Hemet, Ca to Grand Canyon and beyond recommendations

[nohurry]

We'll be going to Hemet in April for my wife's grandmother's 90th birthday so we want to head to Az, and possibly S. Utah then up through Id and home to the PNW. We do realize the weather in April can be unpredictable, so we're staying flexible. Thinking, of overnighting in Sedona, and then a night or two at trailer Village, GC. From there well, if it's freezing in Utah (bear in mind that 45-50 is freezing to my wife), we may just hang around in AZ for a few days before heading home.

So I thought I'd tap into the rv.net folks experience and ask for recommendations in the area of must see, and interesting attractions etc. thanks in advance,

[nohurry]

Good info. Thanks all. Follow up question; Would a side trip to petrified forest/painted desert be worth it?

[kalynzoo]

I understand you pain, anything under 55 is freezing to these bones. Williams Arizona is a great base and I really like Circle of Pines KOA. Indoor heated pool, very large sites, lots of big trees. We were there when they had an unexpected snow flurry (less than 6 inches) and they opened their Kamping Kabins to all the tenters on the grounds. Really nice people. We were in the MH, but all the same, really nice. Bearazona wild animal drive through park is a must see visit. Really. One fee gets you in, and you can drive through again if you want, we went twice. Really had and enjoyable day. The train to the Grand Canyon is a whole day train ride for a drive that only takes one hour. But if the weather is cold, it makes for a fun day. On a nice day I'd rather drive. In Sedonna the Pink Jeep ride or the Hummer Rides up into the hills makes for a fun afternoon of scenic views and Arizona history. We took the Eagles something-or-other train just south of Sedonna, that was also a fun, and interesting scenic tour of the back country. If you have time go North from Flagstaff to Monument Valley (Gouldings RV park). If you are from my generation and remember all the western movies you can look in any direction and remember the westerns of the past. Really indescribable, moving, natural wonders country. Utah has so many places to see, but if the weather is less than perfect you can head to Salt Lake City, I truly enjoyed my two stays at Salt Lake City KOA, be sure to visit Antelope Island on the Salt Lake...hard to find, only one road in across the lake, but fantastic, go all the way to the end to the old western ranch, well worth the trip. An of course there is the history of Salt Lake City and the Mormon Church. Temple Square is an amazing visit. I'm not Mormon, still a lovely visit.
Happy Trails

[2gypsies1]

The best place to visit Sedona is to stay in nearby Cottonwood at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. With your small RV you could leave Cottonwood/Sedona via Hwy 89 north, then east to Williams and north on Hwy 64....or take I-17 north to Flagstaff and west on I-40.

Definitely stay in Grand Canyon at Trailer Village. You would be close to the Rim and easy access for the free shuttle.

Leave the canyon via Hwy 64 east to Hwy 89 and north into Page. Antelope Canyon would be a nice slot canyon tour.

You won't have any problem taking your small RV on Hwy 9 west to Zion Nat'l Park through the tunnels. Stay in the park at Watchman campground with electric. Then exit again via Hwy 9 east back to 89 north and take in Bryce Nat'l Park. It'll probably be chillier so if you want hookups, Ruby's, just outside the park entrance is the place to stay.

Then take the very scenic Hwy 12 up to Capitol Reef Nat'l Park - an absolutely gorgeous drive. The park's campground is lovely.

Sounds like a nice trip. They're all our favorite places.

[paulj]

Must see? The mountains between Hemet and Palm Springs? The wimpy way to see them is via the Palm Springs tram. The drive will be more like WA410 at that time of the year.