El Portal Sedona Hotel: The Ideal Base for Trips to the Grand Canyon

Considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking geological treasure that draws over five million visitors from across the globe each year. With its steep, multi-hued rock walls that contain nearly two billion years of history and sweeping vistas that span miles, a visit to the Canyon is a can’t-miss experience—yet staying overnight in or near Grand Canyon National Park can be challenging, as the area can become very crowded and the limited hotel options fill up quickly. Staying in Sedona offers the perfect alternative, allowing visitors to avoid the tourist congestion while accessing the Grand Canyon in less than two hours by car.

Day trips from Sedona to the Grand Canyon

If you plan to leave Sedona around 8-9 a.m., you’ll be able to arrive at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with ample time to take in all the spectacular views, check out the visitor centers, do some shopping, and return to Sedona by early evening. On your drive to the Canyon, there are many other attractions you may want to visit, including:

• Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Located just north of Flagstaff, Sunset Crater is a cinder cone within the San Francisco Volcanic Field. Maintained by the National Park Service in close conjunction with nearby Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater features various hiking trails and walkways—some of which are pet-friendly—through the surrounding ponderosa pine forest.
• Cameron Trading Post. Established in 1911 near a suspension bridge over the Little Colorado River, the Cameron Trading Post historically served as an important commerce center for the Navajo and Hopi people who lived in the area. Today, it is a fun cultural experience at the gateway to the Grand Canyon, where you’ll find an extensive selection of handcrafted jewelry, rugs, pottery, and other one-of-a-kind items. There’s also a convenience store and restaurant serving a beloved local specialty known as the Navajo Taco.

Let El Portal arrange your Grand Canyon tour

Through our personalized concierge services, El Portal is happy to book Grand Canyon tours and excursions that suit your schedule and interests. From guided tours to rafting the Colorado River, we are proud to partner with a variety of premier tour companies offering a range of experiences. For instance, our partners include:

• First Class Charter & Tours. This small, private group tour company specializes in scenic tours via a luxury SUV and/or by helicopter. With their 8-10-hour excursion from Sedona, you will be picked up at El Portal and driven through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon and the ponderosa pine forests of Flagstaff before arriving at the South Rim. There, your expert guide will share the history and geology of the area as you enjoy the breathtaking views. This excursion includes lunch at the historic El Tovar Lodge, as well as the option to add hiking and/or a scenic helicopter tour.
• Great Venture Tours. This company provides a variety of Grand Canyon experiences, including a full-day luxury coach tour with pick up in Sedona, Colorado River rafting tours that range from serene to extreme, and a Grand Canyon Sunset Tour with a gourmet dinner at the Bright Angel Lodge.

After a long day of enjoying the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon, return to the tranquility of El Portal and unwind in our courtyard with your favorite beverage. To learn more about day trips from the Grand Canyon and other adventures easily accessible from Sedona, visit https://elportalsedona.com/exploring-sedona-and-grand-canyon/ or give us a call at 800-313-0017!