Grand Canyon Sunset Tour from Sedona with Dinner & East Rim

Summary

Sunset colors over the canyon rim, Navajo Nation stories and a dinner stop

You’ll travel from Sedona up through Oak Creek Canyon to Grand Canyon’s South Rim with a local guide, stopping at Cameron Trading Post for dinner and stories along the way. Watch sunset colors shift from Lipan Point and climb Desert View Watchtower for panoramic views. Expect laughter, quiet moments, and a sense of space that sticks with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the van seat as we twisted up Oak Creek Canyon — that’s how it started. Our guide, Mark, kept tossing out little facts about the San Francisco Peaks (apparently they’re sacred to local tribes), but honestly, I was mostly watching the way the red rocks changed color every time a cloud moved. We stopped at Cameron Trading Post for a bathroom break and some fry bread. I tried to say “thank you” in Navajo — got it wrong, but the woman behind the counter just grinned and corrected me. There was this smell of coffee and old wood inside, mixed with something sweet I couldn’t place.

The drive into Grand Canyon South Rim felt quieter than I expected. Maybe everyone was saving their words for later? At Lipan Point, Mark pointed out where the Little Colorado River cuts through — he said if you squint, you can see blue streaks in the water. I tried, but mostly saw shadows and that weird pinkish light you get before sunset. Someone’s phone went off with a pop song and we all laughed; it broke whatever spell was starting to settle in. The air was cooler than back in Sedona — almost sharp on my skin.

We wandered over to Desert View Watchtower next. The murals inside are faded but beautiful; I touched one stone wall and it felt cold even though the sun was still out. Dinner happened back at Cameron Trading Post — roast beef and mashed potatoes for me (not fancy, but after hours outside it tasted like heaven). On the way home, people dozed or just stared out at nothing. I kept thinking about that last bit of orange light on the canyon walls — kind of hard to explain how big it feels until you’re there, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Grand Canyon South Rim and Navajo Nation

• Tour from East Rim to South Rim
• Stop at Lipan Point for photos
• Visit Desert View Watchtower
• Explore Cameron Trading Post

Top questions

How long is the Grand Canyon sunset tour from Sedona?

The tour lasts about 10.5 hours, departing between 11-11:30am and returning around 9:30-10pm depending on season.

Does this day trip to Grand Canyon include dinner?

Yes, dinner is included at Cameron Trading Post during your return from the canyon.

Are hotel pickups included on this Grand Canyon tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in Sedona is included; provide your hotel info at least 72 hours before your tour date.

Which viewpoints are visited on this Grand Canyon day trip?

You’ll visit Lipan Point and Desert View Watchtower along the East Rim to South Rim route.

Is entry to Grand Canyon National Park included?

Yes, all required park entry fees are covered as part of your booking.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children eight years or younger must have their own car seat or booster seat per Arizona law.

What’s special about Cameron Trading Post?

Cameron Trading Post is located on Navajo Nation land; it’s known for its historic atmosphere and traditional food.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip hotel pickup from Sedona, bottled water for the road, all park entry fees covered by your guide, plus a hearty dinner at Cameron Trading Post before heading back in the evening—just remember to send your hotel details ahead of time so everything runs smoothly.