsdale. Moderate options include Gateway Loop (4–5 miles) with scenic desert views and some elevation.
Pinnacle Peak Park – Moderate hike with rocky terrain, about 3.5 miles round trip. Good views of surrounding desert and Scottsdale area.
Brown’s Ranch Trailhead – Offers several moderate trails, loops from 3–6 miles, less crowded than Pinnacle Peak.
All these trails are suitable for moderate hikers and are safe, well-marked, and provide opportunities to stop and enjoy desert scenery.

Scenic stops on drive from Phoenix to Sedona

Scottsdale/Mesa: Camelback Mountain for a short viewpoint stop if desired.
Fountain Hills: View the famous fountain and desert town scenery.
Superstition Mountains: Stop at Lost Dutchman State Park or a viewpoint along the way.
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive: Absolutely worth taking the winding road for views, with pullouts for photos and short walks.

Lodging recommendations with poolside reading and relaxation

In Old Town Scottsdale:
- The Scott Resort & Spa – Lively resort with multiple pools, shaded poolside areas, and proximity to Old Town nightlife.
- The W Scottsdale – Trendy, modern, pool-focused with shaded cabanas and bar access.
- The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale – Slightly more suburban feel, large pool area, good for quiet relaxation post-hike.
In Mesa:
- Arizona Golf Resort / Arizona Grand Resort & Spa – Spacious pool and leisure areas, family-friendly but also relaxing for adults.
- Some smaller boutique hotels near Mesa Tempe area offer quiet pool areas for reading and downtime.

Overall, your plan allows for a balance of activity and downtime. Leaving early for the Grand Canyon from Sedona maximizes your time at the rim. Scottsdale/Mesa has plenty of moderate hikes and poolside relaxation options. Catching sunset near Airport Mesa is feasible if you plan 30–45 minutes ahead, or you can enjoy the sunset separately before heading to dinner.