Help with Planning Family Vacation to the Grand Canyon

I lived in AZ for 2 years and went to all these places. The petrified forest is fantastic - I definitely recommend it - and the painted dessert is also beautiful and a place that you drive through. Albuquerque is wonderful - especially the "old city". The grand canyon has lots of driving/observation deck options, and I would definitely look into the mule rides down into the canyon and other things of that nature. I would love to go back when my kids are older and go rafting in the canyon :)

South rim!! Its close enough for everyone to enjoy w/o a lick of hiking. I saw people on the mules & quite frankly, it would freak me out b/c they are so close to the edge - just like you would be if you were hiking. However, you wouldn't be on top of a mule! Can sure how advanced the MS is, can he safely hold on to a mule?? It's a really, really long day. We stayed in the cabins at the park. Only downside is sharing a bathroom/shower. It was like the barracks. Get reservations now, they fill up quick!! Have fun.

If your husband has a disabled placard or letter from your doctor certifying his permanent disability, he can get a free Golden Access Passport that allows free access for him (and everyone in your car) to National Parks, BLM, and National Forests. He can get one from the first National Park you visit by showing disability info. It will save you quite a bit of money on admission fees.

The South Rim has a long drive with many viewing turn outs. You can get quite close to the rim for ease of viewing on a lot of them, with little walking for your husband. Please note, the grand canyon is crowded and parking is limited near the village on weekends. Mid-week is a better time to visit.

There are reasonably priced motels in Flagstaff too. A half hour south of Flagstaff is gorgeous Sedona (the earth is reddish-unbelievably beautiful), you get there via Oak Creek Canyon. It's worth a look. If you do a big loop and leave the Grand Canyon from the east, you can see a lot of Native American ruins on a loop road, and a small volcano (Sunset Crator) near Flagstaff. The kids can experience walking through a cinder field. Kind of neat. Just look at an Arizona map and you'll see lots of cool stuff to visit.

Have a great trip!

My husband and I drove from the Dallas area to the south rim about 3 years ago. We stopped at the Petrified Forrest also. The trip was phenomenal!! We did hike to the bottom of the canyon and back out. We were passed by several of the mule groups. I know the mules have a very rigorous training program before they are allowed to carry people down the trails so I don't really worry about the safety of the ride. However, it is still a pretty grueling trip and I don't know if your husband would be up for it.

Grand Canyon Village has several places to spend the night. Like other posters have mentioned, they fill up a year ahead of time. We stayed in a cabin the night before we hiked in and in a lodge the night after we hiked out. Maswik lodge was a typical lodge. Private rooms with shared showers. We had our own sink and toilet, but the showers were shared. You went in and locked the door so no one else could come in while you were in there. It wasn't a problem for us. I think there was a Holiday Inn Express just outside of the Village, but I can't remember for sure. It might have been a different hotel chain.

There are several paved sidewalks along the rim that are great for sightseeing and a shuttle that circles the village. I highly recommend sunrise over the canyon!!!! It's very awe inspiring!! We spent 12 days total (including drive time) and could have stayed longer! Can't wait to take my kiddos in a few years.

North Rim completely. Many said South Rim, but I wonder if they've seen the North Rim. Majority of tourists never go to the North Rim since it takes more to get there. WELL worth it. The view from the Lodge restaurant at sundown is absolutely amazing. There are mule rids like the South Rim. I know parts were steep so not sure if you'd like that. We kept to walking. I went with my family when I was maybe 13. 20+ years ago now the North Rim only had the Lodge, but had multiple options based on price. We stayed in a mini log cabin with no TV. Also, if you visit the North Rim it won't be busy busy like the South Rim. If you've seen National Lampoon's Vacation, Chevy Chase went to the South Rim. People all over. McDonalds so close. North Rim you feel out in nature. When we went we also visited many other National Parks. Best places to stay are the local ones. Bumbleberry Inn at Zion is still a favorite to me. Went back after college. Still great pie :) Enjoy and take the views in. Amazing place to visit.

Priceline it for your hotel! Do the name your price, select different areas, name your star rating and click. We've saved probably close to 1000 on hotels this past year alone.. the sooner you do it the better!

You can try to do the mule ride, but I will tell you that those are usually sold out up to a year in advance! The South Rim is probably your best bet since it is set up better for visitors - the North Rim is quite a drive around, tho they do have a horse ride to the bottom (weight limits and pricey) where you stay overnite, but seemed to be set for hiking.

There are places to eat there - couldn't tell you anything about pricing as it's been a bit since we were there. However, keep an eye out as you might well see a California condor there (one flew right by the window where we sat!) - seems the birds like the area (this was the south rim side).

There is also the Indian side of the Canyon - you can rent horses to ride down to the Havasupai area (see the falls!) or even copter in if the weather permits. However, this might not work for you w/your husband's MS - it's 12 miles and might be too much and you'd have to camp out for the most part until the horses go back up next morning. (don't know about copter tho - check w/AAA if you have it)

Williams, AZ isn't too bad (or wasn't) - small town that had a few places to stay and eat - nothing fancy tho! Not too far from the Canyon either.