Community Forums

slowsteve · 03-31-2015, 12:50 PM

I am planning a 7 night roundtrip next week from San Diego with my wife and three kids. I'd like to take them to the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, and Sedona.

Any other suggestions of what to see on that route?

Also, any suggestions on where to camp?

I'd prefer state parks/national forest campgrounds to commercial RV parks.

Thank you!

HavingABlast · 03-31-2015, 03:36 PM

Hi Slowsteve,

I live just north of you in Poway.

Here is my take. The 3 stops that you mention will pretty much consume your week. It is a straight shot up 15 to Las Vegas (and the Hoover Dam). Check ahead with the people at the Grand Canyon. One or both of the in park campground might not be open this early in the year. You will lose most of travel day getting there and setting up. There is plenty to see and do at the Canyon, so I would plan 3-4 days there. We traveled (in a car) out the South Rim gate through Flagstaff on to Sedona. Be careful on the leg from Flagstaff to Sedona. You don't mention what you are driving...but I certainly wouldn't take a rig on the route that I took (can't remember the route...just plan ahead). Sedona is good for a few days of hiking with your children. It is then a log travel day home.

For what it is worth, it took me a lot of years to get out of the "drive all day all of the time" mode to my "drive shorter segments and enjoy the journey" mode. Given your forum name, my guess is that you've already embraced this philosophy. There is plenty more to see in Utah...I suggest that you see these areas in another trip.

Make plenty of happy memories for you and your family. Later in life you will be glad that you did.

Travel safely.

- Jerry

2015 Newmar Ventana 3636 (on order)
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Retreever · 03-31-2015, 06:02 PM

If you have the time there's a state park (I think) Montezuma's Castle , north of Phoenix.

Roger

twogypsies · 03-31-2015, 06:36 PM

For the Grand Canyon, definitely stay in either Trailer Village (hookups) or Mather or Desert View (both dry camping). All are IN the park and are open year-round. Trailer Village and Mather are on the free shuttle route and you can get on and off wherever you want all day long.

Hike a couple points along the Rim Trail - easy and fairly flat. However, for a different perspective of the Canyon, hike down the Bright Angel Trail if only for a very short distance. Bring water and remember - up is a LOT harder. Watch the kids closely. Two nights would be a good start for the Canyon. Come back when you have more time.

For Sedona, unless you have a small RV, don't take Alt Hwy 89 from I-40. It's very steep and winding. Instead, take I-17 south. We always stay at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in nearby Cottonwood. It's awesome. You'd be near Jerome and a drive 'up there' is a must - without the RV. You could easily spend 3 nights in this area.

We were just at Sedona last week for our 8th time over 25 years or so. It changes every time we go back. It is extremely crowded with vehicles and people and homes built into the gorgeous red rock. The way to really experience Sedona is to hike a trail and there are many for all abilities. Stop at the Ranger Station or Visitor Center because you'll need to purchase the Red Rock Pass for hiking and there are additional fees for other areas such as Cathedral Rock. Sedona is worth seeing but I just wanted to warn you of the crowds and costs to enjoy it.

Tuzigoot Nat'l Monument and Montezuma Castle Nat'l Monument are both near Cottonwood and are interesting Indian ruins. Neither has a campground.

That should take care of your week. Have fun!

HavingABlast · 04-01-2015, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

For the Grand Canyon, definitely stay in either Trailer Village (hookups) or Mather or Desert View (both dry camping). All are IN the park and are open year-round. Trailer Village and Mather are on the free shuttle route and you can get on and off wherever you want all day long.

Hike a couple points along the Rim Trail - easy and fairly flat. However, for a different perspective of the Canyon, hike down the Bright Angel Trail if only for a very short distance. Bring water and remember - up is a LOT harder. Watch the kids closely. Two nights would be a good start for the Canyon. Come back when you have more time.

For Sedona, unless you have a small RV, don't take Alt Hwy 89 from I-40. It's very steep and winding. Instead, take I-17 south. We always stay at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in nearby Cottonwood. It's awesome. You'd be near Jerome and a drive 'up there' is a must - without the RV. You could easily spend 3 nights in this area.

We were just at Sedona last week for our 8th time over 25 years or so. It changes every time we go back. It is extremely crowded with vehicles and people and homes built into the gorgeous red rock. The way to really experience Sedona is to hike a trail and there are many for all abilities. Stop at the Ranger Station or Visitor Center because you'll need to purchase the Red Rock Pass for hiking and there are additional fees for other areas such as Cathedral Rock. Sedona is worth seeing but I just wanted to warn you of the crowds and costs to enjoy it.

Tuzigoot Nat'l Monument and Montezuma Castle Nat'l Monument are both near Cottonwood and are interesting Indian ruins. Neither has a campground.

That should take care of your week. Have fun!

I agree on Trailer a Village and every thing that twogypses posted. Stayed there later in the year many years ago. We woke up to snow on the ground. The North Rim...also a nice campground IMHO is closed for the season.

I haven't yet stayed at Dead Horse Ranch Sate Park, but it is very high on my list for when in the area.

2015 Newmar Ventana 3636 (on order)
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

mbridinger · 04-04-2015, 08:27 AM

Stay in dead horse located in Cottonwood. Not the best in my opinion but cheap and great central location. Tuzigoot, page springs winery, Jerome, Verde Canyon Train, Clarkdale -Copper muzem and kayaking. Great restaurants, antiques and exploring in cottonwood. Must see Out of Africa wildlife park (Cottonwood). Short drive to Sedona, many things to see, Broken Arrow trail (4wd or Pink Jeep Tour), Red rock state park. You could easily spend 3- 4 days in this area alone. April is getting warm.

HavingABlast · 04-04-2015, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbridinger

Stay in dead horse located in Cottonwood. Not the best in my opinion but cheap and great central location. Tuzigoot, page springs winery, Jerome, Verde Canyon Train, Clarkdale -Copper muzem and kayaking. Great restaurants, antiques and exploring in cottonwood. Must see Out of Africa wildlife park (Cottonwood). Short drive to Sedona, many things to see, Broken Arrow trail (4wd or Pink Jeep Tour), Red rock state park. You could easily spend 3- 4 days in this area alone. April is getting warm.

Thanks for the tips. Because we are still working (although severely pounding on and kicking the door to retirement) we can drive to Tucson in 6-7 hours for a quick get-a-way. We learned a long time ago that, for us at least, this region is best visited between October and March. The rest of the year it is too hot for us to enjoy all that it has to offer. Soon, when we step through that "door", the idea of using Dead Horse as a base camp for the other locations that you mention sounds appealing. The OP lives in my area as well. Your advice is something for him to keep in mind as well. Thanks!

2015 Newmar Ventana 3636 (on order)
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited