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Map of Hiking in Sedona and the Grand Canyon including United States Of America

An adventure that puts the AZ in amazing

From sundrenched desert to red rock sculptures, there’s nowhere else on earth like Arizona. This 6-day walking adventure takes in the best of Northern Arizona on foot, exploring Sedona and Grand Canyon National Park with two expert guides. Venture among the sandstone formations of Sedona, passing iconic sites like Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock while learning the native and indigenous history of the region. Find out why the Grand Canyon is considered one of the natural wonders of the world during a series of hikes along its Southern Rim that reveal the best views the landscape has to offer.

Start
Flagstaff, United States
Finish
Flagstaff, United States
Destination
United States
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
SKXS
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore the red-hued landscapes of Arizona’s Sedona region on foot, discovering a world of unusual sandstone formations, including Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock.

  • Come face to face with one of the wonders of the world – the Grand Canyon. Hiking through the South Rim of this awe-inspiring landscape will reward you with views to rival all others.

  • With many meals included during your adventure, you’ll sample the best of Southwestern cuisine, from tasty lunches prepared on site to scenic restaurants overlooking the Grand Canyon.

  • Two experienced leaders will be guiding your adventure, meaning you’ll have access to trails reserved for those in the know, and the group can split based on interests and hike difficulty.

  • Add a deeper layer to your discoveries during visits to the Yavapai Geology Museum and the Trail of Time, exploring hundreds of millions of years of geologic history.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is a walking trip; a good fitness level will help you enjoying all included walks and activities.

  • On our final day we will reach Flagstaff between 5 pm and 6 pm. This night’s accommodation is not included so please plan your departure accordingly, or pre-book a post-tour night.

  • There is some driving included in this trip, up to 3 hours.

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

Cathedral Rock at Oat Creek in Sedona Arizona, USA
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, famous red rocks, Sedona, USA
Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA at dawn from the South Rim, USA
Hiking the Grandview Trail at the South Rim of Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
AZ-Sedona-Schnebly Hill area, USA

Itinerary
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Welcome to Arizona! Your adventure begins in Flagstaff, a relaxed city boasting friendly locals and interesting architecture. A meeting will take place at 5pm this evening, where you’ll meet up with your local leaders and new travel companions. If you get here with time to spare, Flagstaff is known for excellent coffee and even better craft beer, so perhaps take a wander around the town and enjoy a drink of whichever tipple takes your fancy. After tonight’s meeting, get to know your group over dinner at a restaurant in downtown Flagstaff while tucking into some seriously tasty Southwestern food.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

It’s time to put your best foot forward and kick off the hiking part of your adventure. Leave Flagstaff behind and journey into Sedona, a landscape filled with unique sandstone formations and inspiring red tones. Your first hike sets off from near two of Sedona’s most celebrated landmarks, Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. From here it’s a quick climb up towards shelves of layered red sandstone – pause and take a moment to learn about the resilient desert plants that thrive in this region. Continue on to Cathedral Rock, a truly impressive sandstone monolith with spires and arches to rival the world’s most spectacular churches. Take refuge in the shade of cottonwood trees on the banks of Oak Creek as your local leaders share stories about the native and indigenous history of the region. This area was once a prominent hunting ground, but don’t worry, you won’t be catching your own lunch today! Your leaders will prepare a tasty meal for the group. The final stretch of today’s walk takes in the canyons, cliffs and pinnacles that Sedona is so famous for, then head to your accommodation to settle in and put your feet up.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sedona: Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock hike
  • Sedona: Cathedral Rock hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s walk is approximately 7 miles/11km with 500 ft elevation loss/gain.

Today will be spent soaking in more of Sedona’s unbeatable scenery on another fantastic hike. Follow old trails carved out by wagons up to a red rock saddle and take a moment to appreciate the views of the otherworldly landscape surrounding you. Natural sandstone steps facilitate the climb up Schnebly Hill – this part can be a little challenging, but you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views of the canyons below. As you hike, your leaders will regale with stories of T.C. Schnebly and his wife Sedona, whom the town is named after. Stop for a scenic lunch on the trail, then head back to your lodge to freshen up. If time permits, make the 45-minute drive to the historic mining town of Jerome, established in the 19th century. Once a booming settlement, the town was home to more than 10,000 people in the 1920s, but mine closures have left the town with a population little over 400. The people may have left, but their stories live on – take a tour with your leaders through the town’s zig zagging streets to uncover its multilayered history. Sit down to dinner in Jerome’s most charming restaurant (at your own expense), then return to Sedona for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sedona-Schnebly Hill hike
  • Jerome-Town visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s walk is approximately 8-9 miles/12-14km with 1200 ft elevation loss/gain.

Rise bright and early – there’s a lot to see today! First up is an unbelievably scenic 2.5-hour drive past Oak Creek canyon and on to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, and rightfully so, the Grand Canyon really must be seen to be believed. Your first hike through this epic landscape follows a trail down the spine of a ridge, serving up simply magnificent views of the canyon so you can appreciate it in all its glory. Today’s hike isn’t too challenging, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and take it all in. After your hike, you’ll have some time to add a deeper layer to your understandings of the landscape you’ve just explored and pay a visit to some of the museums along the South Rim. Return to your lodge to recharge your batteries (literally and metaphorically!) then head out for dinner at a historic restaurant serving up awe-inspiring views of the Grand Canyon.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Grand Canyon-El Tovar restaurant visit
  • Grand Canyon-South Rim panoramic hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s walk is approximately 3-6 miles/4-9km with 2400 ft elevation loss/gain.

Originally created by horse thieves in the late 19th century, the now famous Hermit Trail was then improved upon by the Santa Fe Railroad as a means of getting to Hermit Camp. Today you’ll be undertaking this much-loved hike through photo-worthy landscapes of fossil beds and formations of sandstone and limestone, before emerging at the Waldron Basin. This part of the Grand Canyon is positively brimming with history, which your leaders will fill you in on as you walk. From Waldron’s high desert valley, follow the Redwall cliff, taking in incredible views of the yawning canyon below. While you’re looking down, keep an eye out for ancient reptile tracks – this trail is home to fossilised footprints dating back 260 million years. Reach the little refuge of Dripping Springs, marking your turnaround point for this hike. Head back to the hotel to freshen up, then return to the South Rim to visit the Yavapai Geology Museum, teetering on the edge of the canyon. Take a short walk along the Trail of Time, unearthing millions of years of geologic history. Round off the day with another wonderful Southwestern feast at a welcoming local restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Grand Canyon-Hermit Trail hike
  • Grand Canyon-Yavapai Geology Museum visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s walk is approximately 6 miles/10km with 1700 ft elevation loss/gain.

Check out of your hotel this morning and make the short drive to Grandview Point, one of the top spots for admiring the jagged landscapes of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. This also serves as the starting point for the Grandview Trail, a challenging and rewarding hike with no shortage of views that will stop you in your tracks. This iconic track was first built by a miner in search of copper in the late 19th century, but when that failed, he repurposed the trail, guiding tourists down its hand cobbled path to access unrivalled views. Venture downwards through millions of years of history, enjoying a final moment to take in the dramatic scenery. After the hike, leave the Grand Canyon National Park and drive to the Desert View Watchtower, a stone structure built to replicate the Native American tower that once stood in the same spot centuries ago. Continue on to Flagstaff (approximately 2.5 hours), where on arrival your walking adventure will come to an end.
Included Activities
  • Grand Canyon-Desert View Watchtower visit
  • Grand Canyon-Grandview Trail hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s walk is approximately 3-6 miles/4-10km with 2500 ft elevation loss/gain.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights)

Included activities

  • Sedona: Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock hike
  • Sedona: Cathedral Rock hike
  • Sedona-Schnebly Hill hike
  • Jerome-Town visit
  • Grand Canyon-El Tovar restaurant visit
  • Grand Canyon-South Rim panoramic hike
  • Grand Canyon-Hermit Trail hike
  • Grand Canyon-Yavapai Geology Museum visit
  • Grand Canyon-Desert View Watchtower visit
  • Grand Canyon-Grandview Trail hike

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Hiking in Sedona and the Grand Canyon trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

1. A completed registration form is required to join these trips. You will not be confirmed for the trip until your form has been received and reviewed. We may ask for a medical release signed by your physician for medical conditions or circumstances which could possibly compromise your safety or the safety of others on this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.
2. Travellers on this particular trip are not required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
3. A signed disclaimer (Acknowledgement of Risks Form) is required at the time of booking for this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.
4. To help ensure this trip is right for you, this trip is subject to additional ‘Essential Eligibility Requirements’ – see the ‘Itinerary Disclaimer’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.
5. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5pm on Day 1 in Flagstaff. Please see Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
6. You are expected to arrive back into Flagstaff around 5pm and dropped off at the same location as the joining point.
There is no accommodation included on the last day in Flagstaff , however we can request any additional nights should you need them.
7. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
8. Please note on some days the group will split and hike in two smaller sub-groups, each with one, experienced and fully qualified guide.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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