Sedona To Grand Canyon: 10 BEST Road Trip Stops & Routes
Planning a road trip through Arizona from Sedona to the Grand Canyon? I’ve got you covered with the best stops along the way!
I’ve done this drive myself a few times as a Southwest desert lover- and it is a beautiful drive with tons to see.
This adventure promises an unforgettable experience, as you traverse through Arizona’s stunning landscapes and discover nature’s most remarkable creations. From breweries to the tallest peak in Arizona to an extinct volcano- there is a lot to see on this drive.
So fasten your seatbelt and get ready to witness Mother Nature’s finest masterpieces on this captivating journey from Sedona to the Grand Canyon.
kateroamstheworld.com contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I believe in. Read my disclaimer for more information.
Planning your trip? Use my favorite resources!
Accommodation – Booking.com to find the best deals on hotels.
Flights – Skyscanner to look for the best prices and deals on flights.
Rental cars – DiscoverCars to shop around at multiple car rental agencies.
Travel insurance – Safety Wing; keep your trips insured to protect yourself while traveling.
Tours/experiences – Viator or Get Your Guide are excellent sources for tours.
10 Best Stops: Sedona To Grand Canyon
The drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon covers 114 miles and will take you about 2 1/2 hours without stops.
But there is plenty to do between these two famous destinations, so set aside a few more hours to make some pitstops!
1. Stop at Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park is located just 15 minutes north of Sedona along Highway 89A. This state park makes for the perfect stop on a hot Arizona day.
🎟 A vehicle day pass in the summer at Slide Rock costs $20, while it is 10$ for the rest of the year. The swimming area closes 1 hour prior to closing time.
The main attraction here is the natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek. It’s a lot of fun to slide down and cool off in the water- but be prepared for potentially chilly water!
Apart from the slide, there are other areas along Oak Creek where you can swim and relax. The creek’s water is clear and refreshing, making it a great spot to cool down in the Arizona heat.
🎒 Don’t forget to pack: a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, water, snacks, and waterproof sandals to wear into the water.
Even if the weather isn’t cooperating or its t!o chilly for a swim, Slide Rock State Park is a great stop to explore and take some photos. There are a few short trails along the creek with views of the iconic Sedona red rocks. Here’s why you should consider a Sedona winter visit!
2. Drive through the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon
The drive through Oak Creek Canyon will be right on your way from Sedona to the Grand Canyon via Highway 89A.
It is a scenic and breathtaking byway that takes you through a stunning natural landscape of red rock formations, lush forests, and the picturesque Oak Creek.
The drive offers numerous pullouts and viewpoints where you can stop to take in the breathtaking scenery. One of the best you’ll find along the way is Oak Creek Vista which has an expansive view of the canyon and creek.
3. Hike the West Fork trail
If you have time for a hike along your route from Sedona to the Grand Canyon, make it be along the West Fork trail!
The West Fork Trailhead is located about 10 miles north of Sedona along Highway 89A. The trail is an out-and-back route, and the length of your hike will depend on how far you choose to go.
The further you go, the more narrow the canyon walls become and have that unique curved ‘subway’ appearance within the creek. The hike is likened to The Subway hike in Zion National Park, a coveted trail that is difficult to win permits for.
This trail is especially crowded during the autumn months since the trail comes alive with bright yellow fall foliage. So be sure to get there early to grab a parking spot.
The hike is 6.5 miles round trip with 565 feet of elevation gain.
⚠️ Be cautious when crossing Oak Creek, especially after rain, as water levels can rise quickly. Rocks near the creek can be slippery, so take your time and wear appropriate footwear.
Interested in more Southwest road trip ideas? Here’s a list of epic stops along the route from Las Vegas to Monument Valley!
4. Eat a Navajo Taco or Fry Bread in Flagstaff
Referred to as Indian Fry Bread or Navajo Fry Bread, this tasty treat can be served either sweet or savory.
It is a deep fried flatbread that tastes similar to funnel cake to me. The bread is light on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Before traveling through Northern Arizona I hadn’t heard of Navajo fry bread before. Now I make an effort each time I’m there to grab some!
The last time I was driving through Flagstaff I stopped at Hankerin, and got a sweet fry bread with honey and powdered sugar as well as a Navajo Taco! Its a hidden gem of a restaurant and totally worth checking out!
5. Climb Humphrey’s Peak- The Tallest Mountain in Arizona!
The top of Humprey’s Peak sits at 12,633 feet making it the tallest mountain in the state of Arizona.
The mountain is apart of the San Francisco peaks, the signature peaks that dominate the surrounding backdrop of Flagstaff.
The hike up to the tallest point in Arizona is demanding and will take half a day, but the strenuous climb is worth it! On a clear day you can even see the Grand Canyon from the summit. And in the fall you can the explosion of bright yellow Aspen trees.
The hike is 10.1 miles roundtrip with 3,380 feet of elevation gain. There is no technical climbing or equipment needed.
Be sure to take plenty of water, electrolytes, snacks, and sun protection on your hike.
6. Stop at one of Flag’s many breweries
If you’re into craft beer, don’t miss stopping at some breweries in Flagstaff. The town even calls it the ‘Flagstaff Brewery Trail’ and touts itself as Arizona’s leading craft beer city.
I’ve personally been to Lumberyard Brewing Company and Beaver Street Brewery, both of which I highly recommend. Both also serve great food as well. And since there is great weather year round, many places have areas to sit and enjoy the views outside.
Other breweries that are highly rated include: Mother Road Brewing Company, Wanderlust Brewing Company, and Hops on Birch.
☕️ Not up for a brew or passing through Flagstaff too early? The town also has lots of coffee shops & cafes to stop in! Firecreek Coffee Company, Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery, & Matador Coffee Roasting Company all make great stops.
7. Take a scenic gondola ride
During the summer and fall months you can take a scenic gondola ride up at the Arizona Skibowl.
You get incredible views of Flagstaff and the surrounding area. I did this gondola during early October one year and got amazing views of the yellow Aspen trees from above!
🎟 The rides are available daily from 10 AM – 4 PM and tickets are 18$ a person for a roundtrip ride. There are also sunset rides on select Fridays & Saturdays! 🌅
During the winter months, the gondola is used for skiing and snowboarding. Yup that’s right there is snow and winter sports in Arizona!
If you’re visiting in winter and would like to partake, visit the Snowbowl website for more info.
8. ‘Get Your Kicks on Route 66’ in Williams, AZ
A detour on your route from Sedona to the Grand Canyon can take you to the best preserved section of Route 66. The Main Street of the town looks a lot like it did in the 1950s.
Shop for Route 66 souvenirs and snap photos of the old fashioned surroundings. Eat at Cruisers 66 Cafe where you can enjoy diner staples and sit among Route 66 trinkets and artifacts.
📚 Why is Route 66 so significant? Because it was the primary route for farmers heading to California during the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. Since, the road has been made popular in American books, television, and movies.
There is also the Goldies Route 66 Diner serving up classic diner fare, or Station 66 with Italian favorites.
The town is also the start of the vintage Grand Canyon Railway where they have daily train rides to the Grand Canyon and back.
The railway started back in 1901 and the ride to the Grand Canyon takes 2 hours and 15 minutes one way.
9. Stop at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Sunset Crater is an extinct cinder cone volcano, and the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau. In the year 1085, the volcano had erupted lava into the sky and displaced many of the residents that lived nearby.
Today, you can hike the accessible 1 mile Lava Flow Trail to explore the Bonito Lava Flow and other volcanic features. Explore the short A’a Trail to see the jagged rocks of the cooled basaltic lava.
On the way to the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff, take Highway 89 North for 12 miles and the entrance to Sunset Crater will be on your right.
Do the scenic 34 mile loop drive that will take you from Sunset Crater Volcano through the Ponderosa Pine forest and to Wupatki National Monument.
🎟 A one day vehicle pass to visit this National Monument costs 25$. If you have your America the Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass– your admission will be free.
10. Visit Wupatki National Monument
Wupatki National Monument is located just 20 miles North of Sunset Crater, and your admission fee will cover both parks!
This is a Native American archaeological and heritage site so treat with extra are and be sure to leave no trace.
After the eruption of Sunset Crater, the residents of Wupatki realized that farming could actually be easier due to the cinder and ash keeping the soil moist.
Because of this new community of agriculture, they were able to construct bigger multi- level pueblos. This site at one time was the largest trading post for 50 miles.
While here, you can visit the museum where there are exhibits showcasing the stories of those that resided here.
There is also a 0.5 mile, 30 minute self guided tour you can take behind the visitor center of the largest of seven pueblos along four trails. There are also the Wukoki and Citadel trails to see more dwellings and structures.
🕰 Touring all of the pueblos in Wupatki National Monument will take approximately 2 hours.
Driving Stops From Sedona To Grand Canyon Map
Sedona and the Grand Canyon make excellent weekend trips from Las Vegas!
Ways To Get From Sedona To Grand Canyon
There are more ways to get from the Sedona to the Grand Canyon other the traditional self driving road trip route. You can even visit by way of a scenic train ride!
By Car
Driving Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park will give you the most flexibility on your route to stop where you please.
This will even give you the option of staying the night in Flagstaff or Williams if you want more time in either place.
👉 Book your rental car through Discover Cars to browse through over 500 rental car companies in one stop and find the best deal for you! They offer free cancellation & no hidden fees.
By Tour
Going by tour to the Grand Canyon from Sedona is an excellent option to give you a less stressful journey while still hitting great stops along the way.
👉 Check out this small group Grand Canyon tour from Flagstaff or Sedona. This tour also features visits to Sunset Crater and Wupatki and lunch at a historic Navajo reservation!
By Scenic Train
Taking a train from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is probably the most unique means of transportation!
The train does not run direct, rather you will have to drive or get a shuttle from Sedona to Williams, AZ where the train will depart from.
As mentioned earlier in the Williams, AZ section of this article, this railway first started its operation in 1901.
Sit back and relax on this beautiful ride through Northern Arizona’s countryside. The ride will take 2 hours & 15 minutes one way. You will be able to explore and enjoy the Grand Canyon for about 3 hours.
👉 This tour is highly rated and will pick you up from your hotel in Sedona or Flagstaff and take you on the Grand Canyon Railway.
Where To Stay Along The Drive
If you want to stay a night along the drive, either Flagstaff or Williams make perfect pit stops along the way.
📍Little America Hotel Flagstaff
This beautifully decorated hotel is highly rated located on 500 acres of pines. There is a restaurant and bar onsite that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Flagstaff Shopping Plaza is located just 2 miles away.
📍Country Inn & Suites Flagstaff Downtown
This highly rated stay has a fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, and spa & wellness center. Breakfast is also included with your stay so you can start the day off right.
📍Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
If you’re planning on staying in Williams, then you’ve got to book a stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. There is just a 5 minute walk from downtown Williams and Historic Route 66.
There is a restaurant and pub onsite as well as an indoor pool and hot tub. This hotel is also perfect if you want to hop on the Grand Canyon Railway the next morning.
Sedona To Grand Canyon: FAQs
Still have more questions you want answered before embarking your drive in Northern Arizona? Keep reading below!
Is it worth it to drive to the Grand Canyon from Sedona?
Heck yeah! A drive from one beautiful place to another gorgeous place- very much worth it.
There is so much to do, from hikes to good food and brews, to state parks and historical landmarks. You won’t be disappointed with this drive in Arizona.
Can you do the Grand Canyon and Sedona in one day?
You can certainly do this drive in just one day. If you start the drive in the early morning you can fit in a few stops before getting to the Grand Canyon before sundown.
If you want to spend extra time in Flagstaff maybe doing some additional hiking or sightseeing, I recommend spending one night there before continuing your journey north.
How hard is it to drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon?
The drive is not hard and the route is fully paved. During the winter you should be prepared for winter conditions including snow and ice along the road!
Always stay up to do date on the latest road conditions before jetting off. Do note as well that this route is well traveled and you likely will never be alone on the roadway.
Conclusion: Sedona To Grand Canyon
In conclusion, the journey from Sedona to the Grand Canyon offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the stunning beauty of Arizona’s natural landscapes.
Whether you choose to embark on a guided tour or venture out on your own, this route presents an opportunity to witness awe-inspiring red rock formations, serene forests, and the grandeur of one of the world’s most famous natural wonders.
As you make your way through this breathtaking terrain, take the time to soak in every moment and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture that surrounds these iconic landmarks.
The Sedona to Grand Canyon journey promises adventure, tranquility, and memories that will last a lifetime!
