A Road Trip From Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park Can Be Done In One Day
If you are lucky enough to be in sunny Sedona, you have the unique opportunity to take a scenic road trip from Sedona to the Grand Canyon.
We combined our vacation in Sedona with a two day trip to the Grand Canyon but a day trip would be completely doable if you leave early and you are up for a big driving day.
You have two driving options to reach the Grand Canyon from Sedona. You can drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon South Entrance near Williams, Arizona or take the more scene drive to its East Entrance visiting some unique stops along the way.
We’ll cover both of these driving options from Sedona to the Grand Canyon so you can make the best decision for your vacation. Get ready to check off another bucket list destination! Seeing the Grand Canyon is totally worth it!
Too busy to plan a family vacation? See our simply awesome Sedona and the Grand Canyon Itinerary
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Two Route Options From Sedona To Grand Canyon National Park
Distance From Sedona To Grand Canyon
You have two driving routes to consider from Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park. You can enter the park from the South Entrance or from its East Entrance
The shortest distance from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is driving to the South Entrance by way of Williams, Arizona. This route is 113 miles and takes approximately 2 hours of driving time.
The most scenic route, however, is driving from Sedona to the Grand Canyon’s East Entrance. It is about the same mileage but takes about 30 minutes longer.
If you’re willing to add on a few hours to your road trip, you can visit four fascinating side stops along the way and avoid the crowded entry of the South Entrance. More on that below!
Option 1: Day Trip From Sedona To Grand Canyon’s South Entrance
The South Entrance is the most popular (crowded!) entrance to the Grand Canyon but might be best to avoid if you can. Sitting in car traffic is a tough way to start your Grand Canyon adventure! Lines at the most-used South Entrance can take hours during popular times (Spring Break and summer.)
The South Entrance, however, is the closest entrance to Canyon Village (lodging, restaurants, Visitor Center, etc) but you may have to wait in a long line to get into the park.
If you decide to enter here, bring activities for the kiddos and monitor the entrance station’s webcam to see how long the lines are before setting out.
Tip: Arrive before 9am for the shortest of the long lines!
If you already have an entry pass – stay in the left lane as you approach the South Entrance Station and enter through lane 1 (far left).
The advantage of the South Entrance is that it puts you just 5 miles from the main Grand Canyon Visitor Center in Grand Canyon Village.
If you don’t want to drive back to Sedona on the same day, consider staying in one of the Lodges in the Grand Canyon (reserve early!) or check out lodging in the nearby towns of Tusayan or Williams, Arizona.
Option 2: Road Trip From Sedona To Grand Canyon’s East Entrance
Your second option for a road trip from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is to drive to the Grand Canyon’s Eastern Entrance. From Sedona, this incredibly scenic drive takes less than 3 hours of driving time, but if you’re willing to add on a few hours you can visit four fascinating side stops along the way including stops at two amazing national monuments.
Make a day of it and enjoy this incredibly scenic road trip to the East Entrance of the Grand Canyon!
The East Entrance has the advantage of being the least crowded one of the park, and the drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon’s East Entrance is the most scenic route.
Once you arrive at East Entrance and enter the national park, the fun begins immediately with a stop at Desert View Watchtower.
After catching your first views of the Grand Canyon here, you’ll drive along the incredibly scenic Desert View Drive from the East Entrance to Grand Canyon Village stopping at the scenic overlooks along the way.
By skipping the crowds at the South Entrance station, you now have plenty of time to explore and enjoy as you make your way towards Canyon Village!
If you can swing it, we highly recommend trying to stay at least one or two nights inside Grand Canyon National Park. Staying inside the park is such a special experience. We loved our stay at Kachina Lodge and would love to stay at the historic El Tovar Hotel.
See our Grand Canyon With Kids for our favorite activities at the Grand Canyon.
4 Stops On The Way To The Grand Canyon (Entering From East Entrance)
On your way from Sedona to Grand Canyon’s East Entrance, you’ll have the chance make these highly recommended stops along the way:
- Oak Creek Canyon to purchase Native American-made souvenirs and take in the views
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument to witness evidence of an extinct volcano
- The Wupatki National Monument where you can walk through the pueblos that were occupied 900 years ago
- The Desert View Watch Tower in Grand Canyon National Park for your first views of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon
Stop 1- Oak Creek Canyon
It is a beautiful drive north on US 89 to the Grand Canyon and driving through Oak Creek Canyon from Sedona is a treat.
You’ll find several vendors at the Oak Creek Canyon Vista Overlook selling unique Native American crafts, pottery, and jewelry making it a great stop to take a break from the driving and stretch your legs.
It’s roughly 30 minutes from Sedona to the Oak Creek Canyon Vista Overlook.
Even if you don’t include a road trip to the Grand Canyon during your time in Sedona, you should consider the opportunity to visit Oak Creek Canyon.
Tip: At Midgely Bridge, there’s a vista point with an especially unforgettable backdrop where you’ll want to stop and use that wide-angle lens.
Stop 2- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Just 40 minutes from Stop 1, you’ll arrive at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
Allow 1 hour to stop at the Visitor Center and hike the one mile Lava Flow Trail to see the black, jagged and twisted lava and ash formed from extinct volcanoes.
Self-guiding trail booklets are available for purchase in the Visitor Center.
A $20 vehicle fee covers entrance to both Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments and admission is free with an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass.
Sunset Crater is a little over one hour’s drive from Sedona.
Stop 3- Wupatki National Monument
If you have time for just one of these National Monuments, go here. The drive to Wupatki National Monument is beautiful with views of the Painted Desert and the ponderosa highlands of northern Arizona in the distance.
Wupatki National Monument is located just 25 minutes from Sunset Crater National Monument.
Stop at the Visitor Center and take a self-guided walk through the pueblos that were occupied 900 years ago. Visitors can even go inside the largest pueblo.
Allow an hour.
From Wupatki National Monument, it will be about a 50 minute drive to the East Entrance of the Grand Canyon.
Stop 4- Grand Canyon National Park- Desert View Watch Tower
You’ve made it! When entering Grand Canyon National Park from the East Entrance, your first stop on your way to Canyon Village will be at the Desert View Watch Tower.
The tower is located roughly 40 minutes and 25 miles east of the park’s Canyon Village where you will be (hopefully) staying, so now is a good time to visit it.
Some of the finest views of the Colorado River and canyon geology are seen from here.
Desert Tower at Grand Canyon National Park 
2nd floor of tower
The first floor of the tower is open for viewing and cultural demonstrations take place throughout the week. If you want to visit the upstairs of the tower, you must get a ticket (free) from the tent set up outside the tower.
Kids will love climbing the stairs of the tower, and it is the perfect place for their first glimpse of the Grand Canyon.
P.S. Restrooms and a market (with deli) are nearby the Tower.
See our Visiting Grand Canyon With Kids for more details, lodging recommendations, and additional activities.
You’ve Arrived! Welcome to the Grand Canyon!
From Desert View Watchtower, drive 40 minutes to reach the Visitor Center in Grand Canyon Village.
From the Visitor Center in Canyon Village, you can view the Canyon from Mather Point, attend a ranger program, or stroll the Rim Walk for additional jaw-dropping views of the canyon. You’ll also find a variety of restaurants to grab a bite to eat.
After touring, you can drive back to Sedona through Williams for a roughly 2 hour drive. If you can’t stand the thought of two more hours in the car, check out lodging in Williams, Arizona. or Tusayan.
What a terrific road trip from Sedona to the Grand Canyon! See our Visiting Grand Canyon With Kids and our Sedona Itinerary for more details, lodging recommendations, and additional activities. Happy Trails! –Amy
