Newbie road trip: LAX --> Zion, GC, Meteor --> PHX
Jul 18, 2014, 11:13 pm
#16
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 67
You can explore the rim of the canyon and various points. There is a company called apache stables that appears to have some horses...
If you aren't accustomed to the desert southwest don't forget to load the car up with plenty of water. :-)
If you aren't accustomed to the desert southwest don't forget to load the car up with plenty of water. :-)
Jul 19, 2014, 8:35 am
#17
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PHX
Programs: UA *Alliance
Posts: 5,613
Jul 19, 2014, 9:48 am
#18
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Aluminum, WN B+
Posts: 929
Aug-sep is a bad time to hike down into the canyon unless it's early in the morning. Temps on the rim will generally be 80-90, while at the bottom it'll be more like 100-108. Even in good weather hiking to the river and back is an all day thing for people in the best shape, and a couple days for average person (remember: what goes down must come back up).
Jul 19, 2014, 4:22 pm
#19
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Aluminum, WN B+
Posts: 929
OP, thought you might enjoy this article in today's paper
http://www.azcentral.com/story/trave...ylor/12828165/
http://www.azcentral.com/story/trave...ylor/12828165/
Jul 20, 2014, 10:00 pm
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Seattle
Posts: 75
I really appreciate you guys, the experts 
helping out the newbie w/ his trip.
I read over the articles that you guys suggested and... man, I didn't there were so many things that you can do.
By the way, anyone a stargazer? I love it and I'd like your thoughts about stargazing at the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Natural Bridges Natl. Monument.
Reference: http://www.livescience.com/31838-bes...ng-places.html
helping out the newbie w/ his trip.I read over the articles that you guys suggested and... man, I didn't there were so many things that you can do.
By the way, anyone a stargazer? I love it and I'd like your thoughts about stargazing at the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Natural Bridges Natl. Monument.
Reference: http://www.livescience.com/31838-bes...ng-places.html
Jul 20, 2014, 10:24 pm
#21
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PHX
Programs: UA *Alliance
Posts: 5,613
Jul 20, 2014, 10:59 pm
#22
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,285
By the way, anyone a stargazer? I love it and I'd like your thoughts about stargazing at the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Natural Bridges Natl. Monument.
Reference: http://www.livescience.com/31838-bes...ng-places.html
Reference: http://www.livescience.com/31838-bes...ng-places.html
http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisi...myprograms.htm
Jul 20, 2014, 11:56 pm
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Seattle
Posts: 75
Bryce Canyon NP is noted for dark skies, as well.
http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisi...myprograms.htm
http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisi...myprograms.htm
And cool signature!
Last edited by cblaisd; Jul 21, 2014 at 7:18 am Reason: merged poster's two consecutive posts
Jul 21, 2014, 11:33 am
#24
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Aluminum, WN B+
Posts: 929
If you like stargazing you'll really enjoy Lowell Observatory. Definitely make time for it. I had a great time up there.
In 2001 Flagstaff was named the world's first International Dark Sky City.
I've never done too much of it, but one evening you might take a ride SE of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Rd towards Mormon Lake to get out of the city and see the stars. Just watch for animals on the roads around northern AZ; elk, antelope, deer, etc... populate the area.
The Discovery Channel Telescope is farther down Lake Mary Rd towards AZ87, but I'm pretty sure it's not open to the public.
In 2001 Flagstaff was named the world's first International Dark Sky City.
The Discovery Channel Telescope is farther down Lake Mary Rd towards AZ87, but I'm pretty sure it's not open to the public.
Last edited by Lost; Jul 21, 2014 at 11:49 am
Jul 21, 2014, 11:45 am
#25
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Aluminum, WN B+
Posts: 929
Status update for Oak Creek Canyon from the Slide Fire: I came through there yesterday afternoon on the way back from Flagstaff.
-AZ 89A is open (and the switchbacks have finally been repaved!!!). The overlook at the top of the switchbacks was open.
-Slide Rock State Park is partially open
-All USFS facilities: campgrounds, day use areas, hiking trails, etc are closed.
-All private businesses are OPEN.
The fire mostly burned on the west side of the canyon. I couldn't see too much of the burned area from 89A except right near Slide Rock and the switchbacks area.
-AZ 89A is open (and the switchbacks have finally been repaved!!!). The overlook at the top of the switchbacks was open.
-Slide Rock State Park is partially open
-All USFS facilities: campgrounds, day use areas, hiking trails, etc are closed.
-All private businesses are OPEN.
The fire mostly burned on the west side of the canyon. I couldn't see too much of the burned area from 89A except right near Slide Rock and the switchbacks area.
Last edited by Lost; Jul 21, 2014 at 11:51 am
Aug 7, 2014, 6:33 pm
#27
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,285
None of the above. On trip to Phoenix with time on my hands for leisure I would much rather stay at one of the many area hotels with extensive recreational facilities. Might as well put that sweltering summer heat to use by enjoying a huge pool!
Aug 8, 2014, 2:18 pm
#30
Join Date: May 2012
Location: DCA, lived MCI, SEA/PDX,BUF (born/raised)
Programs: Marriott (Silver/Gold), IHG, Carlson, Best Western, Choice( Gold), AS (MVP), WN, UA
Posts: 8,735
For star gazing on the weekend a few times in the summer the individual parks have star gazing programs.
Bryce at the end f June has an annual major event around this.
Bryce and Torey are the best because they are the farthest away from civilization so you can see things on a moonless night ou can't see at other places.
Bryce at the end f June has an annual major event around this.
Bryce and Torey are the best because they are the farthest away from civilization so you can see things on a moonless night ou can't see at other places.
