Road Trip Phoenix To Sedona To Grand Canyon – A road trip from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is the perfect way to add some adventure to your Sedona vacation.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is located 3 hours north of Sedona making it a very easy day trip or road trip opportunity. Trust me, if you’ve never been to the Grand Canyon before, it’s worth it.

Road Trip Phoenix To Sedona To Grand Canyon

Road Trip Phoenix To Sedona To Grand Canyon

Once you arrive at Grand Canyon National Park, you’ll have plenty to see and do, even if you’re only planning to visit for the day. I’ll include my favorite things to do at the Grand Canyon below, but once you’re there, I’m sure you’ll have no problem filling your day.

Phoenix To Sedona To Grand Canyon Itinerary Story

So if you’re ready, gas up your car and let’s start this Sedona to Grand Canyon road trip.

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A few quick notes on this Sedona to Grand Canyon route. This post assumes you’ve spent at least one day in Sedona (hopefully more) enjoying all the sights.

If not, I encourage you not to miss the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Red Rock Crossing, Red Rock State Park, Sedona Airport Lookout, or stargazing at night.

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You’ll want to get an early start on the day of your road trip to the Grand Canyon. I would leave before 7:00am at the latest to ensure you have a full day to visit the park and make a few stops along the way.

The drive north on State Route 89 is quite beautiful, so I’m including a few stops between Sedona and Flagstaff in case you want to get a closer look.

If you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive, you can also take a one-way Grand Canyon Railroad tour from Sedona. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s definitely a unique experience.

Road Trip Phoenix To Sedona To Grand Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon has been described as a sort of “mini Grand Canyon” and is about 12 minutes north of Sedona. If you haven’t already visited Oak Creek Canyon while exploring Sedona, now is the perfect time to stop for a quick look.

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As you drive north out of Sedona you will cross the Midgley Bridge pictured above. Just past the bridge on the left you will find a small parking lot. Please find a spot and walk down the stairs to the view.

Slide Rock State Park is another easy stop that’s worth the extra effort. The park is home to a famous Oak Creek swimming hole. Even better, there is an 80 foot long sandstone water slide, which is of course where the park gets its name.

Even if you don’t have time to swim or enjoy the water slide, this section of Oak Creek is worth seeing.

Park your car in the park’s main lot and head over to the paved walkway to the right of the ranger station. You take this paved walkway for about 10 minutes or so until you see the steps to Slide Rock on your right.

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At the bottom of the stairs​​​​​​ you can continue on the rocks towards the swimming hole and rock slide.

I estimate this stop at Slide Rock State Park will take about 30 to 40 minutes. If you are in a hurry to get to the Grand Fleet, you could stop in about half that time if you move at a fast pace and don’t stay too long at the swimming hole.

Once you’ve made it into Grand Canyon National Park, make your way through the Visitor Center and find a parking spot.

Road Trip Phoenix To Sedona To Grand Canyon

At the Visitor Center you can find information about the park, Grand Canyon tours, and use the restroom after your long drive. This stop will also put you close to one of the best views in the park over the canyon. That stop is next.

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The views from Mather Point Lookout are spectacular and one of my favorite views of the Grand Canyon.

The downside is that it is one of the busiest due to its proximity to the Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Village. You will have the opportunity to escape from the crowd a little later. For now, just enjoy the view.

Grand Canyon Village is where you’ll find most of the park’s lodges and restaurants. If you are staying overnight within the park you will be able to check into your room. If not, you might want to have lunch at one of the park’s restaurants.

You can also walk around town and see the historic buildings and the old Grand Canyon Railroad Depot. The Grand Canyon Railway is still in operation with trains running between the Grand Canyon and Williams, Arizona.

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Once you’ve settled into your room or had some lunch, make your way back to the car so you can drive along the edge of the canyon to the other viewpoints.

The Desert View Watchtower is the easternmost lookout within Grand Canyon National Park and my favorite place to visit.

I find that the crowds are usually very light on this side of the park, and you can’t beat that view.

Road Trip Phoenix To Sedona To Grand Canyon

Once you find a parking spot, walk over to the left of the lookout tower and find a place to sit by the edge of the canyon. Don’t worry, this isn’t a steep drop, but be careful.

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It is very peaceful in this place, I could sit here for hours. If you are looking for a great sunrise spot at the Grand Canyon, this would be my pick.

You can get some great photos around the watchtower. On the right side of this picture you will find stairs that you will climb to the top of the watchtower.

The Tusayan Museum and Ruins was an Indian Pueblo site. Visitors can visit the museum and ruins and learn about the history of the area which dates back to around AD 1185.

Grandview Point is where you can see large sections of both the east and west sides of the Grand Canyon. You can also see the Colorado River down below.

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If you’re looking for a really challenging hike, the very difficult Grandview Trail can be accessed from this viewpoint.

The Abyss lookout is west of Grand Canyon Village on Hermit Road. This road requires a shuttle if you are visiting the park between March and November. You can take the Red Shuttle from Grand Canyon Village.

Here is a map of the Red Shuttle stopping on Hermit Road. The Abyss will be the 6th shuttle stop.

Road Trip Phoenix To Sedona To Grand Canyon

If you are visiting the park between December and February, you can drive your personal vehicle on Hermit Road.

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If you can time it right, try to catch the sunset at Hermit’s Rest. This is the view closest to the west rim and looking west across the canyon. For the best photos, arrive in time for golden hour.

If you have extra time, consider a Grand Canyon day trip organized by the park. The tours are very interesting and you will learn a lot about the Grand Canyon.

If you have even more time to relax, consider taking a trip up to North Point, the Little Colorado River Gorge, or nearby Horseshoe Bend. All of them are worth a visit if you’ve never been.

Be sure to stop at Cameron Trading Post on your way out of the east side of the park if you still want souvenirs.

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I hope you enjoyed this Sedona to Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary and helped inspire your next trip. If you would like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. As always, thanks for reading.

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we assume you like cookies.Ok I’ve been to Arizona with kids, without kids, and even with a baby in my belly! There’s a reason I’ve returned again and again—it’s full of breathtaking and unique scenery, delicious food, plenty of reliable sunshine, and countless family-friendly activities. If you love the outdoors, this is your mecca. If your kids love to play outside, here’s their playground for next week. And alas, if you’re thinking, “How do I get my kids to look up from their devices?” Well, if all else fails there are stretches of the I-17 highway without cell service. And when that cell phone-free time hits, all eyes will easily fall on the Red Rock carpet stretched out before you. Nature is ready to start the imminent geology lesson. Get ready for an epic Arizona family trip that will take your crew through the sunny state of Arizona.

What can you expect to see and do along the way? This is not a road trip you want to rush. If you’re flying into Phoenix, start your adventure at one of Scottsdale’s luxury resorts. Spend a few days basking in the sun, lounging by the pool, and hiking the desert hills for views of the valley below.

Road Trip Phoenix To Sedona To Grand Canyon

After your children are a

How To Get From Phoenix To Sedona

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