Sedona, Arizona
Red Rock Gateway to the Grand Canyon
Tours & Experiences from Sedona
Sedona is a launch point for unforgettable day trips. Guided tours include full-day South Rim excursions, where drivers handle the long journey and parking so you can focus on the views. Others combine Sedona’s own red rock formations with Grand Canyon sightseeing, giving you the best of both landscapes.
For those short on time, airplane and helicopter tours from Sedona’s airport provide breathtaking canyon views in less than two hours. Many operators also pair canyon tours with visits to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, or Monument Valley, making Sedona an ideal hub for multi-day northern Arizona adventures.
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Grand Canyon Tour
Guided South Rim day trip from Sedona with round-trip... More
- Full Day • Departs Sedona, AZ
- Guided Canyon Experience
- Historic & Cultural Highlights
- Comfortable & Scenic Return
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Private Grand Canyon Tour From Sedona
Eco-friendly private tour from Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim... More
- Full Day • Sedona to Grand Canyon, AZ
- Intimate Canyon Exploration
- Journey Through Arizona’s Beauty
- Eco-Friendly Comfort and Style
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Grand Canyon Aerial Tour From Sedona
Scenic aerial flight from Sedona to the Grand Canyon and back.... More
- 1.5 Hours • Sedona, AZ
- Comfortable Scenic Experience
- Sedona Departure & Scenic Route
- Exclusive Grand Canyon Views
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Grand Canyon Signature Tour From Sedona – South Rim with Hummer Tour
Half-day scenic flight and ground tour from Sedona to the Grand... More
- 5–6 Hours • Sedona, AZ
- Scenic Arizona Flight
- Exclusive Grand Canyon Overflight
- Hummer Ground Exploration
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The West Sedona Canyon Tour
ATV ride through Sedona’s red rock backcountry with training... More
- 3–4 Hrs • Sedona, AZ
- Drive Your Own ATV
- Summit Views & Film Lore
- From $209 Per ATV
Things to Do in and Around Sedona
Sedona is a picturesque town in northern Arizona, renowned for its striking red rock formations and vibrant arts scene. Visitors are drawn to its natural beauty and spiritual ambiance, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and artists alike.
In Town Activities
Stroll the Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) for dramatic sandstone views, browse dozens of art galleries and shops showcasing Native and local art, and explore Uptown Sedona, where cafés, boutiques, and restaurants come with red rock backdrops. For something more restorative, try spiritual and wellness experiences, from meditation retreats to spa treatments.
Near Town
Hike iconic trails like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, wander the lush Oak Creek Canyon, or cool off at Slide Rock State Park, a natural water slide perfect for summer. Jeep tours climb sandstone ridges for thrilling off-road adventures and panoramic views.
Family Favorities
Sedona is surprisingly family-friendly. Kids love splashing in Oak Creek, sliding down the natural rock chutes at Slide Rock State Park, and spotting wildlife along trails. Jeep tours add a dose of adventure, while in-town ice cream shops and casual eateries make dining easy after a day outdoors.
Cultural & Historical Experiences
Sedona’s cultural side shines through its galleries, Native craft shops, and spiritual heritage. The town is also a hub for wellness retreats, with yoga, healing sessions, and vortex tours. Just north, Montezuma Castle National Monument reveals cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people. Seasonal art walks, film festivals, and cultural fairs connect visitors with the community’s creative spirit.
Best Time to Visit Sedona
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) for mild weather.
- Spring (March–May) – Wildflowers bloom and temperatures are perfect for hiking and photography.
- Summer (June–August) – Hot afternoons, but mornings and evenings are comfortable; Oak Creek offers a cool escape.
- Fall (September–November) – The most popular season, with crisp air, golden leaves in Oak Creek Canyon, and perfect hiking weather.
- Winter (December–February) – Quiet streets, light crowds, and occasional dustings of snow on the red rocks make for magical scenery.
Events & Festivals
Sedona’s calendar is as colorful as its scenery.
- Sedona International Film Festival – A world-renowned festival each spring.
- Sedona Arts Festival – Celebrating local and regional art in the fall.
- Red Rock Fantasy – A winter lights festival.
- First Friday Art Walks – Monthly gallery openings and cultural events.
- Plus: wellness retreats, yoga gatherings, and music festivals throughout the year.
Where to Eat
Sedona’s dining scene is as varied as its landscapes. Enjoy Southwestern cuisine with canyon views, farm-to-table restaurants focused on local ingredients, or casual spots like burger joints and pizza parlors. Many restaurants feature patios where you can dine with a red rock backdrop. Don’t miss a sunset cocktail on an outdoor terrace.
Where to Stay
Sedona has lodging for every traveler, from luxury resorts with spas and pools to boutique inns and cozy bed-and-breakfasts. Vacation rentals are popular for longer stays, while campgrounds and RV parks cater to outdoor adventurers. For romance or wellness, Sedona’s high-end resorts offer retreats with views that rival the canyon itself.
Suggested Itineraries
Most visitors spend 3–5 days in Sedona, often combining it with a Grand Canyon trip.
1 Day Itinerary
Morning: Hike Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock.
Afternoon: Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway and stop at art galleries in Uptown Sedona.
Evening: Dinner with a view, followed by stargazing outside town.
👉 Best for travelers adding Sedona to a Grand Canyon trip.
2-3 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Uptown Sedona, shop galleries, and take a Jeep tour.
Day 2: Full-day guided trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Day 3: Relax with a spa treatment or hike Oak Creek Canyon before heading out.
👉 Great for couples and families.
Weeklong Adventure
Mix Sedona’s red rock hikes, art galleries, and wellness retreats with day trips to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Page (Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend), and Flagstaff. Return each evening to Sedona’s resorts and restaurants.
👉 Best for travelers who want adventure balanced with relaxation.
Sedona pairs beautifully with the Grand Canyon. Whether you’re here for a short stay, a romantic retreat, or a full week of exploring northern Arizona, we’ll help create an itinerary that blends canyon adventures with Sedona’s red rock beauty.
👉 Tell us your travel dates and favorite activities, and we’ll build a personalized Sedona experience just for you.
Insider Tips
- Sedona gets crowded in fall — book lodging early.
- Traffic can back up on weekends; plan morning hikes to beat the rush.
- Bring layers: temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
- Many trails require Red Rock Passes for parking; pick one up in town.
- Don’t miss sunrise at Airport Mesa — one of the best views in town.
Practical Travel Info
Location: ~115 miles south of the South Rim; ~30 miles south of Flagstaff.
Getting There:
- From Phoenix: ~2 hours via I-17 North.
- From Flagstaff: ~45 minutes via SR 89A.
- From South Rim: ~2 hours via US-180 and SR 89A.
Air Travel: Closest major airports are Phoenix (PHX) and Flagstaff (FLG).
Elevation: 4,350 feet — warmer than Flagstaff but cooler than Phoenix.
Notable Features
Stunning pink sandstone formations that glow at sunrise and sunset.
Town Highlights
Vibrant arts community, spiritual vortex sites, and numerous hiking and biking trails.
Weather / Climate Overview
Sedona, Arizona, experiences a desert climate with summer temperatures averaging 90°F and mild winters that may see occasional snowfall.
Crowd Levels / Peak Times
Busy during spring and fall; summer weekends attract many visitors.
Accessibility Notes
Certain trails and attractions in Sedona are designed to accommodate wheelchair users.
Shuttle / Transport Info
From Phoenix, take I-17 N to AZ-179 N; approximately 2 hours.
Nearest Major Airport: SDX (Sedona ~45 min); CTW (Cottonwood ~45 min); FLG (Flagstaff ~45 min)
What to Bring
Comfortable hiking shoes; sunscreen; water bottles; camera.
Safety Tips
Stay hydrated due to Sedona’s dry climate; watch for wildlife, especially snakes and deer; and verify trail conditions before hiking.
Cell Service / WiFi
Cell service in Sedona is generally reliable, and Wi-Fi is offered in numerous lodging options throughout the area.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Use public transport or carpool, and respect local wildlife and natural resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Sedona from the Grand Canyon?
About two hours by car to the South Rim.
Is Sedona worth visiting if I’m focused on the Grand Canyon?
Yes — many travelers combine both, enjoying Sedona’s hikes, art, and relaxation before or after the canyon.
Do I need a Red Rock Pass?
Yes, many trailhead parking areas require a daily or weekly pass, available at kiosks and shops.
Is Sedona family-friendly?
Absolutely. Jeep tours, Slide Rock State Park, and Oak Creek Canyon are big hits with kids.
What’s Sedona known for besides red rocks?
Its vibrant art community, spiritual vortex sites, and wellness retreats.
What is the best time for hiking in Sedona?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking.
Park Gateway Towns
The Grand Canyon is surrounded by towns and cities that each offer their own character, comforts, and connections to the park. Whether you want to stay steps from the entrance or combine your trip with other Southwest adventures, these gateways provide the perfect starting points.
Tusayan, AZ
Just outside the South Rim entrance, Tusayan is the easiest base for park explorers. Hotels, restaurants, and even a seasonal shuttle make it simple to stay close to the action. After a day on the rim, you can grab a hearty steak dinner or catch a Grand Canyon IMAX film before resting up for tomorrow’s adventure.
Williams, AZ
Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” Williams sits on historic Route 66. Its biggest draw is the Grand Canyon Railway — a vintage train that whistles its way through forests and high desert straight to the South Rim. Staying here means you can mix small-town charm, classic diners, and a touch of nostalgia with your canyon trip.
Flagstaff, AZ
A little farther away but worth the drive, Flagstaff offers a lively downtown with craft breweries, mountain views, and a college-town vibe. It’s big enough for museums and cultural stops but still close enough to the canyon for day trips. Many travelers use Flagstaff as their hub to explore both the Grand Canyon and the wider wonders of northern Arizona.
Las Vegas, NV
Beyond its glittering lights, Las Vegas is a major launch point for Grand Canyon tours. Helicopter flights from the Strip soar over Hoover Dam and the Colorado River before touching down at the West Rim, while bus and plane tours offer easy day trips for travelers looking to add the canyon to their Vegas getaway.
Phoenix, AZ
Arizona’s capital city is the main gateway for air travelers, with Sky Harbor International Airport just 3.5 hours from the South Rim. Many visitors begin their Grand Canyon journey here, enjoying desert gardens, world-class dining, and cultural attractions before heading north to the rim.
Page, AZ
Situated on the shores of Lake Powell, Page is the doorway to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Glen Canyon. It pairs beautifully with a Grand Canyon trip, offering opportunities for smooth-water rafting, slot canyon hikes, and exploring the river country east of the park.
What Visitors Say About Sedona
Plan Your Grand Canyon Adventure
Sedona offers a softer side to a Grand Canyon trip — one filled with color, art, and soul. With its red rock trails, vibrant community, and easy access to the canyon, it’s the perfect complement to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
👉 Start planning your Sedona adventure today.
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CONTACT US
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National Park Tours
700 Rochelle Cir
Fort Collins, CO 80526 -
Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book
