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- There's More To Know When Driving Between Sedona And The Grand Canyon
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Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park and Sedona are two of the state's most popular destinations. Both are known for their stunning natural beauty and unique landscapes. If a person plans a trip to Arizona, driving from Sedona to the Grand Canyon should be high on their list of things to do. This drive is considered one of the most scenic in the country, as visitors pass through red rocks, forests, and desert landscapes.
Logistically, Sedona is about a two-hour drive south of the Grand Canyon's South Rim entrance gate. This is the closest section of the Grand Canyon to Sedona, so it's the most convenient if someone plans on visiting both on the same day. While seeing both destinations in a day is possible, planning accordingly and investing additional time at the entrance gate is essential.
Driving from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience that allows travelers to witness some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. So, make sure to add this adventure to the itinerary!
UPDATE: 2023/07/05 17:14 EST BY NOAH STAATS
There's More To Know When Driving Between Sedona And The Grand Canyon
This article has been refreshed with new information regarding a drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Whether someone wants to come in the winter, spring, summer, or fall, there is plenty to see and do between these stunning Arizona gems. Have fun!
How Far Is Sedona From The Grand Canyon?
- Sedona is roughly 113 miles from the Grand Canyon South Rim entrance.
- Sedona to Grand Canyon East Rim is 153 miles.
- Driving from Sedona to the Grand Canyon should take visitors two to three hours.
Although the distance between Sedona and the Grand Canyon will vary depending on the route someone takes, this journey should typically be around two hours and ten minutes. Assuming a person drives straight from Sedona to the South Rim entrance at the Grand Canyon, they'll drive 113 miles for about two hours.
Driving from Sedona to the Grand Canyon will usually be a low-traffic drive. However, the trip may be a bit longer in peak times (spring break, summer break, holidays).
However, their drive will be slightly longer if someone wants to take the route from Sedona to the East Rim of the Grand Canyon. Generally, going between Sedona and the East Rim at the Grand Canyon will take two hours and 45 minutes, 153 miles. The same applies to travelers visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, 236 miles from Sedona, and a four-hour and 20-minute ride.
Regardless, all three routes are stunning, showcasing desert landscapes, forests, red rocks, and all of Arizona's natural beauty. There's a reason so many people drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon: it's so beautiful.
Checking out a rock climbing tutorial for those in Sedona may be worth reading if one plans to engage in some adventurous outdoor activities along the way. Don't forget to learn where the locals eat in Sedona, Arizona, either, which will keep everyone well-fed during the trip.
What Can Drivers See Between Sedona And The Grand Canyon?
There are many landmarks and things to experience between Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Since this drive isn't too long, there are many stops to take to extend the road trip. Notably, visitors to Arizona driving between Sedona and the Grand Canyon's various entrances can see these things along the way:
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel
- Cathedral Rock
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Sunset Crater
On top of those, Sedona and the area surrounding the Grand Canyon are jam-packed with natural scenery, historical building and landmarks, and even places to eat, shop, and stay. Because the Grand Canyon is near Flagstaff, Arizona, that may also be an excuse to check out the town.
Generally, Sedona features the best rock climbing and hiking for anyone interested in seeing the red rocks. There are resorts, camping opportunities, restaurants, and even shopping districts throughout the Sedona area, making it a great first night of the road trip. In contrast, the Grand Canyon is a bit more remote. Tourists have a few hotel options outside the national park or near the North or South Rims. There is even a restaurant in the Grand Canyon where visitors can dine in a cave that is millions of years old, which is worth checking out.
Of the entrances, the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park offers a few great hotels/lodges, all of which are within walking distance of this natural wonder. Here are a few someone may want to stay at:
- Yavapai Lodge (0.6 miles from South Rim)
- Maswik Lodge (1.0 miles from South Rim)
- El Tovar Hotel (0.5 miles from South Rim)
- Bright Angel Lodge And Cabins (0.8 miles from South Rim)
- Thunderbird Lodge (0.7 miles from South Rim)
- Kachina Lodge (0.6 miles from South Rim)
Of course, hotels surround the Grand Canyon, although if someone wants to be right in the park: these are some of the better, closer choices.
There are many things no one can explain about the Grand Canyon.
What Is The Best Route Between Sedona And The Grand Canyon?
- Drivers will head north on AZ-89A through Oak Creek Canyon toward Flagstaff.
- Head north on I-17 until you catch I-40 west toward Williams.
- At Williams, you’ll head north on AZ-64, which dead ends into the South Rim.
The best route for those driving from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is heading north on AZ-89A through Oak Creek Canyon toward Flagstaff. Next, road trippers will head north on I-17 until they catch I-40 west toward Williams, Arizona. From there, they'll head north on AZ-64, which dead ends into the South Rim. This drive should be around two hours with regular traffic, so it's easily doable. If someone wants to spend half the day in Sedona and the other half at the Grand Canyon: this is possible and a common idea for travelers.
Luckily, there are accommodations in Sedona and the Grand Canyon National Park, meaning nobody will end up lost without a place to stay, eat, and hang out. This is the perfect road trip for those wanting an authentic Arizona experience, which can be done in 2–4 hours, depending on the entrance they head to at the Grand Canyon.
Visiting the Navajo Bridge at the Grand Canyon is another fun thing to do and an opportunity to learn about the area's Native American culture. Have fun!
When Is The Best Time To Drive From Sedona To The Grand Canyon?
- The best time to see Sedona and the Grand Canyon is in spring and winter.
- Spring brings blooming flowers and vegetation throughout the state, which is perfect for those taking photos and videos.
Because the drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon isn't too far, this can easily be done throughout the year. Generally, one of the better times, temperature-wise, to travel between these destinations is the spring or winter, as the weather will be at its best. Arizona is known for its unforgiving summer conditions, with many people experiencing heat stroke, overheated vehicles, and lack of water if they come here during June, July, August, and September. Therefore, visiting Sedona and the Grand Canyon during the milder spring and winter seasons is well worth the road trip.
Another thing to keep in mind is that in the spring, most of Arizona's nature will be in bloom, with flowers and vegetation green and lush. That can make for even better opportunities for photos, videos, and memory-making in the state. There's no place in the US quite like Sedona and the Grand Canyon, so this road trip is a nice way to experience two crown jewels within the state.
Remember to bring plenty of water, get gas at the nearest city, and arrive at the Grand Canyon early to avoid heavy crowding. It is a National Park, after all. Expect plenty of excited tourists.