Sedona and Grand Canyon Ultimate Hiking Itinerary

Late Morning–Early Afternoon: Phoenix to Sedona

After landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport around 11:00 AM, collect your rental car and aim to leave by 11:45. Take I-17 north toward Sedona, a straightforward drive of roughly two hours in light traffic; allow closer to 2½ hours with the rental-car pickup, a fuel stop, and possible congestion near Flagstaff. Grab coffee, water, and hiking snacks before leaving Phoenix—once you reach Sedona, options are plentiful but traffic through town can be slow. The scenery changes dramatically as you descend from the high desert into the red-rock country on AZ-179.

Afternoon: Crescent Moon and Oak Creek

Reach Crescent Moon Picnic Site around 3:00 PM. The entrance is off Back O’ Beyond Road in West Sedona, and the site generally operates during daylight hours; November’s day-use fee is typically around $12 per vehicle, though rates and hours can change. Parking is limited and fills quickly around sunset, so don’t linger in the car once you arrive. Walk toward Oak Creek for the classic view of Cathedral Rock, then settle into the quieter riverside landscape before beginning the Crescent Moon Trail. This is an easy, mostly level first hike—about 1½ hours at a relaxed pace—with creekside sections, smooth rock, and excellent Cathedral Rock perspectives. Wear shoes with traction, since shaded areas can be slick in November, and bring a light layer for the quickly cooling evening.

Evening: Dinner in West Sedona

Leave the trail with enough time to reach The Hudson for a 6:30 PM dinner; it is a short drive from Crescent Moon Picnic Site, but allow extra time for parking along the busy West Sedona streets. The restaurant is known for elevated Southwestern-American cooking and broad red-rock views, with dinner generally running about $35–$60 per person before drinks and gratuity. Reservations are wise, especially for a sunset-adjacent table. After dinner, keep the evening easy—your first day includes a long drive, and the roads around Sedona are notably dark once you leave the main commercial areas.

Morning: Bear Mountain Trail

Start early at Bear Mountain Trailhead, aiming for 7:00 AM. This is one of Sedona’s tougher hikes: the roughly 4.3-mile round trip climbs steadily over exposed slickrock, with big views toward San Francisco Peaks and the surrounding red-rock country. Allow four to five hours, carry at least 2–3 liters of water per person, and bring layers—November mornings can be cold, while the exposed rock warms quickly in the sun. Parking is limited and the trailhead requires a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass; arrive early, and check the forecast for ice or snow before setting out.

Late Morning: Coffee and Recovery

After returning to West Sedona, drive about 10 minutes to Oak Creek Espresso for coffee and a light meal around 11:45 AM. Budget approximately $10–$20 per person, and use the stop to refuel rather than linger too long: Boynton Canyon Trailhead is another 10–15 minutes away, and an early afternoon start gives you a comfortable buffer before sunset. Pick up extra water or snacks in West Sedona if needed, since the canyon trail is longer than it first appears.

Afternoon and Evening: Boynton Canyon Trail and Dinner

Begin Boynton Canyon Trail around 1:00 PM. The mostly gradual route follows a broad, pine-lined canyon toward dramatic red-rock walls; allow about three hours round trip and turn around in time to finish before dusk, when the trail becomes much harder to follow. Afterward, drive roughly 15 minutes to Uptown Sedona for your 5:30 PM dinner reservation at Elote Cafe. This is one of Sedona’s most sought-after restaurants, so reserve well ahead and expect dinner to run about $30–$50 per person before drinks and gratuity. Plan a relaxed evening afterward—your legs will appreciate skipping another major viewpoint or hike.

Morning: Devil’s Bridge Trail

Start at Devil’s Bridge Trailhead around 7:00 AM, when the air is cool and the red rocks are beginning to glow. From the Dry Creek Road parking area, the hike is about 4.4 miles round trip and usually takes 2½–3 hours. The final section climbs over uneven slickrock to the natural sandstone arch; it is not technically difficult, but you will use your hands in places. Parking is limited, so use the Coconino National Forest shuttle if it is operating in November, or arrive early enough to avoid circling for a space. A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required for many trailhead areas; carry at least 2 liters of water per person and bring a warm layer for the shaded start.

Brunch and Afternoon: Cathedral Rock

After returning to town, have brunch at The Coffee Pot Restaurant in West Sedona around 11:00 AM. It is a relaxed, classic breakfast stop with generous plates, and expect roughly $15–$25 per person; allow extra time if there is a weekend-style wait. From there, drive south on AZ-179 toward Cathedral Rock Trailhead in the Village of Oak Creek, about 20–25 minutes depending on traffic. The trail is short but steep, with a hands-on scramble and little shade, so budget about two hours and wear shoes with reliable traction. Parking is tightly managed, and the Sedona Shuttle may serve the trailhead depending on the seasonal schedule—check the current route before leaving town rather than assuming you can park roadside.

Late Afternoon and Evening: Bell Rock and Dinner

Continue a few minutes south to Bell Rock Pathway for an easier late-afternoon walk. Spend about 1½ hours exploring the broad red-rock flats and lower viewpoints; this is a good place to slow down after Cathedral Rock and catch the changing light before sunset. A Red Rock Pass is generally required, and temperatures can drop quickly once the sun disappears, so keep a fleece or light jacket in the car. Finish with dinner at The Hudson in West Sedona around 6:30 PM. Request a patio or window table for the surrounding red-rock views, and expect approximately $35–$60 per person before drinks and tip. Make a reservation if possible, especially since this is one of the more popular sit-down dinners in town.

Early Morning: Arrive at Grand Canyon Village

Leave Sedona around 5:30 AM with a full tank, hot drinks, breakfast, and extra layers; November mornings at the rim can be below freezing, and patches of ice are possible. After entering Grand Canyon National Park, park at the Mather Point lot or in the nearby village lots, then walk to Mather Point for roughly 45 minutes of broad early-morning views. The park entrance is currently about $35 per private vehicle, though fees and hours can change; have your pass ready and check road conditions before leaving Sedona.

Late Morning–Lunch: Bright Angel Trail and El Tovar Dining Room

Walk or take the free village shuttle toward Bright Angel Trailhead for a conservative two- to three-hour out-and-back. In November, do not aim for the river: icy sections, steep return climbing, and short daylight make the first tunnel or another comfortable turnaround point a sensible goal. Carry traction aids if the forecast is cold, and remember that the return uphill takes longer than the descent. Afterward, have lunch at El Tovar Dining Room inside the historic El Tovar Hotel—allow about an hour, with entrées generally around $25–$50 per person. Check the current service hours and reservations, since lunch availability can be limited in the quieter season.

Afternoon and Evening: Desert View Watchtower, Then Back to Sedona

Drive east along Desert View Drive to Desert View Watchtower, about 25 miles from the village; allow an hour to explore the stone tower and its overlooks, which often feel much quieter than the main rim. November sunset comes early, so leave by roughly 3:30 PM rather than lingering for darkness. Return toward Sedona via US-180 and I-17, allowing 2½–3 hours plus a fuel stop near Flagstaff; winter weather can slow the drive. Skip West Fork Trail today—it is off-route and daylight is too limited—and plan a simple dinner back in Sedona after checking in.

Morning — Getting to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Leave your Phoenix hotel around 8:30 AM for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport; the airport is close to central Phoenix, but morning traffic on I-10, SR-51, and the airport access roads can add delays. Allow roughly 20–35 minutes by car, depending on your neighborhood, plus time to refuel and return the rental car. Follow signs for the rental-car center, which is separate from the terminals; the airport’s PHX Sky Train runs between the rental-car center and the terminals and is available around the clock.

Airport and Departure

With an 11:20 AM flight, aim to be at the terminal by about 9:15 AM. After security, Terminal 4—the airport’s main terminal—has the broadest selection of coffee, breakfast, and quick meals, while the PHX Sky Train makes it easy to reach the correct terminal if your airline departs elsewhere. Keep your boarding pass and identification accessible, and check your airline’s app before leaving the hotel for any terminal or gate changes. Allow at least two hours at the airport, especially if checking bags or returning a vehicle; once through security, use the remaining time for a relaxed breakfast rather than cutting the connection close.