Unearth The Voyage
Are you looking for information about getting from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon? You’ve come to the right place!
We’ve traveled all over Arizona in our camper and the drive from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon is one of our absolute favorites. There’s just so many stops to make along the way that we love!
In this article, we’re going to tell you the best ways to get from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon, our favorite (hidden and not so hidden) things to see along the way, and much more.
How to Get from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon
There are a couple of different ways you can get to the Grand Canyon National Park from Scottsdale:
- No car? No problem. For travelers who don’t have a vehicle, a Scottsdale to Grand Canyon day trip tour is a great option. They will take you to all the best stops along the way like Sedona, Red Rock State Park, and Grand Canyon Village.
- Renting a car? We got you. The Scottsdale to Grand Canyon drive is one of the most scenic routes in America. So if you plan to fly into Scottsdale and rent a car, our favorite car rental website (and the one we always find the best deals with!) is RentalCars.com.
- Want to rent an RV? Hell yeah! Driving around in an RV or with a camper or van is our favorite way to explore the Southwest. If you don’t have a camper, don’t worry! You can rent one easily with Outdoorsy.com.
Distance from Scottsdale to Grand Canyon by Car
The Scottsdale to Grand Canyon distance is 228 miles and it’s an absolutely beautiful drive.
You can choose between three routes: I-17 N, AZ-64 N, or AZ-87 N.
Spoiler alert: all are absolutely stunning and feature vibrant desert environments and towering red rocks.
The Scottsdale to Grand Canyon driving time ranges from roughly 3 hours and 39 minutes via the fastest route ( I-17 N), to 4 hours and 26 minutes via the longest route (AZ-87 N).
If you’re wondering, can you do a Scottsdale to Grand Canyon day trip? We think so! It would be quite a long day, but it’s totally doable if you wake up early and only spend a few hours at the Grand Canyon before heading back to Scottsdale.
The Best Tour from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon National Park
Sometimes the best way to enjoy a road trip is to sit back and let someone else do the driving. That way we can all be passenger princesses!
If you’re looking for an easy Scottsdale to Grand Canyon day trip, check out this top rated tour below:
- Grand Canyon National Park & Sedona with Lunch – This tour includes a delicious lunch in uptown Sedona, Arizona. You’ll also get to enjoy some browsing at local artwork and a stop at Red Rock State Park to admire the towering red rock landscape.
After arriving at Grand Canyon National Park, you’ll get 3 hours to take in the breathtaking views of the canyon before making the trek back to Scottsdale.
Best Stops on a Scottsdale to Grand Canyon Road Trip
There are a number of exciting stops along the route from Scottsdale to Grand Canyon National Park.
There’s a range of fun small historic towns to check out, state parks, Native American cultural sites, and national monuments to see along the way.
Here’s our favorites that we love stopping off at every time we make this drive:
1. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Did you know that the world’s largest natural travertine bridge is in the small town of Payson, Arizona? Well, now you do! The Tonto Natural Bridge is a tunnel-like phenomenon standing 183 feet high, 150 feet wide, and more than 400 feet long.
At the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, you’ll find three hiking trails, a picnic area, and a community area. While hiking the trails, keep your eyes peeled for deer, rabbits, and javelinas in addition to interesting insects and birds.
2. Montezuma Castle
The Southwestern U.S. has some of the most prominent Native American cultural sites in the world. And luck you! One of the most famous sites is right along the Grand Canyon Scottsdale Drive.
Montezuma Castle, a 20-room cliff-dwelling, is the third National Monument in Arizona established to preserve Native American culture. The cliff dwelling sits atop a towering limestone cliff overlooking a forest of white-bark Arizona sycamore trees.
To access the cliff dwelling, an easy 1/3-mile trail leads up to its base. Along the paved route, you’ll spot the magnificent 900-year-old structure that stands as the legacy of the Sinagua tribe.
3. Sedona
Sedona is one of the most famous and popular destinations in Arizona — and for good reason. Not only is the landscape surrounding this region breathtaking, but it’s also literally pure magic.
The surrounding red rocks are peppered with vortexes, a unique geological phenomenon. Many believe these vortexes also have spiritual, physical, and emotional effects when in close proximity to them.
For nature lovers, there are plenty of outdoor activities to include on your Sedona itinerary. Of course, the hiking in Sedona is top notch and if you visit in the rainy months you’ll be in for a treat with the Sedona waterfalls coming to life.
Sedona is also a great place to stop over and spend the night on your Scottsdale to Grand Canyon drive. If you don’t want to break the bank, check out our favorite camping spots in Sedona.
4. Flagstaff
Looking for an affordable stopover destination on your Scottsdale to Grand Canyon road trip? Flagstaff is a great option. Flagstaff is brimming with art, culture, history, and plenty of natural beauty.
Welcoming nearly 6 million annual visitors, popular attractions include the Lowell Observatory, the Pioneer Museum, and Mother Road Brewing Company.
If you’re craving outdoor adventure, both the nearby Walnut Canyon and Wupatki National Monuments are great ways to explore the surrounding landscape.
These landmarks provide remarkable views of cliff dwellings and geographical formations of the Ponderosa Highlands. Other noteworthy outdoor attractions in Flagstaff include Buffalo Park and Coconino National Forest.
5. Sunset Crater National Monument
The remnants of a violent volcano eruption more than 1,000 years ago, today, the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument sits in eerie silence as a massive landscape of lava flow.
The site draws more than 165,000 annual visitors and is the second most popular attraction in Arizona behind the Grand Canyon.
The former cinder cone volcano is only one of 600 in the entire U.S.! If you’re worried about the possibility of another explosion, don’t. These types of volcanoes only erupt once in their existence before going dormant.
During your visit, be sure to explore sites like the Bonito Lava Flow, and the educational Visitors Center, or climb to the top of Lenox Crater Volcano.
6. Prescott
If you don’t mind a slight detour, the quaint city of Prescott is certainly worth a visit. Known for its authentic ‘wild west’ cowboy culture, it also boasts prized museums, art galleries, local shops, eateries, and outdoor adventure.
In fact, Prescott is home to numerous lakes, hiking trails, recreational areas, and golf courses.
For a day on the water, head to Lynx Lake, Goldwater Lake, or Watson Lake. All are perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and nature watching.
If you prefer to stick to land, you can hike around any of the nearby lakes, or head to Thumb Butte Trail #33 in the Prescott National Forest for a moderate 2.5-mile stroll.
After, head to a local watering hole for a craft beer or cocktail. Favorites include Ad Astra Brewing Co., Thumb Butte Distillery, and Back Alley Wine Bar.
7. Jerome
For history lovers, the tiny town of Jerome is quite a hidden gem. While it’s referred to as a “town”, you won’t find many people living in it. In fact, it’s become one of the largest ghost towns in America.
Named a National Historic District by the U.S. government in 1967, it was once the largest producer of copper, gold, and silver in Arizona. These days, it’s home to less than 500 people.
Even though it’s small, it certainly packs a cultural punch. It’s still popular among tourists who are keen to learn about Verde Valley’s former mines, local wines, and fine arts. Jerome is home to six amazing wineries within the Valley Wine Region.
A few of the most popular wineries include Caduceus Cellars, Cellar 433, and its namesake, Jerome Winery.
8. Grand Canyon North Rim
Another stop that is a little out of the way is the Grand Canyon North Rim. If you plan to make the Scottsdale to Grand Canyon north rim drive, factor in another 2 hours at least.
Grand Canyon’s north rim is a great part of the canyon to see if you’re looking for a serene experience away from the crowds.
It’s also a unique part of the canyon and will give you totally different views than if you were to see the canyon from the south rim or from the west rim.
Checking out the north rim would be a great stop on a Scottsdale to Sedona to Antelope Canyon itinerary as it’s along the way to your final destination.
Where to Stay on a Scottsdale to Grand Canyon Road Trip
There are endless top-notch hotels that are great lodging options for a Southwest road trip. From five-star desert resorts to low-key campgrounds, there’s a property to suit all lodging tastes and preferences. Below are a few of our favorites:
⭐️ Rating: 9.6 |📍 Location: Sedona | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
Longing for luxury and a classic Sedona experience? You’ll find it at A Sunset Chateau. If the property’s sustainability factor isn’t a major selling point, the amenities will seal the deal.
A stay includes free self-parking, free made-to-order breakfast daily, a seasonal outdoor pool, a spa with massages and thermal tubs, free newspapers, and complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby.
The location of the hotel also can’t be beaten. It’s close to restaurants and shops and offers amazing views of downtown Sedona.
⭐️ Rating: 9.0 |📍 Location: Sedona | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
If you find yourself on more of a budget on your Scottsdale, AZ to Grand Canyon National Park road trip, but don’t want to compromise comfort, the Element Sedona is a great option.
This wallet-friendly mountain hotel is a favorite among locals and visitors alike and is just 20 minutes from downtown Sedona.
Not only is it steps away from the red rock mountains and upscale shops near Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon, but it also has a free breakfast and a year-round outdoor pool.
Where to Stay Near the Grand Canyon
⭐️ Rating: 9.2 |📍 Location: Williams | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
For a unique lodging, Under Canvas Grand Canyon provides a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime glamping experience. In fact, it was named the ‘Best Resort Hotel in Arizona’ by Travel & Leisure, and one of the ‘Top 15 Resorts in the Southwest’ by Condé Nast.
Under Canvas Grand Canyon provides upscale, safari-style accommodations in a vast desert landscape with on-site dining, fire pits and free s’mores, off-site excursions, live music, and morning yoga.
Scottsdale AZ to Grand Canyon FAQs
Absolutely! You can drive the 3.5 hours from Scottsdale, AZ to Grand Canyon South Rim yourself, or book a professional tour guide that includes transportation. You’ll likely have time to explore both the Grand Canyon Village and the South Rim.
The South Rim is the nearest rim to the Scottsdale and great Phoenix area. It’s also the most popular rim to visit with numerous hotels, restaurants, and a convenient interior shuttle bus system.
Sedona. Sedona is a two-hour drive (109 miles) from the Grand Canyon. The Scottsdale to South Rim Grand Canyon drive is about a 3.5 hour (233 miles) drive. It’s possible to drive from Scottsdale to Sedona to Grand Canyon as well.
Wrap-Up: Scottsdale to Grand Canyon Road Trip
There are so many amazing things to see and do on a road trip from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon. Whether you’re making the drive as a day trip and spending a weekend exploring, you’re bound to discover some interesting and fun stops along the way.
We hope this article about a Scottsdale to Grand Canyon Road Trip helps you plan your adventure. We would love to connect with you! You can learn more about us here or read more of our recent blog posts here. Also, follow us on Instagram (@UnearthTheVoyage) and Facebook to see what we are up to next!
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