Grand Canyon Day Trip

It will take your breath away. Astounding beyond imagination. Soul enriching. Massive. Larger that your mind can comprehend. Artfully carved over millions upon millions of years. Once the home of ancient civilizations. Serene. Tranquil. That's the Grand Canyon, one of the world's seven wonders. And it's only about 117 miles north of Sedona through some of the most scenic views you will ever experience.

It's an easy drive. But if you want to enjoy every scenic moment, Silver Spur Tours based in Sedona, Arizona features a luxury VIP tour of the Grand Canyon in the comfort of a Mercedes-built touring van.

Directions To The Grand Canyon South Rim

Take Highway 89A North from Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff.
Take Highway 180 Northeast from Flagstaff to Highway 64.
Continue North on Hwy 64 from Valle.
Stop to see the Grand Canyon IMAX at Tusayan.
Proceed to Grand Canyon Village.

Back To Sedona From The Grand Canyon

Complete the loop with a different route back to Sedona.

From Grand Canyon Village, continue east on Hwy 64 for about 25 miles along the edges of the canyon to Desert View (East Rim). This stretch of Hwy 64 is called "Desert View Drive".
Continue southeast on Highway 64 to the Cameron Trading Post.
From Cameron, take Highway 89 south to Flagstaff.
From Flagstaff, take Highway 89A which will descend back into Oak Creek Canyon and then to Sedona.

Map From Sedona To The Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Loop Map

The Trip Experience

The round trip from Sedona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is an all day trip of 8 to 11 hours depending upon length of stops. Leave early. Pack a picnic basket and have lunch along the Rim Trail at Grand Canyon Village. Enjoying the leisure time overlooking the canyon views will be much more enjoyable than eating at a crowded restaurant.

Oak Creek Canyon

The trip begins with an ascent up Oak Creek Canyon, described as one of America's most scenic drives. Crimson red rock cliffs are the backdrop behind lush forests. The drive meanders along shimmering Oak Creek to the top of the canyon.

Drive Through Flagstaff

After ascending Oak Creek Canyon, you'll drive through the world's largest stand of Ponderosa Pine to downtown Flagstaff. Now's the time to make sure you have a full tank of gas. The drive on Highway 180 will give you great views of the San Francisco Peaks, the tallest mountain range in Arizona at about 12,300 feet.

Grand Canyon IMAX Theatre

Stop at the Grand Canyon IMAX Theatre at Tusayan, Arizona just before the entrance to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Watch the amazing movie about the Grand Canyon on a giant six-story screen. The movie relives the ancient history of the canyon and its mysteries.

Grand Canyon Village

This is what you've been waiting for. The first amazing views of the Grand Canyon at the Grand Canyon Village. Stroll the historic buildings in the village. Walk along the Rim Trail overlooking the Bright Angel Trail. Visit Hopi House, and see the sights from Lookout Studio and Kolb Studio that set at the edge of the canyon cliffs. You might even spot the endangered California Condor, the largest bird in North America with up to 9.5 foot wingspans. Stop by the Grand Canyon Train Station where the Grand Canyon Railway stops at the Canyon. Visit the tourist information center and let the Park Rangers answer your questions about Grand Canyon.

Desert View Scenic Drive

Start heading east towards Desert View. Along the way stop the overlook points at Mather Point and the Yavapai Observation Station. Grand View is also a "can't miss" stop. There are other spectacular points such as Lipan Point, but parking is a bit more difficult and some of the points require hikes to reach the view overlooks. Stop at the Tusayan Ruins where the Sinaqua Indians once lived over 800 years ago.

On To Desert View and The Watch Tower

Desert View Lookout is often called the East Rim of the Grand Canyon. Experience the incredible views from atop the Watch Tower. See the Colorado River far below and the North Rim across other side of the Grand Canyon. On a clear day, you can see the Marble Canyon which marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon.

Cameron Trading Post

After departing Desert View, jump back on Highway 64 and southeast to the Cameron Trading Post on the Navajo Indian Reservation. From here you will be able to see the western edges of the Painted Desert. If you have time, consider stopping at the Little Colorado River Gorge which is nearby.

Back To Sedona

From Cameron, head south on Highway 89 to Flagstaff. You will again have great views of the San Francisco Peaks. From Flagstaff jump on Highway 89A South back through the pine forests and the descent back through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona.

Photos of The Grand Canyon

A visual feast of what you may experience. These pictures are compliments of Robert Body. Robert is a naturalist and photographer available for assignment. Visit his website to enjoy hundreds of photo galleries, www.robertbody.com. Also see his collection of images on Dream Sedona.