Rough Itinerary Review Please?

Question

This is a bit 'whirl-wind" but can you let me know if it sounds do-able and where are "must see" stops. We will be traveling in October for 7 days/6 nights.

---Sat - arrive in Phoenix around 1 PM - Drive to Sedona - maybe stop at Montezuma Castle - get dinner in Sedona, maybe catch a sunset. Spend the night in Sedona.

---Sun - spend some time around Sedona, hope to see many of the red rocks on travels north to Valle I'd like to get to Valle by around 4 PM, so I hope to have time to stop for a one-hour hike. I don't know if there is much to see/do on the way to Valle. Spend the night in Valle.

---Mon - Drive early morning to Williams to catch the Grand Canyon Railway. Spend a few hours at the GC and return to Williams for an evening stay.

---Tues - Drive to Flagstaff. Will have the day in Flagstaff, maybe visit Oak Creek Canyon. Stay over in Flagstaff

---Wed - Wake early for a day tour to Antelope Canyon and return for stay in Flagstaff.

---Thursday - Drive to Scottsdale, hoping to see lovely scenery on the way past Sedona area.

Have dinner in downtown Scottsdale, stay the night.

---Friday - Leave early to fly home.

Restaurant and Scenery Place recommendations are welcome. Thanks for reading :)

Answer

Your itinerary is ambitious but definitely doable, especially in October when the weather is generally pleasant. You have a good mix of scenic drives, natural wonders, and small town stops. Here’s a breakdown and some recommendations to help refine your plan.

Saturday – Phoenix to Sedona:

Stopping at Montezuma Castle is a great idea—it’s a quick visit (about 30–45 minutes) and gives a glimpse of Native American history.
In Sedona, try to catch sunset at one of the popular viewpoints like Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, or Red Rock Crossing.
Restaurant recommendation: The Hudson or Mariposa for scenic views and good cuisine.

Sunday – Sedona to Valle:

Allow time in Sedona for a morning hike—Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock are iconic and manageable in 1–2 hours.
On the drive north, consider stopping at Oak Creek Canyon viewpoints; the drive itself is scenic.
Another option is Slide Rock State Park if you want a quick nature stop.
Restaurant in Valle: Diablo Burger (Flagstaff) if you pass through, or smaller local diners in Valle for casual meals.

Monday – Grand Canyon Railway:

Catching the train from Williams is a fun experience, especially if you enjoy historical railways.
At the South Rim, viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View are must-sees.
Even a short walk along the Rim Trail gives stunning vistas without strenuous hiking.

Tuesday – Flagstaff / Oak Creek Canyon:

Flagstaff has a charming downtown area with restaurants and breweries.
Oak Creek Canyon is especially beautiful in October with fall colors.
Consider a short hike: West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon is about 3 miles and very scenic.

Wednesday – Antelope Canyon day tour:

Book a morning tour to Antelope Canyon; expect a 2–3 hour tour plus driving time.
Don’t miss Horseshoe Bend nearby for a quick scenic stop and photo opportunity.
Return to Flagstaff for the night; dinner options include Beaver Street Brewery or Lumberyard Brewing Company for casual, local food.

Thursday – Drive to Scottsdale:

The drive via Sedona offers beautiful scenery again; you could stop for photos or a short hike if desired.
Scottsdale dining options: FnB for upscale local cuisine, Citizen Public House for a modern American meal.
Evening stroll in Old Town Scottsdale can be pleasant with shops and galleries.

Overall, your itinerary balances travel and sightseeing reasonably well. One suggestion is to keep some flexibility for time at the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon, as driving and tour schedules can be unpredictable. Book Antelope Canyon in advance, as slots fill quickly, especially in October.

Rough Itinerary Review Please?

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