⭐️ Day 1: Arrival in Phoenix, Drive to Flagstaff

• Arrive in Phoenix, AZ.
• Pick up a rental car at the airport.
• Drive approximately 2 hours to Flagstaff for the first night. Check into your hotel and take the evening to relax.
• Fun Fact: Flagstaff is not only the gateway to the Grand Canyon but also a former lunar training ground for Apollo astronauts!
• Tip: Explore local dining options and supermarkets in Flagstaff for essentials. Flagstaff offers a range of cuisine that can cater to any palate.

After landing in Phoenix and picking up your rental car, head to Flagstaff, a charming mountain town perfect for an evening stroll and a hearty dinner to fuel up for the adventures ahead.

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⭐️ Day 2: Exploring Sedona

• Drive back approximately 50 mins from Flagstaff to Sedona.
• Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center: 8375 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86351. Gather maps and information for your visit. Start your day here to gather maps and insights on the best trails and sites in Sedona’s stunning red rock landscape.
• Drive through the Red Rock Scenic Byway to enjoy stunning vistas. Enjoy a scenic drive along this byway, which offers breathtaking views of the red sandstone formations and vibrant desert flora.
• Visit the world's only Blue McDonald's for a quick lunch, 2380 W State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336. Stop for a unique experience at the world’s only turquoise-arched McDonald’s, blending perfectly with local aesthetics.

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The McDonald's in Sedona features unique turquoise blue arches instead of the traditional golden ones due to local zoning laws aimed at preserving the natural beauty of the area. The turquoise color was chosen to harmonize with Sedona’s desert surroundings and Southwestern architecture, making this McDonald’s the only one in the world with such a distinction.

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• Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park: This park is home to the Amitabha Stupa, a 36-foot-tall Buddhist monument that serves as a place for meditation and prayer. Surrounded by the red rocks that Sedona is famous for, the park offers a tranquil environment where visitors can walk, meditate, or simply sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
• Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts: Village, 336 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86336. A creative landmark in Sedona with a recreation of a traditional Mexican village. It’s a community of artists to showcase their work and offer delightful experience for everyone to explore.
• Slide Rock State Park: 6871 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336. A must-visit for natural water slides and scenic beauty. Slide Rock State Park, nestled in Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, Arizona, is named for its famous natural water slide, formed from the slippery bed of Oak Creek.
• Fun Fact: Sedona is said to be the center of vortexes that radiate the Earth's power, a reason many feel energized and uplifted here.
• Tip: Return to Flagstaff before sunset. Dinner at a Korean restaurant in Flagstaff. Driving in this area after dark can be challenging due to limited street lighting and wildlife.

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Sedona Local Tours:

Please consider using the affiliate links below for your bookings. Each booking contributes a small commission to help maintain this website, at no additional cost to you. Your support is deeply appreciated—thank you!

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⭐️ Day 3: Grand Canyon South Rim to Page

• Check out from Flagstaff hotel.
• Grand Canyon South Rim: Utilize shuttle services to explore various viewpoints. Visitor Center at Grand Canyon Village, South Rim, AZ 86023. Fee & Passes - https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/fees.htm

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The Grand Canyon South Rim is renowned for its expansive and awe-inspiring views, providing some of the most iconic vistas of the canyon's vast network of gorges, ridges, and rock formations. It is open year-round, unlike the North Rim, which is typically open to visitors from May 15 through October 15 each year. This seasonal accessibility is due to heavy snowfall and the resulting road closures during the winter months, which make it difficult to reach and maintain the area safely. Additionally, a convenient shuttle bus service is available, running throughout the South Rim area, making it easy for visitors to explore various viewpoints and attractions without the need for personal vehicles.

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• Fun Fact: The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep.
• Drive to Horseshoe Bend, Page, AZ. Entrance Fee: Passenger vehicles (car, truck, SUV, RV, motorhome) $10 per vehicle.

Horseshoe Bend is a stunning natural wonder located near the town of Page, Arizona, characterized by its dramatic 270-degree bend in the Colorado River. This iconic geological feature creates a spectacular horseshoe-shaped meander, encircled by towering cliffs of red rock.

• Check into a hotel in Lake Powell, AZ. Spend the night here.
• Tip: Start early to beat the crowds at Horseshoe Bend, especially during peak tourist seasons.

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Grand Canyon Local Tours:

Please consider using the affiliate links below for your bookings. Each booking contributes a small commission to help maintain this website, at no additional cost to you. Your support is deeply appreciated—thank you!

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⭐️ Day 4: Page, AZ - Lake Powell Exploration

• Morning boat tour at Lake Powell. Reserve in advance and meet at Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas, 100 Lakeshore Drive, Page, AZ 86040. Start your day with a guided boat tour, exploring hidden coves and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Powell.
• Visit scenic viewpoints within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: It Offers numerous scenic viewpoints which are perfect for panoramic photos and a deep dive into the area’s natural beauty. Entrance Fee: Passenger vehicles $30 each.

• Upper Antelope Canyon: Book in advance as access is restricted to authorized tours only. Tour this stunning slot canyon, known for its wave-like structure and light beams shining down in the narrow openings, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona, offers two distinct sections, each accessible only through guided tours: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.

Upper Antelope Canyon is more accessible, with a flat entrance and no stairs, making it ideal for families with young children or anyone who prefers an easier walk. It's especially stunning around noon during summer when sunlight beams directly down into the canyon.‍

Lower Antelope Canyon, known as "The Corkscrew," is more challenging with several staircases and tighter spaces. It provides a dynamic visual experience throughout the day, not just at noon, making it appealing for those who enjoy a bit more adventure and are capable of moderate physical activity.

Booking in advance is essential, as only authorized tours can enter, and slots fill up quickly. Choose Upper Antelope for easier access and strong midday light, or Lower Antelope for a more engaging physical experience and continuous photographic opportunities.

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• Fun Fact: Lake Powell is the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States by maximum water capacity.
• Tip: Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the area can get extremely hot and dry.

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Page, AZ Local Tours:

Please consider using the affiliate links below for your bookings. Each booking contributes a small commission to help maintain this website, at no additional cost to you. Your support is deeply appreciated—thank you!

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⭐️ Day 5: Return to Phoenix with Stops in Sedona

• Check out from Lake Powell.
• Drive approximately 4-5 hours back to Phoenix. Stop in Sedona for lunch and a final look at its iconic landscapes.
• Bell Rock: Bell Rock Vista and Pathway

Bell Rock, one of Sedona's most iconic formations, is celebrated for its distinctive bell shape and is a renowned vortex site, believed to emit energy conducive to healing and meditation. Located off Highway 179, it offers trails ranging from moderate to difficult, providing both stunning views and a spiritual experience in the heart of Sedona’s red rock landscape.

• Chapel of the Holy Cross, 780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336. The Chapel of the Holy Cross stands as a serene sanctuary, blending spiritual grace with stunning geography. A place where peace touches the soul and the horizon stretches to eternity.

• Continue driving to Phoenix and spend the night.
• Fun Fact: The Chapel of the Holy Cross was built directly into the buttes of Sedona and offers spectacular views.
• Tip: Collect souvenirs and local crafts in Sedona, known for its vibrant art scene.

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⭐️ Day 6: Departure

• Drive to Phoenix airport, return the rental car, and catch your flight back to New York.
• Tip: Allow extra time for car return and airport security, especially in busy travel seasons.

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Car Rental Tips!!

When planning a road trip through Arizona's diverse landscapes, it's important to consider your vehicle choice carefully. While electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular, it is advisable to exercise caution if your EV is not a Tesla. Many of the charging stations in remote areas of Arizona, especially outside of major cities and tourist spots, may not be reliably operational. This can pose a significant inconvenience, as some non-Tesla charging infrastructure may be less well-maintained. For a stress-free journey exploring Arizona’s natural wonders, a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle might be a more reliable option to ensure consistent access to fuel, particularly on long stretches between major destinations.