Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon Van Tour

Experience the Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon in Comfort and Style

Imagine spending a full day exploring some of Arizona’s most iconic sights with a professional guide, comfortable transportation, and plenty of opportunities for photos and local insights. This 13-hour van tour from Phoenix takes you to the Grand Canyon South Rim, known for its breathtaking vistas and stunning geological formations, along with stops at Sedona’s famous Red Rocks and the scenic Oak Creek Canyon. For $220 per person, you’ll get a well-organized, value-packed day that combines natural wonder with authentic local scenery.

What we particularly love about this tour is the expert narration that makes each stop more meaningful—your guide will help you understand what makes these sights so special. Plus, the multiple viewpoints along the South Rim ensure you get a comprehensive experience of the canyon’s vastness. However, keep in mind that the van ride is long, and comfort can vary depending on your preferences, especially if you’re not used to extended sitting.

This tour is perfect for travelers who prefer to relax and enjoy the views without the hassle of driving or planning logistics. It’s especially suited for those who want to see Sedona’s Red Rocks and the Grand Canyon in a single day, with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. If you’re seeking a balanced, informative day with memorable photo opportunities and engaging guides, this experience is worth considering.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Oak Creek Canyon.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with insightful commentary.
• Multiple viewpoints along the South Rim offer spectacular photo opportunities.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup (select locations) makes logistics easy.
• Long day, so be prepared for a full, sometimes tiring, but rewarding adventure.
• Excellent reviews highlight the overall value, scenery, and knowledgeable guides.

In-Depth Review of the Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon Van Tour

An Overview of the Experience

This tour packs a lot into a single day. Starting early out of Phoenix, you’ll hop into a stretch van with a maximum of ten travelers, which helps keep the ride relatively comfortable despite the length. The tour is designed for those who want a guided experience rather than the stress of driving themselves, making it ideal for visitors short on time but eager to see the highlights of northern Arizona.

The cost of $220 may seem steep at first, but when you consider park fees included, bottled water, and the guided narration, it offers good value. Plus, the tour has consistently earned a stellar 5-star rating from over 1,170 reviews, with 94% recommending it—an impressive endorsement for a full-day outing.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Actually See and Do

First Stop: Grand Canyon South Rim
You’ll spend approximately three hours exploring this iconic viewpoint. The tour stops at several vistas along the Desert View Drive, each offering a different perspective of the canyon’s grandeur. Highlights include walking through El Tovar Lodge, a historic hotel that’s been welcoming visitors since 1905, and Hopi House, a unique Native American art and craft shop built in the early 20th century. Here, you’ll have plenty of time to take photos, soak in the views, and learn about the geology and history from your guide.

Second Stop: Sedona’s Red Rocks
After leaving the canyon, the journey continues through the spectacular Red Rocks of Sedona. The guide typically makes a brief 15-30 minute stop here for photos, allowing you to capture the vibrant, towering red sandstone formations that have made Sedona famous worldwide. Many reviews mention how breathtaking these views are, with one traveler noting, “The view stops were breathtaking. I would highly recommend it.” It’s a quick visit but enough to get a sense of Sedona’s unique landscape.

Third Stop: Hopi House & Additional Canyon Views
Later, you’ll visit El Tovar Lodge, Hopi House, and Bright Angel Lodge. This 45-minute stop provides another chance to admire the canyon from different viewpoints and explore these historic buildings. Travelers have appreciated how guides help with photo-taking and provide commentary on the area’s history and geology.

Final Stop: Oak Creek Canyon
On the way back, the van drives through Oak Creek Canyon, often described as a lush, tree-lined gorge with incredible red rock scenery. This 30-minute drive is just a scenic pass-through, but many find it a perfect way to end the day immersed in natural beauty.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a stretch van with up to 10 passengers means you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience than larger bus tours. The van’s size allows for easier conversation with your guide and more flexible stops. Nonetheless, some reviews mention the ride can be long and tiring, especially if you’re sensitive to extended sitting.

Guides and Commentary

The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to make the day both educational and enjoyable. For example, Kimberly, one reviewer, highlights Derek as being “very knowledgeable and making the trip extremely interesting.” Similarly, Shelagh notes that Eric was memorable and took care of everyone throughout the day.

Comfort and Practicalities

Hotel pickup is available at many Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe hotels, which simplifies logistics. The tour includes park entrance fees and bottled water, emphasizing ease and value. However, there are some restrictions: pets, animals, and large walkers are not permitted, and wheelchair access is not available. Children under 3 are not allowed, but those aged 3-9 can participate, with some needing to bring their own car seats.

The Pro’s and Con’s

Like any tour, this experience has strengths and considerations. The main advantage is the convenience—you get to see several key sites without the hassle of driving or planning. The knowledgeable guides are often a highlight, providing context and local insight that enriches the visuals.

A possible drawback is the length of the day—the van ride can be long and sometimes cramped (though the reviews suggest the van’s size helps with comfort). Travelers not used to extended sitting or those seeking a more leisurely pace might find it challenging.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This is best suited for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing in a short time, especially if they prefer guided tours over self-driving. It’s ideal for those who appreciate expert commentary, stunning vistas, and convenient logistics. If you enjoy photography and want to visit multiple iconic spots without the hassle of planning, this tour offers great value.

However, if long rides and a full schedule are not your thing, or if you have mobility concerns, consider other options. Also, those seeking a luxurious or very comfortable experience might find the van’s size and ride a little tight.

The Sum Up

This Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon van tour from Phoenix delivers a carefully curated day of Arizona’s best scenic spots. The combination of expert guides, multiple viewpoints, and the ease of transportation makes it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to see the highlights without the stress of self-driving.

It’s especially well-suited for travelers eager to capture stunning photos, learn about the area’s geology and history, and enjoy a well-organized, full-day adventure. The consistently positive reviews reflect the value and enjoyment many have experienced, making it a popular choice for visitors eager to explore the Grand Canyon and its surroundings.

If you’re looking for a memorable, guided day trip that balances scenery, comfort, and education, this tour covers all the bases—just be prepared for a busy, full day of sightseeing.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 13 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening.

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available at many locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Confirm with the operator for your specific hotel.

What is the group size?
The van accommodates up to 10 passengers, providing a more personalized experience.

Is park admission included?
Yes, all national park fees are included in the ticket price.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
While meals are not included, bottled water is provided. You might want to bring snacks for the long day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 3-9 are welcome at the child rate, but children under 3 are not permitted. Children 6 and under must ride in a car seat provided by the guest.

Are dogs or pets allowed?
No, pets and animals are not permitted on the van.

Is the ride comfortable?
Most guests say yes, especially since the van is kept to a maximum of 10 passengers. However, some reviews note that the ride can be long and tiring.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended. Bring layers, as temperatures can vary from morning to evening.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.