Self-Launched Grand Canyon & Sedona Adventure
4 days · Grand Canyon & Sedona, Arizona, USA
Wildland Trekking charges £2,260
No-markup version: ~£490 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Skip the guided group tour price tag and explore Sedona's red rock trails and the Grand Canyon's South Rim on your own terms. This self-launched 4-day itinerary mirrors the Wildland Trekking lodge tour — covering iconic hikes like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Schnebly Hill, and the Grandview Trail — but swaps the guide fee for free NPS trail maps, replaces private transport with rental car freedom, and trades lodge markups for great-value guesthouses. The trails are all well-marked and beginner-to-intermediate friendly, making this a perfect adventure for solo or small-group travellers who want epic landscapes without the premium price. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.
Day-by-day
Sedona Red Rocks: Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte & Cathedral Rock
Sedona, Arizona
Arrive in Sedona and get straight into the landscape. The Bell Rock Pathway and Courthouse Butte Loop is one of the most accessible and stunning hikes in the area — a ~4 mile loop with jaw-dropping red rock formations and no technical difficulty. Grab a free trail map from the Sedona Chamber of Commerce or download the AllTrails app before you go. In the afternoon, tackle the Cathedral Rock Trail (1.2 miles RT, moderate scramble) for one of Arizona's most photographed views. Pack your own lunch — grab supplies from the Safeway or Whole Foods in Sedona. In the evening, head into Sedona's Uptown for dinner; try Elote Cafe or The Hudson for great local food at reasonable prices. Stay at a budget-friendly guesthouse or hostel in Sedona.
🚌Rent a car from Phoenix Sky Harbor or Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (~£40-55/day for a compact; split between travellers). Drive to Sedona (~2 hrs from Phoenix, ~45 mins from Flagstaff). Parking at Bell Rock trailhead is free with America the Beautiful pass (~£60/year, covers all NPS entry fees — worthwhile for this trip).
🛏Sky Ranch Lodge or Sedona Real Inn & Suites (~£70-100/night for a budget room); alternatively, Star Motel Sedona (~£60-80/night). Book direct for best rates.
- →Hike Bell Rock Pathway and Courthouse Butte Loop (~4 miles, free, no permit needed)
- →Hike Cathedral Rock Trail (1.2 miles RT — download AllTrails for free route guidance)
- →Self-guided desert plant spotting along Oak Creek trails using free NPS/USFS trail guides
- →Pack your own lunch by Oak Creek (buy supplies ~£8 from local supermarket)
- →Dinner in Uptown Sedona — try Elote Cafe or The Hudson (~£20-25pp)
Schnebly Hill Trail & Jerome Ghost Town Walking Tour
Sedona to Jerome, Arizona
Start early with a hike on the Schnebly Hill Road Trail — a historic route used by early settlers with old wagon road sections and sweeping panoramic views over Sedona's red rock canyon. The trail is free and well-marked; aim for the first 3-5 miles out-and-back depending on your pace. Pack trail snacks and a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, drive the scenic 30-minute route up to Jerome — a former copper mining boomtown turned artist colony perched dramatically on Mingus Mountain. Stroll the steep streets, visit the Jerome State Historic Park (small entry fee), browse the galleries and quirky shops, and soak up the ghost town atmosphere. For dinner, head to the Haunted Hamburger or Bobby D's BBQ for historic Jerome dining without the tour group premium.
🚌Drive from Sedona to Jerome via AZ-89A (~30 miles, ~45 mins). Scenic switchback road — take it slow and enjoy the views. Park on Jerome's main street (free or metered).
🛏Stay overnight in Jerome at the Ghost City Inn B&B (~£85-110/night) for atmosphere, or drive back to Sedona accommodation to save on costs.
- →Self-launched hike on Schnebly Hill Road Trail — historic wagon road route (~free, download route on AllTrails or Gaia GPS)
- →Pack your own trail lunch (~£8 from supermarket)
- →Self-guided walking tour of Jerome using the free Jerome Historic Walking Tour map (available at Jerome Chamber of Commerce)
- →Visit Jerome State Historic Park (~£5 entry)
- →Browse Jerome's art galleries and mine history exhibits (free)
- →Dinner at The Haunted Hamburger or Bobby D's BBQ (~£18-22pp)
Grand Canyon South Rim: Rim Trail, Museums & El Tovar Dinner
Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona
Today's the big one. Drive north from Sedona up through Oak Creek Canyon — one of America's most scenic drives — stopping at the viewpoints along AZ-89A before heading to the Grand Canyon South Rim (~2 hrs from Sedona). Enter via the South Entrance (covered by America the Beautiful pass or £25 vehicle entry fee). Hit the Rim Trail — a flat, paved 13-mile trail along the canyon edge with staggering viewpoints. Hike as much or as little as you like; the free South Rim shuttle buses stop at all major viewpoints and trailheads, so you can mix hiking and riding. Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum and Verkamp's Visitor Centre (both free). In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at El Tovar — the South Rim's iconic historic lodge restaurant. Book a table in advance via OpenTable; it's a splurge but worth it for the canyon-edge setting (~£50-60pp for a full dinner with drinks).
🚌Drive from Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim via AZ-89A and US-180 (~2 hrs, ~120 miles). Park at Mather Point or the Grand Canyon Visitor Centre lot (free with park pass). Use the free Hermit Road and Village shuttle buses to move around the rim — no driving needed once inside the park.
🛏Book in advance: Bright Angel Lodge (from ~£100/night, inside the park — book direct at recreation.gov, fills up months ahead) or Yavapai Lodge (~£90/night). Budget option: drive back towards Williams and stay at the Grand Canyon Hostel or Canyon Motel (~£25-35/dorm, ~£65-75/private room).
- →Scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon on AZ-89A (free)
- →Hike sections of the South Rim Trail (free, flat, suitable for all levels)
- →Ride the free South Rim shuttle bus between viewpoints (Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Bright Angel Trailhead)
- →Visit Yavapai Geology Museum — free, excellent canyon formation exhibits
- →Visit Verkamp's Visitor Centre for Grand Canyon history (free)
- →Dinner at El Tovar Restaurant — book via OpenTable in advance (~£50-60pp)
Grandview Trail: Horseshoe Mesa & Last Chance Mine
Grand Canyon South Rim to Sedona, Arizona
Rise early for the Grandview Trail — widely considered one of the most rewarding and challenging day hikes on the South Rim. The trail descends steeply via hand-laid stone steps to Horseshoe Mesa (~3 miles one way, ~2,500ft descent), where you can explore the ruins of the Last Chance Mine and enjoy 360-degree canyon views that few visitors see. This is a strenuous hike — start before 8am in summer, carry at least 3 litres of water per person, and wear sun protection. Pack a substantial trail lunch. After returning to the rim, take a final walk along the East Rim Drive viewpoints before driving back south through the Navajo lands or via US-89 to Sedona or onward to Phoenix or Flagstaff to end the trip.
🚌Drive to Grandview Trailhead on Desert View Drive (~12 miles east of Grand Canyon Village, ~20 mins). Trailhead has free parking. After the hike, drive south: Sedona (~2 hrs) or Phoenix (~4 hrs). Return rental car at your chosen drop-off point.
🛏No accommodation needed — trip ends today. If you need a final night, return to Sedona or stay in Flagstaff (HI Flagstaff Hostel from ~£25 dorm).
- →Hike Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa (~6 miles RT, strenuous — start early, carry plenty of water)
- →Explore ruins of Last Chance Mine on Horseshoe Mesa (free, self-guided)
- →Stop at East Rim Drive viewpoints: Lipan Point, Navajo Point, Desert View Watchtower (~£0 with park pass)
- →Pack trail lunch and snacks (~£8-10 from supermarket the day before)
- →Drive back to Sedona, Flagstaff or Phoenix to conclude the trip
Self-launched vs. Wildland Trekking
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Wildland Trekking | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£490 | £2,260 |
| Duration | 4 days | 4 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £1,770 per person (78%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Wildland Trekking-style trips? Check them out here.~£490
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Self-Launched Grand Canyon & Sedona Adventure cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £490 per person for 4 days in Grand Canyon & Sedona, Arizona, USA. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Wildland Trekking?+
Yes — Wildland Trekking charges around £2,260 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £490 — a saving of roughly £1,770 (78%) per person.
How long is the Grand Canyon & Sedona, Arizona, USA trip?+
This itinerary runs 4 days, covering 4 day-by-day stops through Grand Canyon & Sedona, Arizona, USA.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a adventure, hiking, culture trip through Grand Canyon & Sedona, Arizona, USA, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
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