Fall Road Trip from Phoenix to Grand Canyon
Road Trip Featuring Sedona, Route 66, and Grand Canyon National Park
This unforgettable road trip showcases some of the best features of Arizona with red rock mountains in Sedona, breathtaking vistas at the Grand Canyon, and historic stops along Route 66.
Whether you’re chasing sweeping vistas or Route 66 nostalgia, this itinerary offers the perfect mix of natural wonder, cultural stops, and small-town charm. Ideal for a long weekend or a leisurely 3-day escape, this route invites you to slow down and savor Arizona’s diverse landscapes.
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Day 1: Phoenix to Sedona
Escape the metro heat and head into Arizona’s iconic red rock country. Spend the day leisurely strolling, exploring, and soaking in Sedona’s natural beauty.
Total Drive Time: ~2 hours (117 miles)
Morning: Depart Phoenix via I-17, then AZ-179 (Red Rock Scenic Byway)
Highlights along the drive:- Badger Springs Recreation Area
- Agua Fria National Monument
Afternoon: Explore Sedona, AZ
In Sedona, enjoy lunch at Hideaway House while taking in picturesque views. Then, explore Courthouse Vista at the Bell Rock Trailhead before capturing stunning photos of the iconic Cathedral Rock.Evening: Village Shopping & Stargazing
Browse the galleries and shops at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, then end your day with stargazing at Beaver Head Flat Scenic Overlook, enjoying the clear night skies. -
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Day 2: Sedona to Williams / Route 66 and Grand Canyon South Rim
Make your way to Grand Canyon National Park through a scenic parkway and Historic Route 66.
Total Drive Time: ~2-2.5 hours (118 miles)
Morning: Scenic Mountain Drive
Depart Sedona along AZ-89A and take in the scenic mountain road through Oak Creek Canyon. Stop at Oak Creek Vista Overlook for picturesque Arizona mountain views!Afternoon: Williams, AZ – the Route 66 “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”
In Williams, AZ, enjoy lunch at Pine Country Restaurant before exploring the Route 66 downtown area, filled with western cafés and artisan shops. Browse the Route 66 Museum and souvenir stores, then visit the Grand Canyon Railway Train Depot. For an optional detour, take a drive-through tour of Bearizona Wildlife Park before departing for the Grand Canyon South Rim.Evening: Grand Canyon South Rim and Tusayan, AZ
Arrive at Grand Canyon National Park through the South Entrance and watch the sunset at Yavapai Point. Enjoy dinner on the patio at Yavapai Tavern, sampling a local fall brew, then check in to The Squire at Grand Canyon in Tusayan, AZ. -
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Day 3: Grand Canyon South Rim
Start your day with a picturesque sunrise over Grand Canyon at a historic landmark before taking a scenic drive with stops at awe-inspiring vistas.
Morning: Golden Sunrise & Desert View
Start your day with breakfast on-the-go from Starbucks in Tusayan, then drive along Highway 64 inside the park to Desert View for wide, colorful views of the sunrise. Climb the historic Desert View Watchtower for a stunning perspective, take a short walk to the Tusayan Ruin and Museum to learn more about the area’s Native tribes, and enjoy lunch at the Desert View Market & Deli.Afternoon: Scenic Drive with Canyon Vistas
Visit Navajo Point for a sweeping canyon view, then head toward Grand Canyon Village. Along the way, take a short, flat hike out to Shoshone Point for a quieter, panoramic perspective of the canyon, and make a final stop at Pipe Creek Vista for one more unforgettable viewpoint.Highlights along the drive:
- Lipan Point
- Moran Point
- Grandview Point
- Duck on a Rock Viewpoint
Evening: Dinner & Stargazing in a Dark Sky Park
Spend your evening stargazing along the Rim Trail near Lookout Studio, where the International Dark Sky Park offers incredible celestial views. Then, enjoy dinner at Desert Lounge + Grill, and if you’re up for more fun, opt for a few rounds of arcade games at Squire Pub + Social. -
Between Arizona’s iconic landscapes, Historical Route 66, Grand Canyon’s stunning vistas, a road trip from Phoenix to South Rim is the perfect fall getaway – and The Squire offers the best amenities, entertainment, and location to be your homebase as you explore Grand Canyon.
Ready to hit the road? Book your stay at The Squire at Grand Canyon to start your planning today.
DISCOVER
At the one-of-a-kind Grand Canyon National Park, the opportunities to explore are endless. Plan your adventure today.
TOURS
Experience an up-close view of the park, and learn about the fascinating history, geology and wildlife that makes the Grand Canyon such an extraordinary place.