My family is considering going on a southwest trip next December, which would involve a 3-day trip to Sedona, Arizona, and then we’d head to LA to visit relatives for a week.
We’d likely spend most of our Arizona time exploring nature around Sedona, and one day we’d likely drive 2 hours North to check out the Grand Canyon. The only problem is that Sedona seems remote as far as Arizona’s best zoos are concerned, so I wanted to check here for advice on what people thought were the best options.
The most obvious choice in Arizona would normally be the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, since it has been so highly regarded and I’m a big fan of naturalistic immersion-style exhibitry. The problem is that the museum is 3.5 hours from Sedona (which is a long drive for me) and I’ve heard mixed reviews about the museum’s decline, which has made me question whether the long drive is still worth it. If I did go here, I’d try to combine it with Saguaro National Park (or possibly Reid Park Zoo).
If I decide not to go to the Desert Museum, I would consider checking out the Phoenix Zoo instead. This place is known for saving the Arabian Oryx, is closer to Sedona (it is 2 hours away), and could be a good backup plan if people say that AZSDM is no longer worth it. My family’s flight to Arizona will also probably land in Phoenix, making this zoo convenient if I visit right after we land.
Other than these two zoos, there is also a third option, in which I would skip both places for more time in Sedona and the Grand Canyon. The fact that I will only have 3 days in Arizona is one of the biggest factors that is making me second guess which of these three options is most worth it. I’ll have limited time, and I’ve never been to Arizona before, so I’d really value Zoochatters’ opinions on what route to take (especially from people with experience). If anyone has suggestions for things to do in Sedona, that would be helpful too.
Thanks so much!
We’d likely spend most of our Arizona time exploring nature around Sedona, and one day we’d likely drive 2 hours North to check out the Grand Canyon. The only problem is that Sedona seems remote as far as Arizona’s best zoos are concerned, so I wanted to check here for advice on what people thought were the best options.
The most obvious choice in Arizona would normally be the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, since it has been so highly regarded and I’m a big fan of naturalistic immersion-style exhibitry. The problem is that the museum is 3.5 hours from Sedona (which is a long drive for me) and I’ve heard mixed reviews about the museum’s decline, which has made me question whether the long drive is still worth it. If I did go here, I’d try to combine it with Saguaro National Park (or possibly Reid Park Zoo).
If I decide not to go to the Desert Museum, I would consider checking out the Phoenix Zoo instead. This place is known for saving the Arabian Oryx, is closer to Sedona (it is 2 hours away), and could be a good backup plan if people say that AZSDM is no longer worth it. My family’s flight to Arizona will also probably land in Phoenix, making this zoo convenient if I visit right after we land.
Other than these two zoos, there is also a third option, in which I would skip both places for more time in Sedona and the Grand Canyon. The fact that I will only have 3 days in Arizona is one of the biggest factors that is making me second guess which of these three options is most worth it. I’ll have limited time, and I’ve never been to Arizona before, so I’d really value Zoochatters’ opinions on what route to take (especially from people with experience). If anyone has suggestions for things to do in Sedona, that would be helpful too.
Thanks so much!
