Grand Canyon Day Trip from Sedona with Scenic Stops

Summary

Scenic drive from Sedona to Grand Canyon village with local stops

You’ll ride from Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon to Grand Canyon’s South Rim, pausing for stories, rim walks, and time at Grand Canyon Village. Enjoy lunch your way before exploring more scenic overlooks and stopping at Desert View Watchtower. On your return, visit Cameron Trading Post on Navajo land — with hotel pickup making it easy to just show up and experience it all.

What’s the experience like?

We were halfway through Oak Creek Canyon when our guide, Steve, pointed out this scraggly juniper tree clinging to a red rock ledge — said it’s older than most of the buildings in Flagstaff. The van was quiet for a second, except for someone unwrapping a granola bar. I could smell pine needles and that dry Arizona dust coming in through the cracked window. Honestly, I’d seen photos of the Grand Canyon a thousand times but nothing really prepares you for that first glimpse over the South Rim. Even Steve stopped talking for once. You just stand there blinking at all those colors layered into the cliffs — like they shouldn’t fit together but somehow they do.

I wandered along the rim trail for a bit (tried not to look down too much — heights aren’t my thing), then ducked into one of those old stone buildings at Grand Canyon Village. There was this older guy behind the counter who told me he’s lived here since ’88 and still finds new corners of the canyon every year. Lunch was on our own, so I grabbed a sandwich and sat outside watching ravens try to steal chips from a family nearby. The air felt cooler up here, almost sharp compared to Sedona that morning.

After lunch we drove east along the canyon edge, stopping at Desert View Watchtower. The wind up there nearly took my hat off — you can see forever in every direction. Someone asked about the Painted Desert and Steve just grinned and said, “Wait till you see it on the way back.” He was right; those cliffs glow pink and orange as you pass by Little Colorado River Gorge. We stopped at Cameron Trading Post on Navajo land — lots of turquoise jewelry and fry bread smells wafting around (I caved and bought earrings). It’s funny how these little moments stick with you more than any postcard view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Grand Canyon Deluxe Day Trip from Sedona

• Scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon
• Shopping and views stop
• Explore Grand Canyon South Rim
• Photo opportunity at Desert View Watchtower
• Visit Navajo Nation at Cameron Trading Post
• Return drive with Painted Desert views

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Sedona to Grand Canyon?

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

Is hotel pickup included for this Grand Canyon day trip?

Yes, complimentary pickups and drop-offs are included at any hotel in Sedona or Village of Oak Creek within city limits.

Do I need to bring my own lunch?

You’ll have time for lunch on your own at Grand Canyon Village; lunch is not included in the tour price.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, but Arizona law requires children 8 years old or younger to be in a car seat or booster seat (bring your own).

Does this tour stop at Desert View Watchtower?

Yes, there is a photo stop at Desert View Watchtower along the South Rim.

What other stops are included besides Grand Canyon?

The tour includes Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive, San Francisco Peaks views, Cameron Trading Post on Navajo Nation land, and Painted Desert Cliffs.

Is water provided during the tour?

Yes, water will be supplied throughout the day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip hotel pickup in Sedona or Village of Oak Creek, multiple scenic vista stops along both South Rim and East Rim of the Grand Canyon (including Desert View Watchtower), water throughout the journey, time for lunch on your own at Grand Canyon Village, plus visits to Cameron Trading Post and views of Painted Desert Cliffs before heading back in the evening.