Places to visit in Arizona and motels near Yellowstone Park

[moparguy]

Wife and I have booked a room at the Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon at the end of September. It's one of those bucket list things. Now we're planning the rest of a driving trip (no RV) around the Canyon stay. That said, anyone have recommendations on things to do in the area the last couple weeks of September?

We're considering driving up to Yellowstone since we haven't been there in 25 years and camped the last time we were in the park. This time we'll be staying in hotels, if anyone has suggestions on where to stay that'd definitely be appreciated.

Ron

 

[Superdawg]

One of my personal favorites in Jerome, AZ: www.goldkingmineghosttown.com/

 

[surfbeetle]

There's the real London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. It's very cool. Whatever you do, stay away from the speed traps in Gila Bend AZ.

 

[BarryG]

Well if you are headed north from the Grand Canyon you might stop in Page, AZ and check out upper and lower Antelope Canyon
http://navajotours.com/photo-gallery/ You do not have to take a tour you can do it on your own just provided a link for the photos. The lower you walk a hundred yards to the entrance a few ladders in there. Upper they will ferry you up to the entrance drop you off and when you are done you can catch one of the ferry trucks back to the parking lot at your leisure. There is not extensive hiking both are short canyons there is no climbing or rappelling or anything like that in them. Two of the most photogenic slot canyons on the planet. You do have to pay for a permit and to park. The permit is good at both but parking is separate at each location. They are essentially across the street from each other. Also in Page Glen Canyon Dam has a nice tour.
Other areas of interest would be Canyon De Chelly, Navajo National Monument, Monument Valley. None of these are by the Grand Canyon but would be more on the way to Yellowstone from there headed north east from the Canyon.

In Yellowstone outside of staying in the park hotels/lodges are somewhat distant and will require some driving to get to park features. From the south entrance .http://www.gtlc.com/lodges/headwaters-lodge-at-flagg-ranch they have several lodges Headwaters is the closest to Yellowstone. From the east side Cody and Wapiti Wyoming would be the area and from the west side would be West Yellowstone. And to the north would be Gardner or Cooke City. Again these will require some traveling to the park features. West Yellowstone is probably the closest. Gardner is right across the park boundary but you are in the far north end of the park by Mammoth Hot Springs. Might be worth trying to stay at Old Faithful Area, Grant Village, Fishing Bridge or Canyon area as they are more or less on the Grand Loop.

 

[moparguy]

Man, excellent suggestions. BarryG, Antelope Canyon is definitely (now) on the agenda and Monument Valley as well.

We'd like to stay in Yellowstone, problem is getting rooms. My quick online checking last evening showed it's going to be tough to get two nights together that'll dovetail with our timeline. Still working on that though.

RR