Philip79

My wife and I are planning our trip around Utah, New Mexico and Arizona for two weeks. We are looking for nice lodges and the occasional (spa) resort.
We though of visiting Zion NP, Bryce Canyon, Arches NP, Monument Valley, some highlights of New Mexico, Grand Canyon, Sedona and Phoenix.
Could you recommend some good lodges/hotels and places to visit, or a good local travel agent who can help us put it together?
We like hiking so any recommendations for places that are not too hot in August would be great.
Would extending the trip to San Diego and Palm Springs be good, maybe instead of New Mexico? Many thanks.

ElendilPickle

I would skip Palm Springs and Phoenix in August. Your other destinations will be hot enough. I would skip Vegas, too, but that is just my personal preference - I hate the place.

With two weeks, you could concentrate on Utah and Arizona without having to rush.

Lee Ann

MikePinTucson

I think you are good with Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. If you don't want VERY hot, skip Phoenix. Palm Springs will also be scorching in August. Check the temperatures in those cities now, it will be the same in August.

At the Grand Canyon, do try to get a room in one of the rim lodges -- El Tovar, Kachina, Thunderbird, or Bright Angel. If those are all booked, which is highly likely, try for Maswick or Yavapai. Both of those are away from the rim, but are still inside the park, which is where you want to be. Check this link for lodging, figure out exactly which days you will be there and book ASAP:

http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/

If nothing is available, check the website every day, twice a day. And call at least once a day. Something will open up because there are always cancellations.

In Sedona, there is a wide range of accommodations. If you can give us an idea of your budget, I'm sure you will get some recommendations. If you want a top notch resort in Sedona, check out Enchantment. they might have some deals during the Summer.

nytraveler

What do you mean by hot - the temps in the SW are often 100 plus in the summer - so you really need to figure out exactly where you want to do.

Also - you need to take altitude into account - cooler places are usually much higher altitude - and hiking there can be challenging if you're live at sea level. (My mom had to leave the Grand Canyon since the altitude was too much for her. Granted she was elderly - but they weren't doing anything strenuous - she's just very sensitive.)

Philip79

Thank you for your great recommendations!! We'll skip the hottest spots but we should be able to do the hiking at altitude. Does anyone know of local hiking/adventure companies to maximise the outdoor experience?

We are checking out availabilities and may treat ourselves to something like the Enchantment in Sedona. If you know of similar hotel recommendations and other beautiful lodges in Utah or Arizona, please let us know. We'd love to hear! Thanks again.

MikePinTucson

In Sedona, definitely do the Pink Jeep Broken Arrow tour. Try to do it on your first day because the guides do a great job of explaining the geology and flora and fauna of the area:

http://www.pinkjeeptours.com/jeep-to...en-arrow.shtml

There are dozens of hiking trails around Sedona. This website gives you an overview, including the level of difficulty:

http://www.hikearizona.com/interestDEX.php?ID=42&RID=9

spirobulldog

The Historic Lodges in Bryce, Zion, and Grand Canyon generally are full. I reserve mine a year in advance on the day that the become available. When is this trip planned?

Myer

If you haven't planned a year in advance, your next hope for in-park lodging is within the last 6 weeks before your trip. The tour companies normally start to release blocks of rooms in the last month or so.

I just got a room in Bryce Canyon yesterday for mid-Spetember. In-park and Ruby's had been full for the past two months and a room opened up. It's a motel-style and not a cabin but I'll take it.