Day Trips from Sedona: Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Beyond

Sedona is amazing in its own right, but it’s also your gateway to some of the Southwest's most awe-inspiring destinations. With iconic red rock landscapes and laid-back desert charm, it's the perfect base for easy trips to canyons, vineyards, ghost towns, and more.

In this guide, I'll share the best day trips from Sedona, from stunning natural wonders to historic sites and hidden gems, all just a short drive away. Whether you're chasing canyon views, wandering mystical slot canyons, or sipping wine in a mountain town, these adventures will help make your Sedona trip even more memorable.

Why Sedona Makes the Perfect Base for Day Trips

One of the smartest moves for your Arizona trip is to stay in Sedona and explore from there. Here's why.

It's Central Without Feeling Crowded

Sedona's location is ideal—it's far enough from major tourist hubs to avoid the chaos, yet close enough to attractions to visit in a day. It's less than three hours from four national and tribal parks, dozens of small towns, and some of the most scenic drives in the Southwest. 

Compared to Grand Canyon Village, which is bustling with hotels and park shuttle stops, or Page, which is mainly known as a launch point for tours, Sedona offers a more relaxed and charming base. Start your morning with a latte and red rock views, hit the trails by 8 am, and return for a relaxing dinner under a sky full of stars.

Drive Times That Actually Work

Here's what makes Sedona an ideal base: the distances are long enough to feel like an adventure—but not so far that you spend more time in the car than exploring. 

Here's a quick look at drive times to popular spots, assuming you’re departing from Uptown Sedona:

It's Easy to Mix and Match

Combine your favorite stops to create a dream sightseeing experience. Visit the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, stopping off at buzzing Flagstaff on the way back. Or hike a scenic trail in the morning, before relaxing with a delicious wine tasting in the afternoon. The choice is entirely yours. 

Rental Cars and Tour Options Galore

The destinations in this article are reached via the highway, so a regular car is fine if you’re planning to rent. A higher-clearance car can help if you want to take the scenic backroads, but it isn’t essential. 

Prefer to let someone else do the driving? Tons of companies in Sedona offer full-day guided trips to the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley, often with hotel pickup and park fees included.

Grand Canyon National Park – Majestic Wonders Just a Drive Away

Why Visit the Grand Canyon from Sedona?

If the Grand Canyon’s on your Arizona bucket list, visiting from Sedona is probably the easiest and most enjoyable option. You're only 2 hours and 20 minutes from the South Rim, the most accessible and visitor-friendly part of the park, so it’s infinitely doable in a day.

Staying in Sedona gives you the best of both worlds: wake up in a gorgeous red rock destination with all the creature comforts, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, followed by a scenic drive, and arrive at the Canyon right on time for a mid-morning Rim Trail hike.

This route is perfect if you want to see the Grand Canyon without dealing with packed lodges, lackluster dining, or the ultra-remote feel of staying in the park. And you could even time your visit to catch a sunrise or sunset—just be ready for an early start or late drive back.

What to See and Do

You don't need to hike 10 miles into the canyon to have an unforgettable visit (although if that's your thing, go for it!) Some of the best experiences are right around the rim, making them incredibly accessible.

Here's my recommended game plan if you’re a first-timer:

• Mather Point: Your first “wow” moment, just past the South Entrance. It's an easy walk from the main Visitor Center.
• Yavapai Geology Museum: An informative museum perched on a dramatic overlook. It's a great stop if you like a bit of science with your scenery.
• Rim Trail: Flat, paved, and perfect for taking epic photos. Walk from Mather Point to Yavapai Point or further west toward Hopi Point for even more views.
• Desert View Drive: A 25-mile scenic route leads to Desert View Watchtower, a stone structure with views across the canyon and into Navajo land. It’s worth the detour if you have time.

Optional add-ons:

• Hermit Road (closed to private cars March–Nov): Use the free shuttle to hop between quieter viewpoints like Hopi, Mohave, and Hermit's Rest.
• Short Hikes: If you want to dip below the rim without a major commitment, try part of the Bright Angel Trail. Even a half-mile descent is unforgettable.

Guided Tours and Self-Drive Tips

When it comes to visiting the Grand Canyon, you can go one of two ways: either hop on a guided tour or grab a rental and hit the road. 

Self-Drive Tips:

• Route: Take 89A through Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff, then take US-180 west to AZ-64 north at Valle, which takes you straight to the South Rim entrance
• Timing: Leave Sedona by 7–7:30 am to beat traffic and tour bus crowds. 
• Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days). You can buy your Grand Canyon standard entrance pass online or use an America the Beautiful annual pass.
• Parking: Get there early to snag a spot near Mather Point—by mid-morning, you’ll be playing “find the parking spot”. 
• Food: Pack snacks or grab lunch at the El Tovar Hotel or park cafés–options are basic but convenient.

Tour Options:

If you'd rather not drive, some Sedona-based companies offer full-day Grand Canyon tours. They often include the following, but check before booking:

• Hotel pickup
• Lunch and park entry
• Stops at multiple viewpoints
• Knowledgeable guides sharing fascinating tidbits on the area’s geology and history.

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend – Slot Canyon Splendor

Attractions in Page, AZ

If you've seen photos of swirling-patterned canyon walls glowing in shades of orange and red, chances are it's Antelope Canyon. It's one of the most photographed spots in the Southwest, and is only three hours from Sedona.

Located near the town of Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon actually has two parts:

• Upper Antelope Canyon: Famous for its light beams and narrow, undulating walls. This is the more popular of the two, so it can get crowded.
• Lower Antelope Canyon: Hiking this canyon is a bit more adventurous, with more stairs and tighter passages. Slightly less crowded and it’s arguably more fun for active travelers.

Just 10 minutes further along the road is Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River makes a circular turn around a towering rock formation. It's a short, sandy hike (about 1.5 miles round trip) to the overlook, and it's absolutely worth it—especially around sunrise or late afternoon when the lighting is extra dramatic.

How to Visit

First thing to know: Antelope Canyon is on Navajo land, and visiting requires a guided tour—no exceptions.

Booking Tips:

• Reserve your tour in advance, especially during spring and fall, which are the busiest seasons
• Tours usually last about 1 to 1.5 hours and depart several times per day
• So-called “light beam season” –when the sun shines directly into the canyon causing bright beams of light to illuminate the walls–is May to September. Tours sell out fast at this time of year, especially Upper Canyon tours between 10 am and noon when the light beams are most visible.
• Horseshoe Bend doesn't require a guide, but expect a parking fee at the main overlook. 
• Be aware: There are no railings along parts of the cliff edge, so use caution if you're visiting with kids or don't love heights.

Logistics for a Day Trip

A visit to Page is a full-day adventure:

• Drive Time: About 3 hours, mostly along scenic Highway 89 through Navajo Nation land. Roads are paved and easy to navigate.
• Departure Time: You’ll need to leave Sedona by 6.30–7.00 am if you have an early tour slot, or want to beat the midday heat at Horseshoe Bend.
• Ideal Game Plan: 

  • Horseshoe Bend hike (it's cooler and less crowded early)

  • Antelope Canyon tour

  • Lunch in Page.

• Food Options: The following are local favorites ideal for a satisfying post-tour feed:

  • Big John's Texas BBQ

  • BirdHouse 

  • Bonkers Restaurant.

• Fuel & Rest Stops: You can fill up in Sedona or Flagstaff before heading out, or in Page en route, but otherwise, facilities are limited.
• What to Bring: Water, sturdy shoes, a hat, and a power bank or spare battery–for all the photos you'll definitely want to take!

Monument Valley – Iconic Western Landscapes

Why Go

If you’ve ever seen a classic Western film or Marlboro ad, then you’ll have seen Monument Valley. The most iconic of the Southwest’s landscapes is home to towering sandstone buttes, deep red earth, and wide-open skies, giving it a cinematic, almost otherworldly feel. 

Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Nation and home to many Navajo families whose traditions and stories are deeply connected to the land. Learning about the culture during your visit adds an extra layer of meaning, so book a tour with a Navajo guide if you can.

Getting There and What to Expect

This is one of the more time-consuming trips from Sedona, but doable as long as you’re prepared for an early start.

• Drive Time: About 3.5 to 4 hours each way–ideally leave by 6.00 am.
• Route: Head north on AZ-89A to Flagstaff, then east on US-160 passing through Tuba City and Kayenta. Roads are well-paved and easy to navigate.

Once you arrive, head to the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park entrance. You'll pay an $8 per person fee (cash only—no park passes accepted), and then either:

Option 1: Drive the Valley Loop Road

• This 17-mile dirt road passes landmarks like The Mittens, Three Sisters, and John Ford Point.
• High clearance vehicles are recommended, though sedans can make it (but expect a bumpy ride).
• Note: Off-roading or hiking is only allowed with a Navajo guide.

Option 2: Take a Guided Jeep Tour

• This offers a more immersive experience. Navajo guides take you beyond the public roads into restricted areas, like Ear of the Wind Arch and Sun's Eye.
• Expect storytelling, history, and perhaps some live flute music.
• Tours last between 1.5 and 3 hours, with options for sunrise, sunset, or full-day exploration.

Optional Overnight or Early Morning Itinerary

This is one trip where an overnight stay is seriously worth considering, especially if you want to enjoy a glorious sunrise or avoid a 4-hour drive after a long tour.

Here are a couple of overnight options:

• The View Hotel: Inside the park, with balconies facing the buttes. The views alone are worth the price.
• Goulding's Lodge: Just outside the park with a small museum, restaurant, and good tour connections.

Jerome – A Ghost Town Turned Art Mecca

Things to Do in Jerome

Jerome was once a booming mining town–nicknamed the “Wickedest Town in the West”. The city you see today couldn’t be more different. It’s part ghost town and part artist enclave–a combination that creates one funky mountain hangout. 

Here's what to check out while you're in town:

• Jerome State Historic Park: Housed in the old Douglas Mansion, the Park’s museum is ideal for a crash course in Jerome's copper-mining glory days. Exhibits include 3D models of the mine and historic photos, plus there’s a killer view of the Verde Valley.
• Jerome Ghost Tours: If you’re into paranormal vibes, you’ll love this tour, which includes EMF readers–machines that monitor electromagnetic fluctuations–and local ghost tales that will make you side-eye every creaky floorboard.
• Mine Museum: Learn what daily life looked like for miners and their families in this tiny but interesting museum. Spoiler: it wasn't glamorous.
• Sliding Jail: Yes, Jerome’s jailhouse really did slide down a hill due to mine blasts. It's still sitting crookedly at the bottom of town. It's a quick, free photo stop that’s worth checking out.

Where to Eat and Shop

For a town its size, Jerome punches above its weight in food, drink, and shopping.

Eats:

• The Haunted Hamburger: Big burgers, ghost stories, and a patio with a view. Super popular, especially on weekends.
• Bobby D's BBQ: Housed in an old brothel with excellent brisket and local brews.
• Clinkscale: A little fancier with craft cocktails, tapas, and a nice vintage vibe. 

Sips & Shops:

• Caduceus Cellars: A tasting room owned by Maynard James Keenan (yep, the frontman from Tool). Good wine in a chill setting.
• Puscifer Store: Part music store, part clothing shop, all very cool. 
• Art Galleries: Many local artists have studios here. You'll find everything from fine art to desert-inspired ceramics and handmade jewelry.

Getting There

• Drive Time: Around 45 minutes via AZ-89A south. It's a twisty mountain road, so drive carefully, but it's paved and the views are very pretty.
• Best Time to Visit: Arriving mid-morning is ideal, as shops and restaurants are open, the light is excellent for photos, and it’s less crowded than in the afternoon.  
• Parking: There are several small lots, but they fill quickly on weekends. If they’re at capacity, park downhill and walk up.

Pro Tip: Combine Jerome with a stop in Cottonwood or the Verde Valley Wine Trail on your way back to Sedona. 

Other Excellent Day Trips from Sedona

Flagstaff – Forests, Stars, and a Cool Vibe

Flagstaff is Sedona's mountain town neighbor, less than an hour north but utterly different in look and feel. While Sedona has red rocks and desert brush, Flagstaff has pine forests, alpine air, and a relaxed, college-town vibe.

What to Do:

• Lowell Observatory: This is where Pluto was discovered. Try a daytime solar viewing or come after dark for a telescope tour.
• Downtown Flagstaff: Good for lunch, breweries, and local shops.
• Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift: This seasonal chairlift offers views of Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona.
• Hiking: Try the Kachina Trail for a peaceful forest walk, or Buffalo Park for an easy loop with views.

Drive Time: ~50 minutes via 89A north, which is super scenic, but winding.

Prescott – Courthouse Charm and Granite Lakes

Looking for a mix of old-school Arizona and picturesque landscapes? Prescott delivers with frontier history, a charming downtown, and cooler weather, thanks to its higher elevation.

Highlights:

• Whiskey Row: Historic saloons, art galleries, and ice cream shops.
• Watson Lake: An unusual combination of giant granite boulders and calm waters—perfect for kayaking or hiking.
• Courthouse Square: Lovely for a stroll, especially during local markets and events.
• Lynx Lake: A quiet spot that’s great for a picnic or walk.

Drive Time: ~1.5 hours via 89A and 89 south. 

Oak Creek Canyon – The Scenic Shortcut You Can Turn Into a Trip

You'll drive part of Oak Creek Canyon on your way to Flagstaff, but this area is a destination in its own right. The route between Sedona and the canyon's upper rim is 12 miles of pure beauty, with plenty of places to stop and explore.

Stops to Consider:

• Slide Rock State Park: A natural rock waterslide is the gem of this State Park that sits right on the creek.
• West Fork Trail: One of the most beautiful hikes in Arizona, especially in fall. It's shaded, lush, and follows the path of a creek through a red rock canyon.
• Indian Gardens Café: A local favorite for coffee or brunch.

Drive Time: 25–40 minutes, depending on how far you go. 

Verde Valley Wine Trail – Sip and Stroll Through Small-Town Vineyards

Northern Arizona's wine scene is booming, and the Verde Valley is at its heart. This is the route for a relaxed day with amazing views and wine to match.

Top Stops:

• Cottonwood: Old Town has tasting rooms, cute shops, and quality restaurants. Check out Pillsbury, Burning Tree Cellars, or Merkin Vineyards.
• Page Springs: Home to some of the region's best estate vineyards. Page Springs Cellars, Javelina Leap, and Oak Creek Vineyards offer outdoor seating with creekside views.
• Clarkdale: A quiet and charming place– some of its tasting rooms are located in old schoolhouses or warehouses, which is fun.

Drive Time: ~20–40 minutes, depending on which town you’re headed to. 

Tips for Planning Your Sedona Day Trips

These tips will help your day trip run without a hitch:

Start early

• Leave by 6.30–7.30 am if you’re doing one of the longer day trips–you'll beat traffic, get better parking, and avoid the hottest part of the day.

Check road and weather conditions

• Roads through canyons and high elevations can get icy or washed out.
• Use AZ511.gov or Google Maps for live updates.
• Don't assume the weather in Sedona is the same as in Flagstaff or Monument Valley.

Pack the right stuff

• Bring plenty of water and snacks.
• Dress in layers—temperatures can change a lot from morning to afternoon.
• Sunscreen and a hat go a long way.
• Bring a phone charger or power bank–you’ll be taking a lot of photos.
• Some places don’t accept cards, so bring a little cash with you.

Reserve ahead

• Antelope Canyon requires a tour—you can't just walk in
• Monument Valley Jeep tours and some wineries book out early.
• You might dodge a line if you’ve bought your ticket in advance. 

Final Thoughts – Make the Most of Your Sedona Adventure

From the majestic Grand Canyon to hidden ravines, historic ghost towns, and lush vineyards, Arizona has more than its fair share of tempting destinations. Basing your travels in Sedona, with its cozy hotels and quality restaurants, means you don’t have to compromise on comfort to experience the extraordinary surroundings. 

Your next great adventure is just a day trip away—so, pack your curiosity, follow the red rocks, and let Arizona surprise you!