Last minute trip plan GC and Sedona. What to do first day?

Question

My husband and I (50s) just booked a last minute trip to see the Grand Canyon. We have never been. We leave in less than two weeks, so tried to make a quick plan and book lodging. We will arrive at Mesa airport late on a Thursday night, so we will just get our rental car and a hotel. Probably won't get too early of a start on Friday, but looking for suggestions for this day and night. We booked 2 nights in Tusayan (Sat night and Sunday) to spend at Grand Canyon. We will be leaving there Monday and going to Sedona to stay Monday night until Thursday morning. Flight will be Thursday afternoon out of Mesa Gateway. Would appreciate any ideas of what to do with that first Friday and where to stay before heading to Tusayan on Saturday. We enjoy natural scenic beauty, and have never been to Arizona. Thank you in advance!

Answer

Since you’ll be arriving late Thursday night at Mesa Gateway and renting a car, Friday will be your first full day in Arizona. Considering your interests in natural scenic beauty and your timeline, here’s a detailed plan for that day and lodging suggestions before heading to Tusayan for the Grand Canyon.

Friday Plan – Explore Natural Beauty on the Way to Grand Canyon:

Morning: Depending on your energy and start time, consider heading north toward Flagstaff or the surrounding areas. A scenic route is via AZ-87 N to Payson and then AZ-260 W to the Mogollon Rim. The Rim offers stunning views of pine forests and canyons – a beautiful first introduction to Arizona’s landscapes.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Continue toward Sedona if you’d like a short stop to enjoy red rock scenery, even if only briefly. Alternatively, stay along the Flagstaff corridor for a less rushed experience.
Lunch: Stop in Payson, Pine, or Flagstaff for a local casual meal. These towns have small diners and cafes with hearty Southwestern food.
Afternoon: Spend some time at scenic spots such as Oak Creek Canyon (just before Sedona). A short walk or viewpoint stop will give you iconic Arizona vistas without requiring a strenuous hike.
Evening: Consider staying overnight in Flagstaff. This is about halfway to the Grand Canyon from Mesa and puts you in a convenient position to drive to Tusayan on Saturday. You could also enjoy a short stroll downtown, which has historic charm and restaurants.

Lodging Options for Friday Night:

Flagstaff area hotels/motels: mid-range chains like Little America Flagstaff, Drury Inn, or Hilton Garden Inn – safe and comfortable, close to downtown.
Bed and Breakfast or boutique inns near Flagstaff or Sedona if you prefer something cozier.
Consider staying closer to Oak Creek Canyon if you want a nature-focused overnight rather than in a city.

Tips for Your First Day:

Fuel up in larger towns; rural roads toward the Grand Canyon have limited services.
Pack layers – mornings and evenings can be cool in May.
Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to check traffic times to optimize your drive time and stops.
Stay hydrated and bring snacks, especially if taking scenic stops or short walks along Oak Creek or Mogollon Rim.

This plan allows you to ease into Arizona scenery without rushing, enjoy natural beauty on the way north, and position yourself for an early start to the Grand Canyon on Saturday.

Last minute trip plan GC and Sedona. What to do first day?

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