Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim: Small-Group Day Tour from Phoenix

Grand Canyon Village•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

13–14 hours

Fitness Level

Comfortable walking of 1–2 miles on paved and uneven surfaces at elevations from 4,500 to 7,000 feet; able to stand for extended periods.

Overview

Red rock mornings, canyon rim afternoons. This small-group day tour threads Sedona’s sandstone and Oak Creek Canyon en route to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, with pickups across Phoenix. Expect big views, concise storytelling, and practical pacing—it’s a full day designed to make the miles count.

Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim: Small-Group Day Tour from Phoenix

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Bus Tour

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Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

Dawn shakes the city awake as the van pulls away from Phoenix, pointing its nose toward the Mogollon Rim and the blue silhouette of higher country. The desert gives way to juniper and piñon, then to the Ponderosa pines that line Oak Creek Canyon, a sinuous road that feels like it’s climbing rung by rung onto the Colorado Plateau. This small-group tour (maximum five guests) doesn’t waste the miles; it frames the day like a well-edited film—Sedona’s red rock drama as the opening shot, the Grand Canyon’s South Rim as the finale.

Adventure Photos

Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim: Small-Group Day Tour from Phoenix photo 1

Adventure Tips

Dress for three climates

Start in desert warmth, pass through high-country pines, and end at a cool, often windy rim—pack a light insulating layer and a windproof shell.

Hydrate before you elevate

Phoenix to the South Rim means a rapid gain to ~7,000 feet. Drink water early and often to minimize altitude fatigue.

Sun is relentless

Carry sunglasses, a brimmed hat, and SPF 30+—Sedona’s reflected light and the rim’s exposure amplify UV.

Mind meeting points and times

Your guide will set clear rendezvous spots at each stop—arrive five minutes early to maximize viewpoints and avoid delays.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Elk along the South Rim and near Tusayan
California condors soaring the thermals by the rim

History

The South Rim lies within the traditional homelands of the Hopi, Havasupai, Hualapai, Diné, and other tribes; Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross was completed in 1956 by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Conservation

Stay on designated paths to protect fragile soils and vegetation, give wildlife plenty of space, and pack out all trash. Water is scarce—use refill stations and avoid single-use plastics.