Expert: Mindy Mendelsohn - 2/24/2011

Question
Hi Mindy,
We are two seniors who would like to visit the Grand Canyon.  We have no clue where to begin.  We will be driving out from Florida.  Could you tell us maybe where to stay reasonable, nothing fancy just clean and no bed bugs!  Also maybe a tour to take or a route that would be most scenic.  We are able to travel anytime and wondered when it would be the least crowded and still good weather.  ANY info you could give us would be greatly appreciated.  Thanking you in advance for your courtesy and cooperation.  Bev

Answer
Hi Bev,

I live in Sedona about an hour and a half from the Grand Canyon.  We are a great place to base yourself.  Pink Jeep as well as other operators offer tours to the Canyon from here. Flagstaff would be another option, they are 40 minutes north of us and have many reasonable hotels as well.

Williams is the closest to the canyon itself  but I am not as familiar with the hotels there.

If you choose to stay in Sedona, the Super 8 Motel is lovely and a nice price.  I had my mother stay there last year so I have been in the rooms.  Sky Ranch Lodge is also reasonable and I know that they just redid their rooms.  Their are great views from Sky ranch.  Sedona is very beautiful you don;t want to miss it, our chamber of commerce website is www.visitsedona.com, so you don;t have to take my word for it.

As far as I know there are no Bed Bug problems in Sedona...and I would hear about it.  It is a small town and I am involved with the chamber of commerce.  

The trick with the Grand Canyon, no matter what time of year,   if you are going on your own is to go early, that is how you avid thee crowds.  When I have gone with friends and family over the years I try to arrive by 8. I am originally from Michigan, so when guests come we will usually head there as long as we go early  there is no problem no matter what time of year. Generally people head to the south rim, once you get there ( after you view the south rim) you can also drive along the east rim which is very beautiful and there is a lookout with a watch tower that is wonderful.

The other thing I would recommend is that if you are   coming in highway 40 from New Mexico you drive through the painted desert/petrified forest.
There are signs along highway 40  and it would be a shame for you to miss something so spectacular.

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Mindy