anyone been to the Grand Canyon recently?

[Disney Hot Mama]

Looking to visit in mid June. It will be me, DH, DS(10), DD(8). We are looking at the AAA Rails to the Rim package. It is a multi night stay in Williams and then an old fashion train ride to the South Rim, a bus tour and lunch there and then back to the hotel. Looking for opinions on this package if you have done it. Also want to extend the stay in AZ for a few more nights. Our options are Sedona (which is very close to Williams) or Scottsdale/Phoenix. I was thinking of a nice hotel with something of interest for all of us - we don't golf though. Maybe a nice pool with a spa for me!

Any ideas.......Thanks

 

[FreshTressa]

The highlight of my trip last December down there was actually the hike down into Bryce Canyon. It was much more approachabe than the grand canyon. We did not do the rail.

Have fun!

 

[kcouture]

The GC is great, but it will be hot. You can't hike in and out unless you are really prepared (Extremely strenuous and not rec during summer). The train will let out just across from the ElTovar hotel. This is a very nice historical place to visit/stay. It fills up very fast for overnights. There are many shops on the rim and a pleasant day trip. Also there are horse back rides along the rim that are easy and pleasant.

In Phoenix we always stay at either Hilton Tapitio cliffs or Marriott Desert Ridge, both have special summer rates after May. THey have lazy rivers, water slides and multi pools. Also very well situated in Paradise Valley/Scottsdale. If you are staying anywhere in Phoenix in summer never pay full price for rooms as there is always a "beat the heat" price. Let me know if there is a particular hotel you are interested and I could check for you.

 

[jajuan]

We did the Grand Canyon and Sedona one year....along with Las Vegas, Santa Fe and Albuquerque. It was one of the best trips of my life. I can not wait to go back to Sedona...I had DD3 and DS5 at the time...there is a park called slide rock park and there are small water slides made out of rock. We also did a pink jeep tour and then just shopped and ate. We only stayed there one night because we had no idea about the place...next time, I would stay much longer. As for the Grand Canyon, we stayed in Tusayan and went on a night trail ride and then to the Canyon the next morning for site seeing. We looked into the train, but I don't remember why we decided against it. Have fun...Arizona seems beautiful no matter where you choose, but I would really think about Sedona

 

[golfgal]

Along with the heat it will be PACKED with people. Our friends that live in Phoenix said that they were there in June and couldn't even get close to the edge to see into the canyon. There were about 10 other people at each stop when we were there in January. From what I hear the train ride really isn't worth the money. We drove to the Grand Canyon and back in a day from Phoenix. One overnight stay would be plenty if you want to do that in my opinion.

I have to say that the JW Marriott Desert Ridge was one of the best hotels we have every stayed at. The whole package of the hotel was just wonderful. We have stayed at hotels with nicer rooms or more things to do but the staff, the grounds, everything was just great. Our kids LOVED the pools and especially the lazy river. There is a great spa too.

 

[kcouture]

Along with the heat it will be PACKED with people. Our friends that live in Phoenix said that they were there in June and couldn't even get close to the edge to see into the canyon. There were about 10 other people at each stop when we were there in January. From what I hear the train ride really isn't worth the money. We drove to the Grand Canyon and back in a day from Phoenix. One overnight stay would be plenty if you want to do that in my opinion.

I have to say that the JW Marriott Desert Ridge was one of the best hotels we have every stayed at. The whole package of the hotel was just wonderful. We have stayed at hotels with nicer rooms or more things to do but the staff, the grounds, everything was just great. Our kids LOVED the pools and especially the lazy river. There is a great spa too.

Yes the Spa at Desert Ridge is the best. Leave kids with dad and enjoy a couple hours. Morning excercise class is nice too.

I agree w/poster that if you aren't hiking, one day at the rim is enough. We've done the whole shabang a few years ago, with a night in El Tovar, mules down and two night stay in Phantom ranch and overnight at bright angel cabin on rim. Trip of a lifetime - you have to reserve 18 mos in advance, but it was quite a workout even on the poor mules.

 

[toothboy2k1]

The train is nice, though the kids may get a little bored since there's not a huge change of scenery. The canyon is definitely worth some time. Try the Bright Angel Trail not far from the El Tovar. Yes, it'll be a bit busy, but nothing approaching a WDW attraction (no need for Fast Passes here). When you feel you've had enough, turn around climb out. Stroll along the rim until the saturation point is reached (everything starts to look the same). You'll have great views regardless of the number of people. There are many place at which to stop and enjoy the view, and the further you walk, the better your chances to avoid the largest crowds to tend to congregate near the hotels and gift shops.

As far as secondary trip, I'd suggest Sedona if youv'e never been there. The red rocks are amazing. Even if you don't hike, there are many easy trails that allow you to enjoy the unique landscape (and escape the crowds). Don't miss Red Rock Crossing, which you may have seen in postcards. Take a jeep tour (there are many available).

I live in the Phoenix area and so I can't really recommend it in June when the temperature will be around 105. Lows will get into the upper 70s, but that'll probably be just for a few pre-dawn hours. But if you insist, the Pointe South Mountain has a great pool area with slides and lazy river. For spas, you can't beat Camelback Inn. It's pricey, but for about $100 you can get an hour massage and then stay there as long as you'd like, lounging in a cotton robe by the pool.

 

[4nana]

DHM Laurie, so glad you started this thread !!

DH and I are expecting a new grandbebe any day so will be flying to Co. to visit end of May. We also have planned a flight to Vegas, and are taking a couple days for GCanyon. Have planned most of it on the web, but truly appreciate advise from those who have been there and done that. THX!

DHM Laurie ~ have a wonderful trip!!

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

Thank you everyone who is responding. We are still undecided. Now DH doesn't want to deive from So. CA so he wants me to look into flying into Las Vegas and renting a car to drive to the Grand Canyon. Might be a possibility and then back to Vegas for a couple nights. I still want to so Sedona though based on the posts here as it sounds great. I'll keep searching on my end for more info. And I love the 'leave the kids with DH and get a massage' best suggestion yet!

thanks again

 

[golfgal]

Thank you everyone who is responding. We are still undecided. Now DH doesn't want to deive from So. CA so he wants me to look into flying into Las Vegas and renting a car to drive to the Grand Canyon. Might be a possibility and then back to Vegas for a couple nights. I still want to so Sedona though based on the posts here as it sounds great. I'll keep searching on my end for more info. And I love the 'leave the kids with DH and get a massage' best suggestion yet!

thanks again

You would be better off going from Phoenix to Sedona and the GC then you would be from Las Vegas to GC to Sedona, less driving that way. Sedona is on the way to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix.

 

[dizagain]

Hi! Well, unlike previous posters my family LOVED LOVED LOVED the whole train/Williams experience! It was a favorite vacation for us.

We were scheduled to go in July and DH had to cancel for work, so I re-booked for Thanksgiving week. So, we were not there for the summer crowds which I do hear are CRAZY. We drove to Williams and checked in -girls enjoyed swimming and looking around the place. The meals aren't too bad and several are included in the package. We took the train the next morning - girls enjoyed the hokey outlaw show. We spent that day taking various small walks and shuttles to different areas - also did the sunset one which was pretty. We spent the night at the Maswik (sp?) Lodge included in the package. Plain, simple hotel room but not as bad as I had imagined at all. Food Court pretty pricey and not so great. The restaurant in the main area is better - San Angel I think. We enjoyed the extra time at the canyon - perfect amount. SO, we really liked the package and would do it again if we're ever going back. A BIG plus for me was getting over 1/3 of my $$ back when we switched from summer to late fall!!!