HughB Loc: Minneapolis MN

We spend March/April in Fountain Hills outside of Phoenix each year. Now knowing your condition I would suggest two less physical tours:
South Rim of the Grand Canyon: do not spend much time at the Centerpoint tourist area except to get an initial view of the Canyon; go east on the south rim road and at various side stops/ parking areas you will have a great view of the canyon and the Colorado River.
If you keep going east you will meet up with Route 89. Turn north towards Page. First stop is Big Bend one mile south of Page. From the parking lot it is a quarter mile walk to the rim of the Colorado River, fabulous at sunset. Then on to Page to one of the tour guide offices for a truck ride into Upper Antelope Slot Canyon. Its entrance and walk through are at ground level : an unforgettable sightseeing and photographing experience. Best to visit it in the early afternoon to experience the sun’s effect on the redsand walls front the Slots above. My best photos in Arizona and my favorites are from this and the Lower A Canyon.
Thinking about this excursion, I recommend you go from the east end of the Grand Canyon straight up to Page and the Upper Antelope Slot Canyon to catch the good lighting, then if time permits a quick stop at the Big Bend Park.
If no time head south on 89 to 17 and back to Phoenix.
We did stay a night in Page at an inexpensive but very nice motel.
Good travels.

photoman43

You have a good list of planned stops. At the Grand Canyon you may qualify to drive yourself to the lookout points.Check with the Visitors Lodge for more info and a pass or gate codes.

I would add a half day morning trip at Canyon de Chelly. Winter in the canyon can be beautiful. You can always tell your guide to make the trip shorter if needed.

If you are close to Monument Valley, go there and also take a guided tour as they will take you on some roads you cannot get to in your own vehicle. I would pick MV over Painted desert.

In Phoenix check out the Desert Botanical Garden near the zoo. See if they are having any special events that catch your fancy.

twowindsbear

Check at the Grand Canyon visitor center for their advice about the best over look for sun rise and sun set pix. They also offer a sun rise ranger talk that is really nice, too. Have a GREAT trip!

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Long hiking for those who are limited.

genesampson

The Apache Trail was a great drive, but much of it is closed due to washouts. It is a gravel road but after fires and flooding it is impassible. There are discussions of not even making it travel worthy of automobiles. That would be a shame.

The drive up 87 is beautiful with many changes in vegetation and geology. Drive up to Payson and have lunch. It's a nice day trip. If possible, Lake Mary Road north of Payson is a great drive to Flagstaff. Sweet forestation and if there is snow with clear roads it's very nice. This is also the most scenic way to get from Phoenix to Flagstaff.

You might look at driving the intact parts of old Route 66. It's quite fun.

Other than that Phoenix and South would be my suggestions. Once you get into higher elevations things can get dicey.

carney2

Thanks for the suggestions, but for many reasons we are locked and loaded for the places mentioned in the original post. One key reason is to get photos with (hopefully) snow on the ground.

genesampson

As to road conditions use our DOT web page. AZ511 will give current closures (as the Apache Trail, rt. 88).

BTW I live in Payson and the snow on the mountains and Mogollon Rim north of Phoenix are incredible.....as I look over to the Mazatzals. Roads are clear!

MW

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Although the OP isn't planning on the Apache Trail, for others who may be interested, the USDA site lists it as currently open: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recarea/?recid=35799. Always check before you go!

MW

In Phoenix go to the Desert Botanical Garden, drive the road to the top of South Mountain, visit the Mystery Castle, go to Heritage Square then get yourself several levels up in the nearby parking garage for urban/architectural views, Arizona Railroad Musem in nearby Candler, Taliesin West in Scottsdale.

Remember, Phoenix is a big urban sprawl like a mini LA. Not much true landscape for non-hikers.

scallihan Loc: Tigard, OR

I whole heartedly concur that the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum near Tucson is a must. Give yourself a couple of hours - it's quite a large outdoor museum.

Also if you are into photographing sandhill cranes, Whitewater Draw is very accessible, flat terrain. Best times are dawn and dusk, but there are no lodgings nearby (just rv camping - no services) so dusk is best bet.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Papago Park is wonderful for unique landscapes with little or no hiking.

Joexx

That is very good advice. Several years ago we took a Pink Jeep tour. Yes they were very nice and accommodating, and Yes we read all the great reviews, but we found the tour very expensive and did not really see much that we could not have seen from one of the dirt roads. Perhaps it was the specific tour we took. Also, if you look at the cost for 2 people, you can usually rent a jeep for a day for the same price, and see far more.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

Definitely agree on Taliesin West (Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and school). While you are out there on Shea Blvd, go to Fountain Hills and have lunch in town and watch the fountain. Great photo shoots off of Shea Blvd.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

According to the USNPS website:

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/north-rim.htm

The North Rim is closed. The roads going there may or may not be open but the Visitor Facility is closed as of October 6th. You could probably get to the Rim with four-wheel drive vehicle if you are really serious though.