Itinerary help: 7 days Page & Sedona

Question

I've been piece-mealing a rough itinerary for our upcoming trip based on many of the threads in this forum. I'm embarrassed by how many questions I still have after reading so much already.

This is our first visit. We’re looking forward to seeing interesting rock formations, archaeology like petroglyphs/pueblos/cliff dwellings, dark skies, getting a bit of water time, and resting. I'm looking for advice about whether our drive times are realistic, whether to rearrange the order of activities in Page, and especially our unplanned time in Sedona.

This is for 8 nights in late June.

Tuesday: land PHX 8:45pm. Overnight Tempe Mission Palms

Wednesday: Retrieve rental car, drive to Page. Stop at Wupatki Pueblo, and perhaps somewhere else. Eat dinner along the drive, continue into Page. Overnight Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell

Thursday: Antelope Canyon (Either Upper or Waterholes?). All tours say no bags and bring water. Do we just carry our water bottles in our hands? We would enjoy getting on the water either kayak, float, or white water. I see a kayak tour via Groupon on Lake Powell to Waterholes Canyon. The tour leaves at 8am. How challenging would this be? Is there any shade at that hour? Any idea what the water level will be like when parking kayaks at the canyon? Alternatively, is there any way to get on the water in the late afternoon? I’m worried the sun will be too strong on the open lake in the afternoon. It looks like white water is only available for multi day tours. Does anyone know of a half day white water option?

Friday: Drive to Monument Valley. Self tour or join guided tour?

Saturday: Leave Page and drive to Sedona. Stop at Horseshoe Bend, visit GCNP South Rim entrance, arrive late to Sedona. Overnight Hyatt Vacation Club Pinon Pointe.

Sunday, Monday and Tuesday= ???? We have no idea what to do here other than lounge poolside, staring at red rocks. Any must-do hikes? Archaeology nearby? Best stargazing spots? Or should we move GCNP to Monday as a full day trip rather than squeezing in to our Saturday drive?

Wednesday: Morning drive back to PHX.

I wonder if we should stay in Page until Sunday, which would allow for a float day, but worry 2 full days in Sedona isn't enough.

Answer

Your itinerary for Page and Sedona in late June looks exciting, and with a few adjustments, you can balance sightseeing, water activities, archaeology, and relaxation without feeling rushed. Late June will be hot in Arizona, especially in Page and Sedona, so planning around the heat is key.

Arrival and Tempe: Landing late Tuesday at PHX and staying overnight in Tempe is perfect. Pick up your rental car Wednesday morning and start your drive to Page.

Wednesday: Tempe → Page

Wupatki Pueblo is a good stop, but note it may be very hot in the midday sun. Carry water and wear sun protection.
Consider also stopping at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument for a short hike or scenic views. It’s near Wupatki and adds geological interest.
Dinner along the route can be planned in Flagstaff or Cameron Trading Post for a Navajo-style meal.

Thursday: Antelope Canyon + Water Activity

Upper Antelope Canyon is the most famous and photogenic; Waterholes Canyon is less crowded but narrower and with fewer tour options.
Tours usually advise carrying minimal items. Bring a small, handheld water bottle. Hydration packs are not allowed inside some canyon areas.
Kayak tours on Lake Powell to Waterholes Canyon at 8 am are doable for beginners, but it will be sunny with little shade. Sunscreen, hats, and light clothing are essential. Water levels vary but the lake is generally calm at that hour; float trips later in the day may be very hot with direct sun.
Half-day white water rafting is available through local outfitters (e.g., Glen Canyon Dam releases or short sections of the Colorado River). Check with local operators for June schedules; many offer morning trips to avoid heat.

Friday: Page → Monument Valley

Driving from Page to Monument Valley is about 2–2.5 hours. Consider a guided tour for Navajo cultural insight and access to areas you can’t drive yourself, especially if you want photography at iconic spots.
Self-tour is fine if you’re comfortable driving dirt roads and sticking to main viewpoints.

Saturday: Monument Valley → Sedona

Drive to Sedona (~3.5–4 hours). Stop at Horseshoe Bend early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.
Visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon en route is doable but will be brief. Consider if you want a full day there instead of squeezing it in.

Sunday–Tuesday: Sedona

Hikes: Short to moderate hikes with amazing views include Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Boynton Canyon. Morning or late afternoon is best for cooler temperatures.
Archaeology / cultural sites: Palatki Heritage Site and Honanki Ruins offer cliff dwellings and petroglyphs near Sedona.
Stargazing: Sedona is a Dark Sky Community. Schnebly Hill Road or Airport Mesa are great spots for night sky viewing.
Relaxation: Allocate poolside or spa time at your Hyatt Vacation Club accommodations to rest between excursions.

Alternative planning tips:

Consider staying in Page until Sunday morning for a full float day on Lake Powell. This allows a more relaxed water experience and reduces the need to rush through canyons.
If you move the Grand Canyon visit to Monday, you can take a full day at the South Rim without feeling rushed. This may mean leaving Page earlier on Saturday morning or skipping Monument Valley, depending on priorities.
Keep drives manageable in the heat: start early for longer stretches and schedule stops for hydration and shade.

In summary, your current itinerary works but could benefit from a bit more flexibility for water activities in Page and a more relaxed Sedona schedule. Prioritize early mornings for hikes and water trips, and leave mid-day for indoor or shaded activities. This approach balances adventure, archaeology, and downtime.

Itinerary help: 7 days Page & Sedona

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