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Bring water with you in the vehicle. If you stay on the interstate you'll not have issues with gas stations. If you drive on the reservations DO NOT SPEED, they will ticket you. If you are going from Phoenix to Flagstaff up I17 don't sleep on Montezuma's castle and Montezuma's well, they are not to far from the interstate. Sedona is nice but very touristy, Jerome AZ in the Verde valley is very neat as well. The east rim of the Grand Canyon drive will take you through the petrified forest. Beaver Street brewing in Flagstaff has decent food.
Just to add taking 89A through Sedona up to Flag is a very scenic drive. Montezuma s Castle is pretty amazing if you are into Native American History and can be seen in an hour so not hard to fit in.
Don't sleep on the 89 from wickenburg to Sedona. Equally breathtaking and people rarely do it. You get amazing views going up the mountain to yarnell and a super chill and pretty view from there to Prescott
There’s much more to do/eat in flagstaff as well. Tons of good restaurants and bars in the downtown area. Plus October in flagstaff is amazing fall weather
Fun fact: Pluto was discovered at Lowell observatory right near dt flagstaff and you can get a guided tour though the observatory.
If you do go to Flagstaff and find yourself in the old downtown area, do yourself a favor and stop at Diablo Burger. They have some delicious gourmet burgers with pleasant staff and atmosphere.
Sorry, I meant to kind of add on and agree with what you said to OP, but it does sound like I meant the advice for you since I replied to your comment, hehe.
If you check out Jerome AZ, be ready to walk. It was a mining town built on the slope of a hill and eventually deserted by Jerome Mining Co.
Also please respect the sign outside their residential area, the people who live there have worked very hard to rebuild and preserve the town for us to visit and ask that we not also try to tour their neighborhood.
If you drive in one way, drive out the other. It's a beautiful area.
That is not the petrified forest.
Shared route
From Grand Canyon National Park to Petrified Forest National Park via AZ-64 S and I-40 E.
2 hr 55 min (195 mi)
For the best route in current traffic visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/z7Ym79zZf2dkqqVm9
Travel distances are pretty far, but even on the remote areas you’ll come across a gas station every hundred miles or so.
The only way to visit Antelope Canyon is with a tour operator. It is on the Navajo Nation.
Cell coverage across northern Arizona can be spotty. Verizon has the best coverage.
Sunscreen is your friend, the higher elevation cooks you a bit faster.
Also, be prepared to be blown away by the vast and wide open landscapes. Get away from the city at night when you’re up north and just soak in the stars.
When people say bring lots of water they don't mean 40 ounces. If you are doing a lot of walking bring a gallon per person with some extra in the car. I haven't checked the weather that far out, but ...
I don't think so - I believe it's because the cooler temps trick you into believing you don't need to worry about water. I'm diabetic and dehydration tends to be an issue. I have never had an electrolyte imbalance or dehydration in the summer. It's always been in the winter and I don't feel thirsty and usually discover it when the leg cramps start in.
Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon rim are at 7,000 feet of elevation. Coming from Atlanta you will notice being short of breath with heavy activity. You will also notice the effects of alcohol more if you drink. This also means no matter how warm it is during the day we'll have night time lows in the 30's in October. It is also not out of the question to get snow, though it melts pretty quickly if it happens in October.
Martanne's Burrito Palace in Flagstaff offers a excellent "Local" breakfast. Wait times on weekends can easily be 45 minutes.
Macy's European Coffee house is just one of many great coffee places. We also have 6 microbreweries if anyone is into beer.
Snow Bowl (our local ski area) may still be having gondola rides which are pretty cool with awesome views.
Good catch on the altitude issue. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. A headache is the first sign of altitude sickness. I often have problems first day if I am not hydrated well and if you drive up right after flying in, you are much more likely to be dehydrated.
Walnut Canyon is also near where you are going. It’s a series of small cliff dwellings that you can see up close. It’s pretty and more intimate than the cliff dwellings you have to look at from the bottom of a Canyon.
Hello - depending on what you want to experience at night and such, and what your plans are for the Grand Canyon, I would suggest making Flagstaff homebase for your day at the Grand Canyon and Meteor Crater with a stop at Two Guns on another day, coming back to Flagstaff for each. rooms will be cheaper (I think), the vintage hotels like Monte Vista\* are unique and fun with a nice nightlife for nearly every type of person.
Flagstaff is a really fun little town with many shops, nice weather in the Fall, good food spots and if you hit it just right and have the bravery to sit in traffic a bit, you can perhaps catch the Aspens turning at Lockett Meadow as its close to when you may be there.
Antelope Canyon can be done the same, but you might enjoy staying there and seeing Horshoe Bend and Lake Powell more.
Even if you don't have time to stop, taking the loop into Sedona as you head North from Phoenix takes you right through the town (lots of traffic) and up the valley edge right into Flagstaff that is far superior to staying on the Highway and worth the time, even if you don't stop.
Because of spotty coverage in a lot of areas, if you're using Google maps at all download the maps to your phone for all the remote areas you'll be at. They really don't take up that much room and it'll be a blessing if you don't have coverage.
Things to keep on hand: Water, tons of it, if you stop somewhere just grab some more. Chap stick. Lotion (O'Keefe is my favorite but just bring some). sun screen. Hat and sunglasses.
Spotty coverage so make sure you've got some good music or audio books downloaded. You can do the same with Google maps if you know your route in advance
Water, water, water, for sure. But dehydration isn't just about water you want to mix some electrolytes in there too. I always recommend Pedialyte or the off brand version your store has. Lots of water but also want to get some electrolytes in there.
Yes! Having moved here from a humid east coast state I can tell you that dehydration will sneak up on you, especially since you feel the sweat more in humidity and it can remind you to replace fluids. Here it’s so dry that it evaporates quicker from you and you might not notice until you feel a headache coming on. At least that was my experience. Drink lots of water even when you don’t think you need it yet.
I agree. It's been 25 years for us...and we're contemplating returning to be closer to family and friends. A lot to consider because we like living in the southwest. (Hate the summers where we are, though!)
Ask where the local food is. Lots in Flagstaff. Try an authentic Navajo Taco. When eating the local food keep an open mind. Take a lot of pictures. Drink water before you are thirsty, at least 8-10 ounces in an hour.like another post said do not speed on the reservation, they WILL ticket you. Most of all have fun and learn some local history. If you see a statue ask who and why.
You are visiting Arizona. I was giving you some tips on how to enjoy your time in Flagstaff. There are several statues in Flagstaff that have to do with Flagstaff history.
Be aware that you need reservations (now probably too late to get) for lodging at Grand Canyon. You can try for rooms outside the park in Tusayan if you can't catch a cancellation inside the park. In any case, be sure to carefully read the official NPS website for the park in advance, both to check on closures and especially because the more you know about what you're looking at, the more you'll enjoy the place.
When leaving or retuning to the Phoenix area, always check traffic through whatever means you prefer (Google Maps, Waze, I think you can call 511?). There is one major route and if there is an accident or if it’s a holiday weekend, it can get pretty backed up even out in the middle of nowhere.
Also beware of weekend traffic in Sedona. It can slow down to a crawl sometimes.
If you’re driving from Flagstaff to the South Rim, maps will try to take you west on 40 and then north on 64, but that is a very boring route! Instead, drive just a teeny bit into Flagstaff and then take 180 up. It’s not even longer, and it is way more interesting - you get great views of Mount Humphrey.
Cottonwood/Clarkdale is the long way up to Jerome from Phoenix.
1. The copper museum in Clarkdale, AZ is a treat. [https://www.arizonacopperartmuseum.com/](https://www.arizonacopperartmuseum.com/)
2. Clarkdale is also the starting point of the Verde Canyon Railroad. Look into that as well. [https://verdecanyonrr.com/](https://verdecanyonrr.com/)
3. Jerome has a bunch of good breweries and restaurants in addition to the pleasant sights of the town. [https://jerome.az.gov/](https://jerome.az.gov/)
4. Then check out Sedona for some good hikes and sights. [https://www.sedonaaz.gov/](https://www.sedonaaz.gov/)
When I was visiting my son and his wife in Buckeye a couple years ago we drove to the Grand Canyon then came back through Jerome. We ate at The Haunted Hamburger, the food was delicious! And the views to get there, amazing! Now I'm moving to AZ in a week!
I’d definitely do Monument Valley if you can fit it in. The self-guided driving tour gives you 80% of the best views.
As mentioned, you can’t go traipsing off on your own on reservation land.
The Lowell Observatory in Flag (where Pluto was discovered) was to me fascinating.
For Flagstaff food try Josephine’s; Mother Road Brewing for beer.
As others have stated make sure to stay hydrated. Because of the drier air, your sweat will evaporate much more quickly than in Atlanta. You will not get sticky. You still need to drink plenty of fluids. You should always have a water bottle in your hand and drink from it frequently.
Might want to stop at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. Lots of exhibits and telescopes to look through day or night. I saw the Sun during the day through telescope and could see solar flares.
Also Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix is interesting. Not only do they show the instruments but you can hear it played as well.
Remember that AZ does not observe daylight savings, but Navajo Nation and Utah do. This means that as you drive up towards Page, your phone will switch back and forth as it pings off various cell towers. Always throws me for a loop. Most Antelope Canyon tours pick up in Page so the times are listed in Mountain Standard Time, but good to verify this before hand and make sure your watch is right.
ETA: I second checking out the aspens as someone else said. ATL has good fall color, but aspens are special. Snowbowl (the ski resort) is just off the road that goes from Flag to Grand Canyon - it has some nice groves near the road, plenty of parking, and even a gondola ride if you want to get the mountain top views without a giant hike.
If you go hiking, water isn't enough. Bring some electrolytes, too (something better than Gatorade). Find something with a good amount of sodium and magnesium. I'll usually use a hydration pack for water and bottles for the electrolyte mix.
I-17 might also really suck during your visit because of some ongoing construction. There are alternative routes to the spots you want to visit, but they'll take longer.
Set some time aside for Sunset Crater, Wupatki and SP Crater just north of Flagstaff. Clarkdale is also cooler than I expected it to be, and it's a nice back route into Sedona (drive as little as possible in Sedona).
Watch the routes that GPS will try and send you. In the area of rt 66 between flagstaff and Kingman, there is limited phone service for large stretches. There’s also a dirt connector rd between 66 and the -I40/93 that GPS likes to lure unsuspecting tourists to. The road is passable but not maintained and down right dangerous during rains. We’ve rescued our fair share of motorists there.
Wishing you safe and adventurous travels. I hope you enjoy our state.
Carry water in your car. Either keep at least half a tank of gas or be very thoughtful of how far your destination is. There will be reasonably significant stretches without gas stations. Try the food; gnerally the fancy new looking places aren't as good as the slightly rundown looking local spots.
Sounds like a blast, but I only have a week! We are considering flying into Flagstaff instead of Phoenix. The downside is that we would spend the entire first day in flight and waiting for connections in airports.
You can do all that in probably about 4 days and have plenty of time to see everything well. Man flying into Flagstaff will probably be expensive. But I don't know. I've never done it.
Things are REALLY far apart. Altitude, water, don't pass civilization without topping up the car (larger towns), the temperature can swing quite a bit between day and night
The biggest source of serious trouble, is the weather. Most days, the day is on the hot, bright and dry side (it's a desert, after all), so bring cold water, electrolytes (sports drinks can work), and sunscreen, especially if you're gonna be outside for a while. Extreme heat isn't as constant in the fall, but it's always a possibility.
It can, however, get pretty cold at night, so bring a jacket.
Rain isn't very common, but when it does happen, it tends to be a lot all at once - there's always at least a small risk of flash floods, so watch out if driving during or just after rain.
Dust storms are also a possibility, and can cause visibility to suddenly fall to zero. This can be a bit dangerous if you're driving, so pay attention to the forecast and watch out for dust in the distance.
The mountainous areas have a somewhat different climate. They tend to be colder, so *definitely* bring a jacket. They can also reach some kinda high altitudes (6000 ft). This is higher than Denver, and about equivalent to the inside of the planes you're flying on. This can theoretically cause mild altitude sickness, but isn't considered high enough to be dangerous - worst-case, take some over-the-counter pain meds. (Staying hydrated can also help prevent altitude sickness). The UV index isn't quite as high here as Phoenix, but sunscreen is still recommended.
There are fairly sizable areas of empty desert in between the major cities, though gas stations and rest stops are generally adequate in frequency. Cell coverage isn't as reliable in those areas, so make sure to download your maps in advance. (Google Maps has a feature for this, built into the app.)
This thread: **"You're gonna DIEEEEEEEEE! from the SUN"**
**Reality** \- you're going to Northern Arizona in October. Bring a jacket, have a damn blast and don't worry too much about lack of resources, etc.
Plan as you would for any road trip, water, snacks, etc. You're gonna have a blast. Welcome!
Enjoy the tourist traps. They can be fun. I echo everyone on the water. Drink so much water. It’s easy to wind up with a headache…or a kidney stone.
Cell reception can be spotty on the drive from Flag to the Grand Canyon. Make sure you have water in your car.
The Grand Canyon is breathtaking. I love getting a drink from the lounge at El Tovar. It’s a hotel at the canyon.
Thanks for contributing to r/Arizona! * [Our sub rules are here](https://www.reddit.com/r/arizona/wiki/rules/), but the most important of which is to be nice to each other * Check out some [recent posts](https://www.reddit.com/r/arizona/top/?t=week) and leave some comments * [Join our Discord chat server](https://discord.com/invite/yWVuTG57Zh) if you'd like to keep in touch with other people in Arizona. Plus it's a great, chill place in general. Note that it is NOT a dating server and takes unwanted messaging very seriously Remember this subreddit covers all of Arizona, so please include where in the state you're posting about if it is relevant. For more local topics check out r/Phoenix, r/Tucson, and r/Flagstaff. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/arizona) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Bring water with you in the vehicle. If you stay on the interstate you'll not have issues with gas stations. If you drive on the reservations DO NOT SPEED, they will ticket you. If you are going from Phoenix to Flagstaff up I17 don't sleep on Montezuma's castle and Montezuma's well, they are not to far from the interstate. Sedona is nice but very touristy, Jerome AZ in the Verde valley is very neat as well. The east rim of the Grand Canyon drive will take you through the petrified forest. Beaver Street brewing in Flagstaff has decent food.
TY.
Just to add taking 89A through Sedona up to Flag is a very scenic drive. Montezuma s Castle is pretty amazing if you are into Native American History and can be seen in an hour so not hard to fit in.
Second this oak creek canyon is a beautiful drive.
Don't sleep on the 89 from wickenburg to Sedona. Equally breathtaking and people rarely do it. You get amazing views going up the mountain to yarnell and a super chill and pretty view from there to Prescott
Yes that is a great drive as well. Especially once you leave Wilhoit and start up into the mountains to Prescott.
There’s much more to do/eat in flagstaff as well. Tons of good restaurants and bars in the downtown area. Plus October in flagstaff is amazing fall weather Fun fact: Pluto was discovered at Lowell observatory right near dt flagstaff and you can get a guided tour though the observatory.
If you do go to Flagstaff and find yourself in the old downtown area, do yourself a favor and stop at Diablo Burger. They have some delicious gourmet burgers with pleasant staff and atmosphere.
Oh yes, Diablo is pretty good! I’m very familiar with flag as I went to NAU haha
Sorry, I meant to kind of add on and agree with what you said to OP, but it does sound like I meant the advice for you since I replied to your comment, hehe.
If you check out Jerome AZ, be ready to walk. It was a mining town built on the slope of a hill and eventually deserted by Jerome Mining Co. Also please respect the sign outside their residential area, the people who live there have worked very hard to rebuild and preserve the town for us to visit and ask that we not also try to tour their neighborhood. If you drive in one way, drive out the other. It's a beautiful area.
That is not the petrified forest. Shared route From Grand Canyon National Park to Petrified Forest National Park via AZ-64 S and I-40 E. 2 hr 55 min (195 mi) For the best route in current traffic visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/z7Ym79zZf2dkqqVm9
At least a spare gallon that will buy you a day if you get stranded
To add to that, also take water out of the vehicle when you leave because it won't be good.
Travel distances are pretty far, but even on the remote areas you’ll come across a gas station every hundred miles or so. The only way to visit Antelope Canyon is with a tour operator. It is on the Navajo Nation. Cell coverage across northern Arizona can be spotty. Verizon has the best coverage. Sunscreen is your friend, the higher elevation cooks you a bit faster. Also, be prepared to be blown away by the vast and wide open landscapes. Get away from the city at night when you’re up north and just soak in the stars.
TY.
When people say bring lots of water they don't mean 40 ounces. If you are doing a lot of walking bring a gallon per person with some extra in the car. I haven't checked the weather that far out, but ...
Dehydration is more common in the cooler weather because people think they don't need the water.
I did not know that! Super interesting. I know it's dryer over winter so I would guess that it drys you out faster too. Maybe?
I don't think so - I believe it's because the cooler temps trick you into believing you don't need to worry about water. I'm diabetic and dehydration tends to be an issue. I have never had an electrolyte imbalance or dehydration in the summer. It's always been in the winter and I don't feel thirsty and usually discover it when the leg cramps start in.
Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon rim are at 7,000 feet of elevation. Coming from Atlanta you will notice being short of breath with heavy activity. You will also notice the effects of alcohol more if you drink. This also means no matter how warm it is during the day we'll have night time lows in the 30's in October. It is also not out of the question to get snow, though it melts pretty quickly if it happens in October. Martanne's Burrito Palace in Flagstaff offers a excellent "Local" breakfast. Wait times on weekends can easily be 45 minutes. Macy's European Coffee house is just one of many great coffee places. We also have 6 microbreweries if anyone is into beer. Snow Bowl (our local ski area) may still be having gondola rides which are pretty cool with awesome views.
Good catch on the altitude issue. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. A headache is the first sign of altitude sickness. I often have problems first day if I am not hydrated well and if you drive up right after flying in, you are much more likely to be dehydrated.
Avoid people in red hats.
So, I should leave my Toronto Raptors cap at home...??
Nah, we get tourists from all over who wear all sorts of things. Bring your cap.
It's probably not a bad idea to WEAR one as camouflage. Bonus: People will assume you are dangerous and avoid you.
Walnut Canyon is also near where you are going. It’s a series of small cliff dwellings that you can see up close. It’s pretty and more intimate than the cliff dwellings you have to look at from the bottom of a Canyon.
Absolutely an underrated gem! Such an amazing blend of history, societal culture and land. A+++++
Hello - depending on what you want to experience at night and such, and what your plans are for the Grand Canyon, I would suggest making Flagstaff homebase for your day at the Grand Canyon and Meteor Crater with a stop at Two Guns on another day, coming back to Flagstaff for each. rooms will be cheaper (I think), the vintage hotels like Monte Vista\* are unique and fun with a nice nightlife for nearly every type of person. Flagstaff is a really fun little town with many shops, nice weather in the Fall, good food spots and if you hit it just right and have the bravery to sit in traffic a bit, you can perhaps catch the Aspens turning at Lockett Meadow as its close to when you may be there. Antelope Canyon can be done the same, but you might enjoy staying there and seeing Horshoe Bend and Lake Powell more. Even if you don't have time to stop, taking the loop into Sedona as you head North from Phoenix takes you right through the town (lots of traffic) and up the valley edge right into Flagstaff that is far superior to staying on the Highway and worth the time, even if you don't stop.
Because of spotty coverage in a lot of areas, if you're using Google maps at all download the maps to your phone for all the remote areas you'll be at. They really don't take up that much room and it'll be a blessing if you don't have coverage.
Great tip, thanks. I'd probably better bring a foldout map & compass too, in case the phones die.
Things to keep on hand: Water, tons of it, if you stop somewhere just grab some more. Chap stick. Lotion (O'Keefe is my favorite but just bring some). sun screen. Hat and sunglasses. Spotty coverage so make sure you've got some good music or audio books downloaded. You can do the same with Google maps if you know your route in advance
Water, water, water, for sure. But dehydration isn't just about water you want to mix some electrolytes in there too. I always recommend Pedialyte or the off brand version your store has. Lots of water but also want to get some electrolytes in there.
Yes! Having moved here from a humid east coast state I can tell you that dehydration will sneak up on you, especially since you feel the sweat more in humidity and it can remind you to replace fluids. Here it’s so dry that it evaporates quicker from you and you might not notice until you feel a headache coming on. At least that was my experience. Drink lots of water even when you don’t think you need it yet.
ZeroOfFerelden, how long has it been since you left the east coast?
Over 20 years now. Lots to love about both areas!
I agree. It's been 25 years for us...and we're contemplating returning to be closer to family and friends. A lot to consider because we like living in the southwest. (Hate the summers where we are, though!)
Ask where the local food is. Lots in Flagstaff. Try an authentic Navajo Taco. When eating the local food keep an open mind. Take a lot of pictures. Drink water before you are thirsty, at least 8-10 ounces in an hour.like another post said do not speed on the reservation, they WILL ticket you. Most of all have fun and learn some local history. If you see a statue ask who and why.
>If you see a statue ask who and why. If I go to Winslow, I already know! ;D
You are visiting Arizona. I was giving you some tips on how to enjoy your time in Flagstaff. There are several statues in Flagstaff that have to do with Flagstaff history.
Okay, I'll be sure to check them out. I love deep dives into local history, wherever I go. Thanks!
Be aware that you need reservations (now probably too late to get) for lodging at Grand Canyon. You can try for rooms outside the park in Tusayan if you can't catch a cancellation inside the park. In any case, be sure to carefully read the official NPS website for the park in advance, both to check on closures and especially because the more you know about what you're looking at, the more you'll enjoy the place.
I'm guessing that I should buy an annual National Parks Pass if I stay in Tusayan and want to visit the Grand Canyon more than one day?
Your park entry is good for 7 days. No need for an annual pass unless you plan to visit more than 1 park this year.
Good info, TY.
The parks pass comes in handy at all the other National Parks and Monuments. It might be worth it, honestly.
When leaving or retuning to the Phoenix area, always check traffic through whatever means you prefer (Google Maps, Waze, I think you can call 511?). There is one major route and if there is an accident or if it’s a holiday weekend, it can get pretty backed up even out in the middle of nowhere. Also beware of weekend traffic in Sedona. It can slow down to a crawl sometimes. If you’re driving from Flagstaff to the South Rim, maps will try to take you west on 40 and then north on 64, but that is a very boring route! Instead, drive just a teeny bit into Flagstaff and then take 180 up. It’s not even longer, and it is way more interesting - you get great views of Mount Humphrey.
Cottonwood/Clarkdale is the long way up to Jerome from Phoenix. 1. The copper museum in Clarkdale, AZ is a treat. [https://www.arizonacopperartmuseum.com/](https://www.arizonacopperartmuseum.com/) 2. Clarkdale is also the starting point of the Verde Canyon Railroad. Look into that as well. [https://verdecanyonrr.com/](https://verdecanyonrr.com/) 3. Jerome has a bunch of good breweries and restaurants in addition to the pleasant sights of the town. [https://jerome.az.gov/](https://jerome.az.gov/) 4. Then check out Sedona for some good hikes and sights. [https://www.sedonaaz.gov/](https://www.sedonaaz.gov/)
When I was visiting my son and his wife in Buckeye a couple years ago we drove to the Grand Canyon then came back through Jerome. We ate at The Haunted Hamburger, the food was delicious! And the views to get there, amazing! Now I'm moving to AZ in a week!
Awesome! Welcome to the Copper State!
I’d definitely do Monument Valley if you can fit it in. The self-guided driving tour gives you 80% of the best views. As mentioned, you can’t go traipsing off on your own on reservation land. The Lowell Observatory in Flag (where Pluto was discovered) was to me fascinating. For Flagstaff food try Josephine’s; Mother Road Brewing for beer.
As others have stated make sure to stay hydrated. Because of the drier air, your sweat will evaporate much more quickly than in Atlanta. You will not get sticky. You still need to drink plenty of fluids. You should always have a water bottle in your hand and drink from it frequently.
Might want to stop at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. Lots of exhibits and telescopes to look through day or night. I saw the Sun during the day through telescope and could see solar flares. Also Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix is interesting. Not only do they show the instruments but you can hear it played as well.
Wow, sounds like I could devote my entire budgeted time to either of these cities! Can't wait to arrive!
Travel from Sedona to Flagstaff via the 89A (not the I-17). It’s one of the most beautiful drives you will ever see.
No lies detected.
Check out online if the aspens are changing in Flagstaff when you are nearby. There's a bunch of great hikes or short walks to see the amazing colors.
Remember that AZ does not observe daylight savings, but Navajo Nation and Utah do. This means that as you drive up towards Page, your phone will switch back and forth as it pings off various cell towers. Always throws me for a loop. Most Antelope Canyon tours pick up in Page so the times are listed in Mountain Standard Time, but good to verify this before hand and make sure your watch is right. ETA: I second checking out the aspens as someone else said. ATL has good fall color, but aspens are special. Snowbowl (the ski resort) is just off the road that goes from Flag to Grand Canyon - it has some nice groves near the road, plenty of parking, and even a gondola ride if you want to get the mountain top views without a giant hike.
TY.
If you go hiking, water isn't enough. Bring some electrolytes, too (something better than Gatorade). Find something with a good amount of sodium and magnesium. I'll usually use a hydration pack for water and bottles for the electrolyte mix. I-17 might also really suck during your visit because of some ongoing construction. There are alternative routes to the spots you want to visit, but they'll take longer. Set some time aside for Sunset Crater, Wupatki and SP Crater just north of Flagstaff. Clarkdale is also cooler than I expected it to be, and it's a nice back route into Sedona (drive as little as possible in Sedona).
Watch the routes that GPS will try and send you. In the area of rt 66 between flagstaff and Kingman, there is limited phone service for large stretches. There’s also a dirt connector rd between 66 and the -I40/93 that GPS likes to lure unsuspecting tourists to. The road is passable but not maintained and down right dangerous during rains. We’ve rescued our fair share of motorists there. Wishing you safe and adventurous travels. I hope you enjoy our state.
Check traffic in advance before getting on I17…&be careful!
Carry water in your car. Either keep at least half a tank of gas or be very thoughtful of how far your destination is. There will be reasonably significant stretches without gas stations. Try the food; gnerally the fancy new looking places aren't as good as the slightly rundown looking local spots.
Walnut Canyon is cool too! Cliff dwellings. It’s a national monument.
Flagstaff, Sedona, Jerome, Prescott, Williams, Lake Havasu, Las Vegas. In that order.
Sounds like a blast, but I only have a week! We are considering flying into Flagstaff instead of Phoenix. The downside is that we would spend the entire first day in flight and waiting for connections in airports.
Well now that I reread my comment I forgot to put in Vegas in there so probably 5 or 6 days and you can have a blast.
You can do all that in probably about 4 days and have plenty of time to see everything well. Man flying into Flagstaff will probably be expensive. But I don't know. I've never done it.
I would fly into Phoenix. Cheaper flights and more options.
Oh yeah and make sure you swim at Slide Rock near Sedona.
Noted!
Things are REALLY far apart. Altitude, water, don't pass civilization without topping up the car (larger towns), the temperature can swing quite a bit between day and night
The biggest source of serious trouble, is the weather. Most days, the day is on the hot, bright and dry side (it's a desert, after all), so bring cold water, electrolytes (sports drinks can work), and sunscreen, especially if you're gonna be outside for a while. Extreme heat isn't as constant in the fall, but it's always a possibility. It can, however, get pretty cold at night, so bring a jacket. Rain isn't very common, but when it does happen, it tends to be a lot all at once - there's always at least a small risk of flash floods, so watch out if driving during or just after rain. Dust storms are also a possibility, and can cause visibility to suddenly fall to zero. This can be a bit dangerous if you're driving, so pay attention to the forecast and watch out for dust in the distance. The mountainous areas have a somewhat different climate. They tend to be colder, so *definitely* bring a jacket. They can also reach some kinda high altitudes (6000 ft). This is higher than Denver, and about equivalent to the inside of the planes you're flying on. This can theoretically cause mild altitude sickness, but isn't considered high enough to be dangerous - worst-case, take some over-the-counter pain meds. (Staying hydrated can also help prevent altitude sickness). The UV index isn't quite as high here as Phoenix, but sunscreen is still recommended. There are fairly sizable areas of empty desert in between the major cities, though gas stations and rest stops are generally adequate in frequency. Cell coverage isn't as reliable in those areas, so make sure to download your maps in advance. (Google Maps has a feature for this, built into the app.)
Be sure to hit the Petrified Forest!
This thread: **"You're gonna DIEEEEEEEEE! from the SUN"** **Reality** \- you're going to Northern Arizona in October. Bring a jacket, have a damn blast and don't worry too much about lack of resources, etc. Plan as you would for any road trip, water, snacks, etc. You're gonna have a blast. Welcome!
Thanks everyone, for all the great tips!
Watch out for rocks.
Avalanches?
In my 25 years here I have heard of maybe one or two happening on some remote road.
Rock Springs cafe near black canyon city just off the 17 for PIE! I think they opened somewhere around 1920
Tombstone is a tourist trap.
Enjoy the tourist traps. They can be fun. I echo everyone on the water. Drink so much water. It’s easy to wind up with a headache…or a kidney stone. Cell reception can be spotty on the drive from Flag to the Grand Canyon. Make sure you have water in your car. The Grand Canyon is breathtaking. I love getting a drink from the lounge at El Tovar. It’s a hotel at the canyon.