Explore the Grand Canyon
No visit to Northern Arizona is complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. From breathtaking overlooks and scenic drives to guided excursions and unforgettable adventures along the South Rim, the Grand Canyon offers a perspective on the natural world that is both humbling and inspiring.
Why Explore the Grand Canyon from L'Auberge
Located in the heart of Northern Arizona, L’Auberge de Sedona offers easy access to one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking a scenic day trip, a guided experience, or an adventurous rim-to-rim journey, our concierge team can help create a personalized Grand Canyon itinerary.
Ways to Experience the Grand Canyon
Scenic South Rim Day Trips
Discover iconic viewpoints, dramatic vistas, and the natural beauty of the South Rim on a memorable day excursion from Sedona.
Helicopter & Air Tours
Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the canyon’s immense scale, colorful rock formations, and remote landscapes.
Grand Canyon Railway Excursions
Travel in classic railcar style through Northern Arizona’s scenic countryside on a historic journey to the canyon.
Guided Hiking Adventures
Explore the canyon’s trails alongside experienced guides who bring its geology, history, and ecology to life.
Private Customized Tours
Create a personalized Grand Canyon experience tailored to your interests, pace, and preferred style of exploration.
Grand Canyon Tips & Recommendations
Learning about this wonder of the world doesn’t have to feel like a lesson. Take an engaging and informative tour or conduct your own research of the Grand Canyon. The history of the land, people, native plants and animals all come to life through an immersive journey.
While the Grand Canyon has been a part of our National Parks for 100 years, it’s still a vast area that requires caution, at times. And staying vigilant means more than watching where you step. Be sure to dress according to changing weather—the conditions at the top (South Rim) are quite different than at the bottom (Phantom Ranch), as it’s usually 20 degrees warmer. In the summer, Phantom Ranch will exceed 100 degrees.
Plan for an early start. The South Rim is approximately a two-hour drive from Sedona, and arriving in the morning allows more time to explore overlooks, walking paths, and visitor centers while avoiding peak crowds.
Experience the canyon during golden hour. Sunrise and sunset reveal some of the canyon’s most dramatic colors, casting shifting light across the layers of rock and creating unforgettable photo opportunities.
Driving from our Sedona resort to the Grand Canyon takes about two hours; however, there are a few routes that can be taken which may affect this time. Our concierge and front desk team have maps that they will gladly share.
A day trip can be rewarding, but don’t rush. Between travel time, scenic stops, meals, and sightseeing, most guests find that dedicating a full day allows for the best experience.
Enhance your visit with expert insights. Guided tours, private excursions, rail journeys, and aerial experiences provide unique perspectives while allowing you to focus on the scenery rather than logistics.
Don’t forget to pack your camera, and make sure your smartphone is fully charged—you’ll want to capture every moment while exploring the Grand Canyon. And as you share your sensational shots on social media, be sure to tag us.
Routes to the Grand Canyon
How far is the Grand Canyon from Sedona? Depends on the route you take. We find most guests prefer making it a self-guided day adventure, allowing them to explore at their own pace.
– Take State Route 179 away from the hotel and get onto I-17. If you stay on 1-17, it becomes the main street of Flagstaff, and when you go under the railway line, the first traffic light is the left turn that becomes Hwy 180. Take 180 until Hwy 64, then 64 to the south entrance for the Grand Canyon.
– If you came in at the south entrance, you can drive yourself to the overlooks on the East Rim, and walk around the main area of the South Rim—where you will see the historic El Tovar Lodge, the Hopi House, Kolb Studio, and the Bright Angel trail that goes down into the Canyon. They offer free shuttles which run every 15 minutes and take you to the overlooks out to the west.
This route takes about two hours and fifteen minutes and is the most direct.
Take State Route 179 away from the hotel and get onto I-17 until you reach Flagstaff, then take I-40 East to 89 North. Proceed towards the eastern entrance of the Grand Canyon at the Desert View Watchtower along AZ-64 W.
Along the way you can stop and visit Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, the Wupatki National Monument, and the Historic Cameron Trading Post, specializing in Native American crafts since 1916.
Once you are there, it is easy to get around to the various overlooks and other interesting sights.