I received the following email from Ted:

Hi Judy,

Thanks so much for this info! I've just started to read it, and it's exactly what I want: tips and info on visiting the Grand Canyon on a day trip from Phoenix.

© Judy Hedding

My wife and two university-age daughters are planning a trip to Phoenix, visiting the Wild Horse Pass Resort Spa/Casino (talk about a trifecta in one place) for Christmas this year. I told my wife (it's a surprise vacation for our daughters) visiting Arizona without seeing the Grand Canyon just means we'd have to go back again. The thing is: I have the resort booked on points, two airline tickets free from an overbooked flight last year and can't wait to see Arizona up close and personal.

Any tips, info, precautions gratefully accepted. We have our passports and coming from Canada with the currency near parity, the vacation continues to look like great getaway Christmas present!

Here's how I responded to Ted:

Hi Ted, and thanks so much for your lovely email. A surprise Christmas trip to Arizona sounds like a wonderful plan, and I can tell you are excited about planning your family's adventure.

I don't know exactly how long you'll be in the area. I hope you paid attention to my [very blunt] message in the beginning of the article--a day trip to the Grand Canyon is a very long, tiring day. You'd all better like driving or sitting in a car for many hours! Still, as you say, if it is your only option, it can be done, especially if you all enjoy the same music DVDs! As far as advice, I have only five things to say to you that aren't in that article:

1. If you can squeeze in 2 days, you can have a mini-vacation within your vacation by taking the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the Grand Canyon, spend the night, and then return the next evening.
2. Car rentals are expensive here, but for a trip like that, make sure you get a vehicle where four adults will be comfortable. I'd even consider a 4WD or at least an SUV in case you encounter winter storms up north.
3. The weather in December is a big concern, and, obviously, you won't be able to plan it in advance. There's nothing more disappointing than spending 10 hours driving to stand at the edge of what you know is one of the most amazing natural wonders, and not to be able to see it because of snow/fog. I speak from personal experience! Many people think of Arizona as being all like Phoenix, but it is truly winter up at the Grand Canyon, with snow and ice and cold. Even if it isn't snowing, dress accordingly.
4. If the weather doesn't permit you to go on the one day you have available, I strongly suggest you try visiting Sedona, Arizona's glorious Red Rock country. It's a very doable day trip, and gorgeous in its own right, especially during the holidays. Then, you'll have an excuse to plan another trip to Arizona, maybe in the springtime, to see the Grand Canyon. It will still be there, waiting for you.
5. While you are in the Valley of the Sun--that's what we call the Phoenix area--make sure you check out the events calendar for all the wonderful things there are to do during that time of year.

If you think of it, when you get back to Canada, drop me a quick email and let me know how it went. Take pictures!

Regards,
Judy