Grand Canyon: Day tour from Sedona with ruins & lava fields

Summary

From volcanic craters to the Grand Canyon’s edge, a day of stories and silence

You’ll walk ancient Sinagua ruins near Sedona, touch cooled lava at Sunset Crater, shop for Navajo crafts at Cameron Trading Post, and finally stand above the vastness of Grand Canyon South Rim with time to explore on your own — all with a local guide who knows every story along the way. It’s a day you’ll remember long after you leave Arizona behind.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first stop to feel so quiet. We’d barely left Sedona when our guide, Mark (he grew up around here — you can tell), pulled over at Wupatki National Monument. The air was cool and dry, and there was this faint smell of sagebrush. Walking among the old Sinagua ruins, I tried to imagine what life sounded like here centuries ago — just wind and maybe voices echoing off those red stones. Mark pointed out some petroglyphs I would’ve missed; he said his grandmother used to bring him here as a kid. That stuck with me for some reason.

After that, we drove through these black stretches of hardened lava at Sunset Crater. You could still see where the ground buckled from eruptions ages ago — it looked almost alien, honestly. I picked up a piece of pumice (probably not allowed, oops) and it felt lighter than I expected. The bus windows fogged up a bit from everyone breathing after we got back in; someone cracked a joke about “volcanic facials.” There was laughter, but also that weird hush you get when people are taking it all in.

The Cameron Trading Post was next — Navajo land. Smelled like fry bread inside (I caved and bought one). The woman at the counter told me how her family’s been weaving rugs for generations; she let me touch one — rougher than it looks, but beautiful colors. I tried saying thank you in Navajo and totally butchered it; she laughed and helped me out. Felt good to slow down before heading on.

And then suddenly, there it was: Grand Canyon South Rim. It’s strange how your brain can’t really process that kind of space at first — like your eyes don’t believe it. We climbed up Desert View Watchtower (the stairs creaked), and Mark pointed out where the Colorado River cuts through far below. Sunlight kept shifting across the canyon walls; every few minutes it looked different. I wandered off for a bit near Grand Canyon Village just to listen — no traffic, just wind and distant voices. Still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Grand Canyon and Surroundings Tour

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

Top questions

How long is the Grand Canyon day trip from Sedona?

The tour lasts about 11 hours, departing between 7–7:30am and returning around 6–6:30pm.

Is hotel pickup included for this Grand Canyon tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you’re staying in Sedona or Flagstaff.

What sites are visited during this day trip?

You’ll visit Wupatki National Monument (Sinagua ruins), Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (lava fields), Cameron Trading Post on Navajo Nation land, Desert View Watchtower, San Francisco Peaks views, and multiple stops along Grand Canyon South Rim including Grand Canyon Village.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included but there is time to purchase food at Cameron Trading Post or other stops.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, but Arizona law requires children eight years or younger to be in a car seat/booster seat provided by guests themselves.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

Do I need to be physically fit for this trip?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking at several sites.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Sedona or Flagstaff, bottled water throughout the journey, entry fees for Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, guided visits to ancient Sinaguan ruins and volcanic lava fields, time at Cameron Trading Post on Navajo Nation land for shopping or snacks, plus panoramic stops along the Grand Canyon South Rim before returning in the evening.