Help me pick between two Grand canyon areas

On a summer trip me and some friends are going from Illinois to vegas to San Diego and to sedona and back to Illinois. Anyways were trying to figure out the best way to visit the Grand Canyon. Could it be from vegas to the grand canyon west to do the skywalk (i heard was cool). Or go to the grand canyon national park (main visiting stop) from sedona. Any thoughts on sedona? We only got one day there so help me decide please. Witch area provides the best viewing? The best canyon views? etc. thanks

I am not sure the route you are taking-so I will guess that you are coming across Arizona on I-40. If this is true, I would try to spend the night in Flagstaff, Arizona. Up early the next morning and go to the main part of the Grand Canyon stopping at each of the overlooks.

Returning to Flagstaff and on to Vegas. I suggest that you take old route 66 from Seligman to Kingsman for a bit different scenery including Burma Shave signs. Be sure to stop in Seligman to visit the Snow Cap cafe and the gift store next door.

This will put you in Vegas late in the afternoon which should be no problem since at most places you cannot check in until after 3 pm. Again I recommend that you stay downtown instead of on the strip.

That's my two cents worth.

The journey is as important as the destination
Scotishbob

I would stay away from the Skywalk with a passion. The views are not nearly as spectacular as at the main part. (Skywalk is at the western edge of the canyon.) If you look straight down, it is only 40 or 50 feet to the dirt. Also, it will cost you an arm and a leg to go out on the walk and cameras are not allowed.

Scotishbob

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Originally Posted by Traveldude

On a summer trip me and some friends are going from Illinois to vegas to San Diego and to sedona and back to Illinois. Anyways were trying to figure out the best way to visit the Grand Canyon. Could it be from vegas to the grand canyon west to do the skywalk (i heard was cool). Or go to the grand canyon national park (main visiting stop) from sedona. Any thoughts on sedona? We only got one day there so help me decide please. Witch area provides the best viewing? The best canyon views? etc. thanks

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You have not mentioned your route, but I can mention a few places in the Sedona area.
1. It is at an elevation of 4000 ft or so. 89 from Flagstaff get you through some beautiful country.
We had to do this trip in 1 day too, but trust me, it does not do justice to the place. The Oak Creek canyon, slide rock state park, Cathedral rocks...just to name a few, can take all day!
Stop by the visitor center in the town(just opp Pink Jeep Tours) for some touristy ideas.
While at that, if you have time, take the Pink Jeep tours. We missed it the last time, but have heard raving reviews.
I would also recommend taking scenic hwy 179. The first 12 miles have various points you may want to stop. The Chapel of Holy cross is something I consider "cool" with the views from the church.
2. About Grand Canyon, even if you stop at all the viewpoints along your way, you'd still scratch the surface of this natural wonder. Having said that, I'd definitely say a No-No to your skywalk plans. Of course, I'd not been there personally, but it costs a fortune & there are definitely better things to see in the park. Of course, it is your trip!

Happy Planning!

cool

Thanks for the tips about the skywalk from what it sounds it doesnt do the canyon justice. Yeah were traveling from san diego to phoenix to sedona. We'll have a good half day in sedona to play around. So i believe it will be the grand canyon N.P. instead of the skywalk. I just read a website that it will cost 30 bucks a person to do the skywalk plus 30 bucks a person to ride a trolley thing. 60 bucks a person basically. Four of us so that 240 dollars to see it from that perspective. I dont think so considering we have to pay for lodging also.

i agree with the others regarding choice,stick with the main canyon area,there are so many spectacular viewpoints. do a loop from flagstaff,either way round but you can go north on the 89 and then 64 to the desert view drive entrance that will give you some great open views of the canyon from the old watchtower. this will take you to the g/c village with many view points along the way.depending on the time you have you could see some of the views on the way to hermits rest before leaving by the south entrance towards williams on the 64 and turn off on the 180 back towards flagstaff passing red mountain,a cinder cone on the san francisco volcanic field .

For sunset in Sedona drive up Airport Road, best place for it.
The entrance fee to GC West is close to $ 80,-- per person and as mentioned before, you are not allowed to take photo's from the skywalk. If you can, stay one night at the rim in GCNP for sunset and sunrise, the real highlight while visiting GCNP. BTW it's a 5 hours drive from the GC West to GCNP.
Unfortunately the road to Hermits Rest (west rim of GCNP) will be closed till december 2008 so you can't take the shuttle of even walk. But still enough to see and enjoy at the south rim.
Yeehaw

Wow the Grand Canyon sounds like such a cool place. One more question. When we get to the Canyon can we just drive up to the viewpoints? Somebody at work told me your car can only go so far not even to the canyon. From there shuttles take you to the canyon viewpoints? Someone who has been there clear this up for me. Thanks.

There are many viewpoints that you can drive to. There is a road that parallels the canyon. These offer outstanding views of the canyon. Additionally there is a bus that will take persons to other points. Also there is a trail which goes to the bottom-used by mules and people. Check with the park service for the details. You might way to walk a short way down the trail or take an all day mule trip to the bottom.

Scotishbob

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Originally Posted by Traveldude

On a summer trip me and some friends are going from Illinois to vegas to San Diego and to sedona and back to Illinois. Anyways were trying to figure out the best way to visit the Grand Canyon. Could it be from vegas to the grand canyon west to do the skywalk (i heard was cool). Or go to the grand canyon national park (main visiting stop) from sedona. Any thoughts on sedona? We only got one day there so help me decide please. Witch area provides the best viewing? The best canyon views? etc. thanks

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I've heard nothing about the Skywalk that makes me want to drive that way (or pay those prices).

There's a third option: The North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park.

Since your time is limited, I'd suggest that you choose whichever one fits into your driving plans best. Without a map, I have no idea which one's closest to Sedona.

Well were meeting friends in Vegas thats why the skywalk was an option its only 2 hours from the hoover dam (so i hear). From vegas we are going to san diego for 4 days then to sedona and then to the grand canyon national park (south rim). I dont even know how we would get to the north rim from sedona also i'm not sure wich side is better for viewing. Thanks scotishbob for the tips on the driving and viewing. Anybody know any places or the best place to view a sunset/ stars in the sedona area?

the north rim is quite a drive and would'nt be an option for a daytrip.this is the road i was on about,with all the main viewpoints shown. if you go in one entrance and out the other creating a loop.all view points are a short walk from your car,some a few paces.
can't help with a sedona sunset but mather or yavapia point in the grand canyon is spectacular either at sunrise or sunset.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...ica/usa561.jpg

OH WOW, what a cool map. Thanks so much! I'm assuming during the cruise down desert view drive is where we can stop and check out viewpoints by the road, correct?

easy accesss to all. also a nice rim walk between mather and yavapia points.
all are terrific views but be sure to stop at the watchtower!

Mather Point can be very busy with lots of cars parked. Go to Yavapai Point early in the morning. On a clear day you can see mountain summits over 200 miles away. It's a great photo but it might be clearer if you go earlier.
Also never miss Desert View and Lipan Point but all sunsets/sunrises are spectacular wherever you go.

I am not sure of what route you are taking to Vegas, but I suspect that you are coming across Utah on I-70. If this is the case, there is a way for you to visit the North Rim on your way. Around Brendel, Ut take US 191 south to Page Arizona and then take US89 and US 89 Alt north. This will take you past Navaho Bridge (be sure to stop and look for the California condors-they roost in the rock cliffs.) Continue on north on 89 Alt and take the road to the North Rim. It is about 50 miles off 89. Then continue on to I-15 and Vegas.

If you have plenty of time going to Vegas, you might want to turn off I-70 just west of Denver and go south through the Rockies including Wolf Creek Pass and then on to Page Arizona passing thru 4 corners. I can give you the exact route to take if you wish.

It is a day's trip from Page to Vegas with the stops at Navaho and Grand Canyon.

Scotishbob

Thanks for your idea but I dont believe we would have that much time on the way to vegas. We are also stopping at arches, bryce canyon, and zion within a 2-3 day span before getting to vegas. Also we are meeting friends in vegas and going to san diego and they want to visit the grand canyon also. So my options are for all of us to see the grand canyon is from vegas or from san diego.

Also I wanted to ask a few people about their personal thoughts on the sedona area, bryce canyon and zion national parks. Kinda like a "review" or something. These places sound really neat.

ok, that does it, if you're going to Bryce and Zion, you might as well go to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It's just a couple hours further down. You get less people, I believe a higher elevation and loads of viewpoints. And, you can also camp out near the rim! (just go early!) In my humble opinion, it is the better rim to experience the Canyon.

oh yeah, and hope it doesn't rain :)

haven't been to Zion, but Bryce will blow you away. it's too beautiful for words, such a fragile timeless beauty. The best is at sunrise or sunset, the colours of the rock takes the sun's slanted light and creates a visual symphony of awe, you'll sit there dumbstruck at nature in it's glory.
hope that helps :)

Hi, I posted several months ago about a trip me and 3 friends are doing in early June. Due to honest feedback and logic I cut a few things out and made it more sensible. I would just like to repost it and hear some thoughts on things to do or any more tips to maximize our enjoyment.

Days:

1. Leave Champaign IL>Glenwood Springs Co. 17 hours, we are leaving the night before and getting there early afternoon (1pm or so). 4 people driving can handle this. I know on here this not recomended, but we want to gain alot of ground the first day through the flatlands.

2. Glenwood springs>Arches National Park 3-4 hours get there at 11am leave around 2 pm. Head to bryce canyon for the night at the ruby's inn lodge (4 hours). Catch a sunset and spent an hour at the park if time allows. Get up and spend 3-4 in the morning at the park.

3. Bryce canyon>Vegas , Now after spending the morning at Bryce we would like to head to Zion and spend a good 4 hours there. So I guess we leave Zion by 6pm we can get to vegas around 8 or 9. That is cool because we want to roll in after dark.

4.Vegas (Hoover Dam)

5 Vegas

6. Vegas>San Diego (staying with friends, driving through L.A. also)

7. San Diego

8. San Diego

9. San Diego> Sedona

10. Sedona> Grand Canyon (Staying at GC village)

11. Grand Canyon>Amarillo TX. (Stopping at Meteor Crater, long day of driving, 12 hours)

12. Amarillo> Champaign IL ( really long day of driving, 13 hours)

We want to do the bulk of the trip the last 2 days and the 1st day. Basically want to see the southwest more than the central plains because we live here. We think this is a pretty good considering what we want to see and the time limit we have. I'm hoping for feedback and some suggestions. And the original trip we had planned to see Canyonlands, Sequia N.P, Roswell, and Carlsbad Caverns. Clearly we had to cut some stuff out.

I know you don't want to hear any of what I'm about to tell you, but nevertheless it must be said.

Day 1) Champaign IL to Glenwood Springs CO: 1180 miles. No. I don't care how many people you have, assuming you can cover 70 mph for 17 hours straight is simply unrealistic. And when you do eventually get there, you will be exhausted, cramped and out-of-sorts. This is not getting your trip off to a good start.

Day 2) Glenwood to Bryce: 465 miles. That's fine as a relaxed day's drive, but to plan on spending 3 hours in Arches and an hour in Bryce on top of that is too much, especially since you will still be drained from your previous day's marathon.

Day 3) Bryce to Vegas. This day is quite doable on only 5-6 hours of driving. So I guess my question is: Why are you running yourselves ragged the first couple of days if you can take a few hours from this day (and others) to make each day enjoyable rather than starting off on the wrong foot?

Day 11) Grand Canyon to Amarillo: 700 miles, again 12 hours is extremely optimistic and that would allow no time for the stops you list.

Day 12) Amarillo to Champaign: 940 miles!!! Sorry, this is simply not possible in 13 hours.

Look, your trip is quite doable in the time you have, but if you want to have fond memories of it when you're done, you have to cut out the death march drives and better allocate the time that you do have.

AZBuck

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Day 1) Champaign IL to Glenwood Springs CO: 1180 miles. No. I don't care how many people you have, assuming you can cover 70 mph for 17 hours straight is simply unrealistic. And when you do eventually get there, you will be exhausted, cramped and out-of-sorts. This is not getting your trip off to a good start.

Due to our schedule I don't see any other way. Unless you could formulate something different I would be happy to hear. Getting there between 1-2pm will be nice because we have all night to relax. We have rooms with hot tubs and king beds.

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It will probably take closer to 21 hours to make this drive. I think even with 4 drivers that this is a poor way to start out your trip. I would probably take a day from San Diego or Vegas and add it here so you could break the drive up. Maybe first night in Des Moines? That would still make the drive to Glenwood Springs dang long at about 825 miles but still more do-able.

If you insist on doing it, then try to do it "smart" and as safely as possible. Make sure the backseat is set up to be as comfortable as possible for sleeping. The driver/navigator team should keep the noise down so people in the back can sleep. At the same time, those in the back sleeping should have earplugs so that those in the front can talk as needed to keep each other alert and on the right road without worrying about waking those in the back up. Maybe something to block light, too. Ensure that the navigator and driver will both be awake and that the navigator's job is to also to help keep the driver awake. If everybody is groggy, pull over and nap for awhile in a safe parking lot. Even an hour or two can make a huge difference in your alertness. When the car is stopped for food/fuel/bio breaks, everybody should get out and hop/skip/jump/run around a bit to get the blood flowing. Even just 5 minutes of doing this can make a huge difference in alertness. Exceptions to this might be if the two in the backseat are sleeping. But once they wake up, and before driving, they should get out and move around like that to get really woken up before they take their turn driving. Stay away from sweets and carb-laden snacks as both turn to sugar in the body and will create a sugar-high and then a sugar-low that can make you groggy. Concentrate on eating healthy, protein-based foods during this portion of the trip, i.e. hard-boiled eggs, cheese, etc. to avoid these sugar highs/crashes. Drink lots of water.

To be honest, I see two separate vacations here. One that is the Southwest; and one that is California. I think it's a stretch in the time you have to enjoy both areas.

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Day 2) Glenwood to Bryce: 465 miles. That's fine as a relaxed day's drive, but to plan on spending 3 hours in Arches and an hour in Bryce on top of that is too much, especially since you will still be drained from your previous day's marathon.

We didn't plan on getting to Bryce till evening to catch a sunset. And in the morning explore the park. We can leave glenwood 6am get to bryce around 7pm that's 8 hours of driving and 3 hours at arches a few spare hours.

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This is do-able if you're fresh. However, I'm skeptical if you can do it AND enjoy it after your marathon first day. If you don't get out the door by 6am, I think you'll have to skip Arches.

I basically agree with AZBuck. If there's anyway you can add a day or two to take the pressure off those marathon drives, the better.

Thanks for the comments, azbuck I responded to everything you said with the post above but it was edited the quote and responses. < > That first day we just really want to get through the central U.S. If we get to Glenwood springs between 1-3pm how come an entire night wouldn't be enough to rest? We have rooms with hot tubs and king beds. Also how come it would take 21 hours? Mapquest says 17 hours not counting a time saver. That's 16 on the clock with 2 hours of extra time for stops. 18 total hours on the watch should be very accurate. It's an overnight drive so traffic is no big deal and going a few mph over the speed limit would probably work also. I believe after a talk last night we are going to try and push for one more day on the way back. The amarillo to champaign IL drive.

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Originally Posted by Traveldude

Also how come it would take 21 hours? Mapquest says 17 hours not counting a time saver.

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Well, you could take our word for it -- a bunch of us have actually driven this route many times over the years -- whereas a complex series of algorithms predicts that it could driven in less time. But I have never seen "Mapquest" behind the wheel -- as far as the editing goes -- it was my mistake -- cleaning up navigation on the thread and I must have missed your posts. My apologies. Our advice is based on real-world travel conditions -- something that even the best math models in the world can only guess at.

Mark

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If we get to Glenwood springs between 1-3pm how come an entire night wouldn't be enough to rest?

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An entire night would not be enough to rest because you'd be looking a one night break after 20+ hours of non-stop driving. That's like running 2 marathons in one day and wondering why you wouldn't be ready to go on a 5k run first thing the next morning. On paper, you can say its another day I'll be fine, in reality, your body just can't adjust that fast.

Clearly, you've got your mind set on doing what you want to do, and I suspect the only way you'll understand is to see first hand what many of us have already seen and/or done. Its possible that you and your friends are a very rare breed who can maintain a 70+ mph average speed over 18 hours on the road and who only needs one night to fully recover from the stresses of a 1200 mile drive. However, what the voices of millions of miles of experience say the odds are highly unlikely. It is much more likely that it will take you 20+ hours to cover the distance, and more importantly, your lack of a realistic recovery time is a recipe to make a "fun on paper" roadtrip a stressful experience that can stretch the limits of even the most hardy and long standing friendships. You might not even feel it immediately that 2nd day as you travel through Utah, because the adrenaline of the start of an exciting trip can help push through a couple days. Unfortantly, at some point that adrenaline eventually comes to a crashing end and thats where many people - including many people just like you who have posted here in the past who said, "it won't happen to us" - see the dreams of an amazing roadtrip come crashing down around them.

I understand your point about mapquest and how you may "old school" on roadtriping. But math doesn't lie and mapquest for me has been very accurate several times. Me and my GF drove to Albuquerque last year and according to mapquest it 18 hours from my house. And exactly 18 hours later when got there even with rainstorms in oklahoma. Same goes for my trips to niagra falls, NYC, Maine, Yellowstone. It has always been right on. I don't stop alot on the road execpt for bathroom/gas/food. And 1 night in colorado i plenty of rest cause we have a big day in utah and then 3 days of rest in vegas and 3 days in san diego. We are all in our mid 20's and don't tire very easy. Thanks for your ideas though.

I'm also in my 20's so I'm not sure how "old school" that makes me. Irregardless, this isn't about age or even style as much as it is about experience, and knowing first hand that what you are proposing to do has side effects that you aren't taking into account.

But I suspect you will have to find that our for yourself first hand. Good Luck on your trip.

I sometimes have good luck with Google's time-to-travel estimates, too. And then I have had times when those estimates have been way, way off. Sometimes it says it will take longer to get there than it really did, or vice-versa. I have found the 57mph average rule to be more accurate more often than Google's estimates (or those of other online mapping programs).

It's also interesting that the online programs don't usually agree on their time-to-travel estimates. If you compare Google's to Yahoo's to Mapquest's, they will often different. Sometimes significantly different.

When planning a roadtrip, I always like to use the estimate that is the longest. That way, if it's clear I'm making better time than the estimate, I know I can meander a bit, relax and explore more, and still make my target for that night. I much prefer that then having to press on and push myself past my limit if I have to be in a certain place that night and under-estimated the travel time.

It's your trip, Traveldude. Go with the suggestion that you feel the most comfortable with. I still think you're pushing yourself to much on that first leg but you know what you and your travel partners feel comfortable with and your endurance levels. Have a great time and I hope it works out for you. Please consider returning here after your trip to give us a roadtrip report. We love those! :)

Thanks judy for your imput that made alot of sense. And I will post a trip review as soon as I get back. The reason for such a long drive the first day is to get out west and enjoy our time to the max. Between my house and Denver there is nothing to see Geographically speaking. Growing up in Illinois you tend to hate driving through flatlands.

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Originally Posted by Traveldude

The reason for such a long drive the first day is to get out west and enjoy our time to the max. Between my house and Denver there is nothing to see Geographically speaking. Growing up in Illinois you tend to hate driving through flatlands.

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Around here, we tend to agree that there are no boring roads. Why do you find flatlands boring? And what does growing up in Illinois have to do with it?

I live in an area where driving on the beach itself, along the winding coastline, and twisty-bits in wooded hills are the norm. While I enjoy our scenery and roads, I enjoy flatlands as a change of pace. And the scenery can be remarkable. I think you should work on changing your POV and enjoying every moment of your roadtrip instead of thinking that the best stuff is farther down the road. Remember, it's the journey not the destination.

I'll look forward to hearing about your trip! Happy journey!

Sorry, I think I disagree with that first statement. I believe and many others that there is some boring rides around the midwest. Why do I find flatlands boring? In this part of the country there is corn and bean fields in all directions for hours. The random farmhouse or patch of woods isn't enough to enjoy for me. I enjoy mountains, lush forest, bodies of water, etc. I see you live in washington state I don't think I'd be wrong saying your not short of any scenic drives. I need to travel at least 3-4 just for small hills and thick forest.

If you think you're going to find nothing, then you will find nothing. If you assume that a bean field in Illinois is the same as a corn field in Kansas, and all that's there is corn, then that's exactly what you'll find.

I've taken many roadtrips that have never left the midwest/great plains, and some of my most enjoyable times took place in Iowa, Nebraska, The Dakotas, and even Illinois.

I don't expect your attitude to change, but I do feel sorry for you. You're going to miss a lot of great things along the way.

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Originally Posted by Traveldude

Sorry, I think I disagree with that first statement. I believe and many others that there is some boring rides around the midwest. Why do I find flatlands boring? In this part of the country there is corn and bean fields in all directions for hours. The random farmhouse or patch of woods isn't enough to enjoy for me. I enjoy mountains, lush forest, bodies of water, etc. I see you live in washington state I don't think I'd be wrong saying your not short of any scenic drives. I need to travel at least 3-4 just for small hills and thick forest.

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It sounds like familiarity has bred some contempt. Yes, I do live in an area with trees, beaches, etc. And there are quite a few people who live here who think it's boring, too! Sound familiar?

Funny...my first trip through the areas you're going to be traveling through was with a caravan of other cars. About half the drivers were bored to tears saying the desert looked the same and was boring. I found those same nuanced changes fascinating.

It's all mind-set. Look for the nuanced changes and you'll find that there's a lot more out there to fascinate you than you think there is. Personally, the week I spent last summer driving roads with the same type of wheatfields you're describing was one of the most beautiful drives I've ever taken.

I hope you enjoy your trip....all of it. Happy travels!

You should leave the midwest before defending it against actual scenery. Please don't feel sorry for me just feel sorry I live in central Illinois. I feel bad for you for not leaving the midwest yet. I've been through Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, I even stayed a week in South Dakota. Living my whole life near the Illinois Indiana border I feel I've experienced enough of the midwest and high plains to form this opinion. Then I can say I've been to Maine and all the New England states, out west to California by car, been to Vegas, Yellowstone, Florida, Black Hills, all over basically. I know good scenery when I'm driving through it. Also, Judy had a very good point about being so familiar with one place I'm looking harder for change. Thanks for your thoughts guys.

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Originally Posted by Traveldude

I feel bad for you for not leaving the midwest yet.

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I think you are missing the point here -- Michael has traveled all over the country -- his point was that one can scenic beauty and unusual roadside attractions anywhere -- in many ways, especially in places that other find so easy to dismiss.

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Living my whole life near the Illinois Indiana border I feel I've experienced enough of the midwest and high plains to form this opinion.

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You can hold any opinion you want, but being able to express a point of view, on this public forum, that runs counter to the road trip philosophy that governs this site -- is not as likely. I think everyone understands each other's point of view on this topic and its time to move on. Best of fortune to you as you plan your trip.

Mark