Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Tips from Phoenix to Grand Canyon (2024)

My family of 4 children are flying in to Phoenix. From there, we will be driving to Grand Canyon. I do not have any idea where to stay right now.

I also need suggestion on which route is the best way to drive into Grand Canyon and the best sightseeing spots.

Any suggestion is greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

We were there over Memorial Day weekend. We were 6 adults and rented a mini van from Advantage, who has the best price.

We got in about 10am and drove up to the East entrance of the Canyon, and used the first day seeing the sites and taking the Desert View Drive (3-4 stops).

We stayed right outside the South Entrance at the Holiday Inn Express, and explored the rest of the canyon around the South entrance the following day.

Bring layers. It was 100 degrees in Phoenix and we had snow that evening in the Grand Canyon area.

You have no idea where to stay in Phoenix or GC? How long will you be staying in Phoenix, only overnight? If you have time to enjoy it, kids LOVE Hilton Pointe Squaw Peak with its water park http://www.pointehilton.com/indexsp.cfm
(me too)

Just use mapquest or similar to find route from Phx to GC. It's a very nice drive to Flagstaff, then on to the South Rim from there, if that's your destination.

Places to stop or drive on the way to or from the Grand Canyon.

Montezuma's Castle National Monument http://www.nps.gov/moca/ is about 90 miles north of Phoenix on I-17.

You might consider a sight seeing detour to Sedona which is off I-17 just above Montezuma's Castle.

I'd enter the Grand Canyon by driving either Hwy 64 north from Williams, AZ or Hwy 180 from Flagstaff.

I'd exit the Grand Canyon at Desert View and drive to Cameron, AZ. Then south on Hwy 89. If you have time, make the Hwy 395 loop pass Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater. Then in Flagstaff take I-17 back to Phoenix.

Utahtea

Some random thoughts:

The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak is a great choice and AAA has some excellent rates if you book with them. The hotel restaurants are pricey but there is a very nice option 1/4 block away: Aunt Chilada's. You can even walk there if you want.

On I-17, between Phoenix and Camp Verde, the road begins climbing and going up in elevation rapidly. You will encounter a roadside sign that advises all drivers to shut off their air conditioning so as not to overheat the engine. Do exactly what the sign says, no matter how hot it may be outside. Last month, we saw a van that was pulling a small trailer. Apparently they did not do this and the entire front end of the van was engulfed in bright orange flames!

Hwy 180 from Flagstaff was recommended by AAA as being more scenic. We thought so too.

Wow...Thank you so much for all of your tips. Can you tell me if it is safe for woman to drive around with 4 kids? My friend who lives in Phoenix decided today to cancel the trip.

That will leave me alone driving the kids. Since we already booked the flight, we can not cancel it.

I will definitely check into the Hilton Water Park. It sounds a lot of fun for the kids and I am so glad it is not 100 degree up in GC.

We have 8 days for our trip. Would like to do as much as we can exploring GC. However, I have a 5 years old son I don't know if going to too many places will tire him or not.

Also, I used to go to Lake Tahoe and I am very afraid to drive this kind of similar road. If GC's road is similar to that, please let me know.

Thanks.

As a woman, I would not hesitate to drive any of these roads, alone or with children. It's a fairly straight-forward drive. But we're all diffent, so it depends upon your own comfort level.

Don't worry, you 5 year old will love the Grand Canyon. There is so much to do for all age levels. However, if you don't yet have any reservations there, that could be a problem. When is your trip?

We are going end of July.

I just found some information on Grand Canyon Rail Way offering 3 nights lodging. Train from Williams to GC. Including some breakfasts, lunch, dinner. All for $1200 w/ 20% discount for AAA member.

Do you have any experience w/ this train tour?

Thanks.

The 5 year old will probably like riding the free shuttle bus to the many overlooks.

I've never done the train trip, but I do know that you do not see the canyon from the train. The drive from Williams north on Hwy 64 is an easy drive. Exiting on Hwy 64 towards Cameron, you will drop down in elevation and have a few curves..but nothing really bad. Hwy 89 back to Flagstaff is pretty straight.

Utahtea

Thank you for all your post.

I was able to book two nights at Yavapai Lodge in GC.

I will definitely stay in Sedona a few nights. May be the Best Western or the Hyatt. Hyatt is very pricey at 199/night.

In Phoenix, Thanks for all your input. We will stay a few days at the Hilton. You are correct. The AAA card does come in very handy!

We are leaving on July 22. I will post my report after I come back then!

Happy 4th of July to all!

Thanks arewethereyet.

I got the reservation at the Hampton Inn Sedona. The Hilton is a little pricey at around $180/night. I saw there are a lot of good reviews about the Hampton Inn. Although I do not know if the location is good or not.

We will be staying at Scottsdale's Marriott JW Resort driving straight from GC. Do you think this is a long drive with four kids? They have a promotion when I booked the hotel at only $113/night.

I am still keeping the Point Hilton Squaw Creek Resort. I also have a very good deal at $117/night there.

I will check out the Hilton at Sedona again and if they have a good deal, I will switch my hotel to there.

Thanks again for all of your help out there!

Yes, it is the Camel Back Inn. Is this resort good for the kids? I don't see any photos about the water slide and free breakfast like most Marriott chains offer.

Thanks

I am thinking of changing the Hampton hotel in sedona to the Sky ranch lodge. I have read a lot of good report of the good view and the price is also not very high considering to other offering the same view in the area.

The only draw back is that they don't have the breakfast for the kids.

Thanks.