Grand Canyon tour from Sedona: Ancient ruins to South Rim

Walk volcanic lava fields and ancient pueblo ruins, then climb the Desert Watchtower for South Rim views

This full-day guided tour from Sedona reaches the Grand Canyon South Rim by combining stops at Ancient Sinagua Pueblo Ruins, the lava flows of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, and the Cameron Trading Post before arriving at the park's east entrance. The guide leads you across the south rim to Grand Canyon Village, with multiple scenic stops and time to explore the historic buildings and overlooks on your own. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The tour departs daily at 7–7:30am and returns around 6–6:30pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Wupatki National Monument30m · entry included
2. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument30m · entry included
3. Cameron Trading Post30m
4. Desert View Watchtowerpass by
5. Grand Canyon South Rim3h · entry included
6. San Francisco Peakspass by

Full-day Grand Canyon tour from Sedona

• Visit Wupatki National Monument
• Explore Sunset Crater lava flow
• Break at Cameron Trading Post
• Photo stop at Desert View Watchtower
• Tour Grand Canyon South Rim
• Walk and shop at Grand Canyon Village
• Enjoy scenic views of San Francisco Peaks

The experience

You start the day at your Sedona hotel, where the driver picks you up between 7 and 7:30am. The route north takes you past the San Francisco Peaks and into the high desert, where the first major stop is Wupatki National Monument: the Ancient Sinagua Pueblo Ruins. From there, the tour moves to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument to see the lava fields created 6 million years ago when the volcano erupted. These two stops anchor the cultural and geological half of the day before the group continues toward the canyon itself.

A break at the Cameron Trading Post gives you time to browse native art and crafts on Navajo Nation Tribal Land. Then comes the Desert View Watchtower, where you walk to the top for panoramic views of the Grand Canyon's east side. The tour continues west across the South Rim, stopping at multiple scenic overlooks along the way, before reaching Grand Canyon Village. There you have time to walk through the historic buildings and take in the views at your own pace. The driver returns you to your Sedona hotel by 6–6:30pm.

Bottled water is provided throughout the day. The tour runs 11 hours total and requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness: the Watchtower climb and village exploration involve walking, though the pace is set by the group. Children eight and younger must be in a car seat or booster seat (you provide it). Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older should expect an additional $100 USD fee for national park entry. Contact the tour company before your date to arrange payment.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Sedona accommodation.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• access to Ancient Sinagua Pueblo Ruins, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and its lava fields, the Cameron Trading Post for shopping, and the Desert Watchtower with a climb to the top.
• guided tour across the Grand Canyon South Rim with multiple scenic stops.
• time to explore Grand Canyon Village and its historic buildings on your own.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (under 16)

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 46 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 100

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcome

Operated by Angels Gate Tours

Is this one for you?If you are staying in Sedona without a rental car, this tour solves the logistics of reaching the Grand Canyon and its approach from the north. The driver handles the 11-hour round trip, and hotel pickup means you do not arrange transport to a meeting point. The early 7am departure gets you to the ruins and lava fields while the light is fresh, then delivers you back to your hotel by evening.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 16).

What are the Ancient Sinagua Pueblo Ruins?

Wupatki National Monument preserves pueblos built by the Sinagua people between roughly 1100 and 1425 CE. The ruins sit on the high desert north of Flagstaff and are one of the earliest stops on the tour, showing how people adapted to this volcanic landscape centuries ago.

Can I see the Grand Canyon from the Desert Watchtower?

Yes. The Desert View Watchtower sits at the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park and offers panoramic views across the South Rim. You climb to the top yourself for these views, which is why the tour includes this as a photo opportunity before heading west toward the main village area.

How much time do I have at Grand Canyon Village?

The tour reaches Grand Canyon Village in the afternoon and gives you time to explore the historic buildings and overlooks on your own. The exact length depends on the day's pace and traffic, but it is built into the 11-hour total so you are not rushed through the final stop.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included. Bottled water is provided, and you have a break at the Cameron Trading Post where you can purchase food or snacks. Plan to bring your own lunch or budget for a meal during the day.

What happens if I'm staying outside Sedona?

Hotel pickup is included only from Sedona hotels. If you are staying in Flagstaff or another location, contact the tour company directly to arrange a pickup point or alternative meeting location before your tour date.

Do I need a passport or special ID for this tour?

Bring a valid photo ID. Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older are charged an additional $100 USD per person for national park entry. You will need to contact the tour company and provide your credit card information before the tour date so this fee can be processed in advance.