Scottsdale vs. Grand Canyon

[Tinkerbelloncapecod]

Hello,

We traded into Sunterra Mirage in Scottsdale for 4/17. We would like to ask some ?'s about going to the Grand Canyon. We were thinking of taking the train in Williamsburg and stay at their hotel for the night and then go to Sedona for the day or should we take an airplane trip to see the Grand Canyon which is an 8 hr senic ride thru Phoenix, Scottsdale, Grand Canyon, etc. The later costs $50 more per person but gives you a stop at the rim. We are four adults traveling. Are we doing too much? What are your suggestions. Thanks.

Rosemary @ rorobou@netzero.net

 

[nativetxn]

The train from Williams is a lot of fun. You can't see much from the train but it is a fun train ride (I hear the train might get robbed so beware ) There is a troubador on the train, too. Go first class if you take the train.

If you go to Williams be sure and eat dinner at Rod's Steakhouse. Great steaks and service and it is located on Route 66 since something like 1948. Tell Mrs. Sanchez that Katholyn in Michigan sends greetings

Will you have a car? If you will, then drive to Williams. You will pass through Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon--so gorgeous. Then take the train to the Grand Canyon. Once you get to the canyon, I would suggest that you take one of the bus tours. That way you won't have to worry about finding a place to park and you will get to the best view points.

There is another train in Cottonwood. The Verde Valley Railway. Gorgeous views and a pleasant ride. Once again, if you decide to take this train, go first class.

I love Arizona, can you tell

Katholyn

 

[mickeyfan1]

It takes about 5 hours to drive from Scottsdale to Grand Canyon. There are several train trips, but the one from Williams that is the most popular does stop for a few hours on the south rim. THe canyon is amazing. It is worth the trip, especially if you have a day to do it. I am not sure about the flighseeing trip you described. I suppose there must be some leaving from the Scottsdale Airport (a small corporate jet facility), if you have a car, the drive up there is beautiful, like Kath says.

You will be there is the best of spring weather, the temps in the valley should be in the 90s with maybe 6% humidity, so it feels like 75 of so. The cactus will be blooming and there should be some wildflowers out.

Just today my DH admitted that he is missing the winter weather in AZ, he is sick of snow and we just moved from there in December.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Hi Katholyn and Mickeyfan1.....Arizona misses you, and so do I.

Tinkerbelloncapecod, I've only ever driven to the Grand Canyon. (My first trip we dillydallied so much on the way we got there 15 mins before sunset!) But I'd vote for the Williams train experience because that's what I want to do! Nativetxn's suggestion is excellent (but then, all her suggestions are!)

 

[ibouncetoo]

BTW, the pool at the Sunterra Mirage looks wonderful, let us know how your stay was. We can also give you suggestions for north Scottsdale restaurants if you're interested.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I recall a few years back, Vince and I did a trip to Phoenix for a few days. One day, we went to Sedona, Flagstaff, the Canyon and back to Phoenix. We were tired, LOL. Driving through the mountains by Flagstaff, we were in monssons, those were something else. Never saw that much lightning before or since. And rain!!!! The Canyon was stunning, as was the drive into Sedona. The town we thought was tacky, like Gatlinburg. A great trip though.

 

[dizagain]

O.k. Driving to Williams from Dallas area. I have no clue how to plan for this trip, but I am drawn to Williams as a starting point. I am planning to make reservations for the package deal. 1 night at the Williams depot hotel, train trip, bus tour, 1 night at Grand Canyon, and train trip back. Will it be enough time? Will we want an extra night somewhere in there? Planning to come home and see Carlsbad Caverns on the way - any input on that? Cool thread...I love this place!

 

[nativetxn]

The "town" of Sedona is tacky, Dan. Very touristy but the red rock country surrounding it is just gorgeous.

Jackie. I miss Arizona and I miss <i>you</i>!

 

[Kirk]

Since you guys will not have a chance to see the canyon the way it SHOULD be done - by hiking in - here's a picture of the Bright Angel Campgrounds at the bottom.

Here's one of me and my DD hiking down the South Kaibab trail.

Sure brings back some good memories! Thanks!

 

[nativetxn]

What wonderful photos, Kirk!

 

[Serena]

I didn't get to see the Grand Canyon when I was there, but that area sure is beautiful this time of the year.

 

[mickeysdsnyprncs]

Oh do see both Sedona and the Grand Canyon. They are both so wonderful. I suggest driving though. It was soo fun.

Also in Scotsdale I liked Camelback Mountain.

So many memories. Brings me to tears. (It's been one of those days)

 

[Kirby]

Seeing the picture of Bright Angel Campgrounds reminds me of the book Brighty of the Grand Canyon by Marguerite Henry (I think that's who wrote it). Does anyone else remember it? I really loved reading that book when I was a child.

 

[Tinkerbelloncapecod]

Looks like it's the train ride from Williams. We are in first class in the dome. The package includes the train ride to the canyon, the bus tour of the canyon, lunch at the lodge, the trainride back, the dinner in the hotel, overnight at the hotel, breakfast the next morning. How many hours is it from Scottsdale to Williams since we have to check in at Williams at 8:30 a.m.? When do you suggest we leave Scottsdale?

Has anyone been to the 1880's Rawhide Western Town in Scottsdale? Is the Rawhide steak house any good? We have reservations there one night.

My daughter wants to see the Biosphere in Tucson. Has anyone been there?

And lastly, I am dying to see Tombstone. How long of a ride from Scottsdale is that and is it worth the trip?

Thanks for all your help.

Rosemary e-mail: rorobou@netzero.net

Thanks again.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by Kirk
...........Here's one of me and my DD hiking down the South Kaibab trail.
<IMG width=600 src=http://pages.sbcglobal.net/kirk_wells/_uimages/ChrissyHiking.jpg>

Sure brings back some good memories! Thanks!

I enjoy seeing that one of you and Chrissy, priceless always.

 

[nativetxn]

Rosemary, Tombstone is about 3 hours from Scottsdale, in the opposite direction of the Grand Canyon. If you decide to go south instead of north, Old Tucson is fun, too.

Can you stay the night before at the Fray Marcos, too? (Or another motel?) Otherwise you would need to leave like 3am and you wouldn't be able to see the beauty of the Sedona Red Rock or Oak Creek Canyon and you really don't want to miss seeing that.

Katholyn

 

[ibouncetoo]

Rawhide was recently sold BACK to the original owner and I hear that the resturant has gotten even better. I have eaten there before and I don't really remember the meal, so at least it wasn't bad. I had out of town family visiting and I was more focused on how the kids were enjoying themselves. LOL, kind of like at WDW. I have 10 people coming in this weekend from my high shcool in Indiana (some I haven't seen in 35 years!) and a portion of us will be in Sedona this Friday......hmmmm, lunch at Rene's for a 1st class Monty Cristo! (Don't worry, Nativetxn, I won't really have one....nasty...nasty carbs!)

 

[nativetxn]

Rawhide is back under the original ownership? EXCELLENT! I always enjoyed Rawhide and the steaks at the restaurant there were really good too.

(Don't worry, Nativetxn, I won't really have one....nasty...nasty carbs!)

Hee, hee, hee I'm sure you will find something better to eat than that Monte Cristo. Enjoy your "reunion" wish I could be there, even though I didn't go to high school with you