The Grand Canyon
A Day Trip from Sedona
The Grand Canyon is definitely one of those places that you have to witness for yourself. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, it is an easy day trip from Sedona, Arizona. The stunning beauty of this natural wonder is breathtaking! There is nothing like it with the beautiful landscape with cliff edges that are layered in gorgeous colors. The mighty Colorado River etches its way through the canyon with magnificence. The Grand Canyon National Park is so massive, it is almost 300 miles long, 18 miles wide and a mile deep. There is plenty of things to do including sightseeing, hiking, mule riding, horseback riding, bicycle riding and taking tours from land, river and air.
Easily accessible from Sedona, a trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the perfect day trip. Located about 120 miles from Sedona, it will take a little over 2 hours of driving time to get there depending on your route. If you want to spend more than a couple of hours there, choose to stay overnight at one of the hotels or lodges located inside or outside the park.
Areas of the Grand Canyon
There are four distinct areas of the Grand Canyon that you can visit and tour. The South Rim, the North Rim, the East Side and the West Rim all have many advantages to visiting them. The South Rim is the most popular destination for visitors from Sedona and Phoenix. You can visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, drive along the rim or take a bus to the overlooks. You can also take the Grand Canyon Railroad Train Ride to the South Rim for a fabulous day trip. The east side of the Grand Canyon has Antelope Canyon, which can be toured by local tour guides and you’ll also find Horseshoe Bend south of Page, Arizona. The north side features the Grand Canyon North Rim Hotel and has tremendous views and hiking trails. The west side access is known as Grand Canyon West. The famous Grand Canyon Skywalk is located here and is operated by the Hualapai Indian Reservation.
We’ve picked out some of the popular Grand Canyon Tours from Sedona below.
Frequently Asked Questions
South Rim of the Grand Canyon
How to Get There – Driving Directions from Sedona, Arizona
Route 1. From Flagstaff, take I-40 westbound to Williams, AZ. Then take Highway 64 north to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Route 2. From Flagstaff, take Highway 180 west to Valle, AZ. Turn north on Highway 64 to the South Rim.
Route 3. From Flagstaff, take Highway 89 north to Cameron, AZ. From Cameron, take Highway 64 west to the East Entrance of the South Rim. This road will take you to Desert View.
Take the Grand Canyon Train Ride to the South Rim or purchase a tour from an experienced tour guide.
Grand Canyon National Park Hours of Operation
Open 365 days of the year. 24 Hours a Day.
Fees and Passes
Vehicle Permit $35, Motorcycles $30, Persons on foot or bicycle $20. Purchase passes online at https://recreation.gov or at the gate. Credit cards only. The America the Beautiful Pass, Annual Pass, Senior Pass and 4th Grader passes are accepted for entry.
Free Shuttle Buses
Park in one of the many parking lots and take the free shuttle bus to the lookouts using the Kaibab Rim Route and the Hermit Road Route. Hermit Road is closed to visitor traffic from March 1st through November 30th of each year. During this time the road is only accessible by the Shuttle bus, bicycle, foot or by an approved tour.
North Rim of the Grand Canyon FAQ
How to Get There – Driving Directions from Sedona, Arizona
Route 1. From the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, take Highway 64 east to Cameron, AZ. From Cameron, take Highway 89 north to Bitter Springs, AZ. From Bitter Springs, take Highway 89A west to Jacob Lake, then take Highway 67 south to the North Rim.
Route 2. From Flagstaff, take Highway 89 north to Bitter Springs, AZ. From Bitter Springs, take Highway 89A west to Jacob Lake, the take Highway 67 south to the North Rim.
Grand Canyon National Park Hours of Operation
Open with full services beginning May 15th through the middle of October. 24 Hours a Day.
Fees and Passes
Vehicle Permit $35, Motorcycles $30, Persons on foot or bicycle $20. Purchase passes online at https://recreation.gov or at the gate. Credit cards only. The America the Beautiful Pass, Annual Pass, Senior Pass and 4th Grader passes are accepted for entry.
West Rim of the Grand Canyon FAQ
The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is located near Las Vegas, Nevada. Almost a 4 hour drive from Sedona. A day trip from Sedona is not recommended. This part of the canyon is best seen by taking a day trip from Las Vegas or staying on location.
How to Get There – Driving Directions from Sedona, Arizona
Route 1. From Sedona, head north to Flagstaff, Arizona. Take Interstate 40 to Kingman. Take US93 North. Exit at Pierce Ferry Road (look for the gas station) and continue on Diamond Bar Road.
Route 2. From Las Vegas, take US93 South, turn on Pierce Ferry Road and continue on Diamond Bar Road.
Hours of Operation
Open 365 days of the year. 8am until sundown daily.
Admission Fees
This area of the Grand Canyon is not run by the National Park Service, but by the Hualapai Tribe. The National Park passes are not accepted and additional admission fees will apply. You’ll buy a general admission ticket which includes shuttle rides to Eagle Point, Guano Point and the Skywalk, self guided tours of each area, presentations and cultural events. Additional fees will apply to walk on the Skywalk, purchase meal tickets, helicopter tours, river rafting tours, overnight lodging and the zipline.
East Rim of the Grand Canyon FAQ
East Rim areas include Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona, about a 3 hour drive from Sedona. A day trip is not recommended from Sedona, but it is possible.
How to Get There – Driving Directions from Sedona, Arizona
Route 1. From Flagstaff, take Highway 89 north to Page, AZ.
Antelope Canyon Tours are only available by a local tour guides. Reservations are required.
Horseshoe Bend
As you approach Page, AZ from the south, look for the Horseshoe Bend Parking Area on the left. Park your vehicle and take the 3/4 mile hike to the overlook. Parking fee is about $10.
Grand Canyon National Park
South Rim Entrance
Grand Canyon National Park
North Rim Entrance
