Help me pick between two Grand canyon areas

[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

[scotishbob]

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

[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

[cool]

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

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

[Traveldude]

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.

[Southwest Dave]

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 .

[Yeehaw]

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

[Traveldude]

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.

[scotishbob]

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

[MrsPete]

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'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.