kmctague

At Monument Valley - If possible stay at the View Hotel. It is overlooking the classic natural monuments. All rooms face the valley. Best view seems to be early morning because you are looking east from the hotel rooms.

maryo Loc: Santa fe

i agree - sedona is one super crowded traffic jam.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Yes, Sedona is a miserable joke has been for decades.
Got really bad when the fruits and nuts from CA invaded it with crystals and vortexes, biggest joke of all.
When going to our house in the canyon that was the most miserable part of getting to it.

PierreD

Suggest swinging by Sedona on your way from PHX to Flag or on the way down - it's a spectacular area and a short hop from the highway.

Just Ducky Loc: Ohio/Florida

We were out there about 2 1/2 years ago and would love to go back!
If you like music, The Musical Instrument Museum is amazing.
We liked the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest and the Crater and a quick stop in Winslow, AZ just because.
BUT, we found Walnut Canyon which is about 10 miles SE of Flagstaff and would definitely go there again.

PierreD

The nice time for fall foliage in the Flagstaff area is September. You will be way too late for this in October and even more in November. The San Francisco peaks are spectacular but don't expect fall colors by the time you visit.

PierreD

I've lived in Arizona for 20+ years and Sedona remains a top destination for scenery. It IS touristy but just as everywhere else, most tourists don't dare venture more than a few 100 feet from their car... Many beautiful trails are easily accessible (stop at the Tourist Office along the way in for a map and advice) and if you walk these for a short distance, you will have the place to yourself, esp. at the time that you will be there. So, get away from the crowds and you'll be amazed at the scenery.

PierreD

Sunset Crater, a short distance E. of Flag, is definitely worth a visit... It's a pretty unique place.

Ob1 Loc: Utah

i am sorry to disagree with anyone because everyone has different opinions but Mesa Arch best light is when the sun just peaks over the horizon in the morning. Check for sunrise times. You will have to be there at~ 4:00 - 5:00 a.m. to get a tripod spot. It is the hottest ticket in the area. You will be there with a dozen or more photographers. It is a site to behold to see the glow! Antelope Canyon (upper) with the photographers tour is also a must see as well as horseshoe bend. Have fun!

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

In addition to my earlier reply, I agree that you must see Sedona--take a Pink Jeep tour--it’s worth it.

Geofw Loc: Thornton Cleveleys UK

Wow thank you all so much, what a wealth of advice from you all.
I realized we were planning a lot in a short time frame, unfortunately I can't afford more time away from my business.
I think we will be looking at changing our plans after reading some of the advice you have given.
We are planning this mainly for photography and will be dragging our long suffering wives along with us.
Thank you all once again, you are amazing.
Geofw

gwilliams6

I agree don't miss Antelope Canyon. Someone said it was a cliche location and should be skipped. I laughed at that comment. It is only a cliche location if you make cliche photos. Make the location speak to your own creativity and art.

Rodeo Lensman

I have photographed the Painted Desert and you can plan on at least 3-4 hours to get a variety of shots. Another photographer and I found the Petrified Forest to be a little bit of a disappointment when compared to the Painted Desert, but I'm sure you'll hear different opinions. Also, someone mentioned Antelope Pass. You have to buy tickets for the tour...... they usually book up almost 8-12 months ahead. There is a normal tour and then a photographer's tour when they will allow you to bring and use a tripod. The photographer's. tour is in the $100.00 - $125.00 bracket.

Your whirlwind tour will take its' toll on you. A lot of walking and setting-up for any great shots! Take your time and get some good shots where ever you start. You can always go back another time to visit areas that you had to miss. And don't forget to go to both the South and North Rims of the Grand Canyon on a future trip.
I don't know if you're aware of the Walkway out over the Canyon on the Western side of the Canyon. It's very expensive you go out on it and you're not allowed to take ANYTHING with you....No camera, cell phones, fanny packs, backpacks, purses, etc. etc. Not exactly photo friendly!!!!!

pilot64 Loc: Atlanta, GA

Too much driving time to do your subjects justice. Monument Valley requires a Navajo guide to get inside the park unless you want to limit your opportunities to the 22 mile drive that takes you into the park. Entrance fee to get in, but you really have to stay in the park (Gouldings or The View). Phillips Photography (www.monumentvalley.com) can get you where you want at a reasonable cost. I took the same type of trip you took three years ago: Phoenix to Sedona(2 days);Sedona to Pace(1 day); Pace to Monument Valley (4 days); Back to Phoenix. I should have doubled the time and spent more time at each stop. There's lots to see and you can't drive up to most of the places you want to go. Horseshoe bend is a tough 3/4 mile hike and can be very crowded. Make a reservation for Antelope Canyon photo tours. Lower is tougher than Upper. Here mid day can give you the best light you want. I went early AM tour because I had to drive from Pace to Monument Valley (3-4 hours). There is SO much to see, I will go back and do it again. So much to see, try to find a local guide to help you find the best spots.

Gallopingphotog

A big YES to Twin Rocks. The rock formation itself (so named for the Navajo Twins) is good to shoot. And the food is outstanding. Especially the fry bread.
Depending on your time, walk across the parking lot to the Trading Post. They have some of the finest jewelry, pottery and rugs you'll find. Plus Steve and Barry, the brothers who run the place, are fountains of information not only on their wares but on Navajo customs, legends and tales of bygone escapades.
Check out their website, twinrocks.com