We’re going next month, and I’m interested in buying some nice Native American art/craft pieces. I know there’s at least one shop there at the Canyon. Is it just bullshit touristy stuff or can I get baskets or blankets that are of decent quality?
Thanks!
Do not - DO NOT buy the crap sold at the canyon. Yes some of it is nice but the best stuff is found on the roads leading to the canyon itself. Rt-89 has a lot of mom and pop Navajo and Hopi homesteads where there sole income is selling silver, turquois and other jewelry…I and my wife used to drive all the way from Phoenix up I-17 and onto RT-89 to find the best homestyle vendors. I wouldn’t buy anything at the canyon itself.
Have you ever been there? If so then you know it is a tourist trap - albeit a beautiful one.
Are you going to the Sky walk? It’s like $60 bucks to get onto that part of the canyon btu I hear it is nice. I have not seen it myself.
Hotair balloon rides are wonderful over the canyon, or near it, and the desert surrounding it is awesome!
But I highly recommend buying your native stuff from the many homestead ranches along the way than in the actual canyon. I have a beautiful Navajo Rug we have hanging in our living room, bought for $250 bucks… down in Phoenix it would easily go for $2500…
Where are you flying into?
Sedona and Jerome are worth the detour if you are driving up from Phoenix. If so email me and I’ll give you the names of some great shops!
I’ve been there twice, but the last time was over 30 years ago. I know there are tourist junk peddlers there, but I assumed new shops would spring up in 30 years. We’ll be coming in from Vegas. I’ll watch the roadside signs. Thanks!
Vegas huh? Are you going north on 15 or south on 93 to get to the canyon? Either way they are beautiful. If you are taking the northerly route you’ll be going on 89-A a very scenic road down through Kaibab Plateau and there are tons of mom and pop places to find native wares along the roads.
Also, things have changed in 30 years… you’ll see. 
I’m jealous!
We’re taking 93. And after we’re done at the Canyon we’re going to The Other Big Fuckin’ Hole (the crater). Is there more than just the hole there?
Nope - not much out there. You can drive north to the four corners if you want to spend 2 1/2 hours driving up there. Or go to the Petrified forest…not much out that way… But it is very, very beautiful and if you are going to the other big friggin hole you’ll be going through windslow and tuba city maybe, and you’ll have all the native collectibles and pots, rugs, jewelry etc…etc… you can handle. Buy it on the road…you’ll see what I mean when you get to driving.
Ok, that’s the plan. Two Big Fuckin’ Holes for the price of one! And with a side of basket! What’s not to like?
I can hardly wait. We’ve both been working insane hours. We need a few days to chill out (and take pictures!).
If you are going to the Canyon, don’t miss Wupatki. A very nice drive with volcanoes and all that jazz. Also, on the way there, you will hit many places to buy all your souvenirs. Enjoy.
Is that between Vegas and The Canyon or the Canyon and the Hole?
If you are into nostalgia you can always get your picture taken “Stand’in on a corner in Winslow Arizona”
There’s a cool bar right there too that you might like, great burgers and 22oz beers. Bronco’s.
I’ll keep that in mind, though I don’t drink beer (I wonder if you can get a crisp chardonnay in a town like Winslow…). I like the picture idea, though!
It’s between the Canyon and the Hole. See Here
I second a side trip to Petrified Forest/Painted Desert NP, it’s not very far from Meteor Crater. Husband and I did both last month on our way up to visit Cheez_Whia in CO. I brought a parasol and an umbrella to Meteor Crater and was instantly envied - it is very hot and there is no shade! There are no trees for miles.
Also bring more water than you think you need wherever you go. I’m a desert dweller so I know about keeping hydrated - many people who are not used to the climate don’t realize how hot and dry it is (“But it’s a dry heat…”). It is very important to keep hydrated. I know this sounds obvious and all, but a lot of people end up getting heat exhaustion and whatnot, especially if you’re out exerting yourself. Drink a lot and drink often.
I also second buying stuff from the stalls on the side of the road - cheaper for you, and you know your money is going to a native family. Get some fry bread too - it’s terrible for you but delicious.
Have fun!
Chardonn—what???
Chardonnay? Oh yeah, he left winslow 25 years ago, Navajo I think… 
Just kidding…Yes, they have cold wine too.
That looks awesome, but I’m not sure we’ll have time to actually do it. We’re on a rather tight schedule. 
We’ll see…maybe we’ll just send for the kitties and stay there!
Even if you don’t have the time to spend in there, just the drive through is worth it, I think.
As you can see, it is not a long detour at all.
My wife and I are very easily amused. We planned to drive from Vegas to Phoenix in one day, with the obligatory photo stop at the Canyon. It took us 5 days to make it. That are really sucks you in.
What’s the weather like in October? We did it in January and it was just lovely (read cold)
We’re leaving on 10/31. The people I talked to said Vegas will be in shorts and I will need some kind of jacket at the Canyon. Then it warms up again at the Crater.
$60?? I know it cost them a MINT to make that thing but…it’s a freaking balcony with a view. They actually expect people to pay that much? Is this per person? I just can’t believe they think tourists will shell out $240 for a family of four to look around and go “Ooohhh” for ten minutes and then leave. D=
I actually heard a higher figure, but I haven’t checked lately.
And I’ve already decided it’s too freaky for me to do it. :eek:
Hoh-schnit…I just checked the website. Adults are $81 each and children $61 each. They say you also gain access to a village and a horse drawn carriage and lunch or something but still! It also seems you can’t bring anything onto the Skywalk at all. Including cameras. So no pictures. It really doesn’t seem like it’s worth it to me…but then again I’m an acrophobic cheapskate.