- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Traveling to Arizona: Recs on things to see/avoid
Posted on 5/11/21 at 4:08 pm
Posted on 5/11/21 at 4:08 pm
Traveling to Arizona with the family for a week. Any recommendations on what to see/visit, outside the obvious (i.e. Grand Canyon) or what to avoid as being not worth it?
5
Posted on 5/11/21 at 4:41 pm to TigerDeacon
Spend some time in Sedona and Flagstaff
Posted on 5/11/21 at 5:22 pm to Paul Allen
Sedona & Flagstaff are absolutely worthwhile visits, as a matter of fact I have knocked out Sedona, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon all in one day from Scottsdale. You also have Jerome, Cottonwood and Prescott within 1-1.5 hrs of Sedona and all are worthwhile areas to visit.
Are you going to be traveling around the state or based somewhere like the Phoenix/Scottsdale-area and traveling from there daily? Tombstone/Bisbee is very cool and about a three hour drive from Phoenix. The Payson-area (Payson, Strawberry, Pine, Heber) are all a very easy drive from the Valley and the Mogollon Rim is gorgeous. 4.5 hours from Phoenix you have Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Arizona is a beautiful state with much to explore, it just depends on where you are driving from and what you want to see. I've been all over the state in a car, on a motorcycle, in a tent and in a boat or kayak- let me know what you are looking for. Heck, within an hour or so from Phoenix you have some beautiful lakes (Saguaro, Bartlett, Pleasant, Canyon).
Are you going to be traveling around the state or based somewhere like the Phoenix/Scottsdale-area and traveling from there daily? Tombstone/Bisbee is very cool and about a three hour drive from Phoenix. The Payson-area (Payson, Strawberry, Pine, Heber) are all a very easy drive from the Valley and the Mogollon Rim is gorgeous. 4.5 hours from Phoenix you have Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Arizona is a beautiful state with much to explore, it just depends on where you are driving from and what you want to see. I've been all over the state in a car, on a motorcycle, in a tent and in a boat or kayak- let me know what you are looking for. Heck, within an hour or so from Phoenix you have some beautiful lakes (Saguaro, Bartlett, Pleasant, Canyon).
This post was edited on 5/11/21 at 5:28 pm
Posted on 5/11/21 at 5:29 pm to AZBadgerFan
I think Sedona is worth driving through, but (IMO) its scenery is overrated and it’s crawling with tourists.
Posted on 5/11/21 at 5:31 pm to Globetrotter747
quote:
I think Sedona is worth driving through, but (IMO) its scenery is overrated and it’s crawling with tourists.
You didn't like any of the hiking trails around Sedona? And you may be the only person I have spoken to who has said Sedona scenery is overrated but I agree on the tourist traffic.
This post was edited on 5/11/21 at 5:33 pm
Posted on 5/11/21 at 5:54 pm to Globetrotter747
Sounds like you’re going to the wrong spots. The views are breathtaking
Posted on 5/11/21 at 6:18 pm to Globetrotter747
quote:
I think Sedona is worth driving through, but (IMO) its scenery is overrated and it’s crawling with tourists.
If going to Sedona, and are capable, take the short hike up on Doe Mountain for some solitude and views.
Posted on 5/11/21 at 6:56 pm to jimithing11
quote:
Sounds like you’re going to the wrong spots. The views are breathtaking
Lauterbrunnen is breathtaking. I just wasn’t very impressed with Sedona.
Posted on 5/12/21 at 8:23 am to AZBadgerFan
quote:
Sedona & Flagstaff are absolutely worthwhile visits, as a matter of fact I have knocked out Sedona, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon all in one day from Scottsdale. You also have Jerome, Cottonwood and Prescott within 1-1.5 hrs of Sedona and all are worthwhile areas to visit.
Visiting family in Prescott and will probably be basing out of there or Flagstaff for the most part. Maybe a trip down to Tuscon/Tombstone for my son. We also plan to take the train to the Grand Canyon from Williams.
Do ya'll think the drive to Monument Valley from Flagstaff is worth it? As of right now, Antelope Canyon is closed.
Posted on 5/12/21 at 8:52 am to TigerDeacon
Scottsdale area:
Sonoran desert preserve in the McDowell Mountains - hiking trails for every level including Tom’s Thumb
Pinnacle Peak Hike - easy hike but beautiful boulders hike in north Scottsdale
Depending on the kids age check out the McCormick train park off Scottsdale road
Papago Park has a lot to do including the botanical gardens, the zoo, hole in the rock, and the golf course just redid the grill “Lou’s” that is an awesome spot to grab food, beer and enjoy the view
Breweries - OHSO is my personal favorite but also enjoyed Four peaks brewery, it’s just on a different side of town.
Restaurants - depending on what you want check out Blanco (Mexican), Diego Pops (best tacos out here), olive and ivy (great food on the water front), salty seniorita (Mexican), drunk monk has a great happy hour for sushi and tiki drinks.
I personally think the city of flagstaff is overrated, but the scenery is great. I actually really enjoyed checking out the meteor crater just east of flag.
Also as everyone else has said definitely check out Sedona. It’s right off the I-17 and then take 89A up to flagstaff. It’s a great drive through the pines and has a spot we’re local native Americans sell their hand crafted goods. It’s not cheap but i know a ton of people enjoy it.
Also when you’re in Sedona do yourself a favor and get the fudge from the fudge shop. It’ll change your life
ETA: I also just saw you mentioned a drive to tombstone. That’ll be a very long way from Prescott and do your research before. I drove through there last month for work and it appeared to just be a tourist trap.
If you’re potentially heading up to Monument Valley I highly suggest checking out the Painted Desert in the petrified forest National park.
Sonoran desert preserve in the McDowell Mountains - hiking trails for every level including Tom’s Thumb
Pinnacle Peak Hike - easy hike but beautiful boulders hike in north Scottsdale
Depending on the kids age check out the McCormick train park off Scottsdale road
Papago Park has a lot to do including the botanical gardens, the zoo, hole in the rock, and the golf course just redid the grill “Lou’s” that is an awesome spot to grab food, beer and enjoy the view
Breweries - OHSO is my personal favorite but also enjoyed Four peaks brewery, it’s just on a different side of town.
Restaurants - depending on what you want check out Blanco (Mexican), Diego Pops (best tacos out here), olive and ivy (great food on the water front), salty seniorita (Mexican), drunk monk has a great happy hour for sushi and tiki drinks.
I personally think the city of flagstaff is overrated, but the scenery is great. I actually really enjoyed checking out the meteor crater just east of flag.
Also as everyone else has said definitely check out Sedona. It’s right off the I-17 and then take 89A up to flagstaff. It’s a great drive through the pines and has a spot we’re local native Americans sell their hand crafted goods. It’s not cheap but i know a ton of people enjoy it.
Also when you’re in Sedona do yourself a favor and get the fudge from the fudge shop. It’ll change your life
ETA: I also just saw you mentioned a drive to tombstone. That’ll be a very long way from Prescott and do your research before. I drove through there last month for work and it appeared to just be a tourist trap.
If you’re potentially heading up to Monument Valley I highly suggest checking out the Painted Desert in the petrified forest National park.
This post was edited on 5/12/21 at 9:03 am
Posted on 5/12/21 at 9:17 am to Globetrotter747
Are you into desert landscapes? I used to be very interested in places like AZ and Southern Utah but after visiting the PNW and living in CO I just don’t find landscapes like Sedona super interesting. It’s obviously beautiful, but I prefer massive mountains, if given the choice.
Posted on 5/12/21 at 9:19 am to TigerDeacon
quote:
Do ya'll think the drive to Monument Valley from Flagstaff is worth it? As of right now, Antelope Canyon is closed.
I would recommend Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Marble Canyon, and all that jazz over the Sedona area. Arizona is better north of the 40, and Utah is better than Arizona.
Posted on 5/12/21 at 9:20 am to TigerSaintInDallas
quote:
TigerSaintInDallas
How’s that Dallas landscape treating you?
Posted on 5/12/21 at 9:29 am to Navajo61490
Lmao thankfully escaped from the concrete jungle long ago!
Posted on 5/12/21 at 12:19 pm to TigerDeacon
If you get a chance, go to Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa. Family will enjoy it. Get there 30 minutes early, get the wife to grab a center table area(long picnic tables) in the middle while you order pizza.
Enjoyed Tombstone, Saguaro Park/Sonora Desert area, along with many of the previous places mentioned. Too bad Antelope Canyon is closed - that is an amazing place.
Not a big fan of Sedona either... too touristy for my blood.
Enjoyed Tombstone, Saguaro Park/Sonora Desert area, along with many of the previous places mentioned. Too bad Antelope Canyon is closed - that is an amazing place.
Not a big fan of Sedona either... too touristy for my blood.
Posted on 5/12/21 at 1:12 pm to Navajo61490
quote:
appeared to just be a tourist trap.
Very much a huge tourist trap. You can spend 1-2 hours tops there and are done and bored with it. It’s basically a very small western street area. Selling movie themed stuff in each shop (some sort of object with the phrase “I’ll be your Huckleberry” on it).
In other words....don’t make the long drive to just see that or you will be seriously pissed off. Pair it up with another activity such as checking out Bisbee or seeing the caves at Kartchner Caverns (very cool well preserved caves).
Posted on 5/12/21 at 6:27 pm to TigerDeacon
Arizona is diverse and amazing! We are in Sedona now. Flew into PHX Monday and have a VRBO w views in Oak Creek Canyon . Its stunning and beautiful, the "solar energy" during the middle of the day takes some getting used to but that's high bottom problems at best. The sunrises, sunsets and hiking views ares spectacular and we have found plenty to doso far. Went to the the Grand Canyon earlier today and stopped in old Flagstaff for coffee and dessert on the way home. Dinner tonight at Mariposa (hard to get reservations) and I will report back later with more pic. For now..Enjoy the low definition pics of the view from my patio, and the church on the mountain.
Posted on 5/12/21 at 6:34 pm to Crow Pie
Oak Creek itself. Very serene
My daughter first noticed the "faces' in the mountain walls. I then started seeing them too on a hike....
Do you see them?
My daughter first noticed the "faces' in the mountain walls. I then started seeing them too on a hike....
Do you see them?
Posted on 5/13/21 at 12:23 pm to Crow Pie
Also regarding oak creek if you have smaller kids check out Slide Rock state park. The creek runs through the red rocks and forms little water slides. It’s usually super crowded so heads up with that
Posted on 5/13/21 at 1:46 pm to TigerDeacon
Most of Arizona is worth seeing, frankly. Watch your back in Phoenix, though.
Page 1 of 2
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News