Day 6: Flagstaff to Phoenix, AZ - 329 miles
This day was always going to be tricky: From Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, back down south through Sedona and then on to Phoenix. I wanted to take Hwy 89 north out of Flagstaff and come in to the Canyon from the east on Hwy 64 to see that part of the south rim for the first time. Alas, a fire had been burning and you couldn't trust the road closures. Didn't want to drive 75 miles just to get turned away and have to re-trace.
So, up Hwy 180 out of Flagstaff through some very nice high altitude forests and merge with Hwy 64 to the Rim - 80 miles in all.
The weather is fantastic, the Rim is busy but not necessarily crowded. We reach Mather Point and park. A short hike brings you to this. Here ya go..................Mercy, sakes it's nice today!
We repositioned the car down to the El Tovar lodge and went looking for lunch.
There's a train that comes up about 60 miles from Williams, AZ on I-40 west of Flagstaff. Kinda cool.
Lunch at the historic El Tovar Lodge
You can hike down into the canyon from here, go rim to rim if you want, get on a mule or just sightsee. It's 5,000 feet to the bottom.
The Bright Angel Trail is visible below, but you're still not at the river yet. Sheesh.
You can travel 8 miles west along the rim to Hermit's Rest. Several stops. This time of year requires a shuttle, so off we go.
Powell's Point - Named for John Powell, the dude who explored the untamed Colorado River in 1869. With only one arm. Must've been wild. The views are stupendous - there are no words. You get the idea..........
It was getting towards mid-afternoon (2:30) and we still had 230 miles to go, including Sedona. Gonna be a late arrival - again. One last friend.
Blasted down Hwy 64 to I-40, east to Flagstaff (again), then south on Hwy 89A and began a very scenic, but curvy drive to Sedona. We were here 26 years ago - it's really grown. Mostly just time for some pictures as we drive through.
There's a nice overlook up by the airport. The rocks are magnificent.
South of town at the Bell Rock Trailhead. The light is really cooperating. It's almost 6 o'clock.
Final stop a little further down the road........
And there's still over 100 miles to Phoenix. But today was totally worth it. Finally reached the hotel about 8PM. Luckily they had a restaurant. Not trading today for anything.