Planning Your Trip to Sedona & a Grand Canyon Day Trip

A simple step-by-step guide to the perfect Northern Arizona getaway

Getting to Sedona

• Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
  • Most common and best option
  • Wide range of flights and rental cars
• Drive from Phoenix to Sedona
  • ~2 hours scenic drive
  • Beautiful red rock approach on Highway 179
• Alternative airports:
  • Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (50 miles north)
  • Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas – ~4 hour drive)

Where to Stay in Sedona

• Stay at El Portal Sedona Hotel
• Historic 1900s adobe-style boutique hotel
• Only 12 unique rooms — book early
• Walk to:
  • Oak Creek
  • Shops & galleries
  • Restaurants
• Central location = one of the best in Sedona

Explore Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

• Visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
• Just steps from your room
• Features:
  • 40+ shops & galleries
  • Restaurants & wine tasting
  • Beautiful Spanish-style courtyards
• A must-see Sedona experience

Day Trip to the Grand Canyon (Easy & Worth It)

• Distance: ~100 miles from Sedona
• Perfect one-day trip

Suggested Plan:

• Leave Sedona by 8:00 AM
• Drive to the East Entrance (recommended)
• Explore scenic viewpoints along Desert View Drive
• Return to Sedona by dinner

Tips:

• Ask your hotel staff for the best route
• Bring water, snacks, and a camera
• Most visitors only need one full day

Best Sedona Hiking Trails (Top 10)

Sedona has 100+ trails — here are 10 favorites:

• Cathedral Rock (iconic views)
• Devil’s Bridge (largest natural arch)
• Bell Rock Pathway (easy & scenic)
• Airport Mesa Loop (sunset favorite)
• Soldier Pass Trail (Seven Sacred Pools & cave)
• Boynton Canyon (vortex energy site)
• West Fork Trail (shaded canyon hike)
• Fay Canyon (easy & family-friendly)
• Doe Mountain (flat-top panoramic views)
• Broken Arrow Trail (red rock adventure)

Take a Scenic Drive to Jerome & Cottonwood

• Drive 45 minutes west on Highway 89A

Stops:

• Jerome
  • Historic mining town
  • Shops, art galleries, incredible views
• Cottonwood
  • Great for lunch or dinner
  • Wine tasting rooms
  • Relaxed, local vibe

Dining & Travel Tips

• Sedona offers some of the best dining in Arizona
• Options for every budget
• Dress is casual everywhere

Important tips:

• Restaurants typically close early (8:00–8:30 PM)
• Make dinner reservations in advance
• Sedona lifestyle = early mornings, early evenings

Final Thought

• Sedona is not just a destination — it’s a place to slow down, recharge, and reconnect
• Combine it with a Grand Canyon day trip, and you have one of the most memorable experiences in the American Southwest

Introducing Terrapin Station – El Portal’s Newest Pet Friendly Vacation Rental

At El Portal, we are passionate about providing guests and their pets with luxurious places to stay as they experience all that Sedona has to offer. After years of operating our 12-suite hotel at 80% occupancy or higher, we decided that it was time to expand. However, there was no buildable space remaining on the hotel property, so when several buildings became available just up the road, we decided to purchase them. Channeling our love of architecture and design, we transformed these buildings into our vacation rental homes: Connie’s Place, Sarah’s Place, and our newest addition, Terrapin Station.

Named after the Grateful Dead album, Terrapin Station is located on a quiet, hidden street just steps from El Portal and within easy walking distance of the restaurants, boutiques and galleries of Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. We are proud that the property now serves as the only ADA-compliant short-term rental in Sedona. This charming 1930s bungalow has been completely remodeled in a classic Monterey style, offering our guests modern comfort in a historic setting. Key features of Terrapin Station include:

• Approximately 800 square feet of living space to accommodate up to four guests
• Fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, pots and pans, and other essentials
• One bedroom with a king bed, as well as a queen-sized sleeper couch
• Beautiful ADA-compliant bathroom
• Pet-friendly—and just like at El Portal, there are no pet fees!
• Fully enclosed private backyard with a barbecue and outdoor fireplace

Like El Portal, Terrapin Station is outfitted with items from owners Steve and Connie’s eclectic collection of furniture and art to create a unique, visually intriguing space. When renovating the bungalow, we worked with our trusted architects at Design Group to capture the charming Spanish Mission style of the 1930s, while providing guests (including those with mobility challenges) with all the modern comforts of home.

Located at 90 Brewer Road, Sedona, Ariz. 86336, Terrapin Station is now open for bookings. To learn more, visit https://90brewersedona.com or call us at 800-313-0017!