If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, one of the most breathtaking ways to experience this natural wonder is by taking a scenic drive from Sedona to Grand Canyon. This route offers a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, vibrant red rock formations, and the promise of adventure.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make the most of your road trip, including the best stops along the way, tips for a smooth drive, and why this route is truly one of the most picturesque in the U.S. So buckle up and get ready to explore some of Arizona’s most iconic views with National Park Shops!
Distance from Sedona to Grand Canyon
Let’s start with the logistics. Sedona is located about two hours (110 miles) south of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim entrance. The South Rim is the nearest part of the Sedona to Grand Canyon, making it the best option for anyone planning to visit both locations in one day. The East Entrance is similarly 110 miles away but takes a bit longer, around 2.5 hours by car.
Meanwhile, the North Rim and the western sections of the Grand Canyon are much farther, requiring a drive of over 4 hours. Trying to visit Sedona and these more distant parts of the Grand Canyon in a single day is not realistic. If you’re traveling from Sedona or another location and heading to Grand Canyon National Park, remember that you’ll likely need to account for extra time at the entrance gate, which can get quite busy.
Best route between the Grand Canyon and Sedona by Car
For those sticking to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the most scenic route from the Grand Canyon to Sedona begins by taking AZ-64 south toward the charming town of Williams. From there, head east on I-40 toward Flagstaff. After a short stretch south on I-17, take the exit near the airport for AZ-89A south. This picturesque drive along AZ-89A will lead you through the stunning Oak Creek Canyon, ultimately bringing you right into Sedona – two canyons in one trip!
If you’re traveling from Sedona to the Grand Canyon, simply reverse the journey. Start by heading north on AZ-89A, winding through Oak Creek Canyon toward Flagstaff. From Flagstaff, take a short stretch north on I-17 before catching I-40 west toward Williams. Once in Williams, continue north on AZ-64, which will lead you directly to the South Rim.
>> Read More: Phoenix to Sedona Road Trip: Scenic Stops Drive Guide
Things to do in between Sedona and Grand Canyon
With a two-hour drive each way and so much to explore in both Sedona and the Grand Canyon, you may not be eager to make too many stops along the route. However, if you’re planning to take your time on the journey from Sedona to Grand Canyon, there are a few worthwhile detours that can make your day even more memorable.
Williams
The charming town of Williams, located just an hour south of the Grand Canyon South Rim, is rich in Route 66 and railroad history. If you’re traveling from Sedona to Grand Canyon, Williams is a fantastic stop for lunch or dinner, offering a variety of restaurants and gift shops.
While you’re there, consider visiting Bearizona Wildlife Park, a unique blend of a drive-thru safari and a traditional walk-thru zoo, where you can see North American wildlife like elk, bison, wolves, and bears.
Flagstaff
On your journey from Sedona to Grand Canyon, you’ll also pass through Flagstaff, a larger city offering a historic district and a wealth of dining options. While in Flagstaff, you can look deep into the night sky at the Lowell Observatory, one of the oldest observatories in the U.S. For nature enthusiasts, the Sunset Crater National Monument showcases ancient lava flows that are over 1,000 years old. Just 15 minutes east of Flagstaff, you’ll find the ancient cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people at Walnut Canyon National Monument. Additionally, Flagstaff is renowned for its craft breweries, making it a perfect spot to unwind.
>> Read More: Explore the Road Trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park
Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon, nestled between Sedona and Flagstaff is a picturesque river gorge that serves as a highlight on your journey from Sedona to Grand Canyon. Known for its striking red rock cliffs, lush vegetation, and winding mountain roads, the canyon is a masterpiece of nature. Carved by Oak Creek, the area boasts a vibrant blend of pine forests, cottonwoods, and colorful sandstone formations, creating a captivating display of colors and textures.
Whether you’re hiking, camping, swimming, or simply enjoying a scenic drive along State Route 89A, Oak Creek Canyon offers stunning views at every turn. Key spots include Slide Rock State Park, famous for its natural rock water slides, and the West Fork Trail, a favorite among hikers for its shaded forests, creek crossings, and spectacular fall foliage, making it a must-see along your Sedona to Grand Canyon adventure.
Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park, located in Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, Arizona, is a 43-acre natural haven that’s a must-see on your journey from Sedona to Grand Canyon. Famous for its unique sandstone water slide and fascinating history, the park was originally the Pendley Homestead, established in 1910. Frank L. Pendley transformed the area into an apple orchard, using an innovative irrigation system that is still in operation today.
The park’s star attraction is its 80-foot-long natural water slide, where visitors can slide down smooth, algae-covered sandstone into cool, refreshing pools below. In addition to the slide, the park features short hiking trails such as the Pendley Homestead Trail and Clifftop Nature Trail, along with picnic areas shaded by sycamore and cottonwood trees. Visitors can also enjoy trout fishing upstream. Surrounded by Sedona’s iconic red rock formations, Slide Rock State Park offers a perfect mix of outdoor fun and historical significance.
Check out this 5-day trip from Sedona to Grand Canyon
I flew into Phoenix for a five-day getaway to celebrate my birthday, with plans to relax in Sedona, explore some of the most diverse landscapes in the country, and experience the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.
This Sedona to Grand Canyon adventure may only span five days, but there’s plenty of flexibility to linger longer in each destination or add a few extra stops based on your schedule.
Day 1: Phoenix to Sedona
On the first day of our 5-day Arizona road trip, we landed in Phoenix, picked up our rental car with ease, and set off toward Sedona. The late-night drive was surprisingly beautiful, winding through dramatic and varied landscapes along the I-17, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
If you’re traveling from Phoenix to Sedona during the day, consider stopping at one of the many hiking trails that line the route – options range from easy walks to more challenging treks. The Tonto Natural Bridge is a fantastic detour if the weather’s right and you have a few hours to spare. It’s a great way to kick off your Sedona to Grand Canyon journey with a dose of natural beauty.
Since it was dark when we arrived, hiking wasn’t on the agenda. We checked into our charming Airbnb in Sedona and found a nearby spot for a late-night bite. 89Agave Cantina came through with delicious vegetarian tacos and a couple of beers to end the day on a high note.
Day 2: Sedona
Spending a full day in Sedona was easily one of the highlights of our Arizona road trip. Surrounded by towering red rock formations and a serene high-desert landscape, it’s no wonder Sedona is often considered the most beautiful city in the state. While we didn’t get around to visiting any of the famous energy vortexes this time, I’m already planning a return visit just for yoga and a little soul-soothing healing.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Sedona. Between the incredible restaurants, vibrant cultural events, and some of the best hiking in the state, it’s a place that pulls you in. As a weekend getaway for locals, it also has a surprising number of upscale shops and cozy cafés to explore.
Of course, we couldn’t visit without hitting the trails. For those new to hiking, Devil’s Bridge is a great way to start – it’s scenic, relatively short, and offers just enough challenge to be rewarding. But since I am a more seasoned hiker, I opted for the Red Rock Secret Canyon trail. At 4.2 miles each way, this beast of a hike had me scrambling with my hands at times, muttering “What the heck” more than once as the trail climbed steadily toward the Secret Mountain.
After catching our breath and snapping about a hundred photos, we headed down and spent a relaxing afternoon wandering through the quirky boutiques at the Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village. We closed the day with a much gentler hike through Fay Canyon. This one was a breath of fresh air, literally. Unlike the open, sun-drenched trails Sedona is known for, Fay Canyon weaves through shaded groves and lets you experience the red rock cliffs up close and personal. It was the perfect way to wind down before continuing our Sedona to Grand Canyon adventure the next day.
Day 3: Sedona to Grand Canyon
Day 3 of our trip was the big one, we left Sedona bright and early (around 7 a.m.) and began our drive toward one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world: the Grand Canyon. The route from Sedona to Grand Canyon via State Route 89 is nothing short of spectacular. Rolling hills, high desert views, and dramatic landscapes made the two-hour drive fly by.
If you’re planning your own Sedona to Grand Canyon road trip, I highly recommend stopping in Flagstaff. It’s the largest city in Northern Arizona and has that perfect mix of a lively college town and mountain charm. We paused there for a casual lunch and a quick stroll through the historic downtown area, then continued north. From Flagstaff, it’s about another hour to reach the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Once we arrived, we paid the entrance fee and headed straight to the Visitor Center to get our bearings. From there, it was all about soaking in the views and taking our time to explore. We visited the major viewpoints like Mather Point but also wandered past the busier areas to find quieter, more peaceful spots along the rim.
The highlight of the day? Catching the sunset at Hermit’s Rest Viewpoint. It was far less crowded than other lookouts and gave us the perfect, serene moment to reflect on just how massive and majestic the canyon truly is. This day was a true reminder of how unforgettable a Sedona to Grand Canyon journey can be.
Day 4: Grand Canyon to Page (Antelope Canyon)
On Day 4 of our adventure, we made the journey from the Grand Canyon to Page, and I honestly can’t recommend this route enough, it was packed with unforgettable moments and iconic scenery. We started the day early to catch the sunrise and trust me, whether you choose Mather Point or Desert View Watchtower, watching the first light spill over the Grand Canyon is something you’ll remember forever. It was the perfect send-off before leaving this natural wonder behind.
After a quick breakfast, we drove east along Desert View Drive, taking our time to pull over at scenic overlooks like Lipan Point and Navajo Point for a few final photos. Leaving the park, we continued our Sedona to Grand Canyon-inspired journey by heading toward Page, with the ever-changing desert views keeping us captivated the whole way.
By mid-morning, we reached the Cameron Trading Post, a great place to stretch our legs and check out authentic Native American crafts and souvenirs. It’s worth the stop, even just to admire the historic architecture and grab a quick snack. From there, the drive north was smooth, and we rolled into Page around lunchtime, ready to refuel before the next big highlight of the day.
We had a guided tour of Antelope Canyon booked in advance (and you absolutely should too, tours fill up fast!), and it completely lived up to the hype. The sculpted sandstone, the light beams, the colors, it felt like stepping into a dream. By late afternoon, we made our way to Horseshoe Bend. It’s a short, easy walk from the parking area, and the view from above the Colorado River’s massive curve is jaw-dropping—especially during golden hour.
After sunset, we headed into town for dinner and then checked into a cozy local hotel for the night. If you’re doing a Sedona to Grand Canyon itinerary, this day is a must, packed with sights, culture, and experiences that truly capture the magic of Arizona.
Day 5: Antelope Canyon
If you’re planning a Sedona to Grand Canyon road trip and want to add something truly unique to your itinerary, kayaking to Antelope Canyon is an experience I can’t recommend enough. While most travelers are familiar with the guided tours through the famous upper and lower slot canyons, there’s a lesser-known, much more peaceful way to explore this natural wonder.
Instead of joining the usual crowd, we decided to rent individual kayaks from Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks, which turned out to be the highlight of our trip. Starting from Antelope Point Marina, we paddled out into the shimmering blue expanse of Lake Powell. The contrast of water against the desert landscape was breathtaking. As part of our Sedona to Grand Canyon journey, this detour offered a totally different perspective of the state’s natural beauty.
After 20 to 30 minutes of paddling, we reached the mouth of Antelope Canyon, clearly marked with a “5mph No Wake” sign and a noticeable uptick in boat traffic. From there, the canyon walls began to close in, creating a surreal corridor of smooth white sandstone streaked with orange and violet hues. Floating through this otherworldly slot canyon without the crowds, guides, or time limits was incredibly serene.
Best time to road trip from Sedona to Grand Canyon
The optimal time for a road trip from Sedona to Grand Canyon is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) seasons. These periods offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, enhancing the overall experience.
In spring, Sedona’s red rocks are complemented by blooming wildflowers, and the Grand Canyon’s South Rim becomes more accessible as snow melts. However, be prepared for occasional chilly mornings and potential late snowfalls at higher elevations.
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During fall, the weather remains pleasant, and the changing foliage adds a vibrant touch to the landscapes. This season also sees a decline in tourist numbers, allowing for a more tranquil visit.
While summer is a popular time for travel, it’s important to note that temperatures can soar, especially in lower elevations like Sedona, and the Grand Canyon can become quite crowded. Conversely, winter offers a serene atmosphere with snow-covered vistas but comes with the risk of road closures and limited accessibility due to snow and ice.
For the best experience from Sedona to Grand Canyon, plan your trip during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, ensuring comfortable weather conditions and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Conclusion
Traveling from Sedona to Grand Canyon offers more than just a scenic route, it’s an unforgettable journey through Arizona’s most iconic landscapes. From the red rocks of Sedona to the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon, every mile brings a new reason to fall in love with the Southwest. So pack your bags, fuel up your vehicle, and prepare for a drive that’s as breathtaking as the destinations themselves.
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