Preparing stage

Question

Plan on flying in to phoenix and driving to Sedona April25. Leaving for GC on 27. Head to MV on the 29. Back to Phoenix on the 30 and fly home May 1. Is this too much to ask?

Answer

Your proposed itinerary is ambitious but definitely doable if you are comfortable with a fairly active pace and a lot of driving. Let’s break it down by legs and what to expect:

Phoenix → Sedona (April 25)

The drive from Phoenix to Sedona is about 115–120 miles and typically takes around 2–2.5 hours. Plan to leave early to maximize daylight in Sedona.
Once in Sedona, you can explore some of the scenic spots like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, or Oak Creek Canyon. A few hours of hiking or sightseeing is feasible even after your drive.

Sedona → Grand Canyon (April 27)

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is about 110–115 miles from Sedona, around 2–2.5 hours driving.
You can plan to spend the afternoon/evening viewing the canyon. If you want to catch sunset, plan your departure from Sedona accordingly.
Accommodation near the Grand Canyon may be limited, so booking in advance is recommended.

Grand Canyon → Monument Valley (April 29)

This is a longer drive, roughly 320 miles and around 5–6 hours depending on stops. Leaving early in the morning will give you more daylight for sightseeing.
Consider planning a few scenic stops along the way, such as Navajo Nation viewpoints, but be realistic with timing.
Monument Valley is spectacular at sunrise and sunset, so try to time your arrival to enjoy the views and photography.

Monument Valley → Phoenix (April 30)

This is another long drive, approximately 330–350 miles, about 6 hours. Plan for breaks and refueling.
You’ll likely arrive in Phoenix late afternoon or early evening, giving you time to rest before your flight home on May 1.

Considerations:

This itinerary involves multiple long drives and limited rest days. Make sure everyone in your party is comfortable with driving and limited downtime.
Booking accommodations in advance is essential, especially in Sedona and Grand Canyon, as April is a popular travel month.
Leave some flexibility for weather conditions or unexpected delays.
Consider starting days early to maximize sightseeing and avoid feeling rushed.

Overall, your plan is feasible if you are fine with an active pace and enjoy driving. It’s not overly packed, but it will require careful time management to ensure you see the highlights without feeling exhausted.

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