Planning a day trip from Sedona to the Grand Canyon? Read on to discover everything you’ll need to know:
Absolutely nothing beats the epic views of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. It’s like stepping into a giant postcard, with jaw-dropping sights you’ve got to see to believe.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and it’s only 114 miles from Sedona, AZ. If you’re already in the area, a Grand Canyon day trip from Sedona is a no-brainer. Just a 2-hour drive, it’s the perfect day of adventure.
The Grand Canyon is not just an incredible visual experience. It’s also full of exhilarating activities like hiking and rafting. Plus, there are all sorts of opportunities to learn about the geology of the area, as well as its cultural significance to many Native American tribes.
Based on my personal experience of a day trip from Sedona to the Grand Canyon with my husband and twin toddlers, I’ll share how to make the most of your day. Whether you’re visiting the Sedona area or simply haven’t had the chance to explore the Grand Canyon yet, this natural wonder is sure to leave you breathless.
The Perfect Grand Canyon Day Trip from Sedona
The Grand Canyon is divided into four main areas, referred to as ‘rims,’ each catering to different interests. The South Rim is the most accessible for visitors, offering the most facilities and iconic views. The less-touristed East Rim boasts spectacular panoramas, while the North Rim is renowned for its remote and natural settings. The West Rim, managed by the Hualapai Tribe, provides a rich cultural experience.
Here is what you need to know about these areas for your Grand Canyon and Sedona day trip. Just remember, the specific prices mentioned are just for reference. They could change at any time.
The South Rim
- Location: This is the most popular entrance to the Canyon. It’s about 114 miles north of Sedona.
- Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per individual (if you’re entering by foot, bicycle, or shuttle bus). One entrance fee is valid for the next 7 consecutive days. Just keep your receipt on your dash. See the NPS.gov website for fee-free days.
- Available Passes: The America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series ($80) is accepted here. The Grand Canyon also offers its own Annual Pass ($70).
- Facilities: The South Rim has the most developed facilities, including multiple visitor centers. You’ll find a selection of lodgings, campgrounds, and dining options. It also has the most extensive shuttle bus system in the park.
- Views: The views are the classic, sweeping vistas of the Grand Canyon that we see most often in media and photography. It’s also the starting point for several hiking trails.
The East Rim (A.K.A. Grand Canyon East)
- Location: This area is often referred to when discussing areas like Desert View within the Grand Canyon National Park. It’s about 110 – 120 miles from Sedona.
- Hours of Operation: The East Rim is also accessible 24 hours a day, year-round. Access might be limited during the winter months due to weather conditions.
- Entrance Fees: $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per individual (if you’re entering by foot, bicycle, or shuttle bus). One entrance fee is valid for the next 7 consecutive days. Just keep your receipt on your dash. See the NPS.gov website for fee-free days.
- Available Passes: The America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series ($80) is accepted here. The Grand Canyon also offers its own Annual Pass ($70).
- Facilities: Facilities and regulations are more limited than in the South Rim, as there’s much less tourism here.
- Views: The most famous views here are of Desert View Watchtower and Horseshoe Bend.
The North Rim
- Location: Directly opposite the South Rim across the canyon, the North Rim is more isolated and less accessible. This area is approximately 210 miles from Sedona.
- Hours of Operation: The North Rim is open 24 hours a day, generally from mid-May to mid-October. This is due to heavy snowfall during the winter months. Specific dates will vary from year to year.
- Entrance Fees: $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per individual (if you’re entering by foot, bicycle, or shuttle bus). One entrance fee is valid for the next 7 consecutive days. Just keep your receipt on your dash. See the NPS.gov website for fee-free days
- Available Passes: The America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series ($80) is accepted here. The Grand Canyon also offers its own Annual Pass ($70).
- Facilities: With the quieter, more secluded experience comes fewer facilities. There is one main visitor center, a lodge, and a campground in this area.
- Views: Higher in elevation than the South Rim, North Rim is generally less crowded. It provides a different perspective, with more forested surroundings. The views are dramatic, showing a very different side of the canyon.
The West Rim (A.K.A. Grand Canyon West)
- Location: This area is outside of the National Park boundaries and is managed by the Hualapai Tribe. It’s 250 miles from Sedona.
- Hours of Operation: Typical hours are from sunrise to sunset. It’s open to visitors all year round, but weather conditions can affect accessibility and the range of activities available. This is especially true in the winter months.
- Entrance Fees: Fees for the West Rim are different as it’s managed by the Hualapai Tribe and not included in the National Park system. General admission starts at around $56 per person.
- Available Passes: National Park passes are not accepted. The Hualapai Tribe offers passes, which can include various packages for different experiences. They start at about $49.
- Facilities: This area is known for the Grand Canyon Skywalk, helicopter tours, river rafting, and other commercialized adventure activities. Facilities here are geared more towards adventure tourism and cultural experiences.
- Views: The West Rim has unique vistas, as well as the opportunity to experience the canyon through man-made attractions like the glass Skywalk.
Choosing Which Rim to Visit
As you can see, the South Rim and East Rim are the most attractive for a day trip from Sedona. Both involve a roughly 2-hour drive in each direction, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing and activities.
When deciding which spot to visit, another consideration is the drive. Both routes from Sedona to the South and East Rims of the Grand Canyon offer absolutely stunning views. These two routes are going to start out the same, diverging part way through your journey.
Largely, the drive to the South Rim is considered more enjoyable, offering a better variety of attractions and scenery. These viewpoints are also more concentrated than those on the East Route drive.
However, the East Rim route is slightly longer, with a greater emphasis on natural scenery and fewer man-made attractions along the way.
Here’s how the 2 routes stack up against each other:
A Day Trip to the South Rim
The route to the South Rim is one of the most beautiful in the United States, filled with beautiful scenery and stunning sights. On Hwy 89A, you’ll pass through Oak Creek Canyon at the start, with its thick forests and red rock formations, before reaching Flagstaff.
The mountain town is surrounded by Ponderosa pines and the San Francisco Peaks. After turning onto Interstate 40 west from Flagstaff, the drive is smooth and scenic, all the way to your exit onto Highway 64 at Williams.
Highway 64 will take you through a mix of mountainous terrain, high desert, and forests, all the way to the South Rim.
There are plenty of places to stop along this route for gas, snacks, and bathroom breaks.
A Day Trip to the East Rim
Traveling to the East Entrance of the Grand Canyon is a slightly longer trip. It starts as the South Rim trip does, with the scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon.
After passing through Flagstaff, you’ll head northeast on Highway 89. The wide-open desert views are soothing, and as you approach the East Entrance, the Little Colorado River Gorge provides some dramatic scenery.
There are fewer places to stop along the way, so stock up on road trip snacks in Flagstaff.
Unforgettable Grand Canyon Day Trip Itineraries
To further help you choose which of these areas you’d like to visit, here are a couple of possible itineraries for South and East Rims road trips.
South Rim (Route 89A/40/64)
Considered the main entrance to the Canyon, the South Rim is the all-round easiest day trip. The area is well-prepared to welcome visitors.
On the Way:
- Flagstaff – Consider a brief stop in this mountain town. It’s a good spot to grab any last-minute supplies, get a quick coffee, or have breakfast if you didn’t eat in Sedona.
- Grand Canyon Junction – formerly known as Valle, this little town is about 40 minutes south of the canyon entrance. See the Planes of Fame Air Museum or stop at Flintstones Bedrock City for the little ones.
Activities at the South Rim
- Grand Canyon IMAX Theater: Technically in Tusayan, Arizona, this must-see attraction is just about a mile before the South Rim entrance. A part of the Grand Canyon Visitor Center complex, the theater is well-known for the film “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets.” It’s an incredible introduction to the canyon’s natural and cultural history. It’s a pretty intriguing film; even my twin toddlers enjoyed it!
- Grand Canyon Visitor Center: Pick up maps, check the times for ranger-led programs, and get your first glimpse of the Canyon at nearby Mather Point.
- Rim Trail: Walk part of the Rim Trail and take in the spectacular views along a paved path. Start from Mather Point and head towards Yavapai Point for great vistas and geological exhibits. It’s also a great hiking trail for kids if you’re traveling with little ones—we did it with our boys in strollers.
- Yavapai Geology Museum: Stop here to learn about the geology of the Grand Canyon through the museum’s exhibits and its fantastic overlook.
- Grand Canyon Village: Explore the historic buildings like the Kolb Photography Studio. Revel in the views from different spots like Hopi Point along the Hermit Road.
- Lunch: There are a lot of choices for lunch. The Yavapai Tavern is a family-friendly spot for a salad or burger – elk or beef. If the weather cooperates, you can even sit outside. Or enjoy the view and a steak at the Arizona Room (this one might need a reservation).
We ate at El Tovar Dining Room which had tasty food (I loved the dessert) and offered an excellent view of the canyon.
On the Return to Sedona
- Williams: On your way back, stop in Williams, an interesting historic town on Route 66. Have dinner and experience the unique atmosphere of this famous highway. Be sure to stop at the Double Eagle Trading Company. This is about a 58-mile detour.
- Coconino National Forest: If you have time, take a few extra minutes for a short walk in this exquisite forest.
East Rim – Route 89A/89
Keep in mind that, while the east entry will give you a more rugged and authentic experience, you should be prepared for fewer services and facilities.
On the Way:
- Oak Creek Canyon: Start your journey with a gorgeous drive through Oak Creek Canyon. The views are worth some photo stops.
- Flagstaff: Make a quick stop in Flagstaff. You can grab some breakfast, coffee, or any last-minute necessities.
Activities at the East Rim
- Desert View Watchtower: Start at the Desert View Watchtower, an iconic stone structure designed by architect Mary Colter. Climb the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River.
- Tusayan Museum and Ruin: Visit this small museum to learn about the Puebloan people who lived in the area 800 years ago. The ancient ruins are fascinating to explore.
- Desert View Point: Take in the broad views from Desert View Point. It’s a different perspective of the canyon compared to other areas in the park. You’ll see a wider, flatter landscape instead of the more dramatic, vertical cliffs seen at viewpoints in the South Rim.
- Lunch: Options are fewer on the East Rim, but the Desert View Trading Post & Ice Cream has great sandwiches. You could also stop at the Desert View Market & Deli and pick up a pizza, hot dog, or one of their grab-and-go items.
On Your Return Trip to Sedona
- Cameron Trading Post: On your way back, stop at this historic inn and souvenir shop. Browse Native American crafts and have a meal at the restaurant. It serves both Native and typical American-style foods – try something new!
- Little Colorado River Gorge: If the sun’s still up, stop at the Little Colorado River Gorge on the Navajo Nation, just north of Cameron. You’ll find stunning views of a less-visited canyon.
Alternate Ways to Get to the Grand Canyon from Sedona
There are a number of reasons why driving to the Grand Canyon might not be an option for you. If you’re looking for different ways to make the trip to one of the greatest cities near the Grand Canyon, think about one of these.
- Take a Guided Tour: Many companies in Sedona offer guided outings to the Grand Canyon. This tour includes transportation in a van, lunch, and entrance fees, led by a knowledgeable guide.
- Shuttle Services: Shuttles that operate between Sedona and the Grand Canyon can be a convenient way to travel. They may have more limited scheduling compared to tours, though. They’re usually the least expensive option, but prices vary.
One of the most popular shuttles is Groome Transportation. You’ll have to take a shuttle to Flagstaff and another to the Grand Canyon. - Train: There is no direct train service from Sedona to the Grand Canyon. However, you can drive or take a shuttle to Williams, AZ, where you can catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway. This tour includes a shuttle to Williams and the train.
The train ride is a scenic journey from Williams right to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s an interesting, unique way to experience the area. However, some additional travel is required to get to the train’s departure point in Williams. - Private Car Services: For a little more luxury and flexibility, private car services can be hired in Sedona. These give you a personalized ride to the Grand Canyon, according to your schedule and preferences. This tends to be the most expensive choice.
Conclusion: Sedona Grand Canyon Day Trip
A day trip from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is an adventure you won’t forget. Whether you head to the accessible South Rim with its stunning viewpoints and great facilities, or the quieter East Rim with its unique landscapes and cultural sites, each option has something special.
Even the drive is beautiful, from Oak Creek Canyon’s luxuriant scenery to the wide-open desert views near the East Entrance.
With the Grand Canyon just a couple of hours away, it’s the perfect day trip. Whether you want to hike, learn about the area’s geology and culture, or just take in the breathtaking views, the Grand Canyon is sure to impress. So, pack your essentials, pick your route, and get ready for a memorable adventure.
