The Ultimate Adventure: Driving from Sedona to the Grand Canyon and Hiking Tanner Trail

November 01, 2024

The Rough Rider group of the Sedona Westerners took their annual trek to the Grand Canyon on September 21. On this beautiful day right before fall officially began, a small group of Rough Riders took the two-hour drive to the Grand Canyon. The temperature at the Canyon was crisp with heavy clouds and light rain, making it a perfect day for hiking.

The road from Sedona to the Grand Canyon offers one of the most scenic drives in Arizona. Nestled in the heart of red rock country, Sedona's vibrant hues gradually give way to the cooler, forested highlands of Flagstaff as we ventured toward the desert expanse of the Grand Canyon. For experienced adventurers who want to combine the best of both worlds - an exhilarating drive and a challenging hike - traveling from Sedona to the Grand Canyon and hiking the Tanner Trail promises an unforgettable experience.

Once we arrived at the Grand Canyon, we made a brief stop at the iconic Desert Watchtower which is the easternmost developed area on the South Rim (aka restrooms and food are available). We briefly enjoyed the views at this special site. The Watchtower is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and was constructed in 1932 by Mary Colter. The area provides a unique perspective of the eastern portion of the Grand Canyon with beautiful panoramic views, and we could see the Tanner trail that we would be hiking.

After this brief stop, we headed to Lipan Point, one of the lesser-known viewpoints, to access the Tanner Trail. Unlike the heavily trafficked South Rim trails such as Bright Angel or South Kaibab, Tanner Trail offers a more rugged and remote experience. Starting at an elevation of some 7,300 feet at the rim, the trail descends around 3,000 feet over roughly 4 miles, making for an intense 8-mile out-and-back hike. This hike is not for the faint of heart. The hike is steep, rocky, and physically demanding, especially on the return trip up the trail. Hikers should be in good condition and well-prepared for the challenges ahead, and our Rough Riders group was up to the challenge.

Before hitting the trail, we made sure to fill our packs with plenty of water, high-energy snacks, sun protection, and appropriate gear such as trekking poles and sturdy footwear. Poles were helpful both up and down the trail for this hiker that rarely uses poles. Tanner Trail, while scenic, is exposed for most of the hike, with little shade. It’s important to start early in the morning, especially in warmer months, to avoid the midday heat.

The Tanner Trail immediately offered sweeping views of the eastern Grand Canyon and at some points we could see all the way to the North Rim. As we descended, the landscape changed quickly. The trail zigzagged down through layers of colorful rock formations and was steep and often narrow with many rocks.

Approximately two miles down, we came to a large sandstone shelf, a perfect place to stop for a break and take in the sweeping views of the canyon below. At this stopping point we glanced back at the Watchtower, which stands 70 feet high, but looked no bigger than a thumb from that viewpoint.

Continuing down Tanner Trail, we eventually reached the junction that leads toward Cardenas Butte. This section of the hike was less maintained, more primitive, and offered a real sense of isolation. The route to Cardenas Butte meanders through brush and rock gardens, with the iconic butte gradually rising ahead. We could now hear the Colorado River in the distance. The hike may have been grueling, but the sense of accomplishment and the stunning scenery make it worthwhile.

The climb back to the rim, though uphill, was manageable as we set a moderate pace for ourselves. Because the Tanner Trail was so steep, climbing back up those 3,000 feet was tough, but the key was to take frequent breaks, hydrate, and enjoy the magnificent surroundings. One of the best aspects of this hike was that the views change as we ascended, allowing us to see the canyon from different perspectives on the way back.

By the time we reached the rim once more, we were tired but exhilarated. While the experience of hiking Tanner Trail is one of the most rewarding adventures in the Grand Canyon it’s not a hike for everyone due to its difficulty. For those who seek solitude, challenge, and awe-inspiring beauty, this journey is second to none. This hike was made so much more enjoyable as two in the group were so familiar with the hike. As always, the Sedona Westerners hike leaders did an excellent job of scouting the hike making it much more enjoyable for everyone.

The Rough Riders hike every Saturday and are the most advanced group of the Sedona Westerners. Their hikes are challenging and designed for experienced and well-conditioned hikers. The hikes are generally between 6-10 miles with 1,000-2,000+ feet of elevation gain. Rough Rider hikes often include ledges/edges with exposure, rock scrambling, rough terrain and are conducted at a pace generally faster than the other groups. The Sedona Westerners Hiking Club offers guided hikes with varying levels of difficulty.

The Rough Riders will once again take on a challenging hike this weekend – this time closer to home. They will hike Munds Notch and Overlook, a ten mile-hike with an elevation gain of 2,350 feet. The Rustlers will hike to Submarine Rock and the Drovers will explore the Big Park Overlook in the Village of Oak Creek. On Tuesday, the Dogies will climb North Wilson to the First Bench and on Thursday, the Amblers and the Mustangs will venture into the Village of Oak Creek hiking Courthouse Butte Loop and Wild Turkey. To find out more about these hikes, and to join the Sedona Westerners, go to SedonaWesterners.org. Sign up with the Westerners today to start your own hiking adventure. Membership for the entire season is $30.