I can tell you our experience. In November, we flew to Vegas, stayed for 4 nights at Paris, and did a day trip to the western side of the canyon (where the glass skywalk is). Its about 2 ½ hours from the Strip. We did some hiking, helicopter ride to the bottom of the canyon, and then pontoon ride in the river. It was a fun trip, and because we had kids with us, it was enough of an outing that lasted about 10-11 hours. We also went to couple of other sites within that area. You can also stop at Hoover Dam on your way back or make a separate trip. Its about 45 minutes from the strip. There was a carry out restaurant at the Canyon (one like you have in carnivals where you stand in line and order, and pick from another window), and we had some veggie burgers and fries.
If you are staying in Vegas, the biggest advantage is flying and staying packages which are pretty cheap if you book through Vegas.com. Also there are abundance of halal food options in Vegas. Kids can watch shows, and if you are up to a challenge, you can even go to LA. In fact it is based on the budget. Vegas has plenty of fun stuff for kids to do.
Tlk I'm heading to Vegas next week. What tourist sites would you recommend? And is the helicopter worth it? How long is the ride and what is best price for it?
Thanks for ur help.
Thanks. I am now planning to pass through here on way to GC. It will depend on time if we can hike up for a better view Inshallah
I am going to Grand Canyon from 10-13 April. When are you planning to go? Do you think you would go by bus/car/helicopter? Still deciding what's best value.
Not sure how much time you have....but the Zion National Park is worth spending a day at, especially the Narrows. You can stop on your way back from Canyon.
You live in Phoenix? Please help! Are there a lot of tolls roads in AZ? The rental car company is trying to push PlatePass at $11.99 a day....but from what I see online, there are little to no toll roads. Please advise.
OK getting excited now. Everything is booked except stay for our last night.
Flying into Phoenix, 1st night there.
Then 2 days in Flagstaff to check out Sedona and Grand Canyon.
Then 2 days in Page to do rafting and also check out Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell. Then we are headed north and spending 2 nights in Brian Head Utah. Will visit Zion National Park as well as Bryce. Will spend some time in Dixie National Forest as hotel is there. Then staying a night in Springdale, UT for an early morning start in Zion to do the Angel's landing hike, but only upto Scout Lookout. No way we will even try Angel's Landing.
Finally we need to decide if we want to spend last night in Tuba City or Williams.
Our flight the next day isn't until close to midnight so plenty of time to see something and get to airport by 9 ish.
I hope Zion is all I imagine it to be based on reading online. After booking I saw that Narrows might be closed. If so there is still plenty to do orherwise.
OK We got back from our trip last week and stayed closed to our plans. Everything is so beautiful! Even the drive up to Page, AZ was nice. Few points/tips:
1) Drive from Phoenix to Sedona on scenic route from Wickenburg up route 93 to 89 and drive through mountains, plateus and Prescott Forest. Finally use Scenic Byway 169 to Sedona.
2) Do not miss the Desert View point in Grand Canyon. We got there a little late and wish we had more time. Spectacular Views!!!!
3) Spend some time in Page, AZ even if a day. Visit Lower Antelope Canyon, totally worth the drive!! Amazing slot canyon tour! Beautiful!! Kids loved the Lower Antelope Canyon (there is an Upper Antelope Canyon as well) because they enjoyed climbing up and down the stairs, ladders and formations.
4) If you have kids, take over the counter Dramamine for Kids, found at Target. It was a lifesaver for my son getting motion/elevation sickness. I am glad a I asked the pharmacist before I left for a recommendation. Everytime we climbed up the mountain he started complaining and the chewable medicine works fairly quickly to provide relief.
Oh and definitely go hiking on some of the trails! Gives such an amazing perspective away from the major viewpoints and crowds. We did the Bright Angel Trail for about 1.5 miles down and then back. It was intense but totally worth the views and not as scary once you get started as long as you stay near the wall side. :) Much needed break, Alhumdulillah
Finally if you have kids, make sure to get them the Junior Ranger Badges. Go to visitor Center at each park and tell them your kids want to become Junior Rangers. They will give you a pencil and book with some fun and educational activities to complete. Once done, go back to Visitor Center and show them. They will do a swearing in activity and then present cute Junior Ranger Badges. My kids loved it and we collected them at all the National Parks. It gives them something fun to do while learning.
PS. It was mentioned here, but a great tip to be repeated. Get "America the Beautiful" pass for $80 for entry at Grand Canyon and it gives you unlimited access to all National Parks in the USA for 1 year. If you plan to visit others parks in the area, already pays for itself. Also if you have a 4th grader you can also get free access if you apply in advance. Visit the National Parks website.
Awesome reviews Afro. I'm glad you had great time. So you spent 6 days in total? See if you can put up pics or blog
We spent 10 days total, 9 nights.
Night 1 in Phoenix. Night 2 & 3 in Flagstaff. Night 4&5 in Page. Night 6&7 in Brian Head, UT. Night 8 in Kanab, UT and finally Night 9 in Flagstaff again on the way back down. On the 10th day we drove back down to Phoenix Airport with a pit stop in Sedona.
PS. In Sedona if anyone visits, I have heard a lot of good things about the Pink Jeep Tours which seem awesome. However, we couldn't make reservations for it because we weren't sure when we would get there. We instead rented UTV (buggies) from Red Rock ATV Rental and it was AMAZING! It also turns out they send you on the same roads that the pink jeep and other tours take you to. If you rent your own you get 4 hours to trail ride and stop and enjoy where you want. Roads were REALLY bumpy and rocky...so a good mix of scary but fun. Overall loved it and then had no regrets about missing Pink Jeep Tours.
