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 381336 times)

Offline ROYA

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #940 on: December 04, 2019, 02:37:21 PM »
Hi,

What is the best time of year to go to Arizona? Summer seems to be very hot and winter seems to have a low of 55..

Offline jose34

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #941 on: December 04, 2019, 03:18:27 PM »
Hi,

What is the best time of year to go to Arizona? Summer seems to be very hot and winter seems to have a low of 55..

Fall, Spring is the best time to go.
October was amazing!

Btw the Flagstaff/ GC will be way colder the Phoenix.

Offline PBaruch

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #942 on: December 15, 2019, 07:06:31 PM »
According to this article, Antelope Canyon is shutting down photography tours.  Go now if you want to do it.  I did it and although I wouldn't say it was ideal, I would not have otherwise been able to capture the photographs I did if I was not able to bring a tripod.

https://petapixel.com/2019/12/11/antelope-canyon-is-shutting-down-its-photography-tours-due-to-crowding-and-negative-reviews/
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline chaimh770

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #943 on: June 08, 2020, 11:37:20 PM »
Anyone know of a potential summer campgrounds in Arizona Flagstaff/Prescott area that's not opening due to covid and would be willing to rent out. 100-150 campers.

Offline Divora M

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #944 on: June 09, 2020, 12:18:12 AM »
I am planning a trip to AZ this July with my 4 kids ages 12,9,7 and 4. We will be staying in Mesa for a week but will do day trips 4-5 hours away. I made a rough itinerary but can use some guidance. Sunday- arrive and do Hole in the Rock hike.
 Monday-Lower Antelope Canyon tour (if it opens by then), Horseshoe Bend and swim in Lake Powell. Tuesday- stay local but need ideas
Wednesday-Grand Canyon South Rim. Which hikes are good for kids and the heat?
Thursday- stay local and check out Last Chance
 Friday- Pink Jeep Tours and Slide Rock
Shabbos- go to friends
Sunday- fly home.

Offline thaber

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #945 on: June 09, 2020, 03:06:25 AM »
I am planning a trip to AZ this July with my 4 kids ages 12,9,7 and 4. We will be staying in Mesa for a week but will do day trips 4-5 hours away. I made a rough itinerary but can use some guidance. Sunday- arrive and do Hole in the Rock hike.
 Monday-Lower Antelope Canyon tour (if it opens by then), Horseshoe Bend and swim in Lake Powell. Tuesday- stay local but need ideas
Wednesday-Grand Canyon South Rim. Which hikes are good for kids and the heat?
Thursday- stay local and check out Last Chance
 Friday- Pink Jeep Tours and Slide Rock
Shabbos- go to friends
Sunday- fly home.
That's a lot of driving with kids and not much daytime at attractions. Also keep in mind that temperatures are well into the triple digits in July, in fact the next 10 days have their coolest day at 106.

Offline Joel

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #946 on: June 09, 2020, 06:31:20 AM »
I am planning a trip to AZ this July with my 4 kids ages 12,9,7 and 4. We will be staying in Mesa for a week but will do day trips 4-5 hours away. I made a rough itinerary but can use some guidance. Sunday- arrive and do Hole in the Rock hike.
 Monday-Lower Antelope Canyon tour (if it opens by then), Horseshoe Bend and swim in Lake Powell. Tuesday- stay local but need ideas
Wednesday-Grand Canyon South Rim. Which hikes are good for kids and the heat?
Thursday- stay local and check out Last Chance
 Friday- Pink Jeep Tours and Slide Rock
Shabbos- go to friends
Sunday- fly home.
Don't go in the summer to AZ unless you plan on staying indoors

Offline Divora M

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #947 on: June 09, 2020, 09:23:08 AM »
That's a lot of driving with kids and not much daytime at attractions. Also keep in mind that temperatures are well into the triple digits in July, in fact the next 10 days have their coolest day at 106.

I am aware that it is a lot of driving but we are used to road trips and would leave early in the morning. I heard from multiple people that have been to AZ in the summer and had a great time.

Offline flyingace

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #948 on: June 09, 2020, 09:39:23 AM »
That's a lot of driving with kids and not much daytime at attractions. Also keep in mind that temperatures are well into the triple digits in July, in fact the next 10 days have their coolest day at 106.
Can you stay overnight some of the nights closer to your destinations?

Offline Traveler718

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #949 on: June 09, 2020, 09:59:27 AM »
I agree with trying to stay one overnight farther north. Separate day trips to Page and GCNP seem like a massive waste of time, so I would strongly suggest driving to GCNP, spend the day there, then drive to Page late in the day. First thing the next day go to Horseshoe Bend, then Antelope midday for the sun rays, then the long drive back to Mesa.

At the South Rim, the South Kaibab trail is far better than Bright Angel. Bright Angel gets much more traffic, but doesn't give you the feeling of descending and being "in" the canyon nearly as much as South Kaibab. Go down 1.5 miles on SK to Cedar Ridge and then come back up. We also went in the summer with kids and had a marvelous time!

Offline Divora M

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #950 on: June 09, 2020, 10:18:21 AM »
I agree with trying to stay one overnight farther north. Separate day trips to Page and GCNP seem like a massive waste of time, so I would strongly suggest driving to GCNP, spend the day there, then drive to Page late in the day. First thing the next day go to Horseshoe Bend, then Antelope midday for the sun rays, then the long drive back to Mesa.

At the South Rim, the South Kaibab trail is far better than Bright Angel. Bright Angel gets much more traffic, but doesn't give you the feeling of descending and being "in" the canyon nearly as much as South Kaibab. Go down 1.5 miles on SK to Cedar Ridge and then come back up. We also went in the summer with kids and had a marvelous time!

Thanks for the input and encouragement!!  :) :) :)
We can stay somewhere up north overnight but I really hate relocating for a night with kids. It’s easier for us to just drive an hour or two longer.
Do you have any ideas of what to do around Phoenix area?

Offline jose34

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #951 on: June 09, 2020, 10:26:26 AM »
Thanks for the input and encouragement!!  :) :) :)
We can stay somewhere up north overnight but I really hate relocating for a night with kids. It’s easier for us to just drive an hour or two longer.
Do you have any ideas of what to do around Phoenix area?
I dont know distances so  I may be way off but from parts of the GC Flagstaff a hour and half.
Flagstaff should have cooler temperatures...
If your family into Astronomy and Space related stuff tons to do.

Offline Traveler718

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #952 on: June 09, 2020, 11:46:31 AM »
Thanks for the input and encouragement!!  :) :) :)
We can stay somewhere up north overnight but I really hate relocating for a night with kids. It’s easier for us to just drive an hour or two longer.
Do you have any ideas of what to do around Phoenix area?

It's not a question of an hour or two longer. Google Maps says Mesa to Page is 4.5 hours - each way! - and to South Rim is 3:30 - each way! Why would you want to have 9 hours of driving, followed by 7 hours of driving? I wouldn't even be able to enjoy them after driving 4 kids so much! Not to mention that Horseshoe Bend typically fills up early in the day now that IG has ruined it (though maybe this summer will be better?).

We only went to PHX for Shabbos, as the natural beauty farther north is so much better - Page, GC, and Sedona. Please do yourself a favor and cut down the driving by overnighting father north, and if you don't want to do it for just one night, even better - overnight at GC for 2 nights since it's midway between Page and Sedona. Early starts can also help you beat the heat - says the guy who woke up at 5 am to hike up from the bottom of the GC - in April! I would not want to be hiking AZ after a 4-hour drive in midday 110 degree temps.

Offline Divora M

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #953 on: June 09, 2020, 12:25:46 PM »
It's not a question of an hour or two longer. Google Maps says Mesa to Page is 4.5 hours - each way! - and to South Rim is 3:30 - each way! Why would you want to have 9 hours of driving, followed by 7 hours of driving? I wouldn't even be able to enjoy them after driving 4 kids so much! Not to mention that Horseshoe Bend typically fills up early in the day now that IG has ruined it (though maybe this summer will be better?).

We only went to PHX for Shabbos, as the natural beauty farther north is so much better - Page, GC, and Sedona. Please do yourself a favor and cut down the driving by overnighting father north, and if you don't want to do it for just one night, even better - overnight at GC for 2 nights since it's midway between Page and Sedona. Early starts can also help you beat the heat - says the guy who woke up at 5 am to hike up from the bottom of the GC - in April! I would not want to be hiking AZ after a 4-hour drive in midday 110 degree temps.

Ok! I’m sold!
Sunday- arrive and hike Hole in the Rock
Monday- GC with the SK Trail. Sleep in Flagstaff
 Tuesday- Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell and Lower Antelope Canyon, drive back to Mesa.
Wednesday-stay local
Thursday-Pink Jeep Tour in Broken Arrow Sedona and Slide Rock
Friday- stay local and Last Chance

Am I missing anything?

Offline Dawie

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #954 on: June 09, 2020, 02:30:10 PM »
Ok! I’m sold!
Sunday- arrive and hike Hole in the Rock
Monday- GC with the SK Trail. Sleep in Flagstaff
 Tuesday- Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell and Lower Antelope Canyon, drive back to Mesa.
Wednesday-stay local
Thursday-Pink Jeep Tour in Broken Arrow Sedona and Slide Rock
Friday- stay local and Last Chance

Am I missing anything?
You're still doing an insane amount of driving from flagstaf to Page is almost 3 hours and 5 hours back to mesa after a huge full day of activities in 100 degree weather
why would you go back to Mesa on tuesday
Stay in Page instead and break up the Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell and Lower Antelope Canyon activities, you can add glen canyon dam and other things
Sedona is also a 2+ hour drive from Mesa

I would do Sedona after a night in Flagstaff
« Last Edit: June 09, 2020, 02:45:14 PM by Dawie »

Offline Traveler718

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #955 on: June 09, 2020, 03:15:02 PM »
What Dawie said. Just because you can drive a lot, doesn't mean you should, or that you will enjoy it - especially in 100+ degree weather. Trust me, I have driven from Kansas City to Badlands NP in a day, as well as from Houston to Carlsbad Caverns NP - 650 miles apiece, so I have no problem doing it when it's necessary. But in your case, it's totally unnecessary. Spend a couple days amongst the attractions, then head back to Mesa when you're done. You'll thank us when you get back, and your kids will thank us even more!

Offline Divora M

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #956 on: June 09, 2020, 06:46:58 PM »
What Dawie said. Just because you can drive a lot, doesn't mean you should, or that you will enjoy it - especially in 100+ degree weather. Trust me, I have driven from Kansas City to Badlands NP in a day, as well as from Houston to Carlsbad Caverns NP - 650 miles apiece, so I have no problem doing it when it's necessary. But in your case, it's totally unnecessary. Spend a couple days amongst the attractions, then head back to Mesa when you're done. You'll thank us when you get back, and your kids will thank us even more!

The truth is I am being cheap about it. We have a free villa in Mesa for a week so I was trying to save $$ by not staying elsewhere.

Offline Traveler718

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #957 on: June 09, 2020, 09:18:16 PM »
Don't forget to factor in the cost of all the extra gas which will add up, and more importantly, the cost of your sanity, which is far more! If you can make the $ work, I'd go for 2 days at the GC, which will allow you to get in some extra sunsets, which you also can't put a price on!

Offline Dawie

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #958 on: June 10, 2020, 11:02:14 AM »
Don't forget to factor in the cost of all the extra gas which will add up, and more importantly, the cost of your sanity, which is far more! If you can make the $ work, I'd go for 2 days at the GC, which will allow you to get in some extra sunsets, which you also can't put a price on!
Sanity? it's downright dangerous
I did similar trips the past two summers
Last year we had a house in PHX for 8 days but when we went north we stayed in Flagstaff for a couple days to do the GC , Sedona, Page
(Ok so we had free SPG nights... but still)(hotel prices in Flagstaff are very cheap)
another pointer from experience the hikes like South Kaibib trail if you do it in the afternoon, expect temps in the canyon to be 120 degrees, the climb up from Ooh ah point with kids was not the smartest thing i ever did.... go in the morning
see below signs in PHX and Scottsdale parks

Offline Naftuli19

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Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #959 on: June 10, 2020, 05:52:26 PM »
Any recommendations for restaurants in Scottsdale/Phoenix?
Sometimes You Will Never Know the True Value of A Moment Until It's Become A Memory...