Sedona for a day

Question

We will be staying in Scottsdale the end of December and are thinking of doing a day trip (if possible) to Sedona. Is this even doable? I was looking at the Pink Jeep tours but I don’t see one that includes Antelope Canyon other than an 11 hour tour and that’s just waaaay too long. Is Antelope canyon something we can do on our own or isn’t best to find a tour? Anyone have a Pink Jeep tour itinerary they’d recommend? Nothing too rugged. Thanks!

Answer

A day trip from Scottsdale to Sedona is possible but will be a long day, especially in December when daylight hours are shorter. The drive one-way is about 2 hours each way, so expect around 4–5 hours of total driving. You’ll want to leave early to maximize your time in Sedona and return before dark if you’re unfamiliar with the roads.

Regarding Pink Jeep Tours, there are several options in Sedona, but none include Antelope Canyon as part of a standard tour, since Antelope Canyon is near Page, AZ, about a 2.5–3 hour drive from Sedona. Attempting both Sedona and Antelope Canyon in one day is not recommended—it would be far too rushed.

For Antelope Canyon, it is necessary to take a guided tour. The canyon is located on Navajo land, and all visits require a guided tour. There are multiple tour operators in Page, AZ, for Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon. It is not feasible to explore safely on your own.

If you want a Sedona-focused day trip with minimal ruggedness, consider the following:

Red Rock Scenic Tour: A 2–3 hour Pink Jeep tour that covers key red rock formations, suitable for families and those not wanting rugged hikes.
Broken Arrow Tour: Slightly more adventurous than Scenic Tour but still accessible, offering great views of Sedona’s iconic rock formations.
City of Sedona Orientation: Drive or walk through Uptown Sedona, enjoy shops, galleries, and viewpoints like Airport Mesa or Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Suggested itinerary for a day trip:

6:30–7:00 AM – Depart Scottsdale
9:00–9:30 AM – Arrive in Sedona, coffee/breakfast
10:00–12:00 PM – Pink Jeep Scenic Tour or Broken Arrow Tour
12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch in Uptown Sedona
1:00–3:00 PM – Drive to key viewpoints: Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa
3:00–4:30 PM – Optional short hike or additional scenic stop
4:30–5:00 PM – Depart Sedona
7:30–8:00 PM – Arrive back in Scottsdale

Key tips:

Book Pink Jeep Tours in advance, as they fill up quickly in December weekends.
Wear layers; December can be chilly in the morning and late afternoon.
If you want to include Antelope Canyon, consider spending a night in Page instead of trying to do both in one day.

In summary, a Sedona-only day trip from Scottsdale is doable and enjoyable if you focus on the highlights, but Antelope Canyon should be reserved for a separate trip.

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