Family thinking about flying into “Lost Wages” and then renting a car to drive to Arizona checking out Hoover Dam, The Grand Canyon, and taking in either a Redwing/Coyote game or a Diamondback game. Original idea was the 2nd week in June but now maybe the 1st week in Jan.
Looking for feedback on which time and suggestions on what things to take in or do. What are the advantages/disadvantages of both proposed time frames? Thanks for any & all input.
Fred
The record high temp in Phoenix was 122 F. – and that was in June. You might get a high of 75 F. in January, or it may freez. I think it’s a crap shoot. The Grand Canyon will be durn cold in January, but is great with snow on the ground.
I love Arizona year around!
Norm
Sounds nicer than Chicago in Jan.
If your going to Grand Canyon the Grand Canyon Railway is THE best way to get there, you can even stay overnight there or at Williams for a good rate thru the GCRR website, check them out.
I have been to the Grand Canyon in May and there was snow on the ground on the drive up from the Phoenix area and there was ice on the GC trails. June is a much better idea if you want to do any hiking.
-Brian
But if you come in June it probably will be HOT in Phoenix. Bring shorts and sunblock.
If you plan to cross over Hoover Dam the highway was closed after 9-11 and the new bridge is under construction. It’s not a bad drive to take the 95 south to Needles and cut across the 40 to Williams to see the Canyon. And the dam is great to see.
If you like yard sales and rocks don’t miss Quartzsite in January, It’s a lot of fun and I have bought a couple G scale cars there!
The northern AZ area is gorgeous in June, all the way over to New Mexico. In January, Flagstaff will get covered in snow, and the roads can be solid ice for weeks. Remember that its the western side/foothills of the Rocky Mountains, so the altitude drives the weather. Phoenix is brutal in June, ppleasant in January, very unlike Flagstaff.
Doug Arnold said:Doug do you have more info on this? I'm in La Quinta and Quartzsite is not all that far for me. Thanks Geoff
If you like yard sales and rocks don't miss Quartzsite in January, It's a lot of fun and I have bought a couple G scale cars there!
Lake Mead has a nice lunch cruise on the lake that takes you up to the dam. When we went to the convention there a few years ago, we took the bus tour of Hoover Dam one day and the bus tour to the Grand Canyon the next day. The road across the dam was open at that time, but they did have check points on either side.
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/Grand%20Canyon/100_0051.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/Las%20Vegas/Hoover%20Dam/HD008.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/Las%20Vegas/Lake%20Mead%20Cruise/HD0021.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/rgseng/Las%20Vegas/Lake%20Mead%20Cruise/HD02.jpg)
I’ve never been there in January. However, June, July, and August are hot in Vegas. The one time we drove [we mostly fly] we stopped in Williams and took the train to the canyon. It rained at the canyon. Overall pleasant experience.
We’ve taken the bus tour to Hoover Dam & Lake Mead cruise twice. Enjoyed it both times. The road over the dam was open every time. Long traffic lines. New bridge was still under construction.
In Vegas, go to St Aubins. I haven’t been to their new store, but I was like a kid in a candy store in the old one.
Roger
Post Oak & Otter Lake RR
Caddo Mills, TX
Hi Fred… Arizona in January can have all the seasons. From cold and snow at the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff to nice and warm in Phoenix and Tucson.
Las Vegas is much like Phoenix with mild temperatures and a lot of sun. Attractions are numberous in Las Vegas depending on your interest. St Aubin’s Train Store is just 200 yards south of the middle runway 25/7 at the airport. If you’re landing on 25 and you’re on the left side of the airplane, look to your window just after you touch down. 
The Grand Canyon is quite beautiful at this time of the year, especially if there’s 6-8 inches of snow.
The next attraction for you might be the Prescott Canyon Southern Garden RR. We’re just off Hiway 89 about 15 miles east of Prescott and you’re more than welcome to visit.
Email me for a map if you’d like to stop. 