Should I do a Grand Canyon day tour from Sedona?

The short answer

No. Are you mad?

The long answer

The Grand Canyon and Sedona are almost undoubtedly the two most spectacular destinations in Arizona. It is also possible to do a day tour from Sedona to the Grand Canyon. The short-of-time may be tempted by this.

However, before booking such a Grand Canyon day tour, you should be aware of how far away Sedona is from the Grand Canyon South Rim. It’s a 114 mile drive, that takes around two hours and ten minutes. The section of the route from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon is a spectacular drive, and the AZ89a from Sedona to Flagstaff is one of the most extraordinary roads in the US.

But both are better tackled as a treat on the way to staying near the Canyon – either in Tusayan or Grand Canyon Village. After a day of exploring the Grand Canyon South Rim, you are not going to appreciate the scenic drive back to Sedona.

It’s best to treat Sedona and the Grand Canyon as twin destinations, rather than one as a hub and the other as a day trip.

Sedona has loads going for it. I recommend taking the time to see Cathedral Rock from Red Rock Crossing, doing the hike around Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock and discovering the mysterious Sinagua people at Montezuma Castle National Monument.

Things to do near Sedona

Sedona is surrounded by red-rock formations, scenic viewpoints and historic sites, so there are plenty of places to combine with a visit or use as a base for exploring the area.

• Cathedral Rock – One of Sedona’s most striking red-rock formations, with a steep trail leading to views over Oak Creek and the surrounding landscape.
• Red Rock Crossing – A scenic stretch of Oak Creek with excellent views of Cathedral Rock and trails through the red-rock landscape.
• Devil’s Bridge – A large natural sandstone arch reached by a popular hiking trail through the Coconino National Forest.
• Chapel of the Holy Cross – A modern Roman Catholic chapel built directly into Sedona’s red-rock landscape.
• Montezuma Castle National Monument – An ancient five-storey cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people in the Verde Valley, about 35 minutes south of Sedona.

Alternative attractions

Walnut Canyon National Monument – A canyon east of Flagstaff containing ancient cliff dwellings and trails through a dramatic limestone landscape. The site is roughly an hour and 20 minutes from Sedona.

Tuzigoot National Monument – A hilltop pueblo ruin near Clarkdale where the remains of a multi-storey Sinagua settlement overlook the Verde River valley.

Out of Africa Wildlife Park – A 100-acre wildlife preserve near Camp Verde where visitors can see exotic animals in large open habitats and take a safari ride.

Airport Scenic Overlook – A roadside viewpoint above Sedona offering wide views across the town and surrounding red-rock formations.

Jerome – A former copper-mining town built into the slopes of the Black Hills, with historic buildings, galleries and views across the Verde Valley.

More Arizona travel

For more things to do in Arizona, head here.

Other articles about Arizona on Planet Whitley include:

• Driving across London Bridge in… Lake Havasu City.
• Where to see bears in Arizona.
• How scary is the Grand Canyon Skywalk?
• The best route from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon.
• How to drive Hermit Road at the Grand Canyon without taking the shuttle bus.

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