Nov. Hiking/Sightseeing Itinerary

Question

Hello!

I'm planning a hiking/sightseeing trip to Arizona in November and I could use some feedback on our itinerary. We're flying into Phoenix late morning Nov. 1 and flying out of Phoenix early afternoon Nov. 8.

Our (very) tentative plan is:

- Rent a car at the airport and drive to Flagstaff

- Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Village/South Rim

- GC to Sedona

- Sedona to Phoenix and stay in Phoenix one night before flying home

We're primarily interested in hiking (moderate difficulty) and experiencing the natural beauty of Arizona (we've never been to the Desert Southwest before).

Would love to get any advice, but my specific questions are:

- Does that sound like a manageable plan?

- Are those the best places to include?

- How many nights would be best for each stop?

- Any concerns about using the South Rim as our base in the GC?

- Any recommendations for specific hikes or scenic destinations?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

Dave

Answer

Hi Dave,

Your tentative itinerary for Arizona in November is generally very doable, especially since you’re focused on moderate hiking and scenic exploration. Here’s a detailed breakdown with suggestions to optimize your trip:

Overall Plan & Feasibility:

Flying into Phoenix and heading straight to Flagstaff is reasonable. Flagstaff makes a great gateway for the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Driving distances in Arizona are moderate, but always factor in some extra time for scenic stops. Your plan to return to Phoenix for one night before flying out is also smart, as it avoids a rushed drive to the airport the same morning.

Suggested Night Allocation:

Flagstaff: 1–2 nights. This gives you time to acclimate to the higher elevation, explore local trails (like Fatman’s Loop or Buffalo Park), and check out historic downtown Flagstaff or Lowell Observatory.
Grand Canyon Village / South Rim: 2 nights. Staying on the South Rim is convenient for sunrise/sunset views and shuttle access. Reservations are recommended if you want to stay inside the park. South Rim lodging can be more expensive but worth it for early access to the trails.
Sedona: 2–3 nights. Sedona is perfect for moderate hikes, vortex sites, and scenic drives. Staying a few nights lets you do a mix of trail hiking and sightseeing (like Red Rock State Park, Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, Bell Rock).
Phoenix: 1 night. You’ll likely arrive late from Sedona, so just an overnight stay is sufficient before your early flight.

Grand Canyon Considerations:

South Rim is the most accessible and scenic for first-time visitors.
Trails like the Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail offer moderate hikes. Consider hiking a few miles down and back rather than to the bottom for a full-day hike.
Use the free park shuttle to move between viewpoints if you prefer less driving.
Check the weather: November can be cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Suggested Hikes & Scenic Spots:

Flagstaff Area: Fatman’s Loop, Lava River Cave (short, unique hike).
Grand Canyon: South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point, Bright Angel Trail to 1.5–3 miles down, Rim Trail for easier walking between viewpoints.
Sedona: Cathedral Rock Trail (moderate, great sunset view), Devil’s Bridge Trail, Bell Rock Pathway (easier hike with great views).
Phoenix (if time allows): Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Trail (moderate, challenging), Papago Park for shorter hikes.

Other Tips:

Book accommodations in advance, especially for the Grand Canyon South Rim.
Rent a comfortable car, as you’ll be driving multiple hours between destinations.
Bring layers, as temperatures can vary widely between Phoenix, Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon.
Consider scenic drives like Oak Creek Canyon between Flagstaff and Sedona, which is beautiful in November light.

In summary, your itinerary is manageable with the suggested night allocations and provides a good mix of moderate hikes, scenic vistas, and desert/western landscapes. The South Rim is ideal for your first Grand Canyon experience, and Sedona offers excellent moderate hiking with iconic scenery.

Nov. Hiking/Sightseeing Itinerary

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