The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 391 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides worth booking?
The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides is a 9-hour experience in Sedona, United States, from $189 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 391 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (391)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $189 per person
You get so much more than you can experience on your own! Our local guides create an enriching experience. What takes more people two days on their own, you can experience in a single day! By not having to worry about busy parking lots, the right route and by skipping the lines. All the major highlights in a single day. jam packed with local knowledge. We love how often our guests comment, "I can't believe how much I saw and learning about about the Grand Canyon!". Beautiful outdoor group lunches. The Grand Canyon’s natural wonder is unlike anything on earth, and Scenic Sedona Tours is your local guide to this phenomenal experience. This is an all day tour departing and returning to our office in Sedona.
What you get
About this experience
You get so much more than you can experience on your own! Our local guides create an enriching experience. What takes more people two days on their own, you can experience in a single day! By not having to worry about busy parking lots, the right route and by skipping the lines. All the major highlights in a single day. jam packed with local knowledge. We love how often our guests comment, "I can't believe how much I saw and learning about about the Grand Canyon!". Beautiful outdoor group lunches. The Grand Canyon’s natural wonder is unlike anything on earth, and Scenic Sedona Tours is your local guide to this phenomenal experience. This is an all day tour departing and returning to our office in Sedona.
What's included
Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
Flagstaff
We stop in Flagstaff at a gas station for people to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and then continue on up. From Sedona via Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive (Rte. 89A) is a 24-mile drive between Flagstaff and Sedona. The breathtaking road descends 4,500 feet from the top of the Mogollon Rim, winding through sandstone canyons and rock formations around every curve.
15 minutes here
Grand Canyon National Park
We drive the 90 minutes from Flagstaffs Kickstand Cafe to the Grand Canyon. Natural wonder is unlike anything on earth.
Pass by without stopping
Hopi House
Modeled after the 1000 year old pueblo dwellings of the Hopi Village in Old Orabi, offering authentic American Indian crafts for over 100 years. Built in 1904 as concessioner facilities at the South Rim were being developed, it is the first of eight projects at the Grand Canyon that were designed by architect Mary Colter, along with Bright Angel Lodge, Hermit’s Rest, Lookout Studio, Phantom Ranch, Desert View Watchtower, Colter Hall and Victor Hall, (the latter two being employee dormitories). Hopi House was built by the Fred Harvey Company as a market for Native American crafts, made by artisans on the site. The Hopi, as the historic inhabitants of the area, were chosen as the featured artisans, and the building was designed to closely resemble a traditional Hopi pueblo. Hopi House opened on January 1, 1905, two weeks before the El Tovar Hotel, located just to the west, was opened.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Kolb Studio
Situated on the edge of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, it was operated from 1904 to 1976 as the photographic studio of ellsworth and emery kolb. At first glance, Kolb Studio appears to be just an old house perched on the rim of the canyon. However, if you step inside, or see it from Bright Angel Trail on your hike out of the canyon, you get the sense it is much more than that. This is the Victorian home of the Kolb Brothers who created a lasting legacy of adventure, exploration, family love, and amazing Grand Canyon photography that will last as long as the Canyon itself.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Mather Point
Mather point is the most popular viewpoint on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The view is absolutely jaw dropping! For many visitors coming to the South Rim, Mather Point offers the first glimpse of a world wonder. A short walk from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and parking lots 1-4, Mather Point offers an expansive view of the canyon. On a clear day you can see 30+ miles (48 km) to the east and 60+ miles (96 km) to the west. Looking down into the canyon you can see a few small samples of the Colorado River, Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon, and numerous trails crisscrossing the landscape.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower
Constructed in 1932, the Desert View Watchtower was designed by Mary Colter, who is often referred to as “The Architect of the Southwest.” Near the eastern edge of Grand Canyon National Park, where the Colorado River begins to turn north and the Painted Desert stretches toward the Navajo and Hopi Reservations, a 70-foot-tall circular stone structure perched on the South Rim draws visitors’ attention. What at first glance appears to be an ancient Native American ruin, made with reddish sandstone, this tallest structure on the South Rim is actually a well-planned, relatively modern building that architect Mary Colter designed for the Fred Harvey Company. The Desert View Watchtower was one of several construction projects the Company initiated in the 1930s. Like Hopi House, another Grand Canyon structure that Colter developed for Fred Harvey, this building played into the Company’s reputation as a purveyor/promoter of Native American arts, crafts, and culture.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Yavapai Point
Panoramic view point along the South Rim with exceptional views of canyon ridges & the Colorado River. Perched right on the very edge of the canyon rim at Yavapai Point, Yavapai Geology Museum offers one of the best vantage points for an overview of Grand Canyon geology. Annotated displays at the base of the panoramic windows show you where to look to see each group of rocks. You can walk between rock column models of the North and South Rims, learn the names of the various rock layers, discover information about the geologic history recorded in the rocks, and visualize the carving of the modern landscape.
50 minutes here · Admission included
Lipan Point
Moran Point is a popular spot on the south rim for gazing into the canyon. A great place for group photos! Along with Desert View, Grandview and Yaki, Moran is one of the most visited points on the east rim drive, and offers far reaching views along a wide section of the Grand Canyon, approximately between river miles 87 and 72. The point is due south of Cape Royal on the North Rim – just 8 miles away in a straight line but 215 miles by road. The promontory is reached by a short spur road and was named after the landscape painter Thomas Moran who came here for the first time in 1873 and helped popularize the canyon, leading eventually to its incorporation as a national monument in 1908 (and a national park in 1919).
20 minutes here · Admission included
Sedona
Now it's your chance to relax for the 2h 30min trip back to Sedona.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sedona
Please check-in for your tour at The Dragon's Den - a crystal store We are next door to EarthLove Organic Kitchen- a great place for breakfast or lunch. There is parking available at location, on the side and more in the back. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check-in.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please check-in for your tour at The Dragon's Den - a crystal store We are next door to EarthLove Organic Kitchen- a great place for breakfast or lunch. There is parking available at location, on the side and more in the back. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check-in.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Scenic Sedona Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 381 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
381 verified traveler reviews for The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The Guide and View definitely 5-stars!! Other aspects get 3-stars!
The tour was run by Sedona Scenic Tours. Although I gave this tour 3-stars, there were definitely two aspects that deserve 5-stars. First, our guide, Tyler, deserves 5 stars. He was phenomenal! He was engaging and extremely knowledgeable. I came home siting facts that Tyler had shared about the Grand Canyon and other things. He is extremely well suited for his role. Second, the Grand Canyon was breathtaking. As first-time visitors, we were awestruck! So, what's with the three stars? First, the van utilized was somewhat dirty, had broken seat belts on most seats (definitely a safety issue) and had no shades or tinted windows so we were burning up on the ride back. Second, there wasn't much thought put into lunch (it was a 10-hour trip). Tyler was as helpful as possible recommending that we pick up something at our gas station stops, but the choices were very limited. The company should put more thought into this issue. I actually sent a message before I left for the trip about the food arrangements but never got a response. It's not a cheap trip, there must be some funds to provide decent box lunches or something of that sort.
via Viator
Great tour of the Grand Canyon with Scenic Sedona Tours
My husband and I totally enjoyed our day tour of the Grand Canyon with Scenic Sedona Tours. I researched several different tours before deciding that Scenic Sedona had the most stops, two rim walks, and the most time spent at the Grand Canyon. We had a wonderful time with plenty of stops for food and bathroom breaks! Our guide Miguel was fantastic! He drove the ten of us while talking all about the geology and history of the areas we drove through and all about the Grand Canyon. He spent time taking pictures of everyone at all the stops we made. At the end of the canyon tour he drove us by the mules which are used to bring people to the bottom of the canyon and succeeded in finding the elk herd that lives near the canyon and pulled over so we could get pictures. He also took us to a small Navajo Nation jewelry shop. He ended the day with relaxing music as we drove back to Sedona. We highly recommend this trip.
via Tripadvisor
Good your, cramped bus.
The tour was really good. Our guide/driver, Yndon was very knowledgeable and a good driver. On the trip out, he gave us a lot of background and history on the Indian tribes who have lived in and around the Grand Canyon. He also gave us a lot of information on the areas we traveled through. There were an approximate number of stops for bathroom/stretching legs both going to and coming from the Canyon. There were also a number of stops to get out and view the Canyon and take photos (which he was very happy to do for us). Even though we had been before(never to the east entrance), the beauty and grandeur of God’s creation never gets old! Now for the negative side. There were 11 in the tour group plus Yndon. The “bus” was a large van with 3 rows of 3 seats plus a back seat and a seat by the driver. There was little leg room or head room. It was not easy for passengers, especially older ones, to get off and on, especially tall or handicapped ones. The back seat was extremely difficult to get in and out of. This is just a “heads up” for those with mobility issues or don’t want or need to be cramped for 2 hours.
via Viator
Our guide Miguel was the...
Our guide Miguel was the best. Highly recommend this tour. He was very informative. The views were beyond amazing.
via Viator
excellent tour
Tyler was our guide he was so knowledgeable and so much history of the entire trip I highly recommend
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 137
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Scenic Sedona Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 84.4.
See everything Scenic Sedona Tours runsWhy this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sedona.
How much does The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides cost?
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Prices start at $189 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sedona usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sedona is not rushed.
Is The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 391 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sedona, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides?
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Around 137 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sedona can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sedona and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sedona within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sedona?
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Sedona's activity market is dominated by off-road jeep tours, and the difference between operators comes down to which trails they are permitted to run. Beyond that: vortex and energy walks, hot air balloon lifts at dawn, stargazing sessions in one of the darkest skies in the country, and Grand Canyon day runs north. We rank on permit access and group size. On Outty we rank every Sedona experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small-Group Grand Canyon Complete Tour from Sedona or Flagstaff, Sedona’s ONLY Guided ATV Tour: Western Red Rock Backcountry, Kayak Tour on the Verde River. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sedona?
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March to May and September to November. Summer afternoons bring monsoon storms. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sedona?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides?
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Included: All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides?
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Please check-in for your tour at The Dragon's Den - a crystal store We are next door to EarthLove Organic Kitchen- a great place for breakfast or lunch. There is parking available at location. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about The Perfect Grand Canyon Tour with Local Expert Guides?
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Across 391 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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