5 Days in Northern Arizona – Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – In Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon, Arizona is one of the world’s seven natural wonders, attracting nearly 5 million visitors every year. The park stretches 277 miles along the Colorado River. However, 90% of the visitors see the Park from the overlooks along the South Rim. The South Rim, which is the most accessible part of the park, includes historic Village, Hermit Road, and the scenic Desert View Drive.

The North Rim of the park is the less visited part of the Grand Canyon even though it’s only 10 miles across the canyon from the South Rim, but it is 220 miles, or approximately 4.5 hours drive by car, all the way around the National Park.

Top Things To Do In Grand Canyon, Arizona

The South Rim includes the historic Village, The Scenic and Historic Hermit Road, and the Desert. View Drive. The South Rim is open all year long, even on holidays.

A Must Do – The Desert View Drive

The less crowded Desert View Drive, with many breathtaking overlooks and un-named pullouts, will allow you to experience the ever-changing moods of the Grand Canyon. The scenic route is east of Village on the South Rim, which follows the rim for 25 miles (40 km) out to the Desert View Watchtower and East Entrance. The Drive is well maintained, and pulling out to lookouts is easy as signs are well marked.

The map below shows the location of many breathtaking overlooks and un-named pullouts on Desert View Drive and will allow you to experience the ever-changing moods of the Grand Canyon. It also displays the scenic Desert View Drive with marked outlooks. It’s about 23 miles long toward the east from theVillage or Information Plaza to Desert View Tower. If you have a self-driven car, then this is a must-do. Equally beautiful no matter what time of the day you visit, each has its unique beauty. Sunrise in the east of Desert View Tower and Sunset towards the village will bring home some beautiful shots. Also, George and the valley will be bright when the sun is in a higher position.

Pull Over At Pipe Creek Vista

This pullout can be accessed by private vehicle or the free Kaibab Rim Route (Orange) Shuttle Bus, departing from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

A Quick Stop At Yaki Point (Elevation: 7262 feet / 2213 meters)

If you like to enjoy the sunset or sunrise, then the quiet Yaki Point is your best bet. This is the only viewpoint on Desert View Drive that is not accessible by a private vehicle. Instead, it can be reached using the free Kaibab Rim Route (Orange) Shuttle Bus departing from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

Another Stop At Grandview Point (Elevation: 7399 feet / 2256 meters)

This popular viewpoint offers panoramic views of the National Park from east to west, including several bends of the Colorado River to the east. The historic Grandview Trail begins here. This trail is very steep! In the summer, much of the trail is in full sun. In the winter, ice, and snow can make hiking treacherous. Always use caution on the Grandview Trail.

Don’t Miss Moran Point (Elevation: 7160 feet / 2182 meters)

This is one of the most colorful spots on Desert View Drive; you must stop here and enjoy the scenic view of the rocks, the sediment colors are varied, and the lights reflect off the rocks to provide beautiful views.

Tusayan Ruin and Museum

The Tusayan Ruin is off the Desert View Drive (Route 64 ). This ruin is the remains of a small ancestral Puebloan village. A relatively flat 0.1-mile (200 meters) trail wraps around the ruin and offers the opportunity to learn more about the place and the people who once called this home.

Next Stop At Lipan Point (Elevation: 7360 feet / 2243 meters)

This viewpoint is also along Route 64 (Desert View Drive), worth stopping to embrace the beautiful nature. From this viewpoint, you will witness several points of interest.

Must Stop At Navajo Point (Elevation: 7461 feet / 2275 meters)

Just a few minutes west of the Desert View Watchtower, this viewpoint offers a great view of the Watchtower, panoramic vistas to the west, and a view north up the Colorado River. Navajo Point is the highest overlook on the South Rim – unless one is standing on the top observation deck of the Watchtower itself. This is because the top of the tower measures slightly higher.

Stretch Out At Desert View Watchtower (Elevation: 7438 feet / 2267 meters)

Along Desert View Drive, you will find a parking area, and a short ¼-mile (½-km) walk will lead you to these historic buildings, to the rim. From Desert View Point, you can enjoy the Colorado River and make a big bend to the west. Finally, you can climb the stairs to the watchtower’s top for outstanding canyon views—a great photo opportunity for photographers. At this location will find a bookstore, snack bar, general store, service station, restrooms, and seasonal campground.

Day 2 – Grand Canyon to Sedona Stop in Flagstaff

Visit San Francisco Peak

The San Francisco Peaks are a volcanic mountain range in north central Arizona, just north of Flagstaff, and a remnant of the former San Francisco Mountain.

Grand Falls Should Be On Your Must-See List

Grand Falls is a natural waterfall system located 30 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, in the Painted Desert in the Navajo Nation. At 185 feet tall, it is taller than Niagara Falls.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Walnut Canyon National Monument is a United States National Monument located about 10 mi southeast of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, near Interstate 40. The canyon rim elevation is 6,690 ft; the canyon’s floor is 350 ft lower.

Lowell Observatory Is A Place You Could Consider Visit

Lowell Observatory is an astronomical observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, United States. Lowell Observatory was established in 1894, placing it among the oldest observatories in the United States.

Wupatki National Monument

The Wupatki National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located in north-central Arizona, near Flagstaff.

Day 3 – Top Things To Do In Sedona

The Grand Canyon to Sedona road trip was so scenic that I made several stops. The 136 miles (218 km) should not take more than 2 hours of nonstop driving, but consider it way longer than that. You will definitely end up making multiple stops on the way. Here are a few exciting things you could consider doing during your Sedona trip.

Take The Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive

Oak Creek Canyon is a river gorge in northern Arizona between Flagstaff and Sedona on Route 89A. The scenic drive is a breathtaking experience. I have ranked among the top 5 most scenic drive charts. If you are a photographer, it’s a must-do trip in Sedona.

Red Rock State Park Is A Great Place To Visit

Red Rock State Park is a state park in Arizona featuring a red sandstone canyon outside the city of Sedona. This day-use park’s main mission is to preserve the riparian habitat along Oak Creek. This State Park maintains a 5-mile network of interconnecting trails along scenic Oak Creek. You can experience the vista at the top of Eagle’s Nest (300’ climb).

Visit Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is a state park in Arizona, located in Oak Creek Canyon, only 7 miles north of Sedona on Route 89A. It is known as one of America’s top swimming holes. This natural waterslide is formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek. The slide rock is 80 feet long and 2.5 to 4 feet wide, with a 7% decline from top to bottom.

Drive Up The Hill And Enjoy at The Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Roman Catholic chapel and a favorite tourist attraction for many who visit Sedona. It is located just off Route 179 at the end of Chapel Road. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. The Chapel is nestled beautifully into a red rock; from the top, it has an incredible view of the majestic Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and much of the eastern rim of Sedona.

Cathedral Rock Another Hiking Site

Cathedral Rock is a famous landmark in Sedona and can be seen from the distance. It is one of the most photographed sights in Arizona. There is a short 0.7-mile trail that quickly rises 608 feet in elevation. The middle part of the trail has a near-vertical segment that requires climbing. This is an excellent place for hikers and those not afraid of heights.

Take the Bell Rock Tour

Bell Rock is one of the famous tourist attractions located north of the Village of Oak Creek, AZ, south of Sedona in Yavapai County. The elevation of its summit is about 4,919 feet. It did not take much effort to track down the location of this church bell shape rock from a distance. Even an early morning or evening drive to the Rock along the beautiful Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179) is amazing.

The hike to Bell Rock is famous among visitors as it is easy and flat. The Trail will take you about halfway up Bell Rock. Unfortunately, the top of the Rock is inaccessible. If you take the entire Courthouse Butte Loop, it’s about five miles long. But you can bypass it and take only the Bell Rock pathway, which is much shorter.

The Honanki Heritage Site

The Honanki Heritage Site is 15 miles west of present-day Sedona. Great place to experience the cliff dwelling and rock art site that was last inhabited between 1400 and 1875 by Yavapai and Apache people. Perfect place to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air; the site has two trails for self-guided tours to explore the ruins as well as the surrounding forest. One of the best ways to get there is by Pink Jeep Tour or self-driven car.

Day 4 – Sightseeing in Page

Page is located in Coconino County near the Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, and Horseshoe Bend and is home to one of the most visited slot canyons called Antelope Canyon. The amazing Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, in particular, is a photographer’s dream site and should be on the top of your bucket list.

Things To Do In Page

Visit Antelope Canyon

 
A trip to Arizona would not be complete without seeing the magical Antelope Canyon. Although Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons are equally popular, just outside Page, about 15 drive, is the USA’s most visited and photographed site. The best time to visit is between 10:30 am – 12:30 pm for a beautiful view of light beams passing through the holes above and making an unbelievable scene. Click here to find Find tours, activities, and more.

Lower Antelope Canyon:

Lower Antelope Canyon is fascinating; the colorful rock was slowly created over millions of years by water and wind; amazing to see the bright red, orange, pink, purple, and blue curving sandstone rocks around that will definitely take your breath away. Over the years, Lower Antelope Canyon has become a favorite gathering place for photographers, tourists, and visitors worldwide; therefore, early booking is recommended.

This tour runs in a smaller group of 10 every 30 minutes from the visitor’s center. Since this area is located on the Navajo reservation, so can only be accessed with a Navajo guide. At the beginning of the tour, visitors need to descend steep ladders to get to the narrow canyon floor. Inside the canyon, there are a few more staircases to pass through, and in some sections, it gets narrower.

Upper Antelope Canyon

Both canyons are stunning, but Upper Canyon is also one of the most popular among photographers. The light beams through the dust inside the canyon during midday; it is unbelievably beautiful. Unfortunately, there are limited trips offered. Therefore, if you like to visit the upper canyon, you need to book in advance, in fact, months.

Must Visit Glen Canyon Dam

The Glen Canyon Dam is a huge dam on the upper Colorado River on the northern border of Arizona. The Glen Canyon dam impounds the Colorado River in a man-made reservoir named Lake Powell. This a similar looking to the famous Hoover Dam.

Take A Boat Trip in Lake Powell 

There’s no better way to see the best of what Lake Powell offers than by boat. The sunset dinner cruise is one of the most favorite events in Lake Powell.

Hike Your Way Up To Enjoy The Horseshoe Bend

For a stunning view of a lifetime, visit Horseshoe Bend. If you are a travel photographer, pay attention to what time of the day would be best for your subject. You will find yourself standing on the edge of crumbling sandstone cliffs and looking over, moving as close as you dare to the edge. It is spectacular and a bit freaky for those afraid of heights.

Day 5 – Visit Horseshoe Bend + Return Flight from Flagstaff

On the final day, we visited the horseshoe bend in the late morning for a better view of the canyon. After the trip, we started heading back to Flagstaff airport. I will return the rental car at the airport and check-in for the 6:20 pm flight to New Jersey via Phoenix.