The drive between Flagstaff and Sedona is pretty great too, although not recommended if you're squeamish about hairpin turns at (exceptionally) high elevation.
It's worth spending a couple days in Sedona, some great hikes and whatnot. I've stayed at Enchantment and L'Auberge and they're both pretty nice. I refused to check out of our room at Enchantment until the MSU elite eight game at the Garden ended.
That's if you take 89A through Oak Creek Canyon to Flag.
Uphill is a lot wimpery than downhill. The temp change in a 5 mile strech is amazing. Elevation goes from 4500 to almost 8000 feet in that stretch.
My wife does the drive and she famously wouldn't go over the old Jamestown Bridge.
If your a afraid just go back to I17.
If you do hit Montezuma's castle.
The scenic road takes you out of the desert and into the woods quickly You go by slide Rock a huge rock in the creek that kids use as a natural water slide. After that it's mostly National Forrest. Cactus disappear around 4,000 ft
I would stay over a Flag simply because the weather is great, maybe even a little cool at night. Your around 8,000ft above sea level. It a college town that is great place to have lunch
Scottsdale is the place for resorts.
But there are close to 300 golf courses all over the Phoenix area.
I love my course but I'm a little out of the way.
Early Oct in the Phoenix Area is over seeding time .
Bermuda to Rye as nights are cool in the desert.
Lots of Golf courses even close. Check their schedules before you go.
Prices usually stay low as the birds don't return until after over seeding.
