Getting Between Stops
Fly into Phoenix (PHX) and home from Las Vegas (LAS). Both have nonstop flights from most major US cities. A one-way rental usually costs more, but it saves a long drive back.
The drives are manageable. Phoenix to Sedona is about two hours. Sedona to the South Rim is about two to two and a half hours. The South Rim to Page is about two and a half to three hours via the east entrance. Page to Las Vegas is about four and a half hours, with Zion National Park on the way if you leave early.
Fill the tank whenever you can on the Navajo Nation and in rural Utah, where stations are far apart. Download offline maps, since cell coverage is patchy. Arizona does not use daylight saving time, but the Navajo Nation and Utah do, so double-check tour times in spring and summer.
Where to Stay
In Sedona, Enchantment Resort is the canyon retreat, with the Mii amo spa. L'Auberge de Sedona is the romantic creekside classic. Ambiente is the design-forward, kid-free choice, with rooftop decks for stargazing. All three typically run from about $700 to well over $1,500 a night in spring and fall (approximate). West Sedona has better-value hotels.
At the Grand Canyon, El Tovar Hotel is the one to book, right on the South Rim. Bright Angel Lodge, Kachina Lodge and Thunderbird Lodge are more practical in-park options. Tusayan, just outside the entrance, has chain hotels.
In Southern Utah, Amangiri is the splurge of a lifetime, with rates often above $3,000 a night (approximate). Page has lakeside hotels and simpler motels. Houseboats on Lake Powell are a fun alternative for a night or two.
When to Go
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to early November) are the best seasons. Days are warm, nights are cool and hiking is comfortable. These are also the busiest months, so book hotels and tours early.
Summer is hot, with Sedona and Page often above 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The South Rim stays milder at about 7,000 feet. The monsoon, roughly July to September, brings afternoon thunderstorms and flash floods, which can cancel slot canyon tours with little warning.
Winter is quiet and crisp, with occasional snow on the red rocks and the canyon rim. Roads can be icy and nights are cold, but rates drop and the stargazing is superb. The North Rim is a separate trip, open seasonally, so check the National Park Service before planning a visit there.
Budget and Booking
Book El Tovar first, since rooms open far ahead and sell out quickly. Then book your Sedona resort, Amangiri or your Page hotel, flights and the car. Reserve Antelope Canyon and the Sedona balloon a few weeks out, more in spring and fall.
As an approximate guide, Sedona's top resorts run $700 to well over $1,500 a night in peak season. El Tovar is far cheaper, which balances the budget. Amangiri is in its own price category.
Budget for a national parks pass, Sedona's Red Rock Pass for some trailheads, guided tours and a driver for wine tasting. Mention your honeymoon when you book. Sedona's resorts often add a small touch for honeymooners and El Tovar's dining room can note a celebration.
Staying Comfortable and Safe
Carry more water than you think you need, wear a hat and hike early in the day. Heat exhaustion is the most common problem in the desert, even in spring.
At the Grand Canyon, the rim sits at about 7,000 feet. Stay well back from the edge, especially at viewpoints without railings. Never plan to hike to the river and back in one day. Rangers rescue people who try every year.
Slot canyons flood fast during storms, so follow your Navajo guide's call on cancellations. Watch for lightning on exposed rims during monsoon afternoons. Pack layers, since desert nights can be cold even after a warm day. Dress is relaxed everywhere, though El Tovar's dining room and Sedona's resort restaurants lean smart casual for both of you.
Make It Shorter or Longer
For an 8-day trip, spend three nights in Sedona, one at the Grand Canyon and three near Page. You will have fewer slow days but still see the highlights.
For 13 to 14 days, add two nights in Springdale at the edge of Zion National Park before flying home from Las Vegas. Zion's canyon walks and the Narrows add a green, watery chapter to the desert.
Couples who want more spa time can swap the Grand Canyon nights for a day trip from Sedona, about two hours each way. Then add a fifth night in Sedona. You lose the canyon sunrise, though, which is the main reason to stay on the rim.
