What to do around South Rim, Grand Canyon? (Phoenix, Flagstaff: hotel, home) - Arizona (AZ) - City-Data Forum

aiwei · 10-04-2011, 10:47 AM

My husband and an out-of-town friend are planing to go to Grand Canyon. They have about 2 and a half days and I thought they should have enough time to do stuff around the South Rim, GC.

The problem is we moved here since '08 and have not even made it there ourselves. So we really do not know what is there and where to go. I am hoping some of you could give me ideas.

Our friend is arriving on 10/25 @Skyharbor Airport and leaves on 10/28. I suggested they drive to Flagstaff and stay the night. Then drive to GC the next morning and start their "tour."

So far, I found in AZ Rep's Travel section, Shoshone Point @ South Rim has a mile long trail with a look-out at the end. Sounds like a easy hike with a nice view.

I also could use suggestions on lodging for the guys. Hotel or motel rooms equiped with 2 beds or bed/sofa bed combo.

Last question, how far is the N. Rim to the S. Rim? Is it possible for them to do a drive around the Rim in 2 days? (Just wondering)

Thanks in advance!

AksarbeN · 10-04-2011, 12:54 PM

Check out the website Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service) and you’ll have most of the answers you’re looking for. There is also lodging in the Grand Canyon National Park that you’ll want to be able to stay at if possible.

There should be enough to keep you busy at the south rim, however the “east” rim area typically has fewer visitors and just as interesting as the area of the “south” rim. Shoshone Point, East Rim Drive, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Driving from the airport to Flagstaff is a good idea, it’s two hours at best and from the airport you’re looking more towards a three hour drive trip, a lot depends on traffic rush hours trying to get out of Phoenix.

If you have extra time (could be a problem) you might want to drive through Sedona and view the redrock area.

aiwei · 10-04-2011, 01:25 PM

AksarbeN, thx. I downloaded the trip planner from NPS and found it helpful. I did not know it is 2+ hrs from Sky Harbor to Flagstaff; perhaps they could tour the Lowell Observertory that night (?)

Visiting Sedona on the way back is a good idea. Thanks!

AZ Tracy · 10-04-2011, 01:29 PM

I agree with AksarbeN, that a drive on the way home through Sedona (89 at southern part of Flagstaff) would be great. But, do it on the way home, so you can drive down through Oak Creak Canyon.

There are also lots of places to stop along Historic Route 66.

Havasu is another option. If money is no object, you can take a helicopter ride down to Supai Village and then it's just a 2 mile hike to the falls - absolutely beautiful!

AksarbeN · 10-04-2011, 08:52 PM

It should be a great time with the changing of colors on the trees in the upper elevations. Hwy 89 out of Flag along Oak Creak Canyon might be just the right time for this. Might have to pack warmer clothing or jacket also for the trip?

aiwei · 10-04-2011, 10:20 PM

We kept our winter jackets from IL just for this reason :-)

nightnurse613 · 10-05-2011, 06:17 AM

As a side note, although it will be the off season, parking can be difficult at times. Your first stop should be the Visitor Center. From there you will find buses that take you over several of the more popular routes. While at the GC you can leave the VC and walk all the way to the main village - the path is fairly level HOWEVER you are at about 7000 feet and the air can be a little thin! There are two approaches to the GC, I think the quickest (and safest) is out I-40 towards Williams and then north. Williams has a train tour to the GC (which is kind of unique) - you can get a tour package for motel and round trip train from Grand Canyon Railroad. I would allow almost another two hours from Flagstaff to GC if you are driving. I agree that a quick side trip to Sedona (coming or going) would be worthwhile (although the driver may not enjoy the winding mountain road thru Oak Creek Canyon).