U.S. Hiking: Sedona, the Grand Canyon & Zion National Park
7 days | 9 days with Zion National Park region extension
- Physical activity
- Group size
- 5–22 travelers
Step through the Southwest’s spellbinding canyons & red-rock cliffs
Revel in red-rock country’s breathtaking sandstone spires in Sedona, descend into one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World at the Grand Canyon, and venture through Zion National Park’s striking slot canyons on this American Southwest hiking adventure. Take in sweeping views from Bell Rock and explore Sedona’s art-filled streets before heading to the Grand Canyon, where you’ll descend into the canyon and sample local cuisine at the century-old Cameron Trading Post in Navajo nation. Join a Navajo guide in Lower Antelope Canyon through otherworldly, wave-like sandstone rock formations, and navigate a steep series of switchbacks on Zion’s Scout Lookout Trail, where you’ll be treated to prime views of the park below. A trip through the great outdoors wouldn’t be complete without a few moments meditating in nature, and you’ll have plenty while glamping and stargazing near the Grand Canyon or wading in Zion’s Virgin River, which has carved the canyon’s fiery sandstone over the past 13 million years.
What's included
- 6 nights in handpicked hotels
- Private bus for local transfers
- 6 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 3 dinners
- An expert American Tour Director
- Local licensed guides for select hikes
- Select guided sightseeing tours
Why you'll love it
- Marvel at Sedona’s rust-colored canyons on a hike to Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte
- Step inside the sacred Birthing Cave on a hike along the Long Canyon Trail
- Experience world-class stargazing while glamping near the Grand Canyon
- Descend below the Grand Canyon’s South Rim on the Bright Angel Trail
- Join a Navajo guide through the spiraling sandstone of Lower Antelope Canyon
- Soak up sweeping views of Zion Canyon’s cliffs from the Scout Lookout
Itinerary
Sedona region
Day 1: Fly to Phoenix & transfer to Sedona region
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Your hiking gear is packed, and you’ve broken in your walking shoes. The time has finally come! Double check you have everything you need for the week ahead and make your way to the airport for your flight to Phoenix, where you’ll quickly whisk off to your first destination of the trip: the Sedona region. This desert town is famous for its rust-colored rock buttes (hills with steep, vertical sides), cascading canyon walls, and cacti-covered trails. Feel the strong spiritual energy believed to radiate from Sedona’s famous vortex sites. Sedona is also a huge wellness hub, a place to disconnect in nature while also soaking up the bohemian community’s eclectic art scene.
- Meet an EF representative at the Phoenix airport.
- Transfer to your hotel in the Sedona region (2 hours) to check in and get acquainted with your new surroundings.
- Toast with a glass of beer or wine while getting to know your fellow hikers and Tour Director during a Welcome Orientation.
- Keep the conversation flowing during a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Note: Transfer from the airport to the hotel is only available to travelers who book round-trip flights with EF Adventures.
Day 2: Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte hike, visit to Sedona, and optional wine country tasting & dinner
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is all about exploring red-rock country at its finest as you wind your way through Sedona’s high desert around the spire-topped Bell Rock, which earned its name from its bell-like shape. Take in panoramic views of the uphill vortex, believed to exude spiritual and metaphysical energy, before continuing to the Courthouse Butte viewpoint, where you’ll have sweeping shots of the mesa-like red rock formation, desert flora, and wide-open vistas. Catch your breath while admiring Cathedral Rock, one of Arizona’s most-photographed sites. Later on, you’ll stroll Sedona’s funky, gallery-lined streets and local shops filled with Native American jewelry and crystals. In the evening, sip your way through Sedona Wine Country on an optional tasting and dinner in town, or discover more of downtown’s buzzy restaurants and bars on your own.
Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte hike
- Physical intensity: 1 out of 5
- Distance: 3.1 miles
- Elevation change: 177 ft gain
Check off two of Sedona’s famous rock formations on your first hike of the trip around Bell Rock up to Courthouse Butte. Nestled in a valley surrounded by high red rock canyon walls—formed millions of years ago and consisting of nine layers of stone—Bell Rock is one of the most striking sites in the area. Snap photos of otherworldly red rocks scattered throughout the desert as you make your way along the meditative path, getting a taste of Sedona’s spiritual energy associated with the landmark’s vortex. As you reach the Courthouse Butte viewpoint, you’ll encounter this massive mesa-like formation that towers dramatically above the desert floor. Standing at over 5,400 feet, Courthouse Butte’s flat-topped summit and imposing vertical walls create one of Sedona’s most recognizable profiles.
- Warm up your legs on a light hike around Bell Rock to the Courthouse Butte viewpoint. Admire the sweeping views of red-rock country’s impressive features, like the massive rock towers crowning Cathedral Rock.
- Get a taste of classic Southwestern fare during your first group lunch of the trip in Sedona.
- Spend the afternoon on a walking tour of downtown Sedona’s New Age shops.
- Get acquainted with Sedona’s wine country during an optional wine tasting and dinner, or spend a free evening exploring more of town on your own.
Handpicked accommodations
From boutique hotels to 5-star luxury retreats, our accommodations are curated with the expert eye and attention to detail that come from 60 years of travel experience, always prioritizing authenticity. We select high-quality properties that balance comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm. From bustling city centers to serene countryside and picturesque small towns, each hotel is chosen to complement your adventure’s unique style. While the specific accommodations may vary based on your travel dates, you can always count on staying at fantastic properties that meet our standards for quality and character.
Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Weather
Know before you go
Select tour date
| Date | Extension | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||
| Available | $6,099 | |
| Available | $5,899 | |
| Available | $5,949 | |
| Available | $5,499 | |
| Available | $5,899 | |
| Available | $6,199 | |
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