No, the Grand Canyon isn't directly near Scottsdale. The southern edge of Grand Canyon National Park is about 230 miles north of Scottsdale and takes approximately 4 hours to drive. Grand Canyon National Park is about 4 hours from Scottsdale. If you only have one day, you can let an experienced guide handle the logistics. Tour operators such as Detours American West and Across Arizona Tours offer epic single-day tours to the Grand Canyon with a variety of options to choose from.
You can travel in comfort while someone else is driving, choosing stops and providing valuable information. These are panoramic excursions by car and with panoramic views, especially ideal if your time or mobility is limited. One of the world's most amazing natural wonders, the Grand Canyon, is located just 3 and a half hours north of Scottsdale by car. Although the Canyon has been well recorded in photographs, paintings and films, nothing can replace the breathtaking experience of standing on the edge of the Canyon and enjoying its grandeur.
The southern edge is by far the most popular access point to the canyon, but if you have time and are going to visit it from spring to fall, drive (3.75 more hours) to the north edge to have fewer people and enjoy equally panoramic views. There are many ways to explore the canyon, but here are some suggestions to get you started. The direct drive from Grand Canyon National Park to Scottsdale is 383 km and should take 3 hours and 53 minutes in normal traffic. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon who don't come from the Southwest fly to Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona. The most direct route from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon's southern rim is about 230 miles.
There are several Grand Canyon tour companies that depart from Phoenix or Scottsdale, although there are fewer options for this service directly from the Phoenix metropolitan area than if you were departing from Northern Arizona. If you want to head north to the Grand Canyon directly from Phoenix Airport, Groome Transportation offers a shuttle service to Sedona and Flagstaff every two hours. However, most visitors stay in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area for a few days and enjoy what this resort town has to offer before heading to the wilds of the Great Southwest. It's certainly possible to visit the Grand Canyon for a day trip, but it's a long day.
Since the journey takes just under four hours each way, your trip will be no less impressive, but it will probably be shorter. Taking a plane or helicopter tour once you arrive at the canyon is another great way to make the most of your time in this natural wonder of the world. If spending time in the Grand Canyon is important to you, consider staying a night in Sedona, Flagstaff, or Williams. A road trip from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Arizona.
