Week in Flagstaff - asking advice on itinerary

Question

I am putting together a trip for my husband and me, and the plan is slowly coming together. We are 70 and 80 yo, in somewhat decent shape. We can hike a few miles, but beyond 5 miles,most likely it would be tricky.

We are flying from Boston to Chicago on October 18, staying 2 nights. We are taking the Southwest Chief train from Chicago to Flagstaff. We travelled on the California Zephyr last year and loved it. This year, we are trying another route.

If there are no delays, we should arrive in Flagstaff on Tuesday evening, after 8 PM. We decided to make Flagstaff our base for the week. We booked Hilton True fromTueday to Sunday, Oct 21-26. We are Hilton Honors members and will be getting some points for the stay. We like True hotels, they are not expensive, clean, and serve hot breakfast.

I’d like some advice about the following questions:

1. Since we are arriving late to Flagstaff, we probably will check into the hotel, and the next morning pick up our rental car (probably around the airport). We are thinking about spending Wednesday exploring Flagstaff. What are the places that we should see? I was thinking of checking out the Lowell Observatory, but what else should we see? We like historic places, nature places, and some hiking. Is the downtown interesting?

2. Thursday and Friday, we will probably spend driving to and around Sedona. I’ve read on various threads that weekends tend to be very busy in Sedona, so we thought we would try right before the weekend. One day, checking out some scenic byways and drives, and maybe a short hike somewhere. Are there any recommendations on things that should not be missed?

3. The next day we will probably spend exploring the town of Sedona. We can flip the plans if that would be better. Town first, then scenic drives. What are the places in the town that we definitely should check out?

4. Saturday, we would like to drive around Flagstaff. Plans are to include the Walnut Canyon, Wupatki, and Volcano Crater. We would also like to see the Horseshoe Bend. Is that doable in one day?

We have booked one night at the Kachina Lodge Sunday 26. We are planning to travel Sunday morning to the GCNP, spend few hours exploring, check into the lodge, watch the sunset. I will try to get up next morning to see the sunrise. We probably will spend a good part of Monday in the park, then return to Flagstaff in the afternoon. I was planning to book the Little America for one night. I’d like to check it out, since I read so many good things about it.

Most likely, we will fly from Flagstaff to Boston, with a connection probably in Phoenix. The initial plan is to fly out Tuesday, but if there are more things to see, we may extend a day and book the return trip on Wednesday, 29.

I’d appreciate any advice and feedback. Thank you!

Answer

Your itinerary for a week in Flagstaff and surrounding areas looks very doable, especially given your pace and interests. Below is a detailed day-by-day breakdown with suggestions and considerations for an enjoyable and comfortable trip.

Wednesday – Exploring Flagstaff

Since you arrive late Tuesday, picking up the rental car Wednesday morning is perfect. Flagstaff has a nice mix of historic sites, nature, and a walkable downtown. Some highlights include:

Lowell Observatory – Definitely worth a visit for its historic telescopes and astronomy exhibits.
Historic Downtown Flagstaff – Quaint streets with local shops, galleries, and cafes; perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park – A well-preserved 1904 Arts & Crafts-style mansion that gives insight into Flagstaff's history.
Buffalo Park – Easy loop trail with mountain views, suitable for light hiking or a morning jog.

This day can be relaxed and give you time to adjust to the altitude (~7,000 ft).

Thursday & Friday – Sedona and Scenic Drives

Since you prefer to avoid weekend crowds, visiting Sedona midweek is ideal. Suggested activities:

Scenic Drives: Take the Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) and Oak Creek Canyon Drive for breathtaking views.
Short Hikes: Try the Bell Rock Trail or Cathedral Rock Trail; both offer stunning scenery and are manageable under 3 miles.
Chapel of the Holy Cross: Iconic architecture built into the red rocks; great photo stop.
Town Exploration: Uptown Sedona has art galleries, souvenir shops, and cafes; consider visiting Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.

You could swap the days if you prefer starting with scenic drives, then dedicate the second day to the town.

Saturday – Exploring Around Flagstaff

The sites you listed are doable, but Horseshoe Bend is a long drive (about 4 hours one-way from Flagstaff). A more realistic option is to focus on local attractions:

Walnut Canyon National Monument: Easy to moderate hiking trails showcasing cliff dwellings.
Wupatki National Monument: Short walks to ancient pueblo ruins.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument: Short hiking trails around lava fields; very scenic and low elevation change.

If seeing Horseshoe Bend is a priority, it’s better to dedicate a separate day or overnight near Page, AZ rather than trying to fit it all in one day.

Sunday – Grand Canyon Arrival

Drive to South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, spend a few hours exploring viewpoints along Desert View Drive.
Check into Kachina Lodge, enjoy sunset at the canyon.

Monday – Full Day at Grand Canyon

Optional sunrise at the rim.
Easy hikes like the Rim Trail, or part of the Bright Angel Trail if you want a moderate hike. Avoid descending too far.
Return to Flagstaff in the afternoon and consider staying at Little America for a restful evening.

Tuesday – Departure

Fly back to Boston via Phoenix. If you wish to extend the trip to Wednesday, you could use that day for additional nearby sights or simply relax before your flight.

Additional Tips:

Altitude adjustment: Drink plenty of water and take it easy the first day in Flagstaff.
Weather in October: Can be cool in the mornings and evenings, especially at higher elevations. Layered clothing recommended.
Traffic: Midweek in Sedona is ideal; weekend traffic and parking can be challenging.
Car rental: Pickup at the airport is best; downtown car rentals are limited.

Overall, your plan is reasonable, balances sightseeing with easy hikes, and allows flexibility for rest. You will get a great mix of historic sites, scenic drives, and natural beauty without overexertion.