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Arizona road trip
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Jul 13, 2019 16:45:16   #
Geofw Loc: Thornton Cleveleys UK
 
I am hoping my fellow hogger's can provide some advice on a road trip I am planning with friends in October or early November.
Day 1 - Flight to Phoenix then drive to Flagstaff and stay overnight.

Day 2 - 3 Drive to monument valley and snap the valley in the day and sunset. Stay local.
Hopefully do a sunrise.

Day 4 – 5 Drive to Arches valley and stay at Moab. Explore valley etc.

Day 6 - drive back down to do the petrified forest and the Windows Arch - then on to Flagstaff for overnight stay
Next day fly back from Phoenix.

What I am asking is if anyone has toured these areas and can give some good advice and any local tips /suggestions. I am also wondering if this is too much in the limited time we have?
We have never toured like this before so any help will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Geofw

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Jul 13, 2019 17:00:01   #
Quixdraw Loc: x
 
Proper Meats & Provisions, Charqueterie for lunch - craft beers at the Historic Brewing Co. later. (Both in Flagstaff) Second Sedona.

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Jul 13, 2019 17:11:05   #
mcmama
 
I’m not sure about the Windows Arch, what it is and how photographic it is, but if you can go to Sedona, I’d skip it and the Petrified Forest in lieu of it.

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Jul 13, 2019 17:40:32   #
RichinSeattle
 
What - no Grand Canyon visit?

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Jul 13, 2019 17:49:47   #
sjwfabian
 
It's a short span of time to do things well, but here's my minor suggestion. Virtually all of the Arches in Arches Nat'l Park are well away from the road and will each require walks(hikes) of an hour or more for each selected location. That could end up being limiting after a long day.
If you're near Arches, you're near Canyonlands and you can get some great shots there doing just Island in the Sky and that's a day all by itself.
If you're heading to Monument Valley consider a stop in Bluff, Utah and if the timing is right, lunch at Twin Rocks Diner and a brief visit to the Bluff Fort Museum are worthwhile.
To be honest, as I write this I realize that my basic thought is that your trip is too short in terms of time no matter which way I look at it. You're tasking parts of two trips (The Utah Grand Circle & Arizona Grand Canyon/Petrified Forest/Painted Desert route[old Route 66].
Do some more research. Figure out how to minimize driving time.. see if there's a way to land at a smaller airport and move in one direction, returning from another location rather than round-tripping.
I'm not sure if I've helped or just made of mess of things, but as someone who has done both "trips spread over a lot more days (a more leisurely pace, obviously) I felt compelled to put in my two cents.

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Jul 13, 2019 18:00:15   #
fbeaston Loc: Vermont
 
I like all the spots you've highlighted (went to all 2 months ago), but unlike a prior post, I was not as impressed with Sedona (it's beautiful for sure, but way too crowded, commercial & built up for me). Might suggest looking at prior UHH posts for specifics on these parks. I highly recommend using a guide at Monument Valley. You'll see things you can't otherwise access. I think you're going to be doing a lot of driving in a short time, but think it can be done. Challenge may be hotel reservations & finding the best spots quickly. While at Arches, I would also get over to Canyonlands, sunsets at Green River Overlook are awesome. Lastly, I'd suggest looking for a good guidebook ... it's quite possible you'll end up driving by some additional sights along the way, so best to be prepared. Safe travels.

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Jul 13, 2019 19:14:52   #
Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV
 
I agree with fbeaston about Sedona. Whatever you do, DO NOT pass up Petrified Forest for Sedona. Unless you are a local, the really cools parts of the Sedona area are hidden gems that you are not likely to find in a one day trip. The touristy parts of Sedona are exactly that, touristy. And I don't mean that in a good way. I used to live in Flagstaff and Sedona was a really nice and close getaway for a weekend. Not anymore. While in Flagstaff, try to get up into the San Francisco Peaks north of town. Especially in that time frame the aspens will be spectacular!

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Jul 13, 2019 19:26:22   #
Cany143 Loc: SE Utah
 
I've largely given up trying to provide trip info into the areas you've mentioned (and in which I live and/or have been to/through countless times), largely because those who ask provide a) either too little information, or b) pretty much only think to inquire about info that can easily be found via Google or in countless guidebooks, never realizing there are countless places along the way that can be as good or better than the places you plan to visit.

In column 'a': you mention you'll be travelling with friends. Are they into photography? Able to hike short distances? Willing to forego fine dining at the appointed hour, tourist trap towns, gift shops and the like? Are they patient, adventuresome, and open to the aesthetics of 'right here right now' that could be --and are likely to be-- several more times 'WOW-istic' than the next designated place on your itinerary? There's more I could ask, but that would get into logistics, timing and a dozen other related topics that can make or break a first-timer's trip.

In column 'b': Sure, each of the places you mention are fine, mostly, and you already know a week will be too short a time. But Flagstaff (though there is a pretty good East Indian restaurant on the west side of town)? Window Rock (arch)? Save those for your tenth trip or whatever. Monument Valley? Apart from camping or staying at Gouldings, the closest places to stay are half an hour away, respectively, in either Kayenta AZ or Mexican Hat UT, and you mentioned staying 'local.' In your favor, though, sunrise/sunset times are a little easier in late Oct/early Nov, so getting up at oh-dark-thirty won't be such a hassle (see also column 'a' with regard to your travelmates). Arches NP? Watch out for faulty or incomplete information, e.g., contrary to advice given above, there are dozens of MAJOR arches/features that can be accessed in no time flat, assuming you (and your crew) can walk a hundred feet/yards or so. Petrified Forest? I could (and have) spent a week just there and nowhere else (which closes at dusk and opens at sunrise, so I slept in my vehicle --which is set up for such-- on the southern park boundary rather than all the way over in Holbrook AZ [which is pretty neat, too]). In the realization, that is, that Canyon De Chelley was on the way back home for me.

I could go on. And on. And on. Maybe that's a result of having --literally, professionally-- assisted thousands of area visitors with their trip planning.

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Jul 14, 2019 06:08:53   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
Geofw wrote:
I am hoping my fellow hogger's can provide some advice on a road trip I am planning with friends in October or early November.
Day 1 - Flight to Phoenix then drive to Flagstaff and stay overnight.

Day 2 - 3 Drive to monument valley and snap the valley in the day and sunset. Stay local.
Hopefully do a sunrise.

Day 4 – 5 Drive to Arches valley and stay at Moab. Explore valley etc.

Day 6 - drive back down to do the petrified forest and the Windows Arch - then on to Flagstaff for overnight stay
Next day fly back from Phoenix.

What I am asking is if anyone has toured these areas and can give some good advice and any local tips /suggestions. I am also wondering if this is too much in the limited time we have?
We have never toured like this before so any help will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Geofw
I am hoping my fellow hogger's can provide some ad... (show quote)


tripadvisor.com

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Jul 14, 2019 07:46:05   #
jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana
 
Since you’re going to be in the area anyway on the way from Flagstaff to MV, don’t miss Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, both at Page, AZ.

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Jul 14, 2019 07:46:55   #
SonyBug
 
Cany143 wrote:
I've largely given up trying to provide trip info into the areas you've mentioned (and in which I live and/or have been to/through countless times), largely because those who ask provide a) either too little information, or b) pretty much only think to inquire about info that can easily be found via Google or in countless guidebooks, never realizing there are countless places along the way that can be as good or better than the places you plan to visit.

In column 'a': you mention you'll be travelling with friends. Are they into photography? Able to hike short distances? Willing to forego fine dining at the appointed hour, tourist trap towns, gift shops and the like? Are they patient, adventuresome, and open to the aesthetics of 'right here right now' that could be --and are likely to be-- several more times 'WOW-istic' than the next designated place on your itinerary? There's more I could ask, but that would get into logistics, timing and a dozen other related topics that can make or break a first-timer's trip.

In column 'b': Sure, each of the places you mention are fine, mostly, and you already know a week will be too short a time. But Flagstaff (though there is a pretty good East Indian restaurant on the west side of town)? Window Rock (arch)? Save those for your tenth trip or whatever. Monument Valley? Apart from camping or staying at Gouldings, the closest places to stay are half an hour away, respectively, in either Kayenta AZ or Mexican Hat UT, and you mentioned staying 'local.' In your favor, though, sunrise/sunset times are a little easier in late Oct/early Nov, so getting up at oh-dark-thirty won't be such a hassle (see also column 'a' with regard to your travelmates). Arches NP? Watch out for faulty or incomplete information, e.g., contrary to advice given above, there are dozens of MAJOR arches/features that can be accessed in no time flat, assuming you (and your crew) can walk a hundred feet/yards or so. Petrified Forest? I could (and have) spent a week just there and nowhere else (which closes at dusk and opens at sunrise, so I slept in my vehicle --which is set up for such-- on the southern park boundary rather than all the way over in Holbrook AZ [which is pretty neat, too]). In the realization, that is, that Canyon De Chelley was on the way back home for me.

I could go on. And on. And on. Maybe that's a result of having --literally, professionally-- assisted thousands of area visitors with their trip planning.
I've largely given up trying to provide trip info ... (show quote)


Darn it Caney, you just make us who really want to get into the back country jealous. I would love to follow you on a trip, but I am sadly limited to boats where I don't walk as much. So, it's off to Rome for my next trip, sorry that I missed Antelope canyon and Horseshoe Bend exactly 10 years ago when I was out west. Maybe in my next life...

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Jul 14, 2019 08:04:33   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
Geofw wrote:
I am hoping my fellow hogger's can provide some advice on a road trip I am planning with friends in October or early November.
Day 1 - Flight to Phoenix then drive to Flagstaff and stay overnight.

Day 2 - 3 Drive to monument valley and snap the valley in the day and sunset. Stay local.
Hopefully do a sunrise.

Day 4 – 5 Drive to Arches valley and stay at Moab. Explore valley etc.

Day 6 - drive back down to do the petrified forest and the Windows Arch - then on to Flagstaff for overnight stay
Next day fly back from Phoenix.

What I am asking is if anyone has toured these areas and can give some good advice and any local tips /suggestions. I am also wondering if this is too much in the limited time we have?
We have never toured like this before so any help will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Geofw
I am hoping my fellow hogger's can provide some ad... (show quote)


Rather tan stay in Flagstaff stay a bit east in Winslow at La Posada. Very historic and beautiful. Also the Eagles "Standin on the Corner" famous statue is in Winslow and many miss it. Besides that there is too much to mention except when you are that close go to 4 Corners.

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Jul 14, 2019 08:38:15   #
knessr
 
Having done all of these places and for what it is worth I would scratch Arches off the list. As someone else here said, it could be part of another trip - National Park Circle.

I think a better use of your time with lot less driving would be do a circle from Flagstaff north to Sunset Crater and Wupatki Ruins, up to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in Page, over to Kayenta for Monument Valley, down to Petrified Forest and back into Flagstaff.

On another trip you could do Arches, Canyonlands, Capital Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion NPs and end up at Las Vegas.

If you look at a map, Arches takes you out of the way of the rest of what you want to see and consequently adds a lot of miles and hours driving instead of time shooting.

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Jul 14, 2019 08:49:01   #
sb Loc: Florida's East Coast
 
The commercial jeep tours of Arches only take half a day but will get you to the most popular arches but also to some interesting back-country areas. Well worth it.

Consider instead of petrified forest going to Chinle, in the heart of Navajo country. Spend the night and arrange a tour of the Canyon de Chelley. It is a national monument and you have to have a Navajo guide to go in (other than hiking down the White House Ruins Trail) as I recall. A morning tour of the canyon via jeep will result in beautiful views of ruins and the walls of this deep narrow canyon. Do a search here for images. It is not only an awesome spot, but very spiritual.

The other thing about the Canyon de Chelley - it is off the beaten track and so is not overwhelmed with tourists. You have to be serious to go there, since it cannot be done as a "drive-by"..

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Jul 14, 2019 09:17:39   #
gcolegate1
 
Go to Winslow, Az and stand on a corner. Check out the giant meteor crater on the way. You can also take some of the original Route 66 getting there.

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