Summary
If Your Time in Arizona is Limited, Sedona is a Must See
When friends or relatives visit you in Phoenix, or if you find yourself in the Phoenix area for business or leisure, Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon are essential destinations. Sedona is often more accessible than the Grand Canyon and captivates many with its breathtaking red rock scenery. This picturesque area features fantastic shopping, a multitude of outdoor activities, and, for those who are curious, renowned vortex sites. While the Grand Canyon is undeniably stunning, Sedona offers its own unique charm that may resonate more with some visitors.
While this guide does not endorse any specific tour companies, I encourage you to check reviews from reliable platforms to choose a suitable option.
Note: The first two companies listed here provide pickup services from select Greater Phoenix hotels and resorts, while others may require transportation to Sedona.
Detours Arizona
Detours Arizona highlights various tours, including those to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, the Apache Trail, Tombstone, and Phoenix/Scottsdale City Highlights. If a day isn’t enough to soak in Arizona’s incredible views and rich cultural heritage, there are also overnight options available in Sedona and the Grand Canyon. This tour company provides pickups at most Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe hotels.
Silver Spur Tours
The Magical Sedona Day Tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Phoenix or Scottsdale, proceeding first to Montezuma Castle National Monument to explore the ancient cliff dwellings of the Sinagua Indians. In Sedona, notable stops include Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, the Chapel of The Holy Cross, Indian Gardens, and Red Rock State Park next to Oak Creek. You will also enjoy a scenic drive through Seven Canyons and visit Airport Mesa and Tlaquepaque, known for its galleries and unique shops amidst beautiful architecture.
Additional tours offered include:
- Grand Canyon and Sedona Combo Day Tour
- 2 Day Grand Canyon and Sedona Tour
- 2 Day Overnight Grand Canyon Sunrise & Sunset Tour
Pink Jeep Tours
This tour provider delivers an exhilarating off-road experience in Sedona’s stunning red rock area. Exciting tours offered include the popular Broken Arrow Tour, Diamondback Gulch Tour, and the Touch-the-Earth Sedona Vortex Tour, showcasing the area’s natural beauty and unique geological features.
Sedona Red Rock Tours
This company is known for offering The Original Sedona Vortex Tour. Sedona Red Rock Tours invites you to experience vortex energy firsthand, immersing yourself in the profound natural power and learning how to harness this energy for personal transformation. Other tours provided include:
- Sedona Yoga Tour
- Medicine Wheel Tour
- Sedona Chakra Tour
- Sedona Guided Hikes
Oak Creek Canyon
According to the U.S. Forest Service, State Route 89A offers a breathtaking descent into Oak Creek Canyon, a smaller yet equally stunning cousin of the Grand Canyon. This area is renowned for its colorful rocks and unique formations, making it globally recognized for its scenic beauty.
Before driving into the canyon, stopping at the Oak Creek Canyon Vista is highly recommended. This spot offers a bird’s eye view of the awe-inspiring scenery ahead and provides opportunities to shop for unique Native American jewelry and crafts from local artisans.
You can explore this picturesque drive independently or opt for a guided tour with a local provider.
Great West Adventure
This company provides guided bus tours throughout Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Northern Arizona, including:
- Scenic Sedona Tour
- Historic Railway Tour to the Grand Canyon
- Ancient Landscapes Tour (Petrified Forest, Painted Desert & Meteor Crater)
- Ancient Peoples Tour (Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, & Wupatki National Monuments)
- Antelope Canyon Tour
Redstone Tours
Redstone Tours offers an immersive experience, allowing you to hear, see, and understand the stories behind Sedona’s breathtaking landscapes. This comprehensive Discover Sedona Tour visits notable sites such as The Chapel of the Holy Cross, various Vortex locations, Oak Creek Canyon, Tlaquepaque, and Bell Rock.