Arizona's National Parks Grand Family Loop

Overview

This 9-day road trip creates a loop starting and ending at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. It is designed to minimize long stretches in the car for children while taking in all three of Arizona's National Parks (Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro), with bonus stops in Sedona's red rocks and Flagstaff's pine forests.

Getting There

From Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). While there are generally no non-stop flights, major airlines (such as KLM/Delta, British Airways/American, and United) offer one-stop connections through hubs like London Heathrow, Chicago O'Hare, Atlanta, or Dallas/Fort Worth. Total travel time is typically between 13 and 16 hours. At Phoenix Sky Harbor, pick up a rental SUV or minivan directly from the consolidated Rental Car Center via the free PHX Sky Train.

Day-by-day

Day 1: Arrival in Phoenix & Drive to Sedona

• Arrive at PHX, pick up your rental car, and head north along Interstate 17 into the red rock region of Sedona (approx. 2 hours / 190 km).
• Settle in, grab dinner in Uptown Sedona, and enjoy an easy sunset viewpoint at Airport Mesa.

Day 2: Sedona Red Rocks to Flagstaff

• Morning hike along the family-friendly Bell Rock Pathway or a splash around the shallow waters at Slide Rock State Park.
• Take the scenic Oak Creek Canyon drive (Highway 89A) up to Flagstaff (approx. 50 minutes).
• Evening stargazing or viewing through public telescopes at the historic Lowell Observatory.

Day 3: Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)

• Drive from Flagstaff to the South Rim entrance (approx. 1.5 hours).
• Pick up Junior Ranger activity booklets at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
• Walk the flat, paved Rim Trail between Mather Point and Bright Angel Lodge.
• Catch the canyon shuttle bus to Hermits Rest viewpoints for sunset.

Day 4: Grand Canyon Desert View to Holbrook

• Drive east along Desert View Drive, stopping at Navajo Point and the historic Desert View Watchtower.
• Continue east along Route 64 and Interstate 40 past Meteor Crater towards Holbrook (approx. 2.5 hours total driving).
• Explore quirky Route 66 landmarks in town and rest for the night.

Day 5: Petrified Forest National Park

• Enter the park from the north to see the vibrant Painted Desert overlooks.
• Walk the 1.6 km paved Blue Mesa loop among striped badlands, followed by the Giant Logs or Crystal Forest trails to view 200-million-year-old fossilized wood.
• Complete Junior Ranger badges at the Rainbow Forest Museum before driving south through the White Mountains to Globe or Show Low (approx. 2 hours).

Day 6: Journey to Tucson via the Salt River Canyon

• Drive scenic Highway 77 / US-60 south through the dramatic Salt River Canyon down into Tucson (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours).
• Spend a relaxed afternoon swimming at a resort pool and enjoying authentic Sonoran Mexican cuisine.

Day 7: Saguaro National Park (West) & Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

• Explore Saguaro National Park West (Tucson Mountain District).
• Hike the easy Valley View Overlook Trail and complete the Cactus Forest drive.
• Spend the afternoon next door at the indoor/outdoor Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, featuring mountain lions, hummingbirds, and raptor flight demonstrations.

Day 8: Saguaro National Park (East) & Sabino Canyon

• Drive the paved Cactus Forest Loop in Saguaro East (Rincon Mountain District), with views of ancient, towering multi-armed saguaros.
• Afternoon tram ride or gentle walking along Sabino Canyon's creeks and desert paths.

Day 9: Tucson to Phoenix & Departure

• Drive north along Interstate 10 back to Phoenix Sky Harbor (approx. 1.5 to 2 hours / 180 km).
• Return the rental vehicle and catch your transatlantic return flight to Amsterdam.

Where to Stay

• Sedona (Night 1): Family-oriented hotels in West Sedona or Oak Creek with mountain views.
• Flagstaff / Grand Canyon (Nights 2–3): In-park South Rim lodges (booked well in advance) or family hotels in Tusayan / Flagstaff.
• Holbrook (Night 4): Classic roadside motels or standard brand family suites along historic Route 66.
• Tucson (Nights 5–8): Family resorts with pools in the Catalina Foothills or Oro Valley.

Budget

• Return Flights (AMS to PHX): €850–€1,300 per person depending on season.
• Car Rental (Standard SUV / Minivan for 9 days): €600–€950 including standard insurance.
• Accommodation (Family room for 4): €140–€280 per night (Total: approx. €1,200–€2,300).
• National Park Pass (America the Beautiful Pass): $80 (approx. €75), covering entrance for all vehicle occupants to all parks.
• Food & Incidentals: €100–€160 per day for a family of four.

Know Before You Go

• Entry & ESTA: Dutch citizens traveling under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain an approved ESTA prior to departure. Ensure passports are valid for the entire length of stay.
• High Altitudes & Desert Climate: Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon South Rim sit at roughly 2,100 meters, meaning cooler mornings and thinner air, while Tucson is lower and significantly warmer. Pack layered clothing, wide-brim hats, and sunscreen.
• Hydration: Humidity is extremely low. Keep at least 4–8 liters of drinking water in the car trunk at all times, especially during short family walks.
• Park Regulations: It is strictly illegal to remove petrified wood, fossils, or cactus plants from any national park.