Grand Canyon day tour from Sedona: Lava flows and ancient ruins

One day covers four separate landscapes most visitors never connect.

This Grand Canyon day tour from Sedona or Flagstaff includes hotel pickup, stops at Sunset Crater Volcano's lava fields and Wupatki National Monument's ancient ruins, a visit to Cameron Trading Post on Navajo Nation, and multiple vista points along the East and South Rims of the canyon itself. The itinerary runs nine hours from Flagstaff or eleven from Sedona, with a live English-speaking guide. Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older pay an additional $100 USD per person for national park access.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each4 stops

1. Sunset Crater Volcano National MonumentEntry included30m
2. Wupatki National MonumentEntry included30m
3. Cameron Trading Post30m
4. San Francisco Peakspassing by

Grand Canyon and Surroundings Tour

• Visit Sunset Crater lava flow
• Explore Wupatki Native American ruins
• Stop at Cameron Navajo trading post
• Tour East Rim to South Rim
• Enjoy free time at Grand Canyon

The experience

The tour departs early (7 to 7:30 a.m. from Sedona hotels, or 8 to 8:30 a.m. from Flagstaff), and moves through terrain most Grand Canyon day trips skip entirely. You'll drive past the San Francisco Peaks and stop at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument to walk among the lava flows from Arizona's most recent volcanic eruption, then continue to Wupatki National Monument to see ancient Native American ruins set into the high desert. The route itself becomes part of the experience: some of Arizona's most scenic roadways connect these stops, and the Painted Desert unfolds in panoramic views along the way.

Cameron Trading Post, a historic Navajo Nation landmark, breaks up the middle of the day. From there the tour heads toward Grand Canyon National Park, where you'll have time on your own at multiple overlooks on both the East Rim and South Rim. The guide handles navigation and timing. Water is supplied throughout. You return to your hotel around 6 to 6:30 p.m. from Sedona or 5 to 5:30 p.m. from Flagstaff.

A private tour option is available for groups of four or more, which changes the pace and the stops you can linger at. Hotel information must be provided 72 hours before the tour date so the driver can arrange pickup. Children eight and younger need a car seat or booster seat, which you'll need to bring yourself. Moderate physical fitness helps, since the day involves walking at several stops and spending hours in a vehicle. Layers work best for the temperature swings between seasons.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within Sedona or Flagstaff city limits.
• water throughout the day.
• entrance to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument.
• a stop at Cameron Trading Post.
• multiple vista points at Grand Canyon National Park on both the East Rim and South Rim.
• a live English-speaking guide.

Options for this experience

2 options

Complete Grand Canyon tour lasting a full day, departing from Sedona or FlagstaffGuide in English · 07:00Pickup is included

Private tour upgrade, minimum of 4 peopleGuide in English · 07:00Private tour with your own guide and van. Booking this tour requires a minimum of four passengers. Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 9h–11h, runs every day at 07:00, from US$ 208.72 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 14 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to1d before

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Great Venture Tours

Is this one for you?Book the Sedona departure if you want the full eleven-hour experience and don't mind an early start. The Flagstaff option cuts two hours by starting closer to the canyon. Choose the private tour if your group is four or more and you'd rather set your own rhythm at each stop instead of moving with a larger group schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 16).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the Sedona and Flagstaff departure times?

Sedona departures leave at 7 to 7:30 a.m. and return around 6 to 6:30 p.m., making the full day about eleven hours. Flagstaff departures leave at 8 to 8:30 a.m. and return around 5 to 5:30 p.m., shortening the day to nine hours because Flagstaff sits closer to the Grand Canyon.

What are the lava flows I'll see at Sunset Crater?

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument preserves the lava field from Arizona's most recent volcanic eruption. You'll walk among the dark, textured rock formations that cover the landscape around the crater itself.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is not included, so plan to bring food or purchase something at Cameron Trading Post or elsewhere along the route.

What happens if I'm a non-U.S. resident?

Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older pay an additional $100 USD per person for national park access, on top of the standard tour price. You'll need to contact the tour company directly to provide a credit card for this fee before the tour date, and bring a valid photo ID for residency verification.

Can I book a private tour instead of the shared group tour?

Yes, a private tour option is available for groups of four or more, which lets you set your own pace at the stops and have the guide's attention focused on your group alone.