Itinerary help

Question

Hi everyone!

Originally we were thinking about a Utah Mighty Five trip including Grand Canyon and Sedona and decided to shorten it to closer to a week. So I was wondering what you all thought of this itinerary?

Flying into Paige connecting in Phoenix from Philadelphia.

Overnight in Paige for two nights.

Drive to Monument Valley, one overnight at The View.

Drive to Grand Canyon, enter East Rim and overnight at El Tovar

Drive to Sedona and spend three nights there.

Drive to Phoenix and spend one night there. Catch a late afternoon flight home to Philadelphia.

I don't see us doing any strenuous hikes, we pretty much will check out many of the different overlooks. If we do hike it would be no more than 2 mi round trip. Will do at least one of the slot canyons in Paige and check out Glen Canyon Dam. Expecting to spend the last day in Sedona not doing much, just relaxing.

What do you think?

Answer

Your one-week Arizona itinerary looks very doable and nicely balanced, especially since you want to focus on scenic viewpoints and minimal hiking. It offers a mix of iconic landscapes, cultural experiences, and relaxation time at the end, which is perfect for a shorter trip.

Here’s a breakdown of your plan with some suggestions and tips:

Page, 2 nights: This gives you enough time to see Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam, and at least one slot canyon (Antelope Canyon is the most popular, with tours generally lasting 1-2 hours). Consider booking the slot canyon tour in advance, as these can fill up quickly, especially in mid-week or summer months.
Monument Valley, 1 night at The View: The overnight at The View is ideal for sunrise and sunset photography. You can drive or take a guided tour through the valley, which covers many scenic spots with minimal walking required. One night is sufficient for the main highlights.
Grand Canyon East Rim, 1 night at El Tovar: The East Rim (Desert View Drive) is quieter than the South Rim and allows for multiple scenic stops without crowds. El Tovar is very convenient, centrally located with iconic canyon views. Since you’re not doing strenuous hikes, focus on overlooks like Desert View, Moran Point, and Lipan Point, all accessible with short walks.
Sedona, 3 nights: Three nights is a good amount of time to relax, enjoy scenic drives like Red Rock Scenic Byway, explore short trails (Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock viewpoint), and enjoy local dining and art galleries. Keeping the last day low-key is smart to avoid fatigue.
Phoenix, 1 night: Perfect for a final restful evening before your flight. If you have time, you could visit Papago Park or enjoy a casual dinner in Old Town Scottsdale before heading to the airport.

Additional tips and considerations:

Check driving distances and plan departure times to avoid extreme heat or crowded periods, especially in mid-August.
Book lodging and popular tours (slot canyons, Monument Valley) well in advance.
Keep your schedule flexible in case you want to linger at particularly stunning viewpoints or for unexpected photo opportunities.
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes for short hikes and overlook walks.
If you have any interest in cultural experiences, consider a short Navajo guided tour at Monument Valley or exploring Sedona’s Native American heritage sites.

Overall, your itinerary is well-paced, minimizing long consecutive driving days and including both adventure and relaxation. It allows you to experience Arizona’s highlights without being rushed and is appropriate for casual exploration of each site.

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