Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
Grand Canyon & Sedona (Arizona) is one of the United States' most rewarding destinations: Mile-deep Colorado River canyon walls carved over millions of years, paired with Sedona's glowing red-rock buttes and Oak Creek Canyon.
Getting here and moving around is straightforward: Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX, 3.5 hrs drive to South Rim via Sedona/Flagstaff) or Las Vegas (LAS, 4.5 hrs drive); Amtrak Southwest Chief stops daily at Flagstaff (FLG). Once in town, rely on Rental car is essential between Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, and the South Rim. Inside Grand Canyon Village, free NPS shuttle buses (Blue, Orange, and Red Hermit Road routes) connect viewpoints.
Neighborhoods & key areas
Grand Canyon Village (In-Park NPS Lodges)
Book El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, or Maswik Lodge 6–12 months ahead via GrandCanyonLodges.com.
Tusayan (7 Miles South of the Rim)
Convenient hotels and IMAX theater just outside the South Entrance Gate.
Uptown Sedona & Village of Oak Creek
Red-rock view resorts and trailhead access 2 hours south of the Canyon.
Top sights & experiences
South Rim Mather Point, Yavapai Geology Museum & Rim Trail
Watch sunrise ignite the Vishnu Schist and Kaibab Limestone temples along the paved Rim Trail.
Bright Angel Trail & South Kaibab Trail (Ooh Aah Point / Cedar Ridge)
Hike below the rim with plenty of water and electrolytes; never attempt rim-to-river-and-back in one summer day.
Desert View Watchtower (East Entrance)
Climb Mary Colter's 1932 stone watchtower for sweeping views of the Colorado River bend and Painted Desert.
Sedona Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock & Devil's Bridge
Hike red sandstone trails at sunrise or use the free Sedona Trailhead Shuttle from park-and-ride lots.
Chapel of the Holy Cross & Airport Mesa Sunset
Marvel at the modernist chapel wedged into red-rock cliffs and watch sunset over Thunder Mountain.
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive (AZ-89A)
Wind through switchbacks from red-rock desert at 4,350 ft up into Ponderosa pine forests at Flagstaff (6,910 ft).
What to eat
Sonoran Mexican Cuisine & Navajo Frybread Tacos
Slow-braised carne seca, green chile pork posole, and warm golden frybread topped with beans, beef, and Hatch chiles.
Prickly Pear Cactus Lemonade & Margaritas
Vibrant magenta drinks infused with sweet-tart desert prickly pear fruit.
El Tovar Historic Dining Room & Southwest Steaks
Mesquite-grilled Arizona ribeye and wild salmon in the historic 1905 pine-log lodge on the South Rim.
Date Shakes & Pecan Pies
Creamy Medjool date milkshakes and Arizona orchard pecan desserts.
Where to stay by budget ($ USD)
Budget
$110/night — clean central hostels, 2-star motor lodges, and diner breakfasts.
Mid-range
$240/night — 3-to-4-star boutique or historic hotels in walkable neighborhoods (Grand Canyon Village (In-Park NPS Lodges)).
Luxury
$520+/night — 5-star landmark hotels, national park lodges, and luxury resorts.
Getting there
Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX, 3.5 hrs drive to South Rim via Sedona/Flagstaff) or Las Vegas (LAS, 4.5 hrs drive); Amtrak Southwest Chief stops daily at Flagstaff (FLG).
Getting around
Rental car is essential between Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, and the South Rim. Inside Grand Canyon Village, free NPS shuttle buses (Blue, Orange, and Red Hermit Road routes) connect viewpoints.
Day trips & side trips
Page: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
2.5 hours northeast of South Rim for guided Navajo slot canyon tours and the 1,000-foot Colorado River overlook.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Iconic sandstone mittens straddling the Arizona–Utah border along US-163.
Williams & Grand Canyon Railway
Ride vintage rail cars 65 miles north from Historic Route 66 in Williams directly to the South Rim depot.
Best time to visit
The most pleasant months to visit Grand Canyon & Sedona are March–May & September–November, when outdoor sightseeing and trail conditions are ideal. Reserve popular timed-entry tickets and national park permits 4–8 weeks ahead.