<p>Hi everyone - our family goes to a guest ranch in Tucson every other February for a week of horse riding and relaxation, and we were looking forward to our next visit in a week, that is until younger D (the horse lover) returned from a hockey tournament last night with a broken clavicle (OUCH).</p>
<p>So we are keeping the flights to Phoenix and winging it - it wouldn’t be fair for D to sit around at the ranch while the rest of us rode, so any suggestions for either things to do in Phoenix itself or day trips from there that D can take part in too would be great. Sedona was the first place to come to mind for me - any others? THANKS!</p>
<p>I faced something similar years ago when my S cut his foot and needed sutures while wading in a mountain stream. Cut out all the hiking we had planned. So we drove! AZ has wonderful attractions that are rather long drives apart. </p>
<p>The Grand Canyon south rim is just beautiful in winter, if a reminder of the winter you left behind. Stay at one of the lodges on the rim, and avoid the commercial areas outside the park. I stay at the budget places, Yavapai Lodge or Bright Angel, which is right on the rim. There is a more elegant historic lodge as well. You can walk the rim paths, and watch the canyon change as the day goes by, those who feel up to it can do day hikes into the canyon. </p>
<p>Flagstaff is interesting for the historic sights, as well as Museum of Northern AZ and the tour of the observatory where Pluto was discovered. Though perhaps less impressive since Pluto was demoted? </p>
<p>If weather cooperates, you could head over toward the Navaho reservation and Chinle which is the headquarters for Canyon de Chelley, loop back through the painted desert and the Petrified Forest. This is a longer trip. There can be wonderful warm periods in Northern AZ in spring, or big nasty storms can come through, making travel dangerous. Of note, Enterprise rental at the Phx airport told me last fall that they rent Prius. </p>
<p>For desert trips, drive the Apache trail through the Superstitions.</p>
<p>Note the other thread about Scottsdale, on a few days ago. Enjoy the PHX area, but get out and see the rest of the state for more than a night!</p>