Grand Canyon & Sedona Day Trip from Phoenix with Lunch

Summary

South Rim views, Sedona’s red rocks and a day out of Phoenix

You’ll feel cool canyon breezes on your face at the South Rim, wander among Sedona’s red rocks, share stories with locals over lunch, and return to Phoenix or Scottsdale full of new sights—and maybe a little awe you can’t quite shake.

What’s the experience like?

“Is it always this quiet up here?” I asked our guide, Mark, as we stepped off the van at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. He just grinned and pointed toward the edge—no words needed. The air hit me first: crisp, almost sharp compared to sticky Phoenix mornings. I could smell pine needles and something faintly mineral in the wind. We’d left Scottsdale before sunrise (I’m not a morning person, but that sky was worth it), everyone half asleep until we started winding through Oak Creek Canyon—those cliffs really do glow when the sun hits them right.

I’d seen photos of the Grand Canyon but standing there felt different—like my brain couldn’t quite process how far down it went. Mark told us about Hopi House and El Tovar as we wandered Grand Canyon Village; I ducked into a gift shop for coffee and ended up chatting with an older woman who’d lived there her whole life. She said winter is her favorite because “the silence gets thicker.” Lunch was simple but filling—turkey sandwich, chips, nothing fancy, but sitting outside with that view made it taste better than any restaurant meal back home. I still think about that first bite with the canyon right in front of me.

After three hours at the rim (enough time to wander on your own or just stare), we headed for Sedona. The drive through Oak Creek was all twists and sudden bursts of color—red rocks against green trees, then flashes of blue sky between hairpin turns. In Sedona itself, Mark parked near uptown so we could explore solo for a bit; I bought a tiny carved stone from a guy named Leo who said he finds them himself in the creekbeds. There’s something about how people in Sedona look you in the eye—maybe it’s just all that sunlight.

By the time we rolled back into Phoenix it was dark again and everyone was quiet—tired in that good way you get after being outside all day. If you’re thinking about this Grand Canyon & Sedona day trip from Phoenix or Scottsdale… just pack an extra layer (it really is colder up there) and don’t plan anything for after. You’ll want to let it settle in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Grand Canyon and Sedona sightseeing

• Travel to Grand Canyon South Rim
• Enjoy photo viewpoints and local shops
• Have lunch at Grand Canyon
• Drive through Oak Creek Canyon
• Visit Sedona red rock viewpoint
• Explore uptown Sedona on your own

Top questions

How long is the Grand Canyon & Sedona day trip from Phoenix?

The tour lasts 13-14 hours including pickup and drop-off.

Is lunch included on this Grand Canyon day trip?

Yes, lunch is included during your stop at the Grand Canyon.

What should I pack for this tour?

The Grand Canyon is usually about 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix/Scottsdale—bring an extra layer.

Are admission fees included?

Yes, all park admission costs are covered in your booking.

How much time do we spend at the Grand Canyon?

You’ll have over 3 hours at the South Rim including time to walk around Grand Canyon Village.

Will there be free time in Sedona?

Yes, you’ll have time to explore uptown Sedona on your own after visiting viewpoints.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is included from most hotels in Scottsdale or Phoenix.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Are service animals allowed on this trip?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Scottsdale or Phoenix, all entry fees for both Grand Canyon and Sedona stops, plus a hearty lunch while you’re at the canyon before heading back in the evening together with your local guide and group.