From Phoenix: Grand Canyon with Sedona Day Tour

Traveling from Phoenix to see the Grand Canyon and Sedona in one go is a tempting idea for many Arizona visitors. This popular day tour, offered by Detours Arizona, promises a full day of breathtaking views, expert guiding, and comfortable transportation — all for around $219 per person. We’ve looked into the experience based on hundreds of reviews and detailed info, and here’s what you need to know before booking.

What we love about this tour is the way it combines major sights into one manageable day, and the quality of guides and transportation. Many travelers mention that the guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about sharing their love for the area. Plus, the comfortable, spacious vans with high ceilings make the long drive more pleasant and less claustrophobic.

On the flip side, a possible consideration is the long hours involved — roughly 13 hours — which can be tiring. Also, hotel pickup isn’t guaranteed at every location, so you may need to coordinate your arrival point. This tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive, no-fuss way to see iconic Arizona scenery without renting a car or planning multiple stops.

Overall, this experience seems well-suited for travelers eager to see the Grand Canyon and Sedona with minimal hassle, especially if you appreciate expert guides and a comfortable ride. It’s a good pick if you’re okay with a full, busy day and want the convenience of a guided tour that covers a lot of ground.

Key Points

• All-in-one day trip covering both the Grand Canyon and Sedona, perfect for those short on time.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with stories, tips, and local knowledge.
• Comfortable transport options include high-ceiling vans for groups and luxury SUVs for private bookings.
• Approximate 3 hours at the Grand Canyon gives plenty of time for photos, walks, and exploring.
• Flexible booking options allow cancelation up to 24 hours in advance and pay later.
• Pickup is available at select hotels in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe but not guaranteed at every hotel.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from This Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

Your day begins with an early pick-up, generally between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, depending on your hotel location. While hotel pickup is offered at some spots, it’s not always guaranteed, so you might need to meet at a designated location. From there, you’ll hop into one of the spacious, custom tour vans featuring high ceilings and leather captain’s chairs — a thoughtful touch that many reviews appreciate for comfort on the long drive.

The drive takes you through the stunning Sonoran Desert and the Coconino National Forest, showcasing Arizona’s diverse landscape. This scenic journey alone is part of the experience, as your guide shares insights into the area’s geology, flora, and history.

Exploring the Grand Canyon

Once at the Grand Canyon, you’ll spend about 3 hours exploring the South Rim, one of the most iconic viewpoints. Many reviews highlight that guides take you to multiple viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas perfect for photos and awe-inspired moments. You’ll get tickets included, making entry hassle-free.

Guides often point out interesting spots like the historic El Tovar Lodge and Hopi House, giving you a taste of the canyon’s rich cultural backdrop. Visitors appreciate the balance of free time for walking the rim, snapping photos, or just soaking in the views without feeling rushed.

Sedona’s Red Rocks

On the return trip, the tour stops in Sedona for its famous red rock formations, such as Bell Rock. This is a highlight for many — a chance to photograph stunning landscapes and take in the vibrant colors that draw photographers and nature lovers alike. You might find the stop in Sedona offers just enough time for photos, a quick walk, or some shopping before heading back.

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The Guides and Vehicles

One of the consistent praises from reviews is the quality of the guides. They’re described as friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing their Arizona stories. Many mention guides like Mark, Aldo, Tracy, and Shannon, who go above and beyond to make the trip memorable.

The transportation is also a major plus. The public tour features a 13-seater van with spacious seating, allowing you to stand comfortably and enjoy the scenery. For private tours, travelers are transported in luxury SUVs, ideal for those seeking an extra touch of comfort and privacy.

Duration and Flexibility

The tour runs roughly 13 hours, which is quite full but considered worth it by most reviewers. Rest stops for bathroom breaks, snacks, and even the chance to buy food at the canyon or Sedona are built into the itinerary. You’ll want to dress warmly if visiting in cooler months — some reviews mention temperatures around 42°F at the canyon.

Considerations on Cost and Value

At $219, the tour isn’t cheap, but many reviews agree it’s good value considering the included park entry, transportation, guide, bottled water, and the convenience of hotel pickup. Travelers often comment that the guide’s local insights and the ability to relax while someone else drives make the difference worth the price.

The Experience in Real Terms

Many travelers describe this tour as “breathtaking” and “well-organized,” appreciating the balance of sightseeing and free time. The guides are consistently praised for their friendliness and depth of knowledge, which really enhances the experience. Whether it’s learning about the canyon’s geology or snapping that perfect photo at sunset, the guides tend to make the trip more engaging.

The transportation is a clear highlight — reviews point out that the vans are comfortable with large windows, so even the long drives are enjoyable. Some mention that the private SUV option elevates the experience further, offering more space and luxury for those who opt for it.

The length of the day is intense but manageable for most, especially if you’re prepared for an early start and a long return. The trip is packed with highlights, and many reviews note that the time spent at each spot feels just right — enough to explore without feeling rushed.

What Travelers Say

• “The views were breathtaking, and Mark was an excellent guide.”
• “The van was comfortable, and the scenery along the drive was stunning.”
• “We loved the way the guide shared facts and stories — made the day fly by.”
• “It’s a long day, but totally worth it to see both spots without the hassle of doing it alone.”

Potential Downsides

Some reviews mention that hotel pickup isn’t guaranteed at every hotel, so you may need to meet at a designated location. Also, the full 13 hours can be tiring, especially in cooler months or if you’re not used to long tours. That said, most feel the experience outweighs the fatigue.

The Final Verdict

This tour offers a comprehensive, hassle-free way to experience some of Arizona’s most iconic sights. It’s perfect for those who want a guided, well-organized trip that covers the essentials — the expansive vistas of the Grand Canyon and the vibrant red rocks of Sedona — all in one day. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a flexible booking policy, it delivers great value and memorable moments.

While the long hours may not suit everyone, many reviewers agree that the scenery and guides make it worthwhile. It’s especially good for travelers who prefer not to drive themselves, want to maximize their sightseeing in a single day, and appreciate expert insights from locals.

If you’re planning a trip to Arizona and want to pack in both the canyon and Sedona, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to bring layers, a camera, and plenty of water to stay comfortable during those scenic stops and long drives.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is possible from select hotels in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, but it’s not guaranteed at every hotel. The local operator will email you details beforehand.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 13 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening.

What transportation is used?
Public tours travel in a 13-seater van with high ceilings, offering plenty of space and comfort. Private tours are done in luxury SUVs.

Are tickets to the Grand Canyon included?
Yes, your entrance ticket to Grand Canyon National Park is included, making entry smooth and hassle-free.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the tour’s comfortable transportation and engaging guides make it suitable for most travelers, including families with older children.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly if visiting in cooler months, bring your camera, and pack some snacks or money for food stops (food is not included).

Are there bathroom stops?
Yes, the itinerary includes rest stops for bathroom breaks, snacks, and stretching.

Is this tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
It can accommodate folding wheelchairs or walkers, but walking up three large van steps unassisted is required.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While available year-round, spring and fall often provide the most pleasant weather, but check the specific day’s forecast before packing.

If you’re looking for a straightforward way to see Arizona’s top sights in one day without the stress of planning, this tour covers a lot of ground, gives you expert insights, and offers a memorable experience. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want an immersive, relaxing, and scenic trip to the Grand Canyon and Sedona.

You can check availability for your dates here: