Planning what to see in the Grand Canyon in one day can feel like a daunting task. Would love to incorporate a few hikes along with other adventures. Or is it better/smart to stay at each place? 2 reviews 39 helpful votes 1. For a full day at the Grand Canyon, its best to do the drive and your National Park visit on separate days or connect your visit with a longerArizona road trip. Which rim should I visit? Pick up a map from the tourist info centre to make sure you have all of the best information. Colter selected furnishings that are included in the National Historic Landmark designation. We want to visit Sedona, GC and Page. The quickest flight from Phoenix Airport to Flagstaff Airport is the direct flight which takes 52 min. Advertisement. The cheapest way to get from Scottsdale to Grand Canyon South Rim is to drive which costs 35-60 and takes 3h 51m. After spending your first day walking along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, its time to check out one of the many trails around the Grand Canyon and see this natural wonder from a different perspective. I do have to say that it is located quite a ways from both Sedona and the Grand Canyon (about a 4.5 and 6-hour drive respectively) so it may not be the most logical stop to include on such a short trip to Arizona. Not that the south rim of the Grand Canyon is roughly a 4-hour drive from Phoenix and Sedona is roughly 2.5-3 hours from Phoenix. These medium and long distance intercity services operate at speeds of up to 240km/h, to more than 500 destinations. Hope you have a great trip! Original photos & content are copyrighted. Yes, the driving distance between Scottsdale to Grand Canyon is 378 km. Arizona is one of the most visited states in the entirety of the USA, coming in at number eight out of fifty, so its no surprise that youre looking for the perfect Arizona itinerary. Earn 60k Ultimate Rewards Bonus Points after spending $4k in 3 months! The eastern section of the South Rim has viewpoints leading to the Desert View Watchtower along a 22-mile stretch along a scenic road with several pull-offs and canyon overlooks. The journey time between Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park is around 2h 13m and covers a distance of around 97 miles. Any suggestions? If you want to get into more serious shopping, Scottsdale Fashion Square is one of the largest shopping malls in the country and has a number of large department stores and luxury brands. Phoenix to the Grand Canyon Road Trip We want to make a trip from Albuquerque to Arizona for 4 days and 3 nights. This section of the path is named theTrail of Timebecause it takes you through a series of geology exhibits about the Grand Canyon. The rim trail has many lookout points. Hi Maggie, Do you have any tips on places to stop for views/ food during along the drive from the Grand Canyon to Phoenix? Gas. The Old Town area is filled with interesting shops, cafes, and restaurants that are sure to keep you entertained. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Dozens of opportunities at Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon, but be mindful of your time. Go green andbring areusable water bottleto use for the day. I loved heading down into the canyon along the Bright Angel Trail! Depending on the time of year you visit the Grand Canyon, sunset times will vary. In 2011, the Observatory was named one of "The World's 100 Most Important Places" by TIME. Layers are great for Spring and Fall when the mornings are cool but the afternoons warm up. The quickest flight from Phoenix Airport to Flagstaff Airport is the direct flight which takes 52 min. You can self tour the South Rim by stopping at the Village area, parking and having lunch at the El Tovar Dining Room and then touring in your car along the Desert View Drive overlooks. Its here the canyon gorge is at its widest and most dramatic, with views nothing short of awe-inspiring. There are five+ hotels available in Grand Canyon. Think fewer crowds, mild spring weather, and plenty of activities. From the time you leave Uptown Sedona, the next leg is 2 hours to the Grand Canyon National Park, either gate. There will very likely be snow, but the roads are repeatedly cleared and salted so its not too risky driving them if your car isnt equipped. Find all the transport options for your trip from Scottsdale to Grand Canyon right here. Are bike rentals available? Please click ok to accept and/or visit my Privacy Policy to learn more. However, the National Park Service explicitly warns against attempting to do the entire round trip in a single day. Iwill be in LA in April leaving on 10th, planned to visit Arizona and Phonix. Located about a 20-minute detour from the I-17 and about equidistant between Phoenix and Sedona, Prescott is a charming Northern Arizona town with a quaint main square, a lot of interesting shops, and a laid-back vibe. Could you please help us to make an itinerary and suggestion to stay. The summer vacation crowds have yet to arrive or have returned to school and work. Other traditional accommodation options include: Sedona Village Lodge This hotel, located in a quiet corner of Sedona close to the city centre and many hiking trails, is a fantastic option if youre looking for a basic room while visiting the city. There are also numerous hiking trails around the bridge of varying difficulties. can spare 9 to 10 days b4 returning to NJ. From Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon: 5 Best Ways to Get There Phoenix has a lot more to offer travellers visiting for more than just one day, as does Sedona. Basically, August can be unpleasant at times but it isnt unbearable so long as you know what youre getting yourself into . The other thing to keep in mind is that everywhere will have the air conditioning blasting so you can get respite from the heat. ProTip:If you visit in the winter months, December-February, its possible to drive your own vehicle along Hermit Road because this shuttle bus route only operates Spring-Fall. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. Founded in 1971, it is based in Washington, D.C. and offers four classes of travel: First Class, Sleeper, Business and Coach. My friends and I will be staying in a resort in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Katie. For travel flexibility, you can board or get off a Greyhound bus at official Greyhound stations, partner stations and curbside stops. Hi Maggie, We are considering a trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas in late December. driving 4.5 hours. Coffee. What Suites Are Available at El Tovar Hotel/Lodge, Where to stay over night at the GCNP South Rim, Sunrise & Sunset times at the Grand Canyon. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-104479175', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Sedona and Flagstaff the weather and roads could become impassable, all the way to Grand Canyon National Park. A picnic lunch at Glen Canyon Dam is included. Rome2Rio makes travelling from Scottsdale to Flagstaff easy. Let me know how this worked out for you. Hi Parvin, you should be able to see quite a bit of Arizona in that time frame. Fortunately, Grand Canyon National Park has free shuttle buses to get around the South Rim. Youve got 4 hours of driving ahead of you to get back to Scottsdale. Flagstaff makes the perfect gateway town to explore the Grand Canyon. Covering 21,000 route miles (34,000km) Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily. Would love to stay in warmer climates, thats why not looking to do Grand Canyon. If you walk only a couple hundred metres from the busiest viewpoints along the rim trail, you could easily feel as if you have the whole Canyon to yourself. The Hermit Road Greenway is a popular place for cyclists visiting the Grand Canyon. From Flagstaff, it takes about another hour to reach the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. The increase of drive time would come if youre planning on starting and ending in Phoenix, as the drive back from southern Utah will take around 7-8 hours. If you have proper clothing, you can very much still enjoy the great outdoors and you wont have massive crowds to contend with, either. You will make stops. It would be a similar length drive if you were to add a Grand Canyon road trip to the end of aUtah National Parks road trip. The best way to get from Scottsdale to Grand Canyon South Rim without a car is to bus which takes 8h 17m and costs 45-110. The total driving distance from Scottsdale, AZ to Grand Canyon, AZ is 235 miles or 378 kilometers. A night experience is a truly unforgettable way to end a fantastic day at the Grand Canyon before returning to yourFlagstaff hotel. We spent the 1st and last nights at the Econo Lodge Phoenix. Where can I ride a bicycle at the GC South Rim? Thanks! Thank you very much. This will allow you to see more of the attractions in both cities. Located about 1.5 hours out from Phoenix, this natural site is equally as stunning as some of the attractions to come on this AZ itinerary, however, it sees just a fraction of the crowds. If you want to get the highlights of this beautiful state but dont have a lot of time to devote to it, then I would recommend spending five days in the lovely southwestern state. There are many water-bottle filling stations, especially in the high-trafficked areas along the South Rim. Head to Mather Point and the surrounding lookout points nearby to watch the sun come up. It takes approximately 4h 29m to get from Scottsdale to Flagstaff, including transfers. These cookies do not store any personal information. If you prefer not to hike, this jeep tour such as this scenic rim tour or this jeep tour to several vortexes are both great options. 10 reviews 15 helpful votes Flagstaff to Grand Canyon - Best Route 14 years ago Save We are staying at the Canyon for a couple of days and driving up from Scottsdale. JVAZDS FREE 3 day booking hold FREE booking changes* From $200 deposit Your wellbeing is our priority so you can travel worry free>> Trip map & itinerary Day by day itinerary 8 days itinerary trip from Scottsdale to Flagstaff, visiting 1 country and 11 cities Download itinerary Print itinerary We actually have a guide to the drive from AZ to NM that you may find helpful in planning your trip: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/phoenix-to-albuquerque-drive/. However, this rim is closed to visitors in the winter months due to extreme weather conditions. Find this information outlined in the policies above. Recommended option Bus Take the bus from Grand Canyon National Park Amtrak Bus Stop to Flagstaff The early mornings (usually before 9AM) can actually be quite pleasant, so if you want to do any outdoor activities, plan to catch the sunrise. If the Tonto Natural Bridge doesnt interest you and you would rather take the I-17 for your drive from Phoenix to Sedona, then you could easily make a detour to the lovely town of Prescott, AZ. Or take the free shuttle bus that runs along the rim back to another spot. In the evening, if you want to see a unique side of Sedona, this nighttime stargazing & UFO tour is worth considering. 7,000 feet of elevation and all that fresh air will tire you. Hi Pam, if you have 10 days to spend the region then adding Zion and Bryce Canyon to this itinerary is definitely doable. The Grand Canyon is an absolute bucket list travel experience! It is also incredibly massive and travellers could easily spend days exploring this amazing wonder. the best place to view the Grand Canyon, and more! Your trip begins in Scottsdale, Arizona. With help, Boucher carved the aforementioned trail into the canyon, and for years lived alone at nearby Dripping Springs. Flagstaff to Sedona Road Trip Itinerary - Rock a Little Travel Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Breakfast is also included in the room rate. The train travels almost due north to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Directions to Grand Canyon, AZ . The South Rim is also open year-round while the North Rim is only open for half of the year. On the second day of your 5-day Arizona road trip, it is time to head north and begin to experience the dramatic and diverse natural scenery of the state. As the capital of Arizona and one of the largest cities by population in the United States, the Phoenix metro area has a lot to offer tourists. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-92324864', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Scottsdale to Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park and back to Scottsdale in a single day is a driving/sightseeing trip. Hi Maggie we are traveling to Phoenix but just for 4days mx 5 days. The Sedona to Grand Canyon drive only takes about 2 hours, so it can easily be done as a day trip from Sedona. Destination Expert for Sedona, Arizona, Monument Valley Level Contributor 81,754 posts 229 reviews 230 helpful votes 1. Remember, most hikes in the Grand Canyon have very little shade. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Though this is only a 5-day Arizona itinerary, there are ample opportunities to spend more time in each place and to add a few more depending on your timeframe. Need help in planning our trip, best shops to sho , places to eat and shopping for souvenirs Any ideas tips will be very appreciated. Heat stroke is a serious problem affecting a lot of tourists, so please be sure to stay hydrated. We will be in Arizona for 8 days so any suggestions are welcome for activities and nicer accommodations. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? If sunset is later, you might want to go for an early dinner at the Bright Angel Lodge or the El Tovar Hotel. Hi Sandy, we have a number of articles that can help you with planning your trip and will include a number of the places you need to see. The main structure currently standing at Hermits Rest was designed by architect Mary Colter. It runs on the hour and half hour and is a great way to start your day at the National Park. If you want some inspiration, you can find all of our AZ articles here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/tag/arizona/, Hi Maggie, We are flying to Albuquerque from PA in mid March. You can find it here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/one-day-in-sedona-itinerary/ Hope this helps! Many thanks for the info. If youre planning an Arizona 1 week itinerary, we would recommend spending an extra day each in the Phoenix area and in Sedona. Amtrak trains are known for their wide seats, plug-in power, big windows and storage capabilities. It was beautiful, but the hike was long! Open to the public, this 25-mile route is a destination all to itself! It will be our first trip to the area, we are a family of 9 members, from Florida & Boston, planning to spend this Christmas at Phoenix-Grand Canyon; What are your recommendations? From Critter Chats to ranger-led talks about the geology of the Grand Canyon to after dark star walks, programs are free and held year-round at the South Rim dependent on the weather, of course. Should we worry about tire chains and snow on Highway17 and Route 89? Take I-40 west to Kingman. Scottsdale to Flagstaff bus services, operated by Flixbus USA, depart from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport/44th Street Station. From the Desert View Watchtower, youll be able to see the Colorado River and sweeping panoramic views of the canyon. Click here to browse other hotels in Sedona. Marvel at unobstructed views as you stand almost a mile above the Colorado River. If youre interested in making any stops on the drive from Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim, we would recommend getting out in Flagstaff, the largest city in Northern Arizona and a lively university town. I would recommend following this itinerary and then adding a couple of days after the Grand Canyon to go up to Page before heading back down to Phoenix on your last day. And though I grew up in the capital of Phoenix, it wasnt until I returned with Michael that I fully appreciated the beauty and diversity of my home state. If youre visiting the park without a car,use the afternoon to explore the lookout points along the western side of the South Rim using the Hermits Rest Route (Red) shuttle bus. Thanks for this as this is my first time planning a trip to somewhere alone and this helped me a bit. Scottsdale to grand canyon - Scottsdale Forum - Tripadvisor Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. The itinerary below is a full day from sun up to sundown, but the plan is easily modified based on what youd like to see and do in the Grand Canyon. Hello! If you dont have a car for your trip or prefer not to deal with traffic and parking hassles, youll best maximize your time with a, Grand Canyon tours are also useful if youre looking for a specialty experience, like flying over the canyon in a. Explore There are 6 ways to get from Scottsdale to Grand Canyon National Park by bus, train, car, plane or shuttle Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Day trip to Grand Canyon? - Scottsdale Forum - Tripadvisor Husband and i are staying in scottsdale. Park at the Visitors Center and plan to leave your car for the day. From start to finish, the round trip is 12 miles. Hermits Rest is the westernmost point on the canyon's south rim that is accessible by paved road. Typically four buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. This steep, gravel to dirt trail isone of the most popular Grand Canyon South Rim day hikes. Directions from Scottsdale, AZ to Grand Canyon West Rim Take Loop 101 North around to head west to I-17. (More shuttle bus info below.). Whether or not you plan out your day using the outline above, all depends on what youd like for your day at the Grand Canyon, the time of year you visit, and who your travel companions (if any) are. If youve spent the afternoon along the scenic drive to Desert View Watchtower, youll have great sunset vantage points from Lipan Point and Desert View. Ride your own bike or rent one within the park atBright Angel Bicycles. Therefore, if youre looking for the best stops on an Arizona itinerary, look no further. To: round-trip one-way. Most residents of the Phoenix metropolitan area will try to get out of town if they can and it is considered to be the off-season in the tourism industry. We do have in mind to visit Sedona grand Canyon and tombstone. If youre visiting the Grand Canyon between the months of May October, it is possible to take a trip to the lesser-visited North Rim and experience a different side of the Canyon. The town has a number of cool coffee shops and restaurants and a young population due to it being the home of Northern Arizona University. Visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk: Located on the West Rim, a five-hour drive from the South Rim, the Skywalk is a glass-floored, horseshoe-shaped walk that projects over the massive Canyon. - Wikipedia. Sedona is the preferred vacation spot with access to all of Northern Arizona tours and attractions within a couple hours drive, at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Posting in a year old thread like this is inappropriate. Click here to see other private rentals in the area. Our vacation couldnt have been better! Scottsdale to Grand Canyon National Park - 4 ways to travel - Rome2rio Hi Maggie, We are planning a trip to Grand Canyon early June for 7 days with our 18 and 21 year old daughters. We are not frightening cold temperatures but anyway should it make sense because we do not want to go there for skiing rather drop into nature and breathe in the wonderful sceneries. We would be renting a car. The location was named for Louis Boucher. Youll get to see the canyon from a whole new vantage point, separate yourself from the crowds along the rim, and experience the Grand Canyon in a way thats all your own. Trip Length: 5 Days Fly: For the best tickets, check KAYAK. Thank you Maggie what are some places to stay hotel wise and restaurants to go eat ?? Staying in Phoenix the first night. Avoid traffic with optimized routes. I am having trouble planning an itinerary to incorporate Phoenix, Tucson and Sedona. It will still be rushed, but you can take a walk for an hour or so at each place. Wondering if it is feasible to take a day trip up to just basically see the Grand Canyon. the distance from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. How far is Scottsdale from the Grand Canyon? However, a wonderful loop route can be created that will give you a great overview of not only the Grand Canyon, but the East Rim, the Little Colorado Canyon, and the Painted Desert. While many might only think of the Grand Canyon or the shopping and golf courses of Scottsdale when they think of Arizona, there is so much more that this state has to offer.