Topic Wiki

Trip Reports


2014 - Mgarfin's 2014 trip to Arizona-Delta glitch
2014 - VacationLover's Sedona and the Grand Canyon TR
2015 - PBaruch's Dreams of Flight - Hummingbirds and Arizona
2016 - Pbaruch's Motorhome Adventures in Utah and Arizona
2016 - drewsky9's Arizona Trip Report
2016 - MahRabuMasecha's Vegas Zion Page Grand Canyon Sedona TR
2016 - ShlockDoc's Midwest Roadtrip - Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming
2017 - Davidmal's Phoenix & Scottsdale for 5 Hours
2018 - Ikelunious99's Arizona Trip Report

Utah has it's own master thread and wiki at https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=15858.0

Activities


Phoenix

Arizona Cardinals (NFL Football)
Arizona Coyotes (NHL Hockey)
Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB Baseball)
Phoenix Suns (NBA Basketball)

Camelback Mountain
Desert Botanical Garden
Encanto Park
Goldfield Ghost Town
Japanese Friendship Garden
Lost Dutchman State Park
Nordstrom Last Chance - one of the few in the world.
Octance Raceway- Extremely fast Go-Karting
Scottsdale Old Town

Arizona Science Center (Indoor)
Museum of Musical Instruments (Indoor)
Queen Creek Olive Mill (Olive farm and mill, with Olive 101 'factory' tour)
Arizona Boardwalk (entertainment complex, with aquarium, butterfly conservatory, etc. www.azboardwalk.com)
Children’s Museum of Phoenix (for kids under age 10, they claim to be top 3 Children's Museum in the country).

Sedona, AZ
Stunning red rock formations and scenery viewable throughout the small city with unique views along the many hiking trails (including Devil's bridge, West Fork Trail, and Sugar Loaf Loop)
Off road jeep tours (e.g. Pink Jeep Tours)
eclectic outdoor shopping
Slide rock state park: Natural water slide in creek (just north of Sedona)


Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)
There are two trails from the south rim that go down into the canyon (and all the way to the canyon floor, which is a strenuous multi-day hike). You can experience a taste of it, by turning around at any point.
  • South Kaibab Trail - One of the top rated trails for the GC (trail descends into the canyon, uphill climb on return)
  • Bright Angel Trail - Also one of the top rated trails for GC (trail descends into the canyon, uphill climb on return)
There are also trails along the south rim (called Rim Trails) that don't descend into the canyon, and are relatively flat. These offer views of the canyon and are dotted with various scenic viewpoints. Some areas of the rim trail are paved others are not. These may be more suitable those with young children or those fear of hiking near the edge of the canyon cliffs. The National park shuttle buses also transport passengers to various points within the park, along the south rim.
A PDF map of grand canyon national park south rim is at https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/upload/sr-pocket-map.pdf
Grand Canyon National Park Lodges

Nearby attractions outside the National Park include:
  • Skywalk
  • Bearizona Wildlife Park - Williams, AZ

Page AZ
Lake Powell (popular lake for boating, with kayak, motor boat, pontoon boat, houseboat rentals, Jetski, boat tours, and swimming). Lake and surrounding canyon walls are uniquely scenic together (it's actually a huge artificial reservoir surrounded by canyon walls, resulting from the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam
Carl Hayden Visitor Center at the Glen Canyon Dam (Free museum about the Glen Canyon Dam)
Horseshoe bend (popular scenic overlook of a 180 degree bend in the Colorado river)
Antelope Canyon (beautiful slot canyons with stunning photography opportunity, controlled by Native Americans with entrance fees and guided tour, advance reservations are needed. Fees were recently increased to $60-$100/pp)

Tucson

Saguaro National Park

Kosher Restaurants

See the following for up to date info:
--http://www.kosherphoenix.org/index.php/kosher-food-in-phoenix/restaurants/
--https://www.ahavastorah.org/restaurants.html 


Phoenix

Cafe Chenar
LaBella Pizzeria and Restaurant
Manhattan Pizza & Subs
Samarkand Restaurant Glatt Kosher

Scottsdale

Fresh Mint
Kitchen 18
Milk+ Honey Espresso Bar & Eatery

Groceries


Imperial Market & Deli

Shuls


Ohr Hatorah Congregation- Located in Phoenix Map
Chabad Jewish Center of North Phoenix Map
Ahavas Torah:The Scottsdale Torah Center Map


Chabad of Flagstaff AZ (Kosher meals available), Minyanim in the summer and chol hamoed (1 hour south of the Grand Canyon National Park)

« Last edited by Yr18 on October 02, 2023, 08:46:50 AM »

Author Topic: Arizona Master Thread  (Read 381395 times)

Online Sammy82

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #300 on: May 09, 2014, 02:25:15 AM »
I was there in January, I drove out from LA.
I got the GC for sunrise then spent most of day there planning on going to Sedona for sunset.
As it turned out, I made a mistake on the timing and thought I had an hour more than I actually did, so once I realized I wouldn't make it to Sedona i just stayed at the GC.

1. Someone CMIIW, but I'm thinking now that a full day at the GC this time of year might possibly be a bit much.
When I went I spent a nice chunk of the day taking the trail to ooh-ah point, something (hiking in the GC anytime other than early morning/evening) which is probably not a good idea this time of year. (unless it hasn't gotten really hot yet?)

I highly recommend driving the 89a from Flagstaff to Sedona close to sunset, I did that on another trip and it's absolutely stunning.
+1 and have your wife drive so that you could look at the scenery and the beautiful work of Hashem (by me, my wife doesn't appreciate nature too much. She grew up in Brooklyn :) )

Offline mgarfin

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #301 on: May 09, 2014, 09:36:25 AM »
I was there in January, I drove out from LA.
I got the GC for sunrise then spent most of day there planning on going to Sedona for sunset.
As it turned out, I made a mistake on the timing and thought I had an hour more than I actually did, so once I realized I wouldn't make it to Sedona i just stayed at the GC.

1. Someone CMIIW, but I'm thinking now that a full day at the GC this time of year might possibly be a bit much.
When I went I spent a nice chunk of the day taking the trail to ooh-ah point, something (hiking in the GC anytime other than early morning/evening) which is probably not a good idea this time of year. (unless it hasn't gotten really hot yet?)

I highly recommend driving the 89a from Flagstaff to Sedona close to sunset, I did that on another trip and it's absolutely stunning.

I found when I was there in March that 7 hours was way to short.
I see my self going back as I have so much more to see.


Offline Ergel

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #302 on: May 09, 2014, 10:03:31 AM »
I was there in January, I drove out from LA.
I got the GC for sunrise then spent most of day there planning on going to Sedona for sunset.
As it turned out, I made a mistake on the timing and thought I had an hour more than I actually did, so once I realized I wouldn't make it to Sedona i just stayed at the GC.

1. Someone CMIIW, but I'm thinking now that a full day at the GC this time of year might possibly be a bit much.
When I went I spent a nice chunk of the day taking the trail to ooh-ah point, something (hiking in the GC anytime other than early morning/evening) which is probably not a good idea this time of year. (unless it hasn't gotten really hot yet?)

I highly recommend driving the 89a from Flagstaff to Sedona close to sunset, I did that on another trip and it's absolutely stunning.
When I went, in August, we got there in the evening and did some of the rim hike and then woke up early and did the bright angel trail to plateau point (6 miles each way). We were out of the canyon by early afternoon. It was very hot. After that, we were spent and we went back to LA.
There is a scenic drive you can do as well
« Last Edit: May 09, 2014, 10:41:46 AM by Ergel »
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline alpicone

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #303 on: May 09, 2014, 10:29:44 AM »
1. Someone CMIIW, but I'm thinking now that a full day at the GC this time of year might possibly be a bit much.
When I went I spent a nice chunk of the day taking the trail to ooh-ah point, something (hiking in the GC anytime other than early morning/evening) which is probably not a good idea this time of year. (unless it hasn't gotten really hot yet?)

This week seems to still be cool (high 70's low 30's) but the end of the day 10 forecast (closer to when I am going) shows 80 for the high and 45 for the low.

I highly recommend driving the 89a from Flagstaff to Sedona close to sunset, I did that on another trip and it's absolutely stunning.

I was planning to do the reverse doing 89a from Sedona to Flagstaff near sunset time. I would assume that will be a similar experience to the reverse.

Offline dealfinder85

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #304 on: May 09, 2014, 10:34:38 AM »

This week seems to still be cool (high 70's low 30's) but the end of the day 10 forecast (closer to when I am going) shows 80 for the high and 45 for the low.

I was planning to do the reverse doing 89a from Sedona to Flagstaff near sunset time. I would assume that will be a similar experience to the reverse.
i did this drive
its twists and turns through the mountain the whole way
funny to watch on a gps

Offline whYME

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #305 on: May 09, 2014, 03:17:12 PM »
I was planning to do the reverse doing 89a from Sedona to Flagstaff near sunset time. I would assume that will be a similar experience to the reverse.
This is just a guess, but I think the timing of it works out better Flagstaff > Sedona.
If my memory serves me correctly, you'll have brighter light in the greener more mountainous area closer to Flagstaff then when you get closer to Sedona you'll have all the red rocks practically glowing with the sunset light.

when I did it I left left the flagstaff area somewhat earlier in the day and did (a chunk of) the west fork trail before continuing on to Sedona. It's a great trail, I highly recommend it. When I did it my kids were 7, 6, and just barely 3, they had a great time. It's much more pleasant than hiking the GC. I did my GC hike in the middle of January and even then it was getting quite uncomfortable once the sun starting baking down on us. The West Fork trail was mostly in the shade.

Online Sammy82

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #306 on: May 09, 2014, 05:26:21 PM »
BTW, a short half day trip my kids enjoyed was The Hole in the Rock. It's about 10 minutes from Jewish phoenix. Basically you hike for about 5 minutes up a mountain (easy hike, probably even with a stroller). Near the top there is a big hole that you could go thru, have a picnic, take pics, etc. Afterwards we hiked off trail for 2 hours. Lots of fun.

Offline alpicone

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #307 on: May 25, 2014, 10:13:34 PM »
No 89a drive for me :-( . Closed because of this forest fire

Offline shauly

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #308 on: August 18, 2014, 09:53:28 PM »
My grandparents live in Phoenix, and I fly out there every year or so. We are here now for the weekend.

We took a boat tour of Saguaro lake, less than an hour out of Phoenix. It was air conditioned, and the views were breathtaking. http://www.desertbelle.com/

King Solomon's pizza closed overnight. Thursday it was there, motzei shabbos the place was gutted. La Bella pizza is incredible though, I think it's fairly new.

On a previous visit, we went to this zoo type thing called Out of Africa, which was awesome. It was a bit of a drive though if I remember..
http://outofafricapark.com/
« Last Edit: August 18, 2014, 09:57:13 PM by shauly »

Offline BarryLincoln

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #309 on: September 18, 2014, 11:27:51 AM »
I am thinking about planning a 5-day family trip to Phoenix/Scottsdale in January.  Can anyone provide guidance on weather? I understand that it's much cooler than in the summer - but am wondering whether it's comfortable enough for the pool/water activities...

Offline alpicone

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #310 on: September 18, 2014, 11:33:27 AM »
I am thinking about planning a 5-day family trip to Phoenix/Scottsdale in January.  Can anyone provide guidance on weather? I understand that it's much cooler than in the summer - but am wondering whether it's comfortable enough for the pool/water activities...

From here it looks a bit cool for swimming: Monthly Averages for Scottsdale, AZ


Offline dealfinder85

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #311 on: September 18, 2014, 01:47:47 PM »
I am thinking about planning a 5-day family trip to Phoenix/Scottsdale in January.  Can anyone provide guidance on weather? I understand that it's much cooler than in the summer - but am wondering whether it's comfortable enough for the pool/water activities...
i was there in january
the mornings and nights are a bit cool but early afternoon around 2 can get pretty hot

Offline Name Changed

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #312 on: September 18, 2014, 02:00:07 PM »
I am thinking about planning a 5-day family trip to Phoenix/Scottsdale in January.  Can anyone provide guidance on weather? I understand that it's much cooler than in the summer - but am wondering whether it's comfortable enough for the pool/water activities...
I was there in February.

Weather in Scottsdale was in the 70's

People were swimming, I wasn't.

More north - Sedona, Grand Canyon area were a lot colder.

Offline VacationLover

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #313 on: October 18, 2014, 09:49:21 PM »
Hi! I'm IY"H leaving Sunday to PHX (Phoenix AZ) with an infant and returning Tuesday. My plan is to drive to Sedona, booked 2 nights in the Sedona Real Inn. Planning on going Monday to the GC. I want to watch the IMAX and do the South kaibab trail. I also want to visit red rock and bell rock in sedona. Can anyone advise if my plan is good? Anything else i must do? Is the s. Kaibab trail enough or should i do another trail? Scarry?

Offline caliheat

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #314 on: November 16, 2014, 12:05:51 PM »
I am thinking about planning a 5-day family trip to Phoenix/Scottsdale in January.  Can anyone provide guidance on weather? I understand that it's much cooler than in the summer - but am wondering whether it's comfortable enough for the pool/water activities...
Swimming season ends around October 1st unless you have a heated pool.

Offline sam28

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #315 on: January 13, 2015, 05:09:50 PM »
I need some help with a vacation in Arizona I have read the TR here but still need help where to stay for shabbes should I rent a vila or a hotel and I am going with 2 kids age 4 and 1 any help please ?

also what the area name of the jewish community ?

Offline alpicone

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #316 on: January 13, 2015, 05:21:30 PM »
I need some help with a vacation in Arizona I have read the TR here but still need help where to stay for shabbes should I rent a vila or a hotel and I am going with 2 kids age 4 and 1 any help please ?

also what the area name of the jewish community ?

I stayed at the Westin Kierland which is a great hotel and walked to Ahavas Torah (I added the info to the wiki). The walk was was about 25 minutes.

I was there with my kids who were ages 2 and 4 at the time and they had a great time at the hotel. Lots of fun things for them to day and the pool is great for kids.

Offline sam28

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #317 on: January 13, 2015, 05:57:31 PM »
how should I spend my week there should I do day trips or should I stay where I am traveling to ?

Offline sam28

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #318 on: January 13, 2015, 07:13:47 PM »
which area should I stay Phoenix, AZ or Scottsdale, AZ which one is nicer ? where is the kosher food and what airport do we use to come from NY is it PHX ?

Offline Galitzyaner

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #319 on: January 13, 2015, 07:19:04 PM »
which area should I stay Phoenix, AZ or Scottsdale, AZ which one is nicer ? where is the kosher food and what airport do we use to come from NY is it PHX ?
Scottsdale is much nicer IMHO.
how should I spend my week there should I do day trips or should I stay where I am traveling to ?
If you're willing, you can probably manage doing day trips to all sites (though I don't know how that would work out with kids).