Suggestions for top attractions: Phoenix, Sedona, GC

Question

Hi all - my husband and I are in our late 60’s and visiting this area in April. Not sure we’ll make it this way again and want to see the top attractions. We’ll be flying in/out of Phoenix. I am honestly overwhelmed with all the information and places to see so I need help whittling it all down to the top attractions. We’re in decent shape, but both of us have back issues (so no off road jeep tours). We’ll be renting a car and driving is not an issue (and we’ll make sure we’re not driving in the desert at night). We enjoy a blend of sightseeing, easy hiking, with some down time baked in. Would love some suggested itineraries for roughly 6 days. And thank you in advance.

Answer

For a six-day Arizona trip in April for travelers in their late 60s with back issues, focusing on Phoenix, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon, you can craft an itinerary that balances sightseeing, light hiking, and downtime. Since you’ll have a rental car, driving between destinations will be convenient, but it’s smart to avoid long drives at night.

Suggested 6-Day Itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrival in Phoenix: Arrive in Phoenix, pick up your rental car, and check into your hotel. Take a relaxing afternoon visiting the Desert Botanical Garden for a leisurely walk among the desert flora. Optionally, enjoy a casual dinner in downtown Scottsdale or at your hotel.
Day 2 – Phoenix & Surroundings: Start with a visit to the Heard Museum to explore Native American art and culture. After lunch, drive up to South Mountain Park or Papago Park for scenic views and very easy walking trails. Return to your hotel for downtime or a poolside rest.
Day 3 – Drive to Sedona: Early morning drive (~2 hours). Stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument on the way. Check into your Sedona accommodation and spend the afternoon strolling around Uptown Sedona for shops, galleries, and easy walks. Evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying a sunset viewpoint like Airport Mesa.
Day 4 – Sedona Scenic Day: Explore Red Rock State Park for gentle trails with spectacular views. Optional short walks include Bell Rock or Cathedral Rock base trails (no climbing required). Schedule some relaxation time at your resort or enjoy a spa treatment if available. Consider an early evening drive to Schnebly Hill or Red Rock Crossing for sunset photos.
Day 5 – Grand Canyon Day Trip: Drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon (~2.5–3 hours). Use the shuttle system to stop at viewpoints such as Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View. Walk short paved trails along the rim for scenic views without strenuous hiking. Enjoy lunch at El Tovar or another rim-side restaurant. Return to Sedona in the evening or consider a hotel near the Grand Canyon if preferred for less driving.
Day 6 – Return to Phoenix and Departure: Drive back to Phoenix (~2 hours). Depending on your flight time, you could stop at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village in Sedona or enjoy a short stop at Montezuma Well near Camp Verde. Return rental car and fly home.

Tips & Recommendations:

All stops are suitable for gentle walking; avoid trails with steep inclines due to back issues.
Reserve Grand Canyon lunch or shuttle tickets in advance to minimize wait times.
Plan to drive early in the day to avoid desert heat and wildlife at dusk/dawn.
Pack sun protection and stay hydrated; April weather is typically warm but can have chilly mornings in Sedona and at the Grand Canyon.
Accommodations in Sedona with views of red rocks will enhance the experience and offer relaxation time without long drives.
Consider alternating sightseeing with mid-day downtime to reduce fatigue.

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of culture, scenery, light hiking, and relaxation, maximizing your time in Arizona while keeping walking and strenuous activity manageable for travelers with back issues.

Suggestions for top attractions: Phoenix, Sedona, GC

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