I’m off to the southwest again soon for my first ever trip to the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff! This is a huge bucket list trip for me. We’ll be spending a day and a half in Flag, then rafting in the upper canyon for 6 days and hiking out the Bright Angel Trail to the south rim. Two nights on the rim, then back to Flag for a few more nights, and a day trip to Cameron Trading post. In Flagstaff I want to do the Lowell observatory and Museum of Northern AZ. Any recommendations for food and things to do in Flagstaff? What are the must dos for a day on the south rim? So far I’ve got checking out several overlooks, Hopi house, Desert Watchtower, and dinner at El Tovar.
@Ziacat? I know it’s one of your favorite places.
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Wow! Sounds like a great trip! Rafting the upper GC…fantastic! Are you putting in at Lee’s Ferry? We did the whole enchilada many many years ago, it’s something I love to do again, but likely won’t. So, you’re going to end at Phantom Ranch and hike out the Bright Angel Trail? Will they take your gear out on mules? I’ll be anxious to hear which rapids you thought were the most fun…I remember several that were woozies…Hermit and Crystal & ??. Of course they change year by year. I’ll stop cause I’m getting excited just hearing that you’re going!
Sounds like you’ve got all the highlights…I Love, Love Love Museum of Northern Arizona! I don’t know about dining in Flag, but if you could swing heading to Windslow (~1 hr from Flag), the Turquoise Room at the La Posada is my favorite…Love the whole atmosphere there! Or maybe drive Oak Creek canyon to Sedona? Stopping at Hoel’s to shop?? Sooo much to do in that general area
Have a great time…it will be a memorable trip..I’m anxious to hear about it!
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I’m of no assistance concerning recommendations, but just wanted to wish you a most enjoyable and safe trip! What you’ve got planned sounds like an absolute blast, and I’m really looking forward to reading and seeing what you care to share upon your return! 
P.S.
I know that you’re aware of a certain First Phase concho belt that resides at Cameron: it’s unmistakable with its six conchos and broken leather tail. @TAH and myself have been organizing a raiding party to acquire it, and the timing of your trip is uncanny. Would you be so inclined as to ensure its safe passage to Indiana? Allow me to assure you it will be worth your while. 
Back to reality. Have a great trip! It’s so great to hear that you’re checking something off your bucket list, and this will no doubt be a memory making adventure!
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Yes! Lee’s Ferry to Phantom Ranch and the Bright Angel Trail. I wanted to do the whole thing and had a helluva time deciding between the upper canyon and lower, but eventually just had to pick one. It just takes too long to do the whole thing—even for just half we’re on the river for 6 days and away for close to 2 weeks total. Someday I hope to go back and do the lower, or the whole thing (it can be done slightly faster on a motorized raft but that wasn’t what I wanted to do for this trip). We’re carrying our own gear out in backpacks; there is a mule duffel service that you can pay extra for but we didn’t elect it (maybe a mistake? 
). The company provides tents, sleeping bags etc. so we don’t have to carry that stuff at least. Probably won’t make it to Winslow or Sedona on this trip but will keep those ideas in mind!
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Thanks Aaron! Probably not a big shopping trip this time but I can’t go to the southwest without at least looking, and then you never know what will happen. But very much looking forward to the rafting and hiking this trip.
Ah yes, the first phase belt at Cameron—the source of @TAH ‘s first phase concho turned buckle if I remember correctly? I will try to visit and get some updated pictures for @TAH until the day he is able to reunite them.
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Indeed it is! It’s such an exceptional example, and its beautiful buckle makes up for the torn leather. 
Now we’re talking! 
I understand your not making it a big buying trip; If I shared your itinerary, shopping would be my last concern! I’m heading to Phoenix next month for a quick trip, and my only desire is to spend what little time I have there with the land and some petroglyphs. I’m excited for you!
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Excited about your upcoming trip. One thing to mention about your time at El Tovar, or really any nighttime moments on the South Rim: pack a small flashlight so you can stroll the rim after dark to enjoy the pitch-black night sky. A flashlight is essential! Outside El Tovar you’re so (shockingly) close to the rim that it could be a hazard otherwise. As you probably know, GC is an International Dark Sky Park, one of the largest. You stand a great chance of seeing shooting stars, among other moments.
Oh, and sunset/sunrise are great viewing opportunities too for the subtle way the light shifts the canyon colors. It’s not so much about the way the sky looks, but all about how the canyon walls glow differently moment to moment.
There are so many different walks in the Canyon. One I think you guys would especially like is the Trail of Time, the geological strata walk that goes back gabillion years.
In Flag there’s quite a foodie scene; Tripadvisor has good recs for meals.
Can’t wait for your pics!
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Awesome! I’m so thrilled for you! But what kinda blew my mind was that you have never been to the Grand Canyon, whaaaat?? 
But now you’re doing it in the best way ever. We have not been able to raft it, but if I ever do, I would chose what you are doing - the hike out is AMAZING.
So do I have tips for the South Rim? Is the Grand Canyon big? However, I gotta run now, so I’ll jump back into the thread later. I was going to mention the dark sky part (Flag is also a Dark Sky City), but Chic covered that.
So exciting!
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I have no tips for you, but I will say that the Grand Canyon is awe inspiring, just looking in from the edge!
Have a great and safe trip! We are looking forward to your trip report to come!
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With the trip you have planned, you’re in for a real treat, @OrbitOrange! My only suggestion, that I highly recommend, is heading 22 miles south of Cameron to Wupatki National Monument. You’ll never forget the experience.
For the record, “raiding party” is just an endearing term Aaron and I use for: Legally acquiring personal property through acceptable monetary means ensuring all parties are satisfied with the transaction process. I mean, who actually raids in 2026. Right, Aaron? 
Yes, please let me know if it’s still available for $37,500, so I can figure out a way to “legally acquire it through acceptable monetary means ensuring all parties are satisfied with the transaction process”. 
Enjoy your trip and safe travels!
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So most people react the same way as you did when I mention I haven’t been to the Grand Canyon yet, Zia. I’m obsessed with the southwest and have probably been somewhere between 10 and 15 times, but there’s still a fair amount I haven’t seen. I’ve wanted to do Grand Canyon forever but I also really wanted to do more than see it from the rim; if I went I had to get in it to truly experience it. Which makes the whole trip more logistically difficult to plan, and stalled me by a few years. But as you said, now I’m doing it the best way ever. Looking forward to your recommendations Zia!
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Ooh, looking forward to hearing about your trip to Phoenix Aaron! I have hiking recommendations, including a pretty amazing petroglyph hike if you’re interested.
Do I remember correctly that you haven’t been to the southwest yet? Will this be your first trip to the region?
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Thanks for the tips @chicfarmer! I’ll bring a flashlight and be careful not to fall in when I’m doing my nighttime stargazing
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Thanks for covering our rears, Tom. Your clarification will ensure we don’t end up in the hoosegow.
I would be more than interested, OO! Thank you!
Guilty as charged. I know that I’m not setting aside nearly enough time: but I’ve felt the draw for years and decided that any percent of something is more favorable than 100% of nothing. I’d love to pull off Whitehawk this year, but doubt it will line up. I’m really looking forward to hearing about your trip. It’s so enjoyable to learn of the travels of others!
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K, here’s my tips…
If you’re driving to Lee’s Ferry from AZ89A, after you cross the Navajo Bridge over the Colorado pull over at the visitor center, and take time to walk across the old bridge. You often see rafts down below.
Back in the mid-90s we hiked down South Kaibab Trail (shorter but steeper), camped at Phantom Ranch, and then hiked out Bright Angel. We sent our tents and sleeping bags down on the mules, because my friend had been diagnosed and treated for Graves Disease about 6 months prior. The Dr said she could still do the hike as long as she didn’t carry a big pack. It was pricey so we ended up only sending one tent which all 4 of us used (just a wee bit tight). It was the most amazing hike we’ve ever done in our lives even though it was long and hot. My hubby said he’s never lied to me so much as when he kept telling me there was only one more set of switchbacks to the top I have 3 tips for your hike out.
- Even if it seems like an insane amount of water to carry per person for the way up, follow the advice. And make sure you snack.
- If you can, start crazy early, like before the sun comes up early. I think we packed up and left about 4:00 am. Otherwise much of your hike will be in the hot sun. By starting early you’re in the shade a good share of the way.
- Eat a bucket of ice cream when you reach the top. You earned it!
As far as the South Rim, you’ve mentioned some great stuff. Be aware that to go up the tower at Desert View you need to reserve a spot. When we were there in mid April we had no problem, but they stopped doing tours at 5:00. You may be shocked at the amount of people, but if you get on the rim trail (goes both directions from the GC village area - the trail that Chic mentioned is part of it) you’ll lose the crowds quickly. I highly advise hopping on the West Rim shuttle, take it out a way, and get off and hike (still part of the rim trail). Important to know that it doesn’t make every stop on the way back. Last time we were there we got off at Mohave Point, hiked past The Abyss, and hopped back on at Monument Creek Vista; we had it mostly to ourselves. On the way back we got off at Powell Point and hiked back to GC Village. You definitely want to go that direction on the way back because it’s downhill. Even if you don’t feel like doing a lot of hiking, at least do part of that last stretch; you get great views of Bright Angel Trail (give yourselves a pat on the back for hiking it out) and the village. Back in the village Kolb and Lookout Studios are pretty cool buildings, and check out the fireplace in Bright Angel Lodge - it’s made to represent the layers of the canyon. The drive to Cameron when you leave the park is also beautiful.
For the Flagstaff area, I agree with Tah. Wupatki Nat’l Monument is amazing, and it is connected with Sunset Crater NM (also spectacular) so you can hit 2 national parks. We’re planning on doing those again this summer. Last time we were there we revisited Walnut Canyon NM which is really close and beautiful. Food wise there are lots of good restaurants, but my hubby and I keep eating at the same place, Charlie’s Pub and Grill, because it’s historic, right downtown, you can sit outside, and they have wonderful green chili pozole.
https://weatherfordhotel.com/charlys-pub-grill/
I apologize for writing a small book, but hopefully it will give you (and anyone else headed out there) some ideas. To close here’s a couple pics (so long ago that our camera wasn’t digital and no phones), one of Bright Angel Creek, and the other is prob about halfway up.
Lastly, take lots of pics and please share with us!! I so want to raft it someday, but we have never been able to take the time, but I have done it in my dreams!
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What an amazing trip! I can hardly wait to see your pics and hear all about it.
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OMG @Ziacat, you should be a tour guide!!! Great summary of the variety of options for the South rim and around Flag.
My brief opinion for OO: everything Zia mentioned are great options, but my favorite would be Walnut Canyon. Its just east of Flag and IMO an amazing area. The hike into the Canyon, although steep with lots of steps, is amazing with lots of cliff dwellings (which fascinate me). Hopefully you will have time to do both Walnut Canyon and Wupatki Nat’l Monument 
. Have Fun!
PS…Iove the Ice Cream recommendation…a just reward for that long uphill hike!
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@Bmpdvm, yes, I also really enjoy Walnut Canyon; being down in a small canyon surrounded by ruins is unique. Last time there as we were climbing out an osprey flew right over us (St Mary’s Lake is not far).
Wupatki is very different, and one of my best AZ memories is standing at an outer ruin feeling the warm high desert breeze as we looked back towards the San Francisco Peaks (looking in the other direction towards the Navajo Rez we could faintly see the edge of the Painted Desert).
Ice cream is most definitely an integral part of hiking.
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Wow @Ziacat, thanks for these great tips! I knew you would be the GC expert. The rafting company is bussing us from Flag to Lee’s Ferry, so I don’t have much control over where we stop, but luckily they said we are stopping at Navajo Bridge. And good tip that you need to reserve Desert Watchtower; I didn’t know that. The rim trail as well as Walnut Canyon and other hiking/historical sites around Flag sound great, but I’m holding off on making any firm plans that involve hiking until I know how we feel after hiking out of the canyon. I may never want to see a hiking trail again! And Chalie’s Pub was on my list! (Along with the Zane Grey room at the same hotel), but now I will have to make extra sure to check it out.
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Oh and I like the ice cream tip!
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