bbrown5154 Loc: Baltimore, MD

I'm planning a trip to Sedona, AZ in May.
Would love some tips and suggestions of good photo sites.
A lot of hiking is in the plans.
Also side trips to Monument Valley and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are on the table so any "hidden treasures" would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Brian

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

Are you flying to Phoenix or driving out?

twowindsbear

Make your reservations NOW!

Ride the Mule into the Grand Canyon.

Take along at least 1 'cool weather' outfit. The low humidity, breeze/wind can combine to make a 'really nice day in the sun' feel down right cold in the shade.

Take lots & LOTS of pix, & most of all have fun!

bbrown5154 Loc: Baltimore, MD

We are flying into Phoenix and then driving to Sedona spending 4 days in Sedona, taking a day trip to the south rim, then 1 day at Monument Valley and I really splurged and we are spending the night at The View Hotel. Then driving back to Phoenix to spend our last night.
Any hidden or secret gems, (ghost towns would be awesome) would be very welcome.
Brian

bbrown5154 Loc: Baltimore, MD

Sorry, I replied to the post below yours.
But I love your dog. :D

twowindsbear

MORE time at Grand Canyon - less at Sedona!!!!

Try to see sunset AND sunrise at the canyon.

There's also Painted Desert / Petrified Forest and Meteor Crater in the area.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

I loved her too. all 15 years of her. She and wife went about the same time. Haven't been able to think about replacing either one.

Now to the sites. From Sedona, Az take AZ 89A south to Jerome, AZ. It is a Ghost town/State Historic site/Artist colony. It is on the side of Mingus Mountain and is an old mining town. It is worth a day trip to sightsee. There is an excursion train that runs out of clarkdale, AZ. The Verde Canyon Railroad. There is Tuzigoot Monument as well. Then If you go to Williams, Az you can take the Grand canyon Railroad to the Grand Canyon. Or if you want to see what it used to be like, go west on I 40 to Seligman, Az and get off and take old U.S. 66 from Seligman to Kingman. Since you are at Kingman you could also take I 40 west thru town and get back on old 66 and go to Oatman and see the wild burros that roam thru town.

Or you can go north out of Flagstaff to Wupatki National Monument, sunset Crater National Monument. Or east fromFlagstaff to Holbrook and see the Petrified Forest or Meteor Crater.The Homolovi Ruins State Park or on east to U.S. 191 and go north to the Old Hubbell trading Post Historic site. Then east from there to Fort Defiance, Window Rock.

I could name even more places, but I just realized that what I have already mentioned would take a month to see.

bbrown5154 Loc: Baltimore, MD

I am so sorry to hear that.

I've been reading about Jerome so thank you I think that just sealed it for me.

My partner and I were just in Tucson last year and we loved it.
Some of the nicest and friendliest people. Saw my first "monster" on a hike in the Rincon Mountains.
Thanks again.
Brian

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

Two places I recommend to the point of insistence are the Douglas house and the Gold King Mine.The Douglas house is quite an interesting place and was considered a Mansion in the late 1800's when it was built. The gold King has a lot of old trucks and a bunch of old Studebaker cars & a couple of trucks along with other oddments.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Brian - You can tell that I love Arizona, when I tell you that YOU will LOVE every moment of it. Coming from the East Coast, this side is heaven! Just have your camera/tripod ready and expect to make many unscheduled stops. Enjoy!

J2e Loc: Canandaigua, NY

Brian:
More time at Grand Canyon, less at Sedona. It may be too late to get a reservation, but the mule ride down the Bright Angel Trail is the thrill of a lifetime. There is a weight limit, however. Last time I checked it was 200 lb. Even if you don't take the mule ride I suggest you watch the guides (muleskinners) prepping the dudes for their big adventure. It takes place about 7:30 AM at the trailhead and it's hilarious. Get to your preferred vantage point early at both sunrise and at sunset. For those age 62 or more the National Park Service offers a senior pass for $10. It's good for life at all of the national parks - for you and all in your car. Get the pass. It is the best deal imaginable.

Ladywendy Loc: Georgia

First - try the North rim of the canyon - little visited but very interesting photo ops.
Also, visit Ork Creek Canyon - again few visitors with great photo ops.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Jethro779 has given you a great list and he is correct about time needed. If you have to pick a few out of the list, I like Wapatki Monument and Sunset crater, wtih Clarkdale RR and Jerome for your mining/ghost town.

RLSeipleSr Loc: North of Boston

If you get a chance while in Phoenix you could visit the Buffalo Chip in Cave Creek ... not for everyone but we did enjoy it ...

Bob

http://www.buffalochipsaloon.com/

wowbmw Loc: Grant, Colorado

Sedona has lost its appeal. Too much traffic. You can take on off rode jeep tour and get some nice pics. The drive through Oak Creek is still worthwhile. Now, the best part of your trip will be Monument Valley! We stayed at the View last November during the full moon. When we stepped into the room and opened the drapes, I turned around and went back to the lobby to book another night. Fortunately they were able to accommodate our request. Have fun and post some pics.