A Sedona vacation wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon. The day trip to the Grand Canyon from Sedona is an unforgettable experience due to the route you take to get there, culminating in the stunning sight of the canyon itself. If you are staying in one of the Sedona hotels, driving from Sedona, you will go up to Flagstaff through the gorgeous Oak Creek Canyon, watching the desert scenery change to mountain pines and granite as you climb several thousand feet in elevation. From there, you drive the rim country for about an hour and a half to the entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park.

Once at the Park, you have several options for seeing the Canyon. The Grand Canyon National Park offers a free shuttle at the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village, along Hermit Road. Note that these shuttles provide transportation only and are not considered tour buses. (Bus Tours are available if you want the tour guide’s commentary about the Canyon.) When using the shuttle you must exit the bus to view the Canyon and it is important to know that if you or someone in your group has a physical challenge, most shuttles are inaccessible to wheelchairs.

If you prefer not to be with a group, you can drive to the South Rim and park your car and walk to the edge of the Grand Canyon. There are several access points offering various views. If you don’t mind driving back to Sedona in the dark, it is wonderful to stay on the Canyon rim to view the sunset and watch the colors of the cliffs change.

If you are not afraid of heights, you can always try out the new Grand Canyon Skywalk. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is the first walkway to suspend more than 4,000 feet above the Canyon floor. It juts out 70 feet from the rim and is located at Grand Canyon West’s Eagle Point.

When you get back to Sedona, don’t miss a quick trip over to Montezuma’s Well and Castle, just 25 minutes from Uptown.