Arizona RV trip

dmduff wrote:
We are renting an RV in Phoenix for 9 days at the end of August. Our current itinerary is as follows:

Sedona (1 night)
Grand Canyon-South Rim (2 nights)
Bryce Canyon (2 nights)
Zion (2 nights)
Las Vegas (1 night)
Phoenix (1 night)

We are avid campers (recently moved up from pop up to hybrid), but this will be our first time in a motorhome. We tend to like things less commercialized..

My recommendation:
Phoenix to Grand Canyon south rim (2 nights) Since you're driving to and from, you get one full day at the rim.
Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon (2 nights) again with driving to and from, one full day at Bryce
Bryce Canyon to Zion (2 nights) if you like to hike, this is a great place to do it
Zion to Flagstaff (2 nights)
Phoenix (1 night) I'm assuming you're staying here because of an early check in? If not, I'd add a night to either Flagstaff or Zion (esp. if you're hikers).

I'd skip Vegas if you like things "less commercialized". It definitely the destination you've listed that is most out of the way plus it's very hot in the summer.

Lots to do and see around Flagstaff (Wupatki, Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater NM's will more than fill two days). Plus, it's higher and cooler up there.

In northern AZ, take US 89 one directions and US 89A the other so you get different scenery. Navajo Bridge over the CO River is an interesting stop.

2gypsies wrote:
The Grand Canyon South Rim will be hot, just like the Sedona area. It's high desert.

South Rim is 6900', about the same as Flagstaff. Sedona is only 4300'. Huge difference! South Rim is generally not hot during the summer but there can be exceptions. North Rim is 5-6 degrees cooler and much less crowded.

Oak Creek Canyon just a couple miles north of Sedona can be significantly cooler than Sedona itself as much of it is in the shade for large portions of the day.

jolooote wrote:
Ooopps...Made a mistake in my reply. I'd certainly skip Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona. Its a VERY busy, narrow, winding 2 lane road. Wall to wall traffic.

Depends on when you go. I've driven it dozens upon dozens of times and not once did I see any notable traffic. Some summer time weekends can be busy but not bad. Winter time is awesome unless the road is snow packed.

The scenery is spectacular especially from the vista lookout at the top of the switch backs. I prefer winding 2 lane scenic roads over the flat highways!!

That said, 89a from Sedona thru Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff is not recommended for RV's. Great drive if you have a TV or Toad for a day trip.

TucsonJim wrote:
We found the nicest RV park in Las Vegas. It's the Clark County Shooting Facility. It's only $20 per night, and includes 30/50amp service, sewer and water.
Clark County Shooting Facility Campground

Website says you have to be involved with shooting. Do they enforce that? (Always n the lookout for a good spot near Vegas!)

I thought of recommending the North Rim of the Grand Canyon but for a first-time visitor I think the South Rim is better. Besides, he's coming from Sedona. You see more of the canyon from the South Rim. We've done the South Rim a few times but now go to the North Rim for the quietness. The North Rim is a good option though and it's pleasantly cool.

The Grand Canyon South Rim will be hot, just like the Sedona area. It's high desert. Bryce Nat'l Park and Flagstaff will be the coolest places on this trip. Arizona has many different levels of temperature. That's why we enjoy it so much. You can always find a place to warm up or cool down.

First, I'm not going to say where you should and shouldn't go since there isn't time enough to enjoy half of what you have outlined, and that's coming from someone who was born, raised, and lived his entire life in the area.

Secondly, it is simply the most brutal time to visit the Southwest with only the Grand Canyon offering a brief respite from the heat, although it will be hot during the day until a possible monsoon storm passes briefly through the area in the afternoon.

There is no doubt the trip you have planned is an awesome trip with more time and a few more sites added, but I'm sure you would not suggest some one see the wonders of the New England region in the dead of winter either. Here's hoping it's worth the expense and effort.

I would recommend Bonita campground at Sunset Crater as well, then instead of South Rim , head up to the North Rim on your way to Bryce and Zion. It is cooler, 1000 feet higher, and not as busy as the South Rim. I have stayed at Kaibab Camper Village at Jacob lake. Has full hookups and is an easy, beautiful 45 Min. drive to the Canyon. Also, the drive to Jacob Lake will take you over Marble Canyon an by the Vermilion Cliffs-a lot of great views and wide open spaces.

We have been to many of the places that folks here have suggested. The West is a very big place. You said you have 9 days. Just seems like you're going to be spending a lot of time driving. Been there, done that. I have no suggestions, but if it was me and I had 9 days I would pick a couple of locales, explore them, and smell the roses so I'm not continually on the road. Also factor in the elevations and the SW heat during the summer.

dmduff wrote:
We are renting an RV in Phoenix for 9 days at the end of August. Our current itinerary is as follows:

Sedona (1 night)
Grand Canyon-South Rim (2 nights)
Bryce Canyon (2 nights)
Zion (2 nights)
Las Vegas (1 night)
Phoenix (1 night)

Depending what time you will arrive in Phoenix to pick up the motorhome, I'd recommend that you go directly to Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, AZ for two nights. Try to get a site in the Quail Loop campground around the ponds. There will be trees for shade. The newer campground is up on a hill with little shade. You will be having 100 deg. in this whole area. You will be exhausted after your flight and driving the new RV. Go into nearby Sedona and stop at the Visitor Center. Ask for suggestions for a easy scenic hike. That's the best way to see Sedona. Forget the gift shops. You could also take a Pink Jeep tour of Sedona which will show you some red rock areas, too. I wouldn't try to do many other things in the area...just not enough time and you don't want to get worn out.

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/DEHO/map.html

You will have a smallish RV so driving on 89N through Sedona and up to Williams will be no issue for you. It will be uphill and curvy but many RVers drive it. It's a beautiful drive. Take Hwy 64 into Grand Canyon from Williams and try for a spot in Mather campground - shady but no hookups or in the park at Trailer Village RV with full hookups. The free park shuttle stops at the campground/RV park and you can ride and get on/off all day long. To get a completely different feeling of the canyon, walk down the Bright Angel Trail for a very short distance, if only for 1/8 mile. It's awesome. Also walking above on the Rim Trail will get you away from the crowds. Use the shuttle for start and stops. I'd recommend two nights at the canyon.

Leaving Grand Canyon, take 64 east out of the park to Hwy 89 north. Then I'd recommend skipping Zion - hot and crowded - and head to Bryce for 3 nights. Stay in the park and you'll have the free shuttle to take you around. Or just outside the park gate is Ruby's RV with hookups and the shuttle stops there, also. It has a restaurant and laundry. Try to do a hike below the rim at Bryce as it's like a fairyland. Bryce will be refreshing cool in August. Three nights seems long but there are many places to see around Bryce heading up Hwy 12.

You will be a long drive from Phoenix so stop in Flagstaff one night. On your way, stop along AZ Hwy 89 at Cameron Trading Post for awesome Indian Tacos. (This would also be on your way out of Grand Canyon) We love Bonito National Forest campground off Hwy 89 just north of Flagstaff. It's on the left at the entrance gate to Sunset Crater Nat'l Monument which you could easily explore in a couple hours. There's also a very nice Indian ruin along the same road. This stop will also be very cool temps and the campground is lovely. No hookups.

That uses you 9 nights with the last one in Phoenix getting ready to turn in your RV and get your flight back home.

I'd definitely skip Las Vegas and Zion.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park/Sedona - 2 nights
Grand Canyon - 2 nights
Bryce - 3 nights
Bonito campground/Flagstaff - 1 night
Phoenix - 1 night

I think your trip is very doable. It will give you a taste of the Southwest. If that's all the time you have just do what you can. You can always come back for more.

RGar974417 wrote:
...I would stay in Cottonwood at Dead Horse ranch State Park and visit Jerome,Tuzigoot and Ft Verde...

X2 lots to see in the area without even going into Sedona:
Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well National Monuments
Tuzigoot National Monument
Palatki and Honaki Ruins
V-Bar-V Heritage Site
Verde Canyon Railroad
Fort Verde State Park
Cathedral Rock
Gold King Mine
Jerome State Historic Park
the town of Jerome