The roster spans seven categories, from ten desert and Apache Trail outings to five Grand Canyon itineraries, four Sedona red-rock trips, four balloon flights and the long hauls to Antelope Canyon. Durations swing just as widely. Jeep tours wrap in about two hours, steamboat days on the Apache Trail run eight, and Grand Canyon circuits with Sedona take 10 to 13 hours door to door.

Which Day Tours From Phoenix Fit Your Trip?

Short on time or budget? The Scottsdale Sonoran Desert to MountainTop Jeep Tour runs about two and a half hours from $175 with Rackensack Canyon Tours, and the 8:00AM Desert Off-Road UTV Tour lasts two hours from $199 per person with Desert Monsters Tours. Balloon flights start at $199 per person with Arizona Balloon Safaris, a four-hour ride on the largest balloon in the USA.

Perfect scores cluster around a few standouts. The Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon Day Tour from Phoenix holds a 5 rating across 63 reviews at $375 per person for a 14-hour day with Elegant Travel. Note that this tour does not offer free cancellation. The Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset also carries 5, across a roster-leading 2,769 reviews. Two Tombstone tours sit at 5, across 18 and 8 reviews.

Most tours here price per person, but the private departures sell per group. The Private Apache Trail Tour with Canyon Lake Cruise runs $975 for up to five travelers over nine hours, and the Private Tombstone Day Trip tops the roster at $1,125 per group. Back on per-person pricing, the Private Lower Antelope Canyon Day Tour runs $430. The Guided UTV or ATV Desert Tour, like the group-rate options above, quotes from $204 per group for two.

Pickup zones span Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Glendale hotels. Mesa gets its own marquee outing in the Four Peaks Wilderness Off-Road Tour with Lunch, a six-hour run from $300 with Wilds of Arizona. Several listings depart from Scottsdale specifically, among them the Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour, 15 to 16 hours from $351, rated 4.9 across 42 reviews.

Combining stops is where day tours from Phoenix earn their keep. The Grand Canyon with Sedona & Oak Creek Day Tour runs about 11 hours from $229 per person and carries a 4.8 rating across 566 reviews, while the Sedona & Grand Canyon Day Tour from Arizona Scenic Tours starts at $295 with a 4.9 rating. Prefer a private vehicle? Detours of Arizona runs a private Lower Antelope Canyon day tour from $430 per person over 14 hours.

Small-Group Or Private, 13 Hours Small-Group Or Private, 13 Hours Small Group, Meal Included Small Group, Meal Included 13-14 Hours, Meal Included 13-14 Hours, Meal Included 2-Hour Sunset Jeep 2-Hour Sunset Jeep Bubbly, Breakfast Included Bubbly, Breakfast Included Tombstone Only, 11 Hours Tombstone Only, 11 Hours Private Lower Antelope, 14 Hours Private Lower Antelope, 14 Hours 8AM UTV, 2 Per Vehicle 8AM UTV, 2 Per Vehicle

Day Tours From Phoenix At A Glance

  • The roster holds 34 bookable day tours spread across 7 categories, from Grand Canyon and Sedona trips to hot air balloon flights over the Sonoran Desert. Every tour departs the Phoenix metro area, with pickup zones covering Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Glendale hotels.
  • The cheapest seat on the list is the Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset, run by Scottsdale Adventure Tours. It starts at $155 per person, runs about 2 hours, and holds a 5 rating across 2,769 reviews, making it the least expensive way onto the desert without giving up a well-reviewed guide.
  • The best-rated big seller is the Small-Group or Private Grand Canyon with Sedona Tour from Phoenix, carrying a 4.8 rating across 2,580 reviews. It runs 13 hours from $229 per person and pairs the South Rim with red rock country in a single day, with free cancellation on the listing.
  • Most tours price per person, but three listings price per group: the Guided UTV or ATV Desert Tour from $204 for up to 2 riders, the Private Apache Trail Tour with Canyon Lake Cruise at $975 for up to 5, and the Private Tombstone Day Trip at $1,125 for up to 5. The rest charge per seat.
  • Most of the 34 tours here carry free cancellation; only the Elegant Travel Antelope Canyon tour and the private Lower Antelope Canyon tour do not if you withdraw before the cutoff. Each listing states its own window, and the live booking page is always the authority on timing.
  • The big drives are genuinely long. Grand Canyon tours from the Phoenix metro run 10 to 13 hours, and Antelope Canyon with Horseshoe Bend runs 13 to 16 hours depending on the listing. The Sedona, Jerome and Montezuma Castle trips sit closer to 8 to 10 hours, which makes them the easier full-day choice.

Seven Kinds Of Day Tours From Phoenix, Compared

Seven categories cover the whole roster. Grand Canyon tours account for 5 listings, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend for 3, Sedona red rock trips for 4, and the desert and Apache Trail group is the largest at 10, including jeep, UTV and steamboat options. Hot air balloon rides add 4 more, southern Arizona trips to Tombstone and Bisbee add 5, and 3 private multi-stop tours round out the list.

CategoryBest forTypical lengthFromLead tourDeparts from
Grand Canyon Tours These suit travelers who want the canyon in one long day rather than an overnight. Every tour handles the driving, and the Sedona-pairing options add red rock scenery to a day that already carries plenty. 10 to 13 hours $229 per person Small-Group Or Private, 13 Hours Phoenix, Scottsdale
Sedona And Red Rock Tours Good fit for first-time visitors to northern Arizona who want scenery, ruins and a walkable town in a single outing. The Jerome stops add a mining-town lunch break, which helps with kids and anyone who prefers a slower pace. 8 to 10 hours $165 per person Small Group, Meal Included Phoenix, Scottsdale
Antelope Canyon And Horseshoe Bend Tours Built for travelers set on seeing both the slot canyon and the river bend without an overnight in Page. The days run 13 to 16 hours, so they suit early risers more than families with small children. 14 to 16 hours $351 per person 13-14 Hours, Meal Included Scottsdale, Phoenix
Apache Trail And Desert Tours The jeep and UTV rides fit travelers who want desert up close without giving up a whole day, since several run about two hours. The van tours suit anyone who prefers a paved road, a steamboat and a full day out. 2 to 9 hours $155 per person 2-Hour Sunset Jeep Scottsdale, Fort McDowell, Phoenix, Mesa
Hot Air Balloon Flights These suit anyone who wants the desert from above without a full-day commitment, since total time runs about four hours including ground time. First-time flyers are well served, and every listing carries free cancellation. 1 to 5 hours $199 per person Bubbly, Breakfast Included Phoenix, Peoria
Tombstone And Tucson Tours This category suits travelers who want Old West history over red rock scenery: families with kids who know the gunfight story, and anyone curious about Bisbee's copper-mining past. 11 to 12 hours $250 per person Tombstone Only, 11 Hours Phoenix, Scottsdale
Private Tours Built for families or small groups who want the vehicle to themselves: one set price for up to five people, your own guide, and a schedule that bends around photo stops. 9 to 14 hours $430 per person Private Lower Antelope, 14 Hours Phoenix
Layered red and gold walls of the Grand Canyon drop from the South Rim toward the river corridor under a wide desert sky. Grand Canyon Day Tours From Phoenix Five full-day runs to the South Rim, every one leaving the Phoenix metro, with from-prices starting at $229 a person. Four of the five break up the drive with Sedona or Oak Creek Canyon. These suit travelers who want the canyon in one long day rather than an overnight. Every tour handles the driving, and the Sedona-pairing options add red rock scenery to a day that already carries plenty. Late sun lights the red rock towers above Oak Creek in Sedona, where green trees gather along the water below the cliffs. Sedona And Red Rock Day Tours From Phoenix Four tours leave the valley for Sedona's red rock country, and all stop at Montezuma Castle, the ancient cliff dwellings. Three add Jerome, the old mining town on Cleopatra Hill, and from-prices start at $165 per person. Good fit for first-time visitors to northern Arizona who want scenery, ruins and a walkable town in a single outing. The Jerome stops add a mining-town lunch break, which helps with kids and anyone who prefers a slower pace. A beam of daylight cuts the twisted sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon, warm orange stone curving overhead. Antelope Canyon And Horseshoe Bend Day Tours From Phoenix Three long-haul tours run north from Phoenix and Scottsdale to Page country. Each pairs a Navajo-guided walk through Antelope Canyon with the short hike out to Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River swings a tight loop below the overlook. Built for travelers set on seeing both the slot canyon and the river bend without an overnight in Page. The days run 13 to 16 hours, so they suit early risers more than families with small children. An open jeep crosses Sonoran Desert ground thick with saguaros, the Superstition Mountains rising behind it. Apache Trail And Sonoran Desert Adventures Ten ways into the desert: steamboat cruises on Canyon Lake along the Apache Trail, evening jeep rides near Scottsdale, and UTV runs across Four Peaks country. The jeep and UTV rides fit travelers who want desert up close without giving up a whole day, since several run about two hours. The van tours suit anyone who prefers a paved road, a steamboat and a full day out. Hot air balloons float above open desert outside Phoenix at sunrise, saguaro cacti scattered across the ground below. Hot Air Balloon Flights Over The Sonoran Desert Four sunrise flights over the Sonoran Desert, from a champagne-and-catering ride to one aboard the largest balloon in the USA. Flights run 45 to 60 minutes in the air, with from-prices starting at $199. These suit anyone who wants the desert from above without a full-day commitment, since total time runs about four hours including ground time. First-time flyers are well served, and every listing carries free cancellation. Sunlight falls on wooden storefronts and boardwalks along Tombstone's main street, the old mining town quiet in afternoon heat. Tombstone, Tucson And Saguaro Day Tours From Phoenix Five tours run south from the metro. Tombstone's Allen Street appears on every itinerary, Bisbee's hillside mining town on three, and two routes add saguaro country in Saguaro National Park. This category suits travelers who want Old West history over red rock scenery: families with kids who know the gunfight story, and anyone curious about Bisbee's copper-mining past. A private touring SUV stands ready at a desert overlook, red rock country and open sky spreading out beyond the windshield. Private Day Tours From Phoenix Private options here cover Lower Antelope Canyon at $430 per person, plus Apache Trail and Tombstone outings booked per vehicle for groups of up to five. Built for families or small groups who want the vehicle to themselves: one set price for up to five people, your own guide, and a schedule that bends around photo stops.

Grand Canyon Day Tours From Phoenix

Five Grand Canyon day tours leave from Phoenix and Scottsdale hotels, four of them pairing the South Rim with a stop in Sedona or Oak Creek Canyon. From-prices sit between $229 and $299 per person. Days run long, 10 to 13 hours, which is the honest cost of reaching the rim from the Valley. The most-reviewed option holds a 4.8 across 2,580 reviews.

Sedona And Red Rock Day Tours From Phoenix

Sedona sits close enough for a gentler day, and four tours stack red rock country, the cliff dwellings of Montezuma Castle and the old mining town of Jerome into one loop. From-prices span $165 to $225 per person. The quickest runs 8 hours, the standard van tours about 10. Ratings stretch from 4.7 to a perfect 5, the top mark resting on just 8 reviews.

Antelope Canyon And Horseshoe Bend Day Tours From Phoenix

Antelope Canyon sits on Navajo land near Page, and entry happens only with a Navajo-guided tour, which is why each tour here builds the guide into the day. Three shared tours run $351 to $390 per person, each pairing the slot canyon with the Horseshoe Bend overlook above the Colorado River. These are the longest days on the site, 13 to 16 hours round trip, and ratings land at 4.9 or higher.

Apache Trail And Sonoran Desert Adventures

This is the biggest category on the site, 10 tours strong. Van tours follow the paved stretch of the Apache Trail past Tortilla Flat to Canyon Lake, where the Dolly Steamboat takes over, from $168 per person for an 8-hour day. Jeep and UTV runs of roughly two hours, starting at $155, stay closer to the city and work the Sonoran Desert inside Tonto National Forest instead.

Hot Air Balloon Flights Over The Sonoran Desert

Four balloon outfitters fly at sunrise over the Sonoran Desert, priced from $199 to $261 per person. Time aloft lasts 45 to 60 minutes. The full outing, check-in through post-flight champagne or breakfast, runs about four hours, sometimes five. The two most-reviewed listings carry 2,164 and 816 reviews apiece, both at 4.8.

Tombstone, Tucson And Saguaro Day Tours From Phoenix

Five tours head south out of the Valley, most linking Tombstone with Bisbee and two routing through Saguaro National Park on the way down. Expect 11 or 12 hours door to door. Prices open at $250 and top out at $475 per person. Review counts stay thin here, 7 to 18 where posted, and two listings have no reviews published yet, so the itinerary matters more than the score.

Private Day Tours From Phoenix

Three listings go private. A Lower Antelope Canyon version runs 14 hours at $430 per person and carries a perfect 5 across 34 reviews. The other two price by vehicle: the Apache Trail with a Canyon Lake cruise at $975 for up to five people, and a Tombstone day at $1,125 for the same headcount. Split that Tombstone vehicle five ways and the per-person cost dips below the shared tour.

What Day Tours From Phoenix Include, Side By Side

Check the pricing basis before comparing anything. Thirty-one of the 34 tours quote per person, but three quote by vehicle: a desert UTV run at $204 for up to two riders, plus the private Apache Trail and Tombstone days at $975 and $1,125 for up to five. Published from-prices across the whole roster run $155 to $1,125, so the headline number alone can mislead.

TourHotel pickupDurationGroup sizeMeal includedFree cancellationDeparts fromFrom
Oak Creek Canyon, No Meal hotel pickup Full day (approx. 11 hours) see the listing not included see the listing Phoenix $229per person
Sedona First, Meal Included hotel pickup Full day (over 10 hours) see the listing meal included see the listing Phoenix $295per person
Meal Included, 13-Hour Day hotel pickup 13 hours up to 12 meal included see the listing Scottsdale $270per person
Small-Group Or Private, 13 Hours hotel pickup 13 hours see the listing not included see the listing Phoenix $229per person
National Park Only, 12 Hours hotel pickup 12 hours see the listing not included see the listing Phoenix $299per person
15-16 Hours, Meal Included hotel pickup 15-16 hours (long day) see the listing meal included see the listing Scottsdale $351per person
13-14 Hours, Meal Included hotel pickup 13-14 hours up to 12 meal included see the listing Scottsdale $390per person
Horseshoe Bend First, No Pickup meet at the departure point 14 hours up to 10 not included check the listing Phoenix $375per person
Meal Included, Full Day hotel pickup Full day see the listing meal included see the listing Phoenix $165per person
Small Group, Meal Included hotel pickup Full day see the listing meal included see the listing Phoenix $179per person
8-Hour Verde Valley Day hotel pickup 8 hours see the listing not included see the listing Scottsdale $225per person
10-Hour Van Tour, No Meal hotel pickup 10 hours see the listing not included see the listing Phoenix $165per person
Meal And Lake Cruise, 9 Hours hotel pickup Full day (9 hours) see the listing meal included see the listing Phoenix $215per person
Dolly Steamboat, Meal Included hotel pickup 8 hours see the listing meal included see the listing Phoenix $183per person
Sunset Jeep, Tonto Forest meet at the departure point Approx. 2.5 hours see the listing not included see the listing Scottsdale $190per person
Mountaintop Jeep, 2.5 Hours meet at the departure point Approx. 2.5 hours see the listing not included see the listing Scottsdale $175per person
UTV Or ATV, Pickup Included hotel pickup Approx. 2 hours up to 2 not included see the listing Phoenix $204per group, up to 2
Four Peaks, Lunch Included meet at the departure point 6 hours see the listing meal included see the listing Mesa $300per person
Small Group, Dolly Steamboat hotel pickup 8 hours up to 13 not included see the listing Phoenix $169per person
Van Tour, Dolly Steamboat hotel pickup 8 hours up to 10 not included see the listing Phoenix $168per person
2-Hour Sunset Jeep meet at the departure point 2 hours see the listing not included see the listing Scottsdale $155per person
8AM UTV, 2 Per Vehicle meet at the departure point 2 hours see the listing not included see the listing Fort McDowell $199per person
Champagne, Catering Included hotel pickup 4-5 hours (45-60 min flight + ground time) see the listing meal included see the listing Phoenix $261per person
1-Hour Desert Flight hotel pickup 1 hour flight (45-60 minutes in air) up to 12 meal included see the listing Peoria $249per person
Largest Balloon In USA meet at the departure point 4 hours see the listing meal included see the listing Phoenix $199per person
Bubbly, Breakfast Included hotel pickup 4 hours see the listing meal included see the listing Phoenix $239per person
Tombstone And Bisbee, No Pickup meet at the departure point see the listing see the listing not included see the listing Phoenix $250per person
Old West Theme, 12 Hours hotel pickup Approx. 12 hours see the listing not included see the listing Phoenix $345per person
Saguaro NP Stop, Meal Included hotel pickup 11 hours up to 12 meal included see the listing Scottsdale $250per person
Tombstone Only, 11 Hours hotel pickup 11 hours up to 5 not included see the listing Phoenix $365per person
Private, Meal Included hotel pickup Full day (approx. 11 hours) your party only meal included see the listing Phoenix $475per person
Private Lower Antelope, 14 Hours hotel pickup 14 hours your party only not included check the listing Phoenix $430per person
Private Canyon Lake Cruise hotel pickup 9 hours up to 5 not included see the listing Phoenix $975per group, up to 5
Private Tombstone, 10-12 Hours hotel pickup 10-12 hours up to 5 not included see the listing Phoenix $1,125per group, up to 5

Explore All Day Tours From Phoenix By Price, Rating And Length

Published from-prices run from $155 to $1,125, and every one of the 34 tours lists a starting price. Ratings sit between 4.7 and 5, with review counts ranging from a single review to several thousand. Durations vary just as widely: a 2-hour sunset jeep ride and a 16-hour Antelope Canyon day both appear here, so filter by length before anything else.

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All 34 tours, most reviewed first. Tap a heading chip twice to flip the order.

TourCategoryDeparts fromLengthFromRatingBook
2-Hour Sunset JeepScottsdale Adventure Tours Apache Trail And Desert Tours Scottsdale 2 hours $155 ★ 5.02,769 reviews Check availability
Small-Group Or Private, 13 Hours Grand Canyon Tours Phoenix 13 hours $229 ★ 4.82,580 reviews Check availability
Bubbly, Breakfast IncludedHot Air Expeditions Inc Hot Air Balloon Flights Phoenix 4 hours $239 ★ 4.82,164 reviews Check availability
8AM UTV, 2 Per VehicleDesert Monsters Tours LLC Apache Trail And Desert Tours Fort McDowell 2 hours $199 ★ 5.01,670 reviews Check availability
Largest Balloon In USAArizona Balloon Safaris Hot Air Balloon Flights Phoenix 4 hours $199 ★ 4.8816 reviews Check availability
Oak Creek Canyon, No MealDetours Arizona Grand Canyon Tours Phoenix Full day (approx. 11 hours) $229 ★ 4.8566 reviews Check availability
Meal Included, 13-Hour DayWandering Heart Adventures Grand Canyon Tours Scottsdale 13 hours $270 ★ 4.9332 reviews Check availability
UTV Or ATV, Pickup IncludedArizona Outdoor Fun Apache Trail And Desert Tours Phoenix Approx. 2 hours $204 per group, up to 2 ★ 4.9291 reviews Check availability
Small Group, Dolly SteamboatDetours of Arizona Apache Trail And Desert Tours Phoenix 8 hours $169 ★ 4.7278 reviews Check availability
Van Tour, Dolly Steamboat Apache Trail And Desert Tours Phoenix 8 hours $168 ★ 4.8207 reviews Check availability
Sedona First, Meal IncludedArizona Scenic Tours Grand Canyon Tours Phoenix Full day (over 10 hours) $295 ★ 4.9183 reviews Check availability
National Park Only, 12 Hours Grand Canyon Tours Phoenix 12 hours $299 ★ 4.8162 reviews Check availability
Champagne, Catering IncludedHot Air Expeditions Hot Air Balloon Flights Phoenix 4-5 hours (45-60 min flight + ground time) $261 ★ 4.8159 reviews Check availability
13-14 Hours, Meal IncludedWandering Heart Adventures Antelope Canyon And Horseshoe Bend Tours Scottsdale 13-14 hours $390 ★ 4.9113 reviews Check availability
Small Group, Meal IncludedDetours Arizona Sedona And Red Rock Tours Phoenix Full day $179 ★ 4.876 reviews Check availability
10-Hour Van Tour, No MealAcross Arizona Tours, LLC Sedona And Red Rock Tours Phoenix 10 hours $165 ★ 4.769 reviews Check availability
Horseshoe Bend First, No PickupElegant Travel LLC Antelope Canyon And Horseshoe Bend Tours Phoenix 14 hours $375 ★ 5.063 reviews Check availability
15-16 Hours, Meal IncludedWandering Heart Adventures Antelope Canyon And Horseshoe Bend Tours Scottsdale 15-16 hours (long day) $351 ★ 4.942 reviews Check availability
Meal Included, Full DayAcross Arizona Tours Sedona And Red Rock Tours Phoenix Full day $165 ★ 4.939 reviews Check availability
Private Lower Antelope, 14 HoursDetours of Arizona Private Tours Phoenix 14 hours $430 ★ 5.034 reviews Check availability
Meal And Lake Cruise, 9 HoursArizona Scenic Tours Apache Trail And Desert Tours Phoenix Full day (9 hours) $215 ★ 4.927 reviews Check availability
Sunset Jeep, Tonto ForestScottsdale Adventure Tours Apache Trail And Desert Tours Scottsdale Approx. 2.5 hours $190 ★ 4.822 reviews Check availability
Tombstone Only, 11 HoursArizona Scenic Tours Tombstone And Tucson Tours Phoenix 11 hours $365 ★ 5.018 reviews Check availability
Dolly Steamboat, Meal IncludedDetours Arizona Apache Trail And Desert Tours Phoenix 8 hours $183 ★ 4.917 reviews Check availability
Mountaintop Jeep, 2.5 HoursRackensack Canyon Tours Apache Trail And Desert Tours Scottsdale Approx. 2.5 hours $175 ★ 5.011 reviews Check availability
8-Hour Verde Valley DayWandering Heart Adventures Sedona And Red Rock Tours Scottsdale 8 hours $225 ★ 5.08 reviews Check availability
Saguaro NP Stop, Meal IncludedWandering Heart Adventures Tombstone And Tucson Tours Scottsdale 11 hours $250 ★ 5.08 reviews Check availability
Old West Theme, 12 HoursArizona Scenic Tours Tombstone And Tucson Tours Phoenix Approx. 12 hours $345 ★ 4.87 reviews Check availability
Four Peaks, Lunch IncludedWilds of Arizona Apache Trail And Desert Tours Mesa 6 hours $300 ★ 5.02 reviews Check availability
1-Hour Desert FlightSnohomish Ballooning LLC Hot Air Balloon Flights Peoria 1 hour flight (45-60 minutes in air) $249 ★ 5.01 reviews Check availability
Tombstone And Bisbee, No PickupWandering Heart Adventures Tombstone And Tucson Tours Phoenix Confirmed at booking $250 No reviews yet Check availability
Private, Meal IncludedPLATFORMPOINTS LLC Tombstone And Tucson Tours Phoenix Full day (approx. 11 hours) $475 No reviews yet Check availability
Private Canyon Lake CruiseArizona Scenic Tours Private Tours Phoenix 9 hours $975 per group, up to 5 No reviews yet Check availability
Private Tombstone, 10-12 HoursArizona Scenic Tours Private Tours Phoenix 10-12 hours $1,125 per group, up to 5 No reviews yet Check availability

What Makes Arizona Worth The Drive

Phoenix sits within a day's drive of some of the most photographed country in the American Southwest. The Grand Canyon South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so tours can reach it in any season. Sedona's red rocks, the slot canyons near Page, and the old mining town of Jerome all sit inside the same day-trip radius, which is why a single base city works so well here.

When To Go On Day Tours From Phoenix

Timing shapes these trips more than most visitors expect. Summer heat in the Sonoran Desert pushes tours toward early morning departures and sunset slots, while the July and August monsoon can bring afternoon thunderstorms to the high country around Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. Winter days are mild in the valley but can bring snow to the South Rim, and spring through fall is when the National Park Service recommends reserving ahead.

Spring

March through May

Spring is the strongest season for the long drives. Comfortable valley temperatures make a 13-hour Grand Canyon day or a 14-hour Antelope Canyon run far more pleasant, and the National Park Service recommends reservations at the South Rim from spring through fall. Balloon flights run well too, with Hot Air Expeditions offering morning rides from $239 per person. Book early, because this is peak season for a reason.

Summer

June through August

Summer is the season that needs the most care. The National Weather Service runs a HeatRisk system for Phoenix, and when it flags extreme heat, local health guidance shifts toward early morning activity and indoor time in the afternoons. That fits the roster well: the morning balloon rides launch at sunrise, and the sunset jeep tours, including the 5-rated Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset from $155, put you in the desert as the day cools.

Autumn

September into November

Autumn is arguably the best window for the big itineraries. Monsoon storms have usually cleared, the South Rim stays open around the clock, and the drive up through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona is at its most scenic. This is a good time for the Grand Canyon and Sedona combos, which run from $229 to $295 per person, and for the Four Peaks Wilderness off-road tour, a 6-hour trip from Wilds of Arizona.

Winter

December into February

Winter keeps the valley tours running while the high country changes character. Desert jeep and UTV rides operate comfortably from Phoenix and Scottsdale, with the Guided UTV or ATV Desert Tour from Arizona Outdoor Fun starting at $204 per group for up to 2 riders. The Grand Canyon South Rim stays open every day of the year, though snow is possible and some facilities reduce their hours, so pack layers for the rim.

What You Will See On Day Tours From Phoenix

The sight list is long for one metro area. Grand Canyon tours reach the South Rim, where the private vehicle entrance fee is $35 valid for 7 days. Sedona trips add Oak Creek Canyon, Montezuma Castle and Jerome. Antelope Canyon tours cover the slot canyon plus Horseshoe Bend. Closer to home, the Apache Trail runs through the Superstition Mountains to Canyon Lake, and balloon rides float over the Sonoran Desert at sunrise.

Main

  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

    Primary Phoenix metro reference point; most roster tours offer pickup anywhere in the metro area, not a single fixed point.

  • Downtown Phoenix

  • Old Town Scottsdale

Destination

  • Grand Canyon Village (South Rim)

  • Grand Canyon Visitor Center

  • Sedona

  • Oak Creek Canyon

  • Jerome

  • Montezuma Castle National Monument

  • Upper Antelope Canyon (Page)

  • Horseshoe Bend (Page)

  • Tortilla Flat (Apache Trail)

  • Canyon Lake

  • Superstition Mountains

  • Four Peaks Wilderness

  • Fort McDowell (Sonoran Desert UTV area)

  • Carefree (jeep-tour mountaintop area)

  • Tombstone

  • Bisbee

  • Saguaro National Park (Rincon Mountain / East unit)

  • Tucson

Meeting_point

  • Einstein Bros. Bagels, 530 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix (Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon tour meeting point)

  • Scottsdale Adventure Tours office, 8711 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale (Sonoran Desert jeep tours meeting point)

  • Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix North/Happy Valley, 2550 W Charlotte Dr (Grand Canyon tour guaranteed pickup point)

  • Arizona Balloon Flights, 25391 N Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Peoria (balloon launch site)

  • Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, 702 W Deer Valley Rd (Hot Air Expeditions balloon meeting point)

  • Safeway, 4005 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix (Arizona Balloon Safaris meeting point)

  • Wilds of Arizona, 1707 N 93rd St, Mesa (Four Peaks off-road tour meeting point)

  • Arizona Outdoor Fun, 61112 Black Canyon Fwy, New River (UTV/ATV tour meeting point)

  • Rackensack Canyon Tours, E Sundial Cir, Carefree (mountaintop jeep tour meeting point)

Narrow The Day Tours From Phoenix List To Your Trip

Start with the hours you can honestly give the day. If 13 hours in a van sounds like too much, the Sedona, Jerome and Montezuma Castle trips run 8 to 10 hours from $165. If you want the headline sights and have the stamina, the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon listings deliver them. Budget works as a second filter, since prices run from $155 to $1,125, and group-priced private tours change the math for families.

1. What kind of day do you want?
2. What can you spend per person?
3. Do you have an operator in mind?

This is just a starting shortlist of three well-reviewed tours. Tap an answer to rebuild it.

Where Day Tours From Phoenix Go

Every tour on this list starts from the Phoenix metro and heads out across Arizona. The map of destinations covers five main corridors: the Grand Canyon South Rim to the north, Sedona and Flagstaff along the same route, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend near Page, the Apache Trail and Superstition Mountains just east of the city, and Tucson, Tombstone and Bisbee to the south. Balloon rides stay over the Sonoran Desert nearby.

Where the day starts, and the 29 mapped points around it A true-scale plot of 30 real coordinates read from OpenStreetMap, north upwards. Downtown Phoenix is the ringed point. Every other point is one mapped place, coloured by which set it belongs to and numbered to match the cards below. The grid squares are 200 km across. 22 points sit within a few metres of a neighbour, so they have been nudged apart just far enough to stay readable. A dashed line runs back to the true position. Distances on the cards are straight-line figures between the mapped coordinates, not road distances and not walking times. Downtown Phoenix, mapped point 11 Old Town Scottsdale, mapped point 22 Grand Canyon Village (South Rim), mapped point 33 Grand Canyon Visitor Center, mapped point 44 Sedona, mapped point 55 Oak Creek Canyon, mapped point 66 Jerome, mapped point 77 Montezuma Castle National Monument, mapped point 88 Upper Antelope Canyon (Page), mapped point 99 Horseshoe Bend (Page), mapped point 1010 Tortilla Flat (Apache Trail), mapped point 1111 Canyon Lake, mapped point 1212 Superstition Mountains, mapped point 1313 Four Peaks Wilderness, mapped point 1414 Fort McDowell (Sonoran Desert UTV area), mapped point 1515 Carefree (jeep-tour mountaintop area), mapped point 1616 Tombstone, mapped point 1717 Bisbee, mapped point 1818 Saguaro National Park (Rincon Mountain / East unit), mapped point 1919 Tucson, mapped point 2020 Einstein Bros. Bagels, 530 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix (Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon tour meeting point), mapped point 2121 Scottsdale Adventure Tours office, 8711 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale (Sonoran Desert jeep tours meeting point), mapped point 2222 Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix North/Happy Valley, 2550 W Charlotte Dr (Grand Canyon tour guaranteed pickup point), mapped point 2323 Arizona Balloon Flights, 25391 N Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Peoria (balloon launch site), mapped point 2424 Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, 702 W Deer Valley Rd (Hot Air Expeditions balloon meeting point), mapped point 2525 Safeway, 4005 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix (Arizona Balloon Safaris meeting point), mapped point 2626 Wilds of Arizona, 1707 N 93rd St, Mesa (Four Peaks off-road tour meeting point), mapped point 2727 Arizona Outdoor Fun, 61112 Black Canyon Fwy, New River (UTV/ATV tour meeting point), mapped point 2828 Rackensack Canyon Tours, E Sundial Cir, Carefree (mountaintop jeep tour meeting point), mapped point 2929 Downtown Phoenix
Show

Showing every mapped place.

  • North is up. The bar on the map shows 100 km.
  • Each tour card lists rating, reviews and the starting price.
  • Every card links straight to that tour's live booking page.
  • Map data for the Phoenix metro and Arizona day-trip routes: © OpenStreetMap contributors

Pickup zones spread across the whole metro rather than one downtown point. Phoenix and Scottsdale hotels anchor most Grand Canyon, Sedona and Antelope Canyon departures, while Mesa and the East Valley appear on listings such as the Four Peaks Wilderness Off-Road Tour. Some tours name Phoenix or Scottsdale explicitly in their titles, so check the pickup details on the live booking page before you commit to a hotel.

Where every tour on this page leaves from Map of the Phoenix metro showing the 5 departure towns on this page, Scottsdale with 8 tours, Phoenix with 23 tours, Fort McDowell with 1 tour, Mesa with 1 tour, Peoria with 1 tour. The terrain is real OpenStreetMap geometry, drawn with the same projection as the pickup-town pins. North is up and the area shown runs about 494 kilometres north to south. 8 23 1 1 1

North is up, and the lake drawn here runs about 494 km north to south. Shoreline and road geometry: © OpenStreetMap contributors.

5 departure towns, 34 tours. Each pin marks a departure or meeting point published on a tour listing. Pickup details can change, so treat the map as a guide and confirm your exact spot when you book.

What Travelers Say

“I had a wonderful trip. Thank you so much Mark for making it such a memorable experience. His knowledge of the area is great and you can tell he loves his job! The van is also modern and comfortable! Couldn’t recommend this trip more.”

Archie, operator-listing review of Oak Creek Canyon, No Meal

“The drive itself was very beautiful! It was lovely to see how diverse Arizona is. We got to stop at many spots and our tour guide, Martin, was extremely knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. We had a great time and feel it was well worth the money!”

Kailey_B, operator-listing review of Small-Group Or Private, 13 Hours

“This is a no frills tour providing very comfortable transportation to the attractions. The tour came with the guided tour at the lower portion of the Canyon as well as brief (not in depth, but just the right amount needed) descriptions by Cody, the driver/guide. He was professional and punctual regarding the schedule. The van was very comfortable and had free cold bottled water and quick lunch included. The drives are long but this tour seems to be the most optimal option from Phoenix”

JR, operator-listing review of 15-16 Hours, Meal Included

“Cody was the Best!! He was informative and gave additional info to make the day go like clockwork! He is extremely knowledgeable and patient. I would definitely do this again or highly recommend to anyone. This is an Adventure of a lifetime! Thank you, Cody.”

Deb_W, operator-listing review of 13-14 Hours, Meal Included

“Can’t recommend this trip enough. Chris was a fantastic guide, so friendly and welcoming and he couldn’t do enough for us to make our tour comfortable and interesting. He was on time, super knowledgable and told us all about the local area as we travelled from site to site so we feel we’ve learnt so much during our trip. The car was spacious, and we were given water to stay hydrated. The ride along canyon lake on the steamboat is a must, the trip to the lake through the desert terrain and up into the mountains is absolutely stunning too. The first stop at the Apache museum was great to learn about the history of the area and Native American people. Lunch at Tortilla Flat is lovely, sitting on the saloon stools is a must do.”

Joseph, operator-listing review of Meal And Lake Cruise, 9 Hours

“The guide was friendly, informative, and great. The tour bus was top notch. Steamboat was relaxing. The entire tour was perfect. Strong recommendation for all future guests to Scottsdale.”

Kevin_M, operator-listing review of Small Group, Dolly Steamboat

“Everything from start to finish was enjoyable. Every attendant was kind, efficient and friendly. I especially appreciated our professional pilot, Don, he made you feel at ease. He did a great job with direction, explanation, and having a wonderful sense of humor. The peaceful flight and the views were spectacular in the morning sun. Our landing was exceptional and our breakfast was quite the treat, especially the champagne mimosa’s. Would recommend doing this at least once in your lifetime.”

Mary, operator-listing review of Champagne, Catering Included

“Fun activity! Great history and fun shoot of Wyatt Earrp, his brothers and Doc Holiday. I like Big Nose Kate's Saloon too!”

Jaime_F, operator-listing review of Tombstone Only, 11 Hours

Every quote here is copied word for word from a traveller review published on the tour operator's own booking listing. We cannot collect, add, remove or edit reviews there; we only chose which of them to show on this page.

Where To Stay For An Early Pickup

Where you sleep matters more here than in most tour cities, because the long days start early. A hotel inside a listed pickup zone in Phoenix or Scottsdale saves a transfer before a 13-hour Grand Canyon run or a 14-hour Antelope Canyon day. If you are staying in Mesa, Chandler, Tempe or Glendale, confirm the pickup point on the listing first, since not every tour serves every zone. Morning balloon rides also meet before sunrise.

budget

Hampton Inn & Suites Tempe/Phoenix Airport, AZ

Tempe / Sky Harbor airport

Check rates
mid

Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale Old Town

Old Town Scottsdale

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Day Tours From Phoenix: Questions Answered

How long does a day tour from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon take?

The five Grand Canyon options on this site run long. The Detours Arizona tour combining the canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon takes about 11 hours and starts at $229 per person. The Arizona Scenic Tours version runs over 10 hours from $295. Two others, including a small-group or private option with 4.8 stars across 2580 reviews, both run 13 hours. Plan for a full day with hotel pickup in the morning.

Can you see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in one day from Phoenix?

Yes, and all three Antelope Canyon tours here pair the two. The Wandering Heart Adventures day trip from Scottsdale starts at $351 per person and runs 15 to 16 hours, a long day on the road. Their second option runs 13 to 14 hours from $390. Elegant Travel runs a 14-hour tour from $375 with a perfect rating across 63 reviews, and Detours of Arizona offers a private 14-hour version from $430 per person.

Are there short tours from Phoenix, or is every option a full day?

Plenty of short options exist. Sonoran Desert jeep tours run about two to two and a half hours, with sunset trips from $155 per person carrying a top rating across 2769 reviews. UTV and ATV tours run roughly two hours, from $199 per person or $204 per group of up to two. Hot air balloon rides take about four hours door to door, with flights of 45 to 60 minutes, starting at $199 per person. The Apache Trail van tours sit in between at eight hours.

Which tours pick up from Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa or Chandler hotels?

Yes, several tours pair the Grand Canyon with Sedona in a single day. The Grand Canyon with Sedona & Oak Creek Day Tour from Detours Arizona runs about 11 hours from $229 per person with a 4.8 rating across 566 reviews, and the Grand Canyon and Sedona Day Adventure from Wandering Heart Adventures runs 13 hours from $270. Expect a full day on the road with stops in red rock country on the way to the rim.

How long is the drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon?

Most Grand Canyon day tours run 11 to 13 hours door to door, and most of that is road time. The South Rim sits roughly four hours north of the Phoenix metro, so operators pair the canyon with a Sedona stop to break up the drive. The Detours Arizona tour runs about 11 hours, while the Wandering Heart Adventures version is a 13-hour day. Plan on an early pickup and a late return, and treat the Sedona leg as part of the point rather than a detour.

Which Phoenix day tours include Antelope Canyon?

Shorter than many people expect at the extremes. A sunset jeep ride in the Sonoran Desert runs about 2 hours, while the long Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend days stretch to 14 or even 15-16 hours on the road. Most full-day options sit between 8 and 13 hours door to door, so plan for an early pickup and a late return on the big ones.

Can you do Sedona and the Grand Canyon in one day?

Published from-prices run from $155 per person for a sunset jeep tour up to $1125 per group for a private Tombstone day trip. Grand Canyon days start at $229, Sedona trips from $165, and balloon flights from $199. Every tour on the list shows a from-price, and the live listing confirms the current rate at checkout.

Day Tours From Phoenix, Answered

Below are the questions travelers ask most before booking, answered with figures taken straight from the tour listings. You will find drive times, price ranges, cancellation terms, and the differences between similar-sounding itineraries, from Grand Canyon combos to Apache Trail van tours. Where a tour has no published reviews or no stated duration, we say so rather than guessing. The live listing is always the final word on price and schedule.

Choosing A Tour

Grand Canyon

Sedona And Red Rock

Page And Slot Canyons

Apache Trail And Desert

Tucson And Bisbee

Planning And Seasons

Ready To Pick From The Day Tours From Phoenix List?

Thirty-four tours across seven categories, from Grand Canyon and Sedona loops to balloon flights over the Sonoran Desert, are lined up and priced from $155. Filter by what fits your days in town, then check the live booking page for pickup zones, current rates and departure times. Free cancellation applies to most of the roster; two Antelope Canyon tours are the exceptions, so check the listing before booking.

Compare every tour →

from $229 · ★ 4.8 (566 reviews) · often sells out · free cancellation Check availability →