3 Incredible Ways to Experience the Grand Canyon from L’Auberge de Sedona

A stay at L’Auberge de Sedona offers more than the beauty of Oak Creek and the red rocks—it’s also the perfect starting point for one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Just over two hours from Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim makes for an unforgettable day trip, allowing you to return to the tranquility of L’Auberge in time for dinner beneath the sycamores or a relaxing evening by the creek.

Whether you prefer exploring at your own pace, traveling with an expert guide, or enjoying a narrated tour once you arrive, here are three exceptional ways to experience the Grand Canyon while making L’Auberge your luxurious home base.

If you enjoy the freedom to explore on your own schedule, a self-guided day trip is an excellent choice. Depart L’Auberge early in the morning and enjoy a scenic drive through Northern Arizona, arriving at the South Rim in approximately 2.5 hours.

Spend the day taking in breathtaking overlooks, visiting the historic Grand Canyon Village, and choosing from several unforgettable hikes before returning to Sedona for a relaxing evening.

Recommended South Rim Day Hikes:

Rim Trail

Distance: Choose your own adventure (up to 13 miles one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Paved and mostly flat with spectacular canyon views, historic buildings, museums, and shuttle stops along the route. Perfect for leisurely sightseeing.

South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point

Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: One of the park’s most rewarding short hikes with expansive panoramic views almost immediately after descending below the rim.

South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge

Distance: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Highlights: A deeper canyon experience featuring dramatic rock formations and sweeping vistas. Be prepared for a steady uphill climb on the return.

Bright Angel Trail to 1.5 Mile Resthouse

Distance: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: A classic Grand Canyon trail with shaded sections, seasonal water availability, and beautiful views into the canyon.

Bright Angel Trail to 3 Mile Resthouse

Distance: 6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Ideal for experienced hikers looking to venture farther below the rim while remaining on a manageable day hike.

Please remember: Every step down into the canyon must be climbed back out. Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy footwear, and avoid attempting to reach the Colorado River in a single day.

For guests who prefer a seamless experience, let someone else do the driving.

L’Auberge’s concierge can arrange a private or small-group Grand Canyon tour with Sedona Tours and Transportation directly from the resort. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the region’s geology, wildlife, Native American history, and the people who helped shape Grand Canyon National Park.

Most guided experiences include stops at the South Rim’s most iconic viewpoints, Grand Canyon Village, and several lesser-known overlooks that many visitors miss.

Lunch Recommendation
Enjoy lunch at El Tovar Dining Room, the park’s historic fine dining restaurant overlooking the South Rim. Since 1905, El Tovar has welcomed travelers with Southwestern-inspired cuisine, regional specialties, and panoramic canyon views. Reservations are highly recommended.

For a more casual option, Arizona Steakhouse offers canyon-view seating with burgers, salads, steaks, and local favorites.

After a full day of discovery, return to L’Auberge to unwind beside Oak Creek with a well-earned glass of wine or a relaxing spa treatment.

Sometimes the journey is just as memorable as the destination. For a different approach to a Grand Canyon day trip, set out from L’Auberge in the morning and enter Grand Canyon National Park through the East Entrance at Desert View.

Begin at Desert View, where expansive canyon vistas offer a spectacular introduction to the South Rim. From there, make your way west along Desert View Drive, stopping at overlooks such as Lipan Point, Moran Point and Grandview Point before continuing toward Grand Canyon Village.

This route allows you to experience the scale of the canyon from multiple perspectives, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs, take short walks and simply linger at the viewpoints. Once in Grand Canyon Village, explore the historic district, walk a portion of the Rim Trail or enjoy lunch before beginning the drive back to Sedona.

• The South Entrance (north of Tusayan, Arizona) and the East Entrance at Desert View are open year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week (weather permitting).
• Reservations are not required to enter Grand Canyon National Park.
• There is no timed entry system, making it easy to plan your visit.
• The drive from L’Auberge de Sedona to the South Rim takes approximately 2.5 hours each way.
• Arriving before 9:00 a.m. often means cooler temperatures, easier parking, and fewer crowds.
• Check weather conditions before departing, as temperatures at the South Rim are often 15–20 degrees cooler than Sedona.

After an unforgettable day exploring one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, there’s nothing quite like returning to the peaceful setting of L’Auberge de Sedona. Relax beside Oak Creek, indulge in a memorable meal at Cress on Oak Creek, or simply unwind beneath a canopy of towering sycamores before planning tomorrow’s Sedona adventure.

The Grand Canyon may be one of Arizona’s greatest treasures—but staying at L’Auberge allows you to experience it without sacrificing the comfort, serenity, and exceptional hospitality that make every journey truly memorable.