Zion>Page>Grand Canyon>Sedona

[VAtraveler]

Hello All,

My wife and I (mid twenties) have decided to spend some time in the southwest this fall.

Our trip will begin with a 3 night stay at Cable Mountain Lodge just outside of Zion National Park (October 9-12). We both enjoy day hikes and would love to take in as much of Zion as possible within our stay. From there we leave early on the 12th to Page, AZ where we want to hit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in one day. After our time in Page we will head to the Grand Canyon, I have a one night stay booked at the Maswik Lodge. The following morning we will drive to Sedona where we will spend our last two nights (14 & 15). Our returning flight leaves out of Phoenix at 12:15 p.m. on the 16th.

I do not have accommodations booked for Page or Sedona yet, any recommendations would be much appreciated. Would love to hear any and all advice for the locations we have picked and what type of clothing/gear we should bring for that time of year. Lastly, does this timeline seem legitimate?

Thank you all in advance!

[Southwest Dave]

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

You have a nice relaxed trip to look forward to and for me it's the best time of year to travel in these parts. You will need to pack layered clothing as you have to be prepared for variable weather conditions and nights can get cold. I would think it's best to book an Antelope canyon tour in advance and I would recommend getting to the Grand canyon quite early as there are a lot of viewpoints to enjoy along Desertview drive as you enter the east kiosk and make your way to GC village. I can't help with lodgings in Page or Sedona but to get some ideas check out the Roadtrip Motels link to the right of each page.

[Rick Quinn]

Hello!

It sounds like you're planning just one night and one day in Page. It's a popular area, so standard motel rooms are priced a bit on the high side, even in October. When I'm in Page, I like to stay in a place called Debbie's Hide Away, one of several properties on the "Street of Little Motels" near the middle of Page. These places were built as apartments for families of the men building the dam, back in the 1960's. You get a furnished apartment, with a full kitchen, laundry, and all the comforts of home, for about $20 more than a room at the Motel 6 (or equivalent).

Antelope Canyon: there are two sections, Upper, and Lower Antelope Canyon. They're close to one another, but separate, with different tour companies, and separately priced fees. Upper Antelope Canyon is the more crowded of the two, which is one reason why my own favorite is the lower canyon. I've got some good information about the difference between the two in my blog: Antelope Canyon: Part 1. You can book ahead if you'd like, but I've never found it to be necessary at Lower Antelope Canyon. There are two tour companies, and tours leaving every 20 minutes. In October, you'll probably be too late to see any of the famous light beams. If you'd like to see what you'll be missing, check out this slide show: Conjuring a Beam of Light in Antelope Canyon Give the first page a minute to load, and the pictures will advance automatically.

As for the Grand Canyon: Have you considered going to the North Rim? You are (or could be) passing very near there on your way from Zion to Page, and you'll be there the last week of their season, which runs to mid-October. It will still be open, and the views are just as stunning, but with just a fraction of the crowds you'll find at the south rim. As a bonus: the Aspens along the road to the North Rim will be changing right about then, Arizona's version of Autumn, and quite beautiful.

In Sedona, check out the Sky Ranch Lodge. You can get a room with an incredible view for the same price as a far more ordinary room in town. Be sure to take the drive down 89A through Oak Creek Canyon when you travel from Flagstaff to Sedona. The leaves will be changing there as well--oaks and cottonwoods. Truly lovely.

Enjoy! October is a great time of the year in that part of the Southwest.

Rick

[glc]

Ouch - Page is a bit expensive on October 12.

Several years ago, I stayed at the Super 8 in February and it was $45. It's $138 on Oct 12. I do not recommend the Super 8, my stay was not pleasant.