Grand Canyon Day Trip: Lava Fields, Ruins & Painted Desert

Summary

Painted Desert colors, Navajo trading post stop, volcanic fields and canyon vistas in a single day

You’ll start by walking ancient lava fields near Sunset Crater before exploring Native American ruins at Wupatki and grabbing fry bread at Cameron Trading Post. With time at both East and South Rims of the Grand Canyon plus Painted Desert views, you’ll feel Arizona’s wild history under your feet—and maybe take home a story or two yourself.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the burnt smell—like campfire, but sharper—when we stepped out near Sunset Crater. The lava field looks frozen mid-motion, all black and twisted. Our guide, Tom (he grew up in Flagstaff), told us about the eruption like it happened last week. He handed me a chunk of rough stone—lighter than it looked—and said the Hopi have stories about this place. I tried to imagine what it sounded like when the earth split open here. It’s weirdly quiet now except for wind through the pines.

Wupatki was next. The sun made the old red walls almost glow. We walked through what used to be rooms and plazas—honestly, I didn’t expect to feel much, but standing there you get this sense of how long people have been figuring things out in Arizona. Tom pointed at some faded petroglyphs; I squinted and pretended I could make them out better than I could. There was a little lizard sunning itself on a rock—felt like he owned the place more than any of us.

Cameron Trading Post was a surprise. The fry bread smelled so good I caved and ordered some with honey (messy but worth it). A Navajo woman behind the counter laughed when I tried to pronounce “Yá’át’ééh”—I definitely butchered it. She just smiled and kept chatting anyway. After that we drove into the Painted Desert—colors shifting every mile—and finally reached the Grand Canyon’s edge. There’s no way to describe that first look over the rim without sounding cliché, but honestly my stomach dropped a little. You just stand there for a minute and let it hit you.

We had time on our own along the South Rim—I wandered off to find a quieter spot away from everyone’s cameras and just listened for a while. Even with all those stops packed in one day, nothing felt rushed somehow. On the drive back toward Sedona (or Flagstaff if that’s your base), Tom played old country songs quietly on the radio as dusk settled over the San Francisco Peaks. I still think about that view sometimes when things get too noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Grand Canyon and Surrounding Attractions

• Visit lava flow fields
• Explore Native American ruins
• Stop at Navajo trading post
• Tour East Rim to South Rim
• Enjoy free time at Grand Canyon
• Pass scenic San Francisco Peaks

Top questions

How long is this Grand Canyon day trip from Sedona?

The tour lasts about 11 hours, departing Sedona around 7-7:30am and returning by 6:00-6:30pm.

Is hotel pickup included for Flagstaff hotels?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Flagstaff city limits are included.

What sites are visited besides the Grand Canyon?

You’ll visit Sunset Crater Volcano lava fields, Wupatki National Monument ruins, Cameron Trading Post on Navajo Nation land, plus scenic stops including San Francisco Peaks and Painted Desert views.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

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

Are entry fees covered?

Entry fees for attractions listed in the itinerary are included in your tour price.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, but Arizona law requires children 8 years or younger to use a car seat or booster seat.

What should I wear for this day trip?

Dress casually and bring layers—weather can change quickly in fall, winter, or spring months along this route.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Sedona or Flagstaff city limits, entry fees for all major sites like Sunset Crater Volcano lava field and Wupatki ruins, water throughout the journey, multiple scenic vista stops at both East Rim and South Rim of Grand Canyon plus time to explore on your own—and yes, there’s plenty of room for spontaneous snack breaks along the way before returning in the evening.