Visit the Grand Canyon from Sedona: A Perfect Daytrip from El Portal

As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon offers a stunning showcase of nature’s power and beauty. With its immense scale, intricate rock formations, and nearly two billion years of geological history, it draws over five million visitors each year. However, staying overnight near Grand Canyon National Park can be challenging, with limited accommodations and often-crowded conditions. Fortunately, Sedona, Arizona provides an ideal alternative as a base for exploring this awe-inspiring landmark—and El Portal offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and personalized service for your adventure.

Why Stay in Sedona?

Located just two hours from the South Rim, staying in Sedona will allow you to experience the Grand Canyon without the congestion often found closer to the park. Sedona’s central location means you can enjoy a scenic daytrip to the Canyon, while retreating to the serene beauty of Sedona’s red rocks by evening. El Portal Sedona Hotel elevates this experience with luxurious accommodations, a pet-friendly atmosphere, and personalized concierge services to make planning your visit to the Grand Canyon and other nearby attractions as simple as possible.

Planning Your Grand Canyon Daytrip

Carefully planning your daytrip will ensure that you’ll be able to fully enjoy the majesty of the Grand Canyon. To make the most of your journey, we recommend starting your day by leaving Sedona around 8 a.m. This will allow you to enjoy adequate time at the Canyon before returning to Sedona for dinner at one of our many wonderful local restaurants.

To reach the Grand Canyon from Sedona, you’ll first travel north along the scenic State Route 89A to Flagstaff, a charming mountain town that serves as a great stop for lunch or coffee. If you have time for a short detour, you may also want to visit Sunset Crater National Monument, a cinder cone within the San Francisco Volcanic Field just north of Flagstaff. Maintained by the National Park Service in close conjunction with nearby Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater features volcanic landscapes and trails—some of which are pet-friendly—that showcase the dramatic geological history of northern Arizona.

Explore the South Rim

Arriving at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim by mid-morning will allow you plenty of time to take in the sights. Start at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, where you can learn about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife and browse the gift shop for unique souvenirs. Then, walk along the Rim Trail for breathtaking views at Mather Point or Yavapai Point. If you’ll be visiting with your four-legged companion, keep in mind that leashed pets are allowed on trails above the rim and throughout developed areas of the park.

If you’re interested in a guided tour of the Grand Canyon, El Portal is pleased to partner with a variety of premier tour companies offering a range of experiences. For instance, our partners include:

  • Sedona Philosophy Tours. Experience the magnificence of the Grand Canyon while delving into the philosophical perspectives and insights it has inspired throughout history. Unique journeys from Sedona Philosophy Tours will transport you along the South Rim in the comfort of either a Tesla Model Y (for groups of 2-3) or an SUV (for groups of 4-5), making stops at the most breathtaking viewpoints, as your friendly and knowledgeable guide explains the geological and cultural history and facilitates discussions about the relationship between humanity and nature.
  • 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 awe-inspiring 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 pickup 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.

Return to the Serenity of Sedona

After a day of exploring the Grand Canyon, there’s nothing better than returning to the tranquility of Sedona and El Portal. Relax in our enchanting courtyard with your favorite beverage, share stories of your adventure, and enjoy the comfort of our thoughtfully designed, pet-friendly suites.

Through our personalized concierge services, the El Portal team is here to help you plan a visit to the Grand Canyon and other nearby attractions. From booking tours to recommending can’t-miss sights and activities, we can build an itinerary tailored to your schedule and interests. Call us today at 800-313-0017 to plan your stay!