Sedona: Grand Canyon Railway Full-Day Scenic Rail Tour

Embarking on the Sedona: Grand Canyon Railway Full-Day Scenic Rail Tour is a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Southwest in style. Aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway, adventurers will witness majestic vistas, soaring California condors, and the captivating landscapes of the Little Colorado River Gorge and Painted Desert. With professional guides offering fascinating commentary, this full-day excursion promises an unforgettable journey for first-time visitors and seasoned explorers alike. While lunch is not provided, the tour’s convenient pickup and drop-off service, along with the included gratuity, ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. But the true magic lies in the moments that unfold along the way, inviting you to…

Key Points

A full-day tour departing from Sedona or Flagstaff, offering a comfortable journey aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway.
Witness majestic vistas, the Little Colorado River Gorge, the Painted Desert, and rare California Condors during the tour.
Includes convenient pickup and drop-off, the iconic Grand Canyon Railroad journey, and professional guide commentary.
Not suitable for wheelchair users, but explores the Grand Canyon’s East and South Rims.
Tour not recommended for children 8 and younger due to Arizona’s car seat/booster seat requirements.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

Journey to the Grand Canyon

The scenic journey to the Grand Canyon begins with a comfortable ride aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway, offering travelers the opportunity to marvel at the region’s breathtaking landscapes.

This 11-hour day tour departs early from Sedona or Flagstaff, taking guests on an unforgettable adventure.

Along the way, you’ll witness majestic vistas, soaring California condors, and the stunning Little Colorado River Gorge and Painted Desert.

The professional guides provide fascinating commentary, ensuring you make the most of your time at the Grand Canyon’s East and South Rims.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this railway journey promises to leave you awestruck by the natural wonders that await.

Inclusions for the Day Tour

This comprehensive day tour from Sedona to the Grand Canyon includes an array of valuable inclusions to ensure a truly remarkable experience.

Travelers will enjoy convenient pickup and drop-off at their Sedona hotels, as well as the iconic Grand Canyon Railroad journey that transports them through the stunning landscapes.

Throughout the day, a professionally-guided transportation service provides fascinating commentary, enhancing the overall experience. While gratuity for the guides isn’t included, a 15-20% tip is recommended to show appreciation for their expertise and dedication.

Lastly, guests should note that lunch isn’t provided, allowing them the flexibility to explore the Grand Canyon’s dining options during their visit.

The tour includes:

Pickup and drop-off at Sedona hotels
Grand Canyon Railroad journey
Tour of Grand Canyon’s East and South Rims
Professionally guided transportation

Experiences on the Grand Canyon Tour

Travelers embark on a captivating journey aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railroad, seeing the region’s breathtaking landscapes and unique natural wonders.

The rail ride offers stunning vistas of the majestic Grand Canyon, where the towering rock formations and dramatic colors leave visitors in awe.

Along the way, they’ll witness the rare and magnificent California Condors soaring overhead, a remarkable sight to behold.

The tour also explores the breathtaking Little Colorado River Gorge and the vibrant Painted Desert, showcasing the diverse and visually stunning geology of the area.

This immersive experience allows travelers to fully appreciate the grandeur and natural beauty of one of the world’s most iconic landscapes.

Logistical Details

Guests can expect daily departures from Sedona or Flagstaff between 7-7:30 AM (6-6:30 AM in November/December), returning approximately 6:00-6:30 PM (5-5:30 PM in November/December).

Arizona law requires car seats/booster seats for children 8 and younger, which guests must provide themselves.

While the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, it offers an immersive experience exploring the Grand Canyon’s East and South Rims.

This remarkable journey includes:

A ride on the historic Grand Canyon Railroad
Panoramic vistas of the majestic canyon and rare California Condors
A breathtaking view of the Little Colorado River Gorge and Painted Desert
Professionally guided transportation throughout the day

Accessibility Considerations

While the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, it offers an immersive experience exploring the Grand Canyon’s East and South Rims.

Arizona law requires car seats/booster seats for children 8 and younger, which guests must provide themselves.

Despite these accessibility limitations, the tour provides a remarkable opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon in a unique way.

Aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railroad, guests can marvel at the sweeping vistas, including rare sightings of the majestic California Condors.

Though the logistics may pose some challenges, the overall experience is well worth the effort, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the grandeur of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.

Departure and Return Times

Daily departures for the Grand Canyon Railway adventure commence bright and early, typically between 7:00 and 7:30 AM. During the colder months of November and December, the tour departs even earlier – between 6:00 and 6:30 AM to make the most of the day.

The return to Sedona is equally well-timed, with guests arriving back between 6:00 and 6:30 PM, or as early as 5:00-5:30 PM in the winter. This allows ample time to take in the stunning vistas of the Grand Canyon’s East and South Rims, ride the historic railway, and marvel at the Little Colorado River Gorge and Painted Desert.

The efficient scheduling ensures guests make the most of their day-long excursion.

Depart Sedona/Flagstaff between 7:00-7:30 AM (6:00-6:30 AM in Nov/Dec)
Ride the historic Grand Canyon Railroad
Tour the Grand Canyon’s East and South Rims
Return to Sedona between 6:00-6:30 PM (5:00-5:30 PM in Nov/Dec)

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour provides convenient pickup and drop-off at hotels throughout Sedona, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure. Guests are whisked away from their accommodation in the morning and returned there in the evening, without the hassle of arranging their own transportation. The pickup and drop-off locations are as follows:

Hotel	Address	Pickup Time	Drop-off Time
Amara Resort & Spa	100 Amara Ln, Sedona, AZ 86336	7:00 AM	6:15 PM
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock	90 Ridge Trail Dr, Sedona, AZ 86351	7:15 AM	6:00 PM
L’Auberge de Sedona	301 L’Auberge Ln, Sedona, AZ 86336	7:30 AM	5:45 PM
Wildflower	2040 W State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336	7:45 AM	5:30 PM

This convenient service ensures guests can relax and enjoy the tour without the added stress of transportation arrangements.

Gratuity and Meal Information

This tour’s gratuity for the professional guide isn’t included in the ticket price, though a 15-20% tip is customarily recommended for exemplary service.

Lunch is also not provided as part of the tour package, allowing guests the freedom to dine at their own pace and preference during the scenic journey.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to:

Grab a bite at one of the charming eateries along the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while taking in the majestic vistas.
Stop for a quick snack at the historic Grand Canyon Railway depot.
Explore the quaint towns and local restaurants near the East Rim.

With so many dining options, you can customize your experience to perfectly suit your tastes.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Food and Drinks on the Train?

Yes, passengers can purchase snacks, drinks, and light meals on the historic Grand Canyon Railway. The train’s onboard concession car offers a variety of tasty options to enjoy during the scenic journey.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour offers a standard 11-hour duration, so an extended option is not available. However, guests can enjoy the scenic rail journey and rim tours at their own pace during the allotted time. Flexibility is key for an unforgettable Grand Canyon experience.

Does the Tour Operate on Specific Days of the Week?

The Grand Canyon tour operates daily, offering adventurers the chance to experience the majestic vistas and natural wonders of this iconic landmark year-round. With flexible scheduling, travelers can plan their journey to suit their needs.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

The tour has a limited capacity of 14 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience exploring the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking vistas. There’s no minimum number required, so solo travelers can join in the adventure.

Can I Bring My Own Car Seat/Booster Seat?

Guests must provide their own car seat/booster seat for children 8 and younger, as required by Arizona law. This ensures a safe and comfortable journey for all participants.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

Recap

The Sedona: Grand Canyon Railway Full-Day Scenic Rail Tour provides an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes, from the Painted Desert to the majestic Grand Canyon.

Travelers are treated to breathtaking vistas, informative commentary, and convenient transportation, making this tour a must-do experience for anyone visiting the Sedona or Flagstaff region.

With its well-organized logistics and enchanting sights, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this remarkable adventure.