Grand Canyon, Wupatki & Sunset Crater Full-day Tour

Three parks in one day: the Grand Canyon, ancient ruins, and a volcanic landscape

A full-day guided tour from Flagstaff visits the Grand Canyon South Rim, Wupatki National Monument, and Sunset Crater Volcano, with entry to all three parks included. The guide connects the geology, archaeology, and history of each site through a biblical Creation perspective. Pickup and drop-off at the Doubletree Hotel in Flagstaff. Lunch is available for purchase at Desert View or bring your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Grand Canyon South Rim2h · entry included
2. Grandview Point30m · entry included
3. Desert View Watchtower45m · entry included
4. Wupatki National Monument1h · entry included
5. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument1h · entry included

Grand Canyon and Ancient Ruins Tour

• Depart Doubletree Hotel in Flagstaff
• Drive through San Francisco Volcanic Field
• Arrive at Grand Canyon South Rim
• Restroom break near Yavapai Point
• View Grand Canyon geology and trails
• Explore South Rim and Desert View Drive
• Stop at Grandview Point for history
• Lunch break at Desert View
• Drive down to Navajo Nation lands
• Explore Wupatki Native American ruins
• Drive to Sunset Crater Volcano
• Walk loop trail at Sunset Crater Volcano
• Drive back to Flagstaff
• Arrive at Doubletree Hotel for drop-off

The experience

The tour departs the Doubletree Hotel in Flagstaff and heads toward the Grand Canyon through the San Francisco Volcanic Field, where cinder cones dot the landscape and Humphreys Peak, Arizona's highest point, rises snow-capped in the distance. You'll arrive at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park with entry already included, then stop near Yavapai Point to see the Bright Angel Trail, Phantom Ranch, and the Colorado River far below. The guide discusses how the canyon's rock layers connect to the biblical account of Creation and the Flood, then explores key overlooks along the South Rim and Desert View Drive, including Grandview Point, where you can see the Colorado River and learn about the region's Wild West history.

From the canyon, the route descends 3,000 feet into Navajo Nation lands, passing views of the Little Colorado River Gorge and the Painted Desert. At Wupatki National Monument, you'll walk among nearly 1,000-year-old Sinagua Ancestral Puebloan ruins set in high desert grasses and red rocks, with chances to spot pronghorn antelope, coyotes, or birds of prey. The landscape then climbs around 2,000 feet through tall Ponderosa pines to Sunset Crater Volcano, the most recent eruption in the San Francisco Volcanic Field. A loop trail takes you close to the volcanic rocks, lava tubes, and spatter cones. The walk is optional, with shorter routes available. The return drive to Flagstaff typically arrives around 6:00 p.m., with views of the San Francisco Peaks and possible sightings of deer, elk, and wildflowers.

The tour runs about 10 hours and includes entry fees to all three parks, bottled water, umbrellas, blankets, and binoculars. A live English-speaking guide leads the group. Lunch is available for purchase at the Desert View Market and Deli, or you can bring your own. Large coolers may not fit on the vehicle.

What’s included

• Entry to Grand Canyon National Park, Wupatki National Monument, and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
• bottled water, umbrellas, blankets, and binoculars.
• pickup and drop-off at the Doubletree Hotel in Flagstaff.
• a live English-speaking guide for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to20h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Canyon Ministries

Is this one for you?This tour suits anyone interested in geology, archaeology, and history who wants to see three major sites in a single day without arranging their own transportation. The 10-hour commitment and optional volcano trail make it accessible for most fitness levels, though the day involves significant driving and walking at high elevation.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (under 4).

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 route from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon on this tour?

The tour departs from the Doubletree Hotel in Flagstaff and drives through the San Francisco Volcanic Field, passing cinder cones and views of Humphreys Peak, before arriving at the Grand Canyon South Rim. The return journey descends into Navajo Nation, passes the Little Colorado River Gorge and Painted Desert, then climbs back through Ponderosa pines to Flagstaff.

Are meals included on the full-day tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. You can purchase food at the Desert View Market and Deli, which offers hot foods, salads, and sandwiches, or bring a lunch with you, though large coolers may not fit on the vehicle.

What can I expect to see at Wupatki National Monument?

Wupatki National Monument features nearly 1,000-year-old Sinagua Ancestral Puebloan ruins surrounded by high desert grasses and red rocks. The guide discusses the Ice Age migration of people groups and the movement of the Ancient Ones to the distant Hopi Mesas. Wildlife in the area includes pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and birds of prey.

Is the trail at Sunset Crater Volcano required?

The loop trail at Sunset Crater Volcano is optional. You can walk up close to the volcanic rocks, lava tubes, and spatter cones, or choose shorter routes and additional viewpoints if you prefer not to hike the full loop.

What's included in the tour price?

Entry fees to all three parks, bottled water, umbrellas, blankets, and binoculars are included. Pickup and drop-off at the Doubletree Hotel in Flagstaff are also included. A live English-speaking guide leads the tour throughout the day.