Day Trips from Grand Canyon
Explore Nearby Cities, Tours & Attractions in Northern Arizona and Beyond
The Grand Canyon may feel remote, but it's surrounded by vibrant towns, scenic routes, and cultural gems that make excellent day trips. Whether you're staying near the South Rim, North Rim, or Grand Canyon West, you’ll find adventure and variety just a short drive away.
How Far Are Day Trips from the Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon region spans hundreds of miles, and travel times vary depending on where you start and which rim you're visiting. On average, expect round-trip day trips to take between 2 and 8 hours. With smart planning, you can visit iconic nearby cities while making the most of your Grand Canyon adventure.
Top Cities for Grand Canyon Day Trips
Tusayan, AZ (6 miles from South Rim Entrance)
Located just outside the South Entrance, Tusayan is the closest town to the Grand Canyon. Visitors can enjoy the Grand Canyon IMAX theater, helicopter tours, dining, and seasonal shuttles into the park.
See Tours from Tusayan »Williams, AZ (60 miles / 1 hour to South Rim)
This Route 66 town offers a nostalgic experience with the historic Grand Canyon Railway, Bearizona Wildlife Park, and vintage Western charm. A perfect family-friendly stop with a direct rail line to the South Rim.
Explore Williams»Flagstaff, AZ (90 miles / 1.5 hours to South Rim)
Flagstaff is the largest nearby city and a hub for outdoor recreation. With its airport, historic downtown, breweries, and proximity to the South Rim, it’s a great base for exploring all of Northern Arizona.
Explore Flagstaff »Sedona, AZ (110 miles / 2 hours to South Rim)
Sedona is renowned for its red rock formations, vortex sites, and thriving arts scene. Many Grand Canyon day tours depart from here, offering an inspiring and rejuvenating start to your canyon visit.
Explore Sedona »Las Vegas, NV (125 miles / 2.5 hours to West Rim)
Las Vegas is the closest major city to Grand Canyon West and the famous Skywalk. Tour operators offer same-day bus, helicopter, and airplane tours from the Strip to the West Rim.
Explore Las Vegas »Benefits of Staying Outside the Park for Grand Canyon Day Trips
- More lodging choices: From budget motels to luxury resorts
- Dining and nightlife: Especially in Flagstaff, Sedona, and Las Vegas
- Nearby attractions: Visit Route 66, Hoover Dam, Antelope Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park
- Tour convenience: Many guided Grand Canyon tours begin in these surrounding cities
Whether you're based in Tusayan, Sedona, or Las Vegas, your Grand Canyon experience can extend far beyond the canyon itself. Exploring the surrounding towns and landscapes reveals even more of the Southwest’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
POPULAR DAY-TRIPS FROM GRAND CANYON
Roam America Horseshoe Bend
Pet-Friendly | Laundry | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Outdoor Pool | On-site Restaurant | General Store | UTV Friendly | Access to Trails
Best Grand Canyon Day Tour
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five million people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professi … More
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five million people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.
Family-Friendly | Leaves from Flagstaff | Optional Air Tour | Professionally Guided | Lunch Provided
Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale
Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include spending the day surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument … More
Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include spending the day surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Visit Bell Rock, Airport Mesa and Chapel of the Holy Cross. Options available for shopping, galleries, restaurants in Uptown or T'laquapaque and off-road Jeep tours or guided hike add-ons.
Professionally Guided | Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available | Family-Friendly | Hotel Pickup
Mountain Modern
Our recently expanded Sedona hotel has all you need for the ultimate Sedona vacation. From an outdoor heated pool and hot tub to a bike repair station to keep you in tip-top shape, fire pits perfect for congregating, and The Den, o … More
Our recently expanded Sedona hotel has all you need for the ultimate Sedona vacation. From an outdoor heated pool and hot tub to a bike repair station to keep you in tip-top shape, fire pits perfect for congregating, and The Den, offering all day dining options, grab-and-go, and a full bar, we have all you’ll need and then some.
Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Outdoor Pool | Hot Tub | Free Hot Breakfast | Sedona Hotels & Lodging
Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale with Sedona
Professionally Guided | Private Tours Available | Hotel Pickup | Family-Friendly
Oak Creek Terrace Resort - Sedona
Located on Oak Creek | Family-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | Hot Tub | Sedona Hotels & Lodging
Junipine Resort
On-site Restaurant | Family-Friendly | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fireplace(s) | Fitness Center | Hot Tub
Small Group Antelope Canyon Day Trip from Phoenix
Benefit from a full-day tour from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon to see more of Arizona’s natural beauty. Take in Route 66, Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks, Lake Powell, and a Navajo Trading Post on the way to Antelope Canyon. Then explore Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide, and see the … More
Benefit from a full-day tour from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon to see more of Arizona’s natural beauty. Take in Route 66, Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks, Lake Powell, and a Navajo Trading Post on the way to Antelope Canyon. Then explore Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide, and see the Colorado River from the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. Meals and hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Choose between a small-group or private tour.
Professionally Guided | Private Tours Available | Hotel Pickup | Family-Friendly
Pink Jeep Tours
Family-Friendly | Lunch Provided | Multi-Attraction Tours | Combination Tour | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Sedona
Briar Patch Inn - South Rim
Briar Patch Inn is the #1 Ranked B&B in AZ since 2011 and has received Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence
The Briar Patch Inn features 19 cabins situated on 9 lush acres in Oak Creek Canyon, just 3 miles north of Sedona. Each individual cabin is dressed in
… More
Briar Patch Inn is the #1 Ranked B&B in AZ since 2011 and has received Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence
The Briar Patch Inn features 19 cabins situated on 9 lush acres in Oak Creek Canyon, just 3 miles north of Sedona. Each individual cabin is dressed in distinctly different southwestern decor. The lush grounds - home to wildlife, birds, and two resident sheep - showcase rambling walking paths, canyon oaks, giant pines, and sycamores, all providing the perfect setting to nurture your relationship with nature. Healthy, bountiful, homemade breakfasts are offered by the creek in spring and summer and by the lodge fireplaces in fall and winter. An attentive, longtime staff strives to provide a quality of fine service that is the hallmark of this "magical" sanctuary. A Fodor's Choice and a Frommer's favorite.
Fireplace(s) | Free Hot Breakfast | Family-Friendly | Romantic | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Good for Nature Lovers | Intimate Wedding Venue | Retreat & Workshop Venue
Comfortable and Scenic near Grand Canyon - Williams, AZ
Pet-Friendly | Family-Friendly | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen
Fun 66 Tours
Multi-Attraction Tours | Family-Friendly | Leaves from Williams | Professionally Guided
Canyon Villa Bed & Breakfast Inn Of Sedona
Outdoor Pool | Free Hot Breakfast | Sedona Hotels & Lodging