My wife, Glenda, and I love road trips to famous natural wonders. In 2023, we included our youngest son, Zak, on a trip during his summer vacation from high school. We used the HGV Max Website and Google Maps of the American Southwest to plan out a weeklong trip.
The Sedona Summit, a Hilton Vacation Club was available for our timeline, and Sedona’s proximity to Grand Canyon National Park and many other attractions made this resort an ideal choice for our stay.
Arriving At Sedona Summit, a Hilton Vacation Club
Sedona is frequently listed among the top 20 resort towns in North America. The quickest way to reach the town is to fly into Phoenix, Arizona and drive two hours north along scenic mountain roads. Las Vegas, Nevada is about a 4.5-hour drive from the west. As we traveled from the east, it was a 5.5-hour drive from Albuquerque, New Mexico via I-40 to reach our destination.
Our resort was located right next to natural rock formations that resemble Old Western film locations in daylight and have a spiritual, theatrical feel in the moonlight! The friendly staff at the resort helped us settle in right away. The rooms were comfortable, with a well-equipped kitchen and a balcony overlooking Sedona’s gorgeous scenery.
Explore Sedona’s Red Rocks And Iconic Views
The night sky viewed against the rugged mountain backdrop was a treat whenever we ventured out after sunset, whether for a trip to nearby stores or just a night stroll after dinner. The resort’s main entrance was within a few minutes’ drive of restaurants and shops in the city, yet far enough from busy tourist traffic. The back entrance was a few hundred yards from the mountains, offering trail excursions and guided tours. Some key excursion ideas in and around Sedona are:
Airport Mesa: Visit this spot for some of the best sunset views in the city.
Hike the Cathedral Rock Trail: This popular trail offers dramatic views and is a key spot to experience Sedona's famous energy vortexes.
Explore Devil’s Bridge Trail: Hike to the largest natural sandstone arch in the area for breathtaking panoramic photos.
Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross: An iconic modern church built directly into the red rocks, offering tranquil views.
Relax at Slide Rock State Park: Known for its natural water chute, this is a top spot in Oak Creek for swimming, wading and picnics.
Shop at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village: A charming Spanish-style village filled with art galleries, unique boutiques and restaurants, offering a cultural break from hiking.
Exploring Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the largest and most popular natural attractions in the world. The Park entrance is about a 2-hour drive from Sedona. The park sits on the South Rim of the Canyon and offers numerous trails, hiking opportunities and guided tours over many miles of amazing rock formations. With a weekly pass, you can return on multiple days for additional park visits. Below are some key locations around the park suitable for a day trip, all of which are accessible via the free shuttle bus.
Grand Canyon Village: The village is the closest attraction after the park entrance. It contains numerous landmark buildings dating back to 1901, and its historic core is a National Historic Landmark District, designated for its outstanding implementation of town design.
Bright Angel Trail: The most popular trail, starting in Grand Canyon Village, offers dramatic views and the opportunity to hike down to resting houses or the river.
Grand Canyon Visitor Centers: The Visitor Centers have ample parking, souvenir shops, eateries, a museum, restroom facilities and a picnic area.
Sunrise/Sunset at Mather Point: Located near the visitor center, this spot offers panoramic views and is perfect for seeing the canyon colors change, especially at sunset.
Rim Trail: A mostly flat scenic trail along the South Rim that is ideal for families and accessible for strollers.
Yavapai Geology Museum: Located at the end of the Rim Trail. It provides excellent educational exhibits on the canyon's geological history.
Top Experiences At Grand Canyon West
Grand Canyon West sits on the northwest side of the Grand Canyon in the Hualapai Tribe Reservation. Although it's closer to Las Vegas, it is possible to make a day trip to the park from Sedona via Kingman that takes a little over 3 hours. Purchasing tickets online is recommended due to the large number of visitors to the Skywalk. Below are some key attractions of Grand Canyon West, all of which are connected by free shuttle buses except the Zipline (served by vans and ATVs).
Grand Canyon Skywalk: A horseshoe-shaped glass bridge extending 70 feet over the edge, suspending you 4,000 feet above the canyon floor at Eagle Point. Attendants will help you take some amazing photos during the skywalk.
Eagle Poin: Named for a massive eagle-shaped rock formation, this area features a Native American village showcasing authentic traditional dwellings from various tribes.
Guano Point: A dramatic, rugged viewpoint offering nearly 360-degree views of the canyon and the Colorado River, along with the remains of a historic tramway.
Zipline at Hualapai Ranch: A high-speed zipline that allows visitors to fly over the canyon at multiple points and take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Glenda and Zak had an exciting experience captured on camera as they zipped over the canyon in the open air!
Helicopter And Boat Tours: Scenic helicopter rides that descend to the canyon floor, often paired with pontoon boat tours on the Colorado River, make for exciting excursions.
Scenic Day Trips Near Sedona
In addition to the Grand Canyon, several natural attractions are located within a one- to two-hour drive of Sedona. Driving south, in under an hour, you can reach Red Rock State Park and thenLake Montezuma. Further south lies the large city of Phoenix. Northbound, on the way to the Grand Canyon, you pass by the beautiful gorge and state park at Oak Creek and the city of Flagstaff at 7,500 ft. elevation.
Heading east or northeast from Flagstaff via I-40, you can access national landmarks like Meteor Crater and Sunset Crater Volcano. Further east, you can access the famous Petrified Forest National Park, home to many amazing archaeological discoveries.
Why This Resort Is A Great Choice For Sedona Stays
The Sedona Summit resort is a suitable base for exploring numerous natural wonders and tourist attractions in the American Southwest. The resort is a perfect balance of comfort, scenic views and nature-inspired living, with attentive staff and well-arranged facilities such as parking, a sauna, a gym and a restaurant. The excursion opportunities and staff ready to help with your exploration plans make this location an ideal choice for couples and families seeking a summer or winter vacation.
Key Takeaways
Sedona Makes A Scenic Base: Travelers can use Sedona as a comfortable starting point for red rock hikes, sunset views and nearby attractions.
Grand Canyon National Park Is Day-Trip Friendly: The South Rim is reachable from Sedona for trails, viewpoints and visitor amenities.
Grand Canyon West Adds Adventure Options: Skywalk, Eagle Point, Guano Point, zipline experiences and tours offer other ways to experience the canyon.
Nearby Parks Expand The Itinerary: Red Rock State Park, Oak Creek Vista, Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest National Park add more options beyond Sedona.
Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit Supports Flexible Trips: The resort is positioned as a comfortable home base with access to nature, attractions and scenic drives.
FAQs
Q: How far is Sedona from Grand Canyon National Park?
A: The Grand Canyon National park entrance is about a two-hour drive from Sedona.
Q: What are some top things to do in Sedona?
A: Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock Trail, Devil’s Bridge Trail, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Slide Rock State Park and Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village are among the most popular things to do in Sedona.
Q: Can you visit Grand Canyon West from Sedona?
A: Yes. Grand Canyon West can be reached from Sedona via Kingman in a little over three hours.
Q: What can visitors see at Grand Canyon West?
A: Visitors can visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Eagle Point, Guano Point, the zipline at Hualapai Ranch and experience helicopter and boat tours.
Q: Why stay at Sedona Summit, a Hilton Vacation Club for a trip to Sedona?
A: Sedona Summit is a comfortable base with scenic views, attentive staff and convenient access to Sedona and Grand Canyon attractions.
