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 381351 times)

Offline SSLPhD

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2015
  • Posts: 764
  • Total likes: 276
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: My couch
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #960 on: June 10, 2020, 07:17:37 PM »
Any recommendations for restaurants in Scottsdale/Phoenix?
https://www.thekitchen18.com/
44/50, 46/63

Offline Divora M

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2018
  • Posts: 637
  • Total likes: 124
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #961 on: June 10, 2020, 09:05:50 PM »
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

We decided to spend two nights in Flagstaff, what hotel did you stay at? Also, would it be better if we went to the GC closer to the evening when it should be cooler and we would get a nice view of the
sunset?

Online Traveler718

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 1219
  • Total likes: 693
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #962 on: June 10, 2020, 09:53:50 PM »
It would be criminal to go to the GC and not see at least one sunset there, and yes, temperatures at night are better than the afternoon. But you'll need more time than just sunset to properly experience it. A few hours to hike down and back up the next morning, and also to ride the shuttle (if it's operating?) to viewpoints that aren't accessible to passenger cars.

Offline Dawie

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 1611
  • Total likes: 491
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: KBLM
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #963 on: June 11, 2020, 11:30:31 AM »
We decided to spend two nights in Flagstaff, what hotel did you stay at? Also, would it be better if we went to the GC closer to the evening when it should be cooler and we would get a nice view of the
sunset?
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/flgcy-courtyard-flagstaff/

you need probably 3 hours for the hike so if you start 3 hours before sunset you are still going down into the canyon in mid afternoon

Offline Naftuli19

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jun 2018
  • Posts: 2721
  • Total likes: 398
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Not in Quarantine
  • Programs: I wish all...
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #964 on: June 11, 2020, 12:57:35 PM »
https://www.thekitchen18.com/
Phenomenal place, delicious food, YUGE portions, thanks
Sometimes You Will Never Know the True Value of A Moment Until It's Become A Memory...

Offline Naftuli19

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jun 2018
  • Posts: 2721
  • Total likes: 398
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Not in Quarantine
  • Programs: I wish all...
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #965 on: June 11, 2020, 12:58:03 PM »
Any recommendations for breakfast/lunch restaurants?
Sometimes You Will Never Know the True Value of A Moment Until It's Become A Memory...

Offline ab613

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: May 2019
  • Posts: 52
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #966 on: June 11, 2020, 03:16:05 PM »
Any recommendations for breakfast/lunch restaurants?
LaBella Pizzeria and Restaurant in Phoenix is great

Offline Naftuli19

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jun 2018
  • Posts: 2721
  • Total likes: 398
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Not in Quarantine
  • Programs: I wish all...
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #967 on: June 11, 2020, 03:21:34 PM »
LaBella Pizzeria and Restaurant in Phoenix is great
Ended up going to Milk+Honey, great food
Sometimes You Will Never Know the True Value of A Moment Until It's Become A Memory...

Offline jose34

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2016
  • Posts: 2396
  • Total likes: 154
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #968 on: June 11, 2020, 06:20:34 PM »
It would be criminal to go to the GC and not see at least one sunset there, and yes, temperatures at night are better than the afternoon. But you'll need more time than just sunset to properly experience it. A few hours to hike down and back up the next morning, and also to ride the shuttle (if it's operating?) to viewpoints that aren't accessible to passenger cars.
We did the basics without any hikes by the GC in 3.5 hours.
We did a little walking around but it was more hopping from one look out point to another and I guess the main point was sunset which like everyone said is something you almost can't describe.
( but I'll try), its really about how much you can see - you can see the diffrent parts of the sky changing colors at diffrent times since its so vast....

Offline OMG!

  • Dansdeals Bronze Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Jan 2018
  • Posts: 44
  • Total likes: 4
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #969 on: June 18, 2020, 04:20:53 AM »
I'm planning on going to Page (today!)
Are there any activities that can I do with an infant?
So far, I'm planning the following:
-Horseshoe Bend
-(Antelope Canyon is closed for now :( )
-Lake Powell - cannot go kayaking or Jet Skiing since I have an infant. Is there anything else there that's worth doing (was thinking of renting a Motorboat, but it seems like most places only rent for full day, which is longer than I'd want)?
Any input would be appreciated.
« Last Edit: June 18, 2020, 04:45:05 AM by OMG! »

Offline Divora M

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2018
  • Posts: 637
  • Total likes: 124
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #970 on: June 20, 2020, 11:21:18 PM »
I'm planning on going to Page (today!)
Are there any activities that can I do with an infant?
So far, I'm planning the following:
-Horseshoe Bend
-(Antelope Canyon is closed for now :( )
-Lake Powell - cannot go kayaking or Jet Skiing since I have an infant. Is there anything else there that's worth doing (was thinking of renting a Motorboat, but it seems like most places only rent for full day, which is longer than I'd want)?
Any input would be appreciated.

What did you end up doing in Page?

Offline Chuck2

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Oct 2011
  • Posts: 443
  • Total likes: 17
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 9
    • View Profile
  • Programs: United, Hertz, SPG Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Priority Club Plat, Avis Chairman, Hertz PC
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #971 on: June 24, 2020, 03:05:25 PM »
I'm trying to Plan a trip to Arizona in the beginning of July here's what I have
I will be landing on Sunday night I'm thinking of Booking the Kierland Westin (and using either a Marriott 35K Anniversary Certificate or book with UR)
I want to stay in the hotel and relax during the day and head north Monday evening to a hotel in either Page, Flagstaff... and base myself around there.
Over the next 3 days I want to go to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Day 1 (as of now Antelope Canyon is closed) Is this enough for one day? Is there anything else I should add to the day if we have more time?
Day 2  Pink Jeep Tour, South Kaibab Trail followed by a hike down to Ooh Aah Point (I'm not sure if it will be too hot for this) and head back to the hotel. Am I missing anything over here?
Day 3 need recommendations. I want to head back to Phoenix Thursday night. (I can switch around the days, to put myself closer to Phoenix on the Thursday)
Am I missing anything? What should I do if Antelope canyon is closed?
:-)

Offline jose34

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2016
  • Posts: 2396
  • Total likes: 154
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #972 on: June 24, 2020, 04:23:53 PM »
I'm trying to Plan a trip to Arizona in the beginning of July here's what I have
I will be landing on Sunday night I'm thinking of Booking the Kierland Westin (and using either a Marriott 35K Anniversary Certificate or book with UR)
I want to stay in the hotel and relax during the day and head north Monday evening to a hotel in either Page, Flagstaff... and base myself around there.
Over the next 3 days I want to go to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Day 1 (as of now Antelope Canyon is closed) Is this enough for one day? Is there anything else I should add to the day if we have more time?
Day 2  Pink Jeep Tour, South Kaibab Trail followed by a hike down to Ooh Aah Point (I'm not sure if it will be too hot for this) and head back to the hotel. Am I missing anything over here?
Day 3 need recommendations. I want to head back to Phoenix Thursday night. (I can switch around the days, to put myself closer to Phoenix on the Thursday)
Am I missing anything? What should I do if Antelope canyon is closed?

On the way back to Phoenix you stop by Flagstaff and do astronomy stuff like Lowell Observatory or head the Sunset Crater.

Offline Naftuli19

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jun 2018
  • Posts: 2721
  • Total likes: 398
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Not in Quarantine
  • Programs: I wish all...
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #973 on: June 24, 2020, 05:15:04 PM »
I'm trying to Plan a trip to Arizona in the beginning of July here's what I have
I will be landing on Sunday night I'm thinking of Booking the Kierland Westin (and using either a Marriott 35K Anniversary Certificate or book with UR)
I want to stay in the hotel and relax during the day and head north Monday evening to a hotel in either Page, Flagstaff... and base myself around there.
Over the next 3 days I want to go to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Day 1 (as of now Antelope Canyon is closed) Is this enough for one day? Is there anything else I should add to the day if we have more time?
Day 2  Pink Jeep Tour, South Kaibab Trail followed by a hike down to Ooh Aah Point (I'm not sure if it will be too hot for this) and head back to the hotel. Am I missing anything over here?
Day 3 need recommendations. I want to head back to Phoenix Thursday night. (I can switch around the days, to put myself closer to Phoenix on the Thursday)
Am I missing anything? What should I do if Antelope canyon is closed?
just a heads up its very hard to get reservations at alot of attractions many of them saying they are overwhelmed and sold out for weeks...
Sometimes You Will Never Know the True Value of A Moment Until It's Become A Memory...

Offline mendyt

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 628
  • Total likes: 81
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #974 on: June 24, 2020, 08:27:08 PM »
Over the next 3 days I want to go to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Day 1 (as of now Antelope Canyon is closed) Is this enough for one day? Is there anything else I should add to the day if we have more time?
IMO Antelope canyon and Horseshoe bend does not take that long.
You should add something for the day

Offline Divora M

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2018
  • Posts: 637
  • Total likes: 124
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #975 on: June 24, 2020, 11:44:52 PM »
I'm trying to Plan a trip to Arizona in the beginning of July here's what I have
I will be landing on Sunday night I'm thinking of Booking the Kierland Westin (and using either a Marriott 35K Anniversary Certificate or book with UR)
I want to stay in the hotel and relax during the day and head north Monday evening to a hotel in either Page, Flagstaff... and base myself around there.
Over the next 3 days I want to go to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Day 1 (as of now Antelope Canyon is closed) Is this enough for one day? Is there anything else I should add to the day if we have more time?
Day 2  Pink Jeep Tour, South Kaibab Trail followed by a hike down to Ooh Aah Point (I'm not sure if it will be too hot for this) and head back to the hotel. Am I missing anything over here?
Day 3 need recommendations. I want to head back to Phoenix Thursday night. (I can switch around the days, to put myself closer to Phoenix on the Thursday)
Am I missing anything? What should I do if Antelope canyon is closed?

I was told that the Peek-a-boo canyon in Kanab, UT is most similiar to Antelope Canyon and is an hour away from Page.

Offline Divora M

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2018
  • Posts: 637
  • Total likes: 124
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #976 on: June 26, 2020, 08:43:59 AM »
Where is the best place to view sunrise and sunset in the GC?

Offline Dawie

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 1611
  • Total likes: 491
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: KBLM
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #977 on: June 26, 2020, 10:10:35 AM »
Where is the best place to view sunrise and sunset in the GC?
Sunrise probably Maricopa or Hopi, the crowds if any will be by Mather Point
Sunset depends if you want to do it with the crowds too
The place were you will likely be all alone would be Shoshone Point
Yavapai is incredible but usually 5 deep
Lipan is another great but quite place

Offline Naftuli19

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jun 2018
  • Posts: 2721
  • Total likes: 398
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Not in Quarantine
  • Programs: I wish all...
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #978 on: June 26, 2020, 11:02:12 AM »
Where is the best place to view sunrise and sunset in the GC?
Sunrise probably Maricopa or Hopi, the crowds if any will be by Mather Point
Sunset depends if you want to do it with the crowds too
The place were you will likely be all alone would be Shoshone Point
Yavapai is incredible but usually 5 deep
Lipan is another great but quite place
Horse shoe bend was also very nice
Sometimes You Will Never Know the True Value of A Moment Until It's Become A Memory...

Offline Dawie

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 1611
  • Total likes: 491
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: KBLM
Re: Arizona Master Thread
« Reply #979 on: June 28, 2020, 11:16:15 AM »
Horse shoe bend was also very nice
For what?
and its not by the grand canyon anyway
I was there for sunset and it was spectacular but only because the clouds were blocking the sun for most of the time
otherwise the glare made it impossible to see anything