Your Guide to Road Tripping from Sedona to the Grand Canyon

If you’re exploring the red rocks, a day trip to the Grand Canyon is a must-do experience! Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world and just about a two and a half hour drive from Sedona. It’s the perfect distance for a day of adventure and gorgeous views!

Morning Departure

We recommend leaving around 7:00 AM to make the most of your day. Grab a quick coffee and breakfast from The Den or another great spot in town, then head north on AZ-89A through Oak Creek Canyon. This stretch of road is especially scenic, and the Oak Creek Canyon Overlook makes a lovely first stop to stretch your legs and snap a photo.

As you continue, you’ll pass through Flagstaff, a lively college town home to Northern Arizona University. It’s a great place to top off your tank, stretch your legs with a little walk about downtown, and grab some snacks for the road.

Entering the National Park

When you reach the South Rim, have your America the Beautiful pass ready, or pay the $35 vehicle entrance fee at the gate. The National Park Service suggests arriving before 10:00 AM to avoid entrance lines.

Your first stop should be Mather Point, one of the most iconic overlooks in the park. Be sure to bring your camera— the sweeping view is unforgettable! From there, enjoy a stroll along the Rim Trail, an easy, paved path that offers stunning vistas of the canyon.

Afternoon Exploration

For lunch, pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the rim overlooks. Afterward, take a scenic drive along Desert View Drive, a 25-mile stretch with multiple overlooks that tend to be less crowded.

Don’t miss these scenic Grand Canyon highlights along the way:

Grandview Point – One of the highest points on the South Rim, Grandview lives up to its name with wide, panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River below. On a clear day, you can see for miles, making this an excellent photo stop.

Moran Point – Known for its colorful rock layers and stunning views, Moran Point offers a striking look at the canyon’s geology.

Lipan Point – A quieter overlook that’s perfect for spotting the winding Colorado River far below. This viewpoint also offers a fantastic view of the Unkar Delta, an archaeological site with evidence of ancient Puebloan life.

Desert View Watchtower – The final stop on the drive, this 70-foot stone tower was designed by architect Mary Colter in 1932 to reflect ancient Puebloan architecture. Climb to the top for one of the highest vantage points on the South Rim, with stunning 360-degree views stretching as far as the San Francisco Peaks.

Evening Return

Exit the park via the East Entrance (Desert View) to loop back through Cameron.

After a full day of adventure, head back to Sedona and unwind with dinner at The Den, located onsite at Mountain Modern Sedona. Relax over rotating cocktails and special handcrafted dishes, the perfect way to end the day.