We were in the Phoenix area before Christmas. We were actually at the Grand Canyon Christmas Eve day.
The Grand Canyon is about 3 hours north of Phoenix.
It still may be cold/icy since it is near Flagstaff and it is at 10,000 ft elevation. But don't let that stop you from going.
There are a few resorts before the base of the canyon.
You can pay for a shuttle bus at the Welcome Center and it will take you to various stops along the canyon.
If you truly want to walk down the canyon, they don't advise coming back up the same day. I guess they want you to camp at the bottom. But we weren't that adventurous.
There is a walk-out platform, which of course has a fee, but you have great views no matter where you are. We saw lots of wild-life in the parks too.
Stay a day over at Sedona (sp?) Red Rock Canyon area. Very beautiful. It is on the way to the Grand Canyon.
When we were in Phoenix/Scottsdale area-my dd was working there for 3 months. We hiked up Camel Back Mountain. It was fun and took 2 hours. We mostly stayed in the Scottsdale area. Old Scottsdale is very artsy with great resturants.
We stayed at the Grand Arizona. We were upgraded to a Villa our first nite. When we returned a week later, we had a 2 bedroom and the room was horrible. I should of called and complained, but we were so tired. The next morning, I couldn't believe how dirty the carpets were. The Grand Arizona is one of the top Water Park/Spa's and our room looked like a million people trampled through it with wet feet. ugg. I'm still grossed out by it.
