Day Trips

Phoenix day trips are full-day guided excursions, usually by van or bus, that let visitors reach destinations like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Antelope Canyon, and the Sonoran Desert in one day. Out of 326 tours in Phoenix, 62 are day trips—about 1 in 5 of all options. Most last 8 to 14 hours, with only one under 2 hours.

These tours appeal to travelers who want to see Arizona’s natural highlights without renting a car or planning logistics. The median price is $375, but 43 of 62 cost over $250, making them some of the priciest options in Phoenix. Only 2% of day trips are rated below 4 stars, so most deliver on their promises.

Day trips are a major part of Phoenix’s tour market, with 62 available—19% of all tours in the city. The median starting price is $375, far above the citywide median of $125. For comparison, walking tours average $63, while bus tours also have a $375 median, reflecting the overlap between these categories.

Nearly all day trips are full-day experiences, often visiting the Grand Canyon, Sedona, or Antelope Canyon. Only one listed tour is under $120; the rest start at $131 and climb past $1,700 for private or air tours. This category is among the best-rated in Phoenix: just 2% fall below 4 stars, and the most-booked options have thousands of positive reviews.

While the price range is wide, most travelers should expect to pay at least $130 per person for a group tour, and over $700 for private or luxury experiences. The high cost reflects the long distances, park fees, and included services.

Travelers who want to see the Grand Canyon in a day have the most options, with both group and private tours available. Group tours to the Grand Canyon with stops in Sedona or Oak Creek Canyon cluster around $170–$175 per person, and these are the most-reviewed and consistently rated above 4.7 stars. Private tours, such as the One-Day Private Grand Canyon National Park/Sedona tour, jump to $738 and above, offering more flexibility but at a steep premium.

If Sedona or Native American heritage is your focus, the Small Group or Private Sedona and Native American Ruins Day Tour is the best-rated in its price band at $135, with 600 reviews and a 4.76-star average. For something shorter or more adventurous, the Bulldog Canyon Off‑Road Adventure Tour is the only sub-$120 option, lasting just 2 hours and earning a 4.96-star rating, though one review flagged safety concerns for solo travelers.

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend day trips are among the most expensive group options ($282–$342 per person), with reviews praising guides but noting crowding and a rushed feel at the canyon. Air and luxury tours, like the Grand Canyon South Rim Signature Ground Tour with PJX, start at $742 and can exceed $1,700 for private experiences, but reviews reveal mixed experiences with group sizes and unmet expectations about exclusivity.

What disappoints? The most common complaints are about logistics: inconvenient or unclear pickup locations on group tours, long pickup/drop-off times, and, for some, uncomfortable vehicles on long drives. A few reviews mention guides being curt or inattentive, and several note that expensive tours sometimes feel rushed or crowded, especially at Antelope Canyon. On the other hand, the best-rated tours consistently have knowledgeable guides, clear communication, and well-paced itineraries.