From Sedona to the Grand Canyon: 4 Best Ways to Get There
Authors Michael and Lana Law spent many winters living in Sedona and visiting the Grand Canyon is always one of their favorite things to do.
From Sedona to the Grand Canyon South Rim is just over 100 miles, and although the trip should take 2.25 hours, it will most likely take much longer due to the incredible scenery along the way. Beautiful vistas will have you turning off the highway and grabbing your camera more often than you may expect.
A variety of transport options are on offer and include self-drive, tours, and a shuttle/train combo. The highway route is very well marked, and two options present themselves at Flagstaff. The route along scenic highway 180 is recommended for the incredible variety of landscapes, ranging from soaring mountains and tall pine forests to wide-open, high desert plains with Pinon Pines.
Be prepared for some sections of busy single-lane roads and limited passing opportunities, especially for the first half of the trip. If you are in a rush, it will only end in frustration.
The purpose of your trip may define the type of transport option you choose. Self-drive offers the greatest flexibility. If you'd rather sit back and relax and let someone else worry about the driving, take a tour. To mix it up a bit, take a shuttle/train combo and get the best of both modes of transport. If budget is not an issue, take a private guided tour in a luxury vehicle.
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From Sedona to the Grand Canyon by Car
Driving the route from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is scenic and relatively easy, apart from the drive through Oak Creek Canyon up to Flagstaff. This is a narrow and windy road, which can be slippery in winter if there is snow or sleet. Once you get to the top of the hill, the rest of the drive is relatively flat and straightforward.
The route starts on the twisty and winding Highway 89A. Set deep in Oak Creek Canyon, this pretty route takes you past some of Sedona's best hiking trails and campgrounds. Eventually, the road meets the end of the canyon, and you'll begin a steep, twisty ascent, complete with very tight hairpin bends and drop-offs. Note that the highway has a 50-foot overall limit, and it is strongly recommended that large RVs not take this route.
Stop in at the rest areas at the top of the ascent to relax at the wonderful viewpoint out over Oak Creek Canyon; occasionally local artisans will have their handmade goods for sale.
The road then continues on to Flagstaff, joining briefly with I-17. Follow the signs for Highway 180, and as you head out of town keep an eye out for 12,633-foot-high Mount Humphreys, home of Arizona Snowbowl, one of Arizona's best downhill ski resorts.
The road then descends past smaller peaks and eventually emerges from the forest into the high desert scrub and pinyon pine trees. Take a right where Highway 180 joins Highway 64, and pass through Grand Canyon Village before entering the park and the South Rim area. You can park at the visitors' center.
An alternate route, about five minutes faster, is to exit onto Interstate 40 as you approach Flagstaff and head west for about 40 minutes. Then take the exit for Highway 64 north at Williams.
This route is easier due to the divided highway section but much less scenic, as you'll miss the peaks north of Flagstaff. A good option is to do a loop where you take Highway 180 on the way there and the Highway 64 and Interstate 40 combo on the way back to Sedona.
From Sedona to the Grand Canyon by Tour
If you don't have your own car or the thought of a 4.5-hour round-trip drive on twisty roads gives you pause, a tour is another option. Sedona is a tourist town and has a wonderful assortment of first-class operators providing well-regarded tours that include hotel pickup and drop-off.
One good popular trip is the Sedona/Grand Canyon Deluxe Tour. Limited to 14 people, it has an exclusive feel. The tour heads up Oak Creek Canyon and through Flagstaff and on to the Grand Canyon. At the South Rim, you'll have time to wander around and soak up the views and perhaps grab a bite to eat.
The tour then continues along the South Rim, stopping along the way at the famous Desert View Watchtower. From here, the drive leads onwards through the Navajo Nation, stopping in at the historical Cameron Trading Post for a bit of shopping before finally finishing back in Sedona.
If you are interested in the Native American history of the region, the Full-Day Grand Canyon Complete Tour may be more what you are looking for. This tour, which runs in the reverse direction of the one described above, takes in the fascinating natural volcanic phenomenon at Sunset Crater and the historic ruins at Wupatki, and includes a stop at Cameron Trading Post, where Navajo artisans showcase their work.
The tour then runs along the East Rim of the Grand Canyon past the Desert View Watchtower before stopping in at Grand Canyon Village, where you'll have time to wander around and be astounded by the stunning views. The trip then departs and returns back to Sedona.
From Sedona to the Grand Canyon by Train
Railway buffs and those looking for something a bit different may want to take the train to the Grand Canyon. The train carriages, dating from 1901, have been beautifully restored to their original glory. The train passes through forested areas and then emerges to the high desert plains, eventually stopping at the South Rim railway station. The entire route is narrated by knowledgeable and friendly train staff. Keep your eyes out for a pre-departure Wild West shootout and possible bandits along the way!
Although the train does not leave from Sedona, it does leave from Williams, approximately 75 minutes away. Independent travelers with a car can drive to Williams and hop on the Grand Canyon Railway and take the train to and from the Grand Canyon.
Another option is to take the Grand Canyon Railroad Excursion from Sedona, which is a full-day tour that includes all transportation. This tour provides transport from Sedona to Williams, a one-way train trip to the Grand Canyon, and then coach transport from the Grand Canyon along the East Rim and back down through the Navajo Nation with a stop in at the Cameron Trading Post for shopping before returning to Sedona.
The train departs daily at 9:30am and returns back to Williams at 6:45pm. The train ride itself is 2:15 minutes each way. You'll have three hours to explore the Grand Canyon. During the busiest season in the summer, additional departures from Williams may be added.
It's best to book the train well in advance during the high season that runs from April through September.
From Sedona to the Grand Canyon by Rideshare
A good mid-range option for those who think convenience trumps cost is rideshare. With this option, you can set your pickup time and location and let someone else do the driving. Booking is easy via the UBER or Lyft apps on your smartphone.
This option is especially attractive if you are traveling in a group of four, and the cost can be split among the riders. Prior to booking, pop on either one of the apps and get an estimate of the cost. If you are looking for a round-trip price, your driver will probably be willing to arrange a less costly return trip outside of the ridesharing app.
When making the arrangements with your driver, ensure that they take the more scenic route along Highway 180. The rideshare app will likely want to route you along the Interstate and Highway 64. This route is about five minutes shorter but significantly less enjoyable.
Train buffs without a car may want to make arrangements to go to Williams via rideshare and catch the train to/from the Grand Canyon.
