Going to the GC from Scottsdale. Sounds like there
are different ways to get there and back. I understand it's about a 4 hour drive. If we are driving 4 hours each way, we would like to catch some different sites along the way and have some decent places to stop along the way too. Any advise on which are the best routes, or any unique places to stop along the way?
Contributor 
2,755 posts
45 reviews 
21 helpful votes Great minds, RedRox:-)
Great advise as usual. I'm a planner and getting these tips and directions really helps me feel informed. Thanks again!
Contributor
2,755 posts
45 reviews
21 helpful votes I know what you mean. You should see the binders I put together for trips. Waaaayyy too organized for my own good!
Contributor
68,323 posts
250 reviews
250 helpful votes My upcoming 9 day trip is down to a 10 page file folder. I'm packing light...
Hi
I will be in Arizone in September - first time and from Australia (and never driven a car in the US or overseas - we drive on the other side of the road).
I need some tips please:
I have family to visit in Scottsdale but can only spare 1 night there.
Am thinking of LAs Vegas, driving to Grand Canyon (or just do a tour from Vegas?) and then drive to Scottsdale. How far is Vegas from Scottsdale (in hours, if driving please)?
Am I kidding myself. If South Rim is about 5.5hrs from Vegas, I'm left with a few hours at the Park, and then have to drive down to Scottsdale. How long will it take to get from the South Rim to Scottsdale? I have no idea and don't really want to over do it. As we are thinking of leaving Scottsdale the following evening to fly to New York...
Contributor
18,230 posts
95 reviews
98 helpful votes It's always better to create your own post rather than add one to someone else's post.
Save the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas for a future trip. Las Vegas to GCNP is 5 hours, then GCNP to Scottsdale is 4 hours. You just fly to Phoenix and go to Scottsdale.
Jmmm,
I'm planning to do this same trip, but over 2 days. I assume the route will be the same that was detailed, but can you tell me how you'd do it (with stops, etc) over 2 days? Many thanks!
Contributor
4,970 posts
39 reviews
44 helpful votes Northbound, the best stop is in Sedona, (for lunch or breakfast, depending on your time of departure from Scottsdale), then take route north out (89A) of uptown through Oak Creek Canyon (stop at the overlook for the view) until it drops you onto I-17 again. Other possible stops along I-17 northbound would include Montezuma's Castle for ancient Native American cave dwellings/ruins, Flagstaff Historic District (Macy's coffee cafe or Beaver St. Brewery), Lowell Observatory, Riordan Mansion, NAU, all in Flagstaff. Williams is a quaint small town off I-40, with JD's Espresso cafe (best donuts in Northern AZ), antique stores and Route 66 memorabilia. North of Flag on 89 is Sunset Crater NP and Wupatki Natl monument.
Just make sure you save plenty of time for the GC. Book your overnight in the park or in Tusayan as soon as you can, they fill up fast.
-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-
This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.
To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html
We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.
