First Visit to SW for 2 Brtis

We are tentatively planning our first visit to the SW and would be grateful for the input from you experts.

Our only fixed point is Phoenix, which provides the one-stop gateway to England for us. Our main question is: which way from there?

1) Do we go South to Tucson and onward (probably by plane to ABQ and Santa Fe (would particularly like to see SF) and then back to PHX, or

2) Do we go North to Sedona %26amp;/or Flagstaff and then

somehow to SF and back to PHX?

Background info: Husband and I both mid-60s, not really into long nature walks but reasonably fit for our age. Interested in history, scenery and some shopping. We would prefer to spend a few nights (advice on how many and where much appreciated) in each place.

As I don%26#39;t drive abroad I would like to use other modes of transport,if possible, to cut down on the time my husband spends behind the wheel - I see the train is a possibility between SF and Flagstaff for instance.

Dates not fixed but possibly first 2 weeks of October. Temperature also a factor - I%26#39;m not really a happy bunny in temps over about 85F!

Thanks in advance for your help.

First Visit to SW for 2 Brtis

Being in Albuquerque, I would be remiss if I didn%26#39;t mention that the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta begins the first Saturday in October, and ends the second Sunday. Much like the Grand Canyon, this great event, drawing over 600 hot-air balloons anually, must be ';experienced'; in person if you would be interested. This year the first Saturday will be on October 3rd.

Because of space limitations here, I%26#39;ll send my recommendations to you via a private ';Message'; here on TripAdvisor.com

First Visit to SW for 2 Brtis

I would head north from Phoenix, visiting Sedona and Grand Canyon. Then you can take the Amtrak to Albuquerque and then the new Railrunner train to Santa Fe. Amtrak does not go into Santa Fe, but stops in Lamy about 1/2 hour from Santa Fe. You would then have to take a shuttle into town.

You could also fly from Phoenix to Albuquerque and then either drive or take the Railrunner to Santa Fe. Check with Southwest Airlines www.southwest.com , usually there are deals and prices may be as cheap as taking Amtrak.

Here%26#39;s some ideas...

Day 1 arrive Phoenix. Stay Phoenix

Day 2 Visit Phoenix/Scottsdale.

Day 3 Drive to Sedona

Day 4 Sedona

Day 5 Drive to Grand Canyon Nat Park. Stay inside the park. Free shuttles go through the park.

Day 6 Grand Canyon Nat Park.

Day 7 Return to Phoenix. Fly to Albuquerque

Day 8 Visit Albuquerque. See Old Town, Pueblo Cultural Center, museums, botanic garden and zoo, Petroglyph Nat Mon

Day 9 Head to Santa Fe via Railrunner. Stay in the Plaza area.

Day 10 Santa Fe. Visit musuems, see the Plaza, walk up Canyon Road.

Day 11 Rent a car or take a tour to Taos. See the Taos Pueblo.

Day 12 Santa Fe

Day 13 Back to Albuquerque. Maybe stay at Sandia Resort/Casino. Ride the Sandia Tram.

Day 14 Fly back to Phoenix.

Thanks very much indeed for these replies. You have given me much to mull over and prompted me to do more research.

The month of October usually brings beautiful weather in New Mexico!

You can%26#39;t compare driving in Europe to driving in the USA. Roads are wide and in excellent shape and far less traffic on it. Plus driving in a desert is not posssible in Europe and you%26#39;ll be thrilled by the open spaces and endless views. I would forget about using trains and planes in between places with all the hussle, packing and unpacking the car etc. etc. October is a great time of year to visit the south west and you should not miss ABQ%26#39;s Balloon Festival. So maybe start Phoenix and drive to ABQ. Spend time in NM and after that return to Phoenix via Mesa Verde NP, Monument Valley, Page, Grand Canyon NP and Sedona. If you want more info, just let us know.

Tet

The ABQ Balloon festival is a great attraction but the Grand Canyon is a GRAND attraction. If it is your first time in the region, you must make time to see the Grand Canyon, it is that spectacular.