Sedona’s captivating energy and otherworldly landscapes are a constant temptation, but the Grand Canyon’s iconic status beckons adventure seekers. If a full Grand Canyon trip feels like a scheduling squeeze, fret no more! Honestly, a day trip from Sedona to Grand Canyon was one of the best decisions we have made while in Sedona. It did not feel as quite overwhelming and planning was a breeze. This meticulously crafted itinerary allows you to experience the awe-inspiring canyon on a productive and fulfilling day trip from Sedona to Grand Canyon.
Can You Do a Grand Canyon Day Trip From Sedona?
You can totally do a Grand Canyon Day Trip from Sedona. While you won’t be able to see all of the Park ( it’s the size of Rhode Island) you can see the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The South Rim is the closest section of the Grand Canyon to Sedona, making it achievable for a day trip. The drive is roughly 2 hours compared to the North Rim or other viewpoints which can be significantly further.
Here are some reasons do a a Day trip from Sedona to Grand Canyon:
- Iconic Views: The South Rim boasts the most recognizable and photographed sections of the Grand Canyon. You’ll witness panoramic vistas of the vast canyon with easily accessible viewpoints like Mather Point.
- Accessibility: The South Rim offers the most developed visitor facilities, including visitor centers, restaurants, and paved walking paths along the Rim Trail. This makes it easier to navigate and enjoy the canyon, especially with limited time.
- Activities: The South Rim provides a variety of activities for a day trip, from scenic overlooks and short hikes to museums and gift shops. You can tailor your experience based on your interests and time constraints.
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Sedona to Grand Canyon Day Trip Itinerary
Before 7:00 AM Getting Ready
An early start is key to maximizing your Sedona to Grand Canyon day trip adventure. Rise and shine before 7:00 AM to fuel up for the day. Most hotels offer continental breakfast, or you can grab a quick bite at a local bakery in Sedona.
Pack your road trip desert essentials like:
- Healthy Sunscreen
- Polarized Sunglasses for the Arizona Sun
- Hat
- Comfortable Hiking Shoes
- Plenty of water and snacks
- Download a Grand Canyon National Park map offline for easy navigation within the park.
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM Start on the Scenic Route on Highway 89 A North
Distance: 110 miles | Time: 2 hours (approximately)
Instead of the shortest route, opt for the scenic Highway 89A north.
This detour adds about 15 minutes but rewards you with breathtaking views of Oak Creek Canyon. It was easily one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever taken. Nature is in her full glory here. It was a very straightforward and easy to follow drive. The elevation changes are pretty cool – so be ready for that!
Not only will you wind through towering red rock formations, lush greenery, and cascading waterfalls, you can also shop if you’d like! It will be a perfect soft introduction for your day trip from Sedona to Grand Canyon. Take lots of photos!
**Note**- If you have someone in the car who gets easily carsick, have them sit in the passenger seat and have them take ginger chews or over the counter dramamine.
Stop 1: Midgley Bridge Picnic Area along Highway 89A North
Midgley Bridge Picnic Area was the perfect place to eat our breakfast that we made. Our go to breakfast sandwich is a toasted bagel with cream cheese, salmon and tomatoes. (Yummm and filled with protein).
We took our coffee ( latte with 4 shots) and salmon bagels and made our first stop of this journey at Midgley Bridge.
We sat, ate and admired the bridge atop a red rock and then, snapped some epic pics of the vibrant red rocks towering over the cool, turquoise waters of Oak Creek. There’s a short, easy trail (1.2 miles)that takes you right down to the creek for a closer look, should you have time on this day trip from Sedona to Grand Canyon.
Stop 2: Native American Small Shops
Along the highway there are small shops where you can browse the jewelry offered by the Native Americans, and maybe pick something up for yourself or your spouse.
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Coffee Break in Flagstaff
Distance: 20 miles | Time: 30 minutes (approximately)
After soaking in the beauty of Oak Creek Canyon, continue on Highway 89A until you reach Flagstaff, a charming mountain town. Here, you can grab a hot cup of coffee and a pastry at a local cafe. Flagstaff boasts a vibrant cafe scene, so take your pick! If you’re looking for a recommendation, check out Steep Tea for their unique loose leaf tea selection and cozy ambiance.
While in Flagstaff, consider a quick pit stop at the Lowell Observatory for a glimpse into Arizona’s rich astronomical history – if time permits! The observatory offers daytime tours that provide fascinating insights into the universe.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Entering the Grand Canyon National Park
Distance: 84 miles | Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
We got to the Grand Canyon around 9:00 AM from Flagstaff, taking Highway 180 east towards the Grand Canyon National Park. We spent about 5 hours in the park and to us, that was more than enough time to see enough of the Grand Canyon in one day from Sedona. It was the perfect amount of time. Shoutout to those lattes I consumed.
Although it was Saturday morning, there were no lines at the gate and we cruised right into the park. The anticipation will build as you approach the South Rim entrance. Entrance fees can be paid online beforehand or at the gate.
Entrance Fees: You can expect $30 per vehicle but if you plan on visiting more than one park this year we suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks). This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.
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10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Grand Canyon South Rim Exploration
Here’s where you’ll spend a good chunk of your day marveling at this natural wonder. Here are some suggestions to make the most of your time and how we spend our time at the park on this one day Sedona to Grand Canyon adventure.
Stops to make at South Rim Grand Canyon
- Mather Point: Our first stop was Mather Point. We were able to park in the front lot and get our first view of the Grand Canyon. We chose to stop there because this is often where most people get their first view of the canyon and it is dramatic. And boy was it dramatic, capturing the canyon’s immense scale and size. It’s a perfect spot for that quintessential Grand Canyon photo.
- Yavapai Geology Museum: Delve deeper into the canyon’s fascinating geological history through interactive exhibits at the Yavapai Geology Museum located near Mather Point. (Allow 30 minutes)
- Rim Trail Hike: Embark on a short and easy hike along the paved Rim Trail. The trail stretches for miles along the rim, offering various viewpoints. Choose a section that suits your comfort level and time constraints. (Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour)
- Lunchtime! Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy with a million-dollar view at one of the designated picnic areas within the park. Alternatively, grab a bite at the Mather Point cafeteria or the food court at the Grand Canyon Village Market.
- On our adventures in national parks, we usually just pack our own sandwiches (usually turkey and cheese, or peanut butter jelly sandwiches, or nutella and peanut butter sandwiches). I don’t like spending my time at national parks waiting in line for food. My favorite picnic spot is at Yaki Point, where wildlife will often eat with you. We were able to see eagles, falcons, hawks and condors soaring above the Grand Canyon.
- Desert View Watchtower: It will be worth your while to check out Desert View Watchtower . At the end of Desert View Drive(which there are so many viewpoints to stop at) you will reach the Watchtower and it’s pretty cool. We climbed the watchtower’s stairs, and when we reached the top, we were greeted by a breathtaking panorama of the canyon ablaze with fiery hues of orange, red, and purple. It was panoramic perfection and a memorable moment.
- South Kaibab Trail (Optional): If you’re feeling adventurous and have extra time, consider a hike down the South Kaibab Trail. This steeper trail descends into the canyon, offering stunning views from different vantage points. Remember, hiking down means hiking back up, so factor in the extra time and effort. Also this hike requires waiting for and employing shuttles ( wait times can vary), personal vehicles are not allowed. (Allow 2-4 hours, depending on how far you go)
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4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Witness a Grand Canyon Sunset
If by chance you don’t get to do anything at the Grand Canyon, you have to experience one of the Grand Canyon’s most awe-inspiring spectacles – the sunset. It is one of the most magical sunset experiences I have ever witnessed ( aside from the Haleakala Sunset). The canyon’s vast canvas comes alive with a fiery blaze of colors as the sun dips below the horizon.
I always recommend staying a night on the rim, if you have the time, because sunset and sunrise are easily the best times of the day for Grand Canyon colors and views
Here are our top picks for sunset viewing, each offering a unique perspective:
- Hopi Point: This popular viewpoint juts out into the canyon, offering unobstructed views of the west rim as the sun dips below the horizon. Arrive early to snag a good spot.
- Mohave Point and Pima Point: Located west of Grand Canyon Village along Hermit Road, these lesser-known viewpoints provide a more intimate setting for sunset viewing. You’ll also get a glimpse of the Colorado River winding through the canyon depths, adding another layer of visual interest.
- Grandview Point: This viewpoint, accessible via Desert View Drive towards the east entrance, offers a breathtaking panorama of the eastern canyon and the layered rock formations. The elevated perspective creates a unique view of the sun setting behind the distant cliffs.
- Lipan Point: If you’re looking for a dramatic display, head to Lipan Point, also located on Desert View Drive. Here, the setting sun casts long shadows across the canyon walls, creating a mesmerizing play of light and darkness.
5:30 PM Onwards– Dinner + The Return Journey with a Starry Surprise
You’ll be returning to Sedona on 89A, the same way that you came up in the morning. So you’ll have a handle on what the road is all about.
The scenery is equally inspiring on the return trip, but you will have seen it from the opposite direction already. So you can gauge yourself and decide what’s most important.
The road is not hard to drive in the dark. You need to be cautious, mostly on the 7 mile stretch above the canyon, for wildlife including elk and deer along the road.
This path also offers a chance to witness the night sky come alive, free from light pollution. Keep your eyes peeled for a dazzling display of stars blanketing the vast Arizona sky – a perfect ending to your Grand Canyon adventure.
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Tips for an Efficient and Enjoyable Day Trip from Sedona to Grand Canyon
- Pack light: Bring only essentials to avoid being weighed down during hikes and walks.
- Dress in layers: Temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day, especially at higher elevations. My favorite down jacket to take anywhere, super lightweight and does not take up too much space in you luggage.
- Refill your water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially during hikes under the Arizona sun.
- Be mindful of time: Allocate enough time for each activity while keeping an eye on the clock to ensure a smooth return.
- Respect the environment: Leave no trace behind and adhere to park regulations.
With careful planning and this handy itinerary, your Sedona to Grand Canyon day trip will be an unforgettable adventure. So, buckle up, roll down the windows, and get ready to be amazed by the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking beauty!
