Sedona’s stunning red rock formations aren’t just a pretty backdrop—they’re a portal to stories of ancient cultures, mining booms, and ghostly legends. With its mix of natural beauty and intriguing past, Sedona is a perfect base for exploring Arizona’s history through guided tours. Whether you’re interested in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, the wild tales of Jerome’s haunted streets, or Native American traditions, you’ll find options that bring the past to life. These tours offer a chance to see the region’s hidden stories, with guides who know how to make history engaging and fun.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top five historical tours in Sedona, highlighting what makes each one unique. From a full-day Grand Canyon adventure to a ghostly Jerome shuttle, each offers a different perspective on Arizona’s colorful history. Ready to explore? Let’s get started.
1. Sedona, AZ: Grand Canyon Guided Tour and Historic Railway
This tour combines the majesty of the Grand Canyon with a nostalgic train ride, perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip. Starting from Sedona, you’ll journey into the canyon’s vastness, with knowledgeable guides pointing out key landmarks and sharing fascinating stories. The highlight is riding the historic Grand Canyon Railway—a charming throwback that adds a layer of Americana to your experience. You can opt for a standard or first-class ticket, depending on your preference and budget.
What sets this tour apart is the quality of the guides—reviewers praise guides like Stanton and Sheldon for their deep knowledge and personable approach. The day includes stops at the best canyon viewpoints, making this a great value for around $350. Many find that the combination of natural wonder and historic travel makes for a memorable day. The train’s lively atmosphere, with musicians and storytellers, adds a fun element, especially for families or first-time visitors.
Bottom line: If you want a mix of breathtaking scenery and a touch of historic charm, this guided tour is a top choice. It’s perfect for those who appreciate storytelling and want a hassle-free way to see the Grand Canyon in one day.
2. Historic Tour of Jerome
For a smaller, more intimate taste of Arizona’s Old West, this tour of Jerome offers a rich look into the town’s mining past. The 4.5-hour trip takes you through the quaint streets of Jerome, Cottonwood, and Clarkdale. You’ll explore charming architecture, back alleys, and historic sites that most visitors don’t see, all while learning about Jerome’s rise and fall as a copper mining town.
What makes this tour stand out is the storytelling from your guide, Don, who gets high marks for being thorough and engaging. The tour includes stops at notable locations like the former brothels and hidden tunnels, providing a behind-the-scenes feel. The round-trip transportation in a comfortable van means less hassle and more time exploring. Costing about $90, it offers excellent value given the depth of local history covered.
Top Review: “The Historic trip to Jerome was a great day. Our guide, Don, was wonderful and informative. Our best tour in Arizona,” a reviewer says, showing how much people appreciate personalized attention and deep dives into local lore.
Bottom line: Suitable for history enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxed, in-depth experience of Jerome’s colorful past. It’s a great way to explore Arizona’s mining history without the crowds.
3. Haunted History Shuttle- Jerome, Arizona
If tales of ghosts and eerie legends pique your interest, this haunted Jerome tour offers a spooky twist on the town’s story. Lasting around 1.5 hours, it combines walking and shuttle rides through Jerome’s hilly streets, revealing its darker side. The guide shares stories of Jerome’s haunted hospitals, tunnels, and madams, making it perfect for those curious about ghost stories or wanting a fun, spooky afternoon.
A distinctive feature is the electromagnetic field (EMF) meter activity, giving brave visitors a chance to track spirits themselves. The tour’s flexible schedule and reasonable price of $54.95 make it accessible, and reviews are glowing—people rave about the guide’s storytelling. The tour is family-friendly, with appropriate stories for kids, and offers a good mix of history and supernatural tales.
Top Review: “Tour guides were great! We had a fun time, lots of great info. Great rainy day activity,” one reviewer notes, suggesting it’s perfect for an engaging, entertaining outing.
Bottom line: Ideal for those interested in ghost stories or a lighter, fun way to explore Jerome’s haunted past. It’s a memorable addition to any Arizona itinerary.
4. Hopi Lands and Cultural Tour from Sedona
For travelers eager to learn about Native American culture, this full-day Hopi tour stands out. It takes you into the heart of Hopi country, visiting the oldest continuously inhabited villages in the U.S., including First Mesa and Walpi Village. The tour combines scenic drives through Oak Creek Canyon with stops at breathtaking viewpoints and cultural sites.
What makes this experience exceptional is its focus on authentic cultural exchange. You’ll get the chance to learn about Hopi traditions directly from the community, with no rushing—typically stopping for about six hours at the reservation. The tour is tailored for those interested in Native American history and the continuing heritage of this proud people. Priced at around $328, it’s a longer, more immersive experience, best suited for those with a keen interest in indigenous cultures.
Top Review: With a 5.0/5 rating from two reviewers, the tour is praised for its depth and authenticity, offering a meaningful perspective that many other tours lack.
Bottom line: If you’re curious about Native American traditions and want an in-depth cultural experience, this tour provides a respectful and informative look into Hopi life.
5. Arizona Haunted History Shuttle
Similar to the Jerome haunted tour but broader in scope, this Arizona Haunted History Shuttle takes you through Verde Valley’s ghostly sites and mining past. Over four hours, you visit landmarks like Tuzigoot National Monument and the Copper Museum, exploring stories of settlement, mining, and ghostly legends.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on Arizona’s Wickedest Town, Jerome, and its history of boom and bust. The small group size—limited to eight—ensures a personalized experience, and the price of around $130 reflects good value for a guided shuttle tour with multiple stops. Reviewers mention how informative and enjoyable the tour is, praising the guides’ storytelling skills.
Top Review: “Enjoyed our tour and would recommend it to others visiting the area,” echoes the positive sentiment shared by many.
Bottom line: Best suited for those interested in Arizona’s ghost stories combined with a strong historical narrative, especially if you want to see multiple sites in one trip.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting among these top historical tours in Sedona, consider your interests and schedule. If you want a full-day adventure that combines natural beauty and history, the Grand Canyon Guided Tour and Railway is hard to beat. For a deeper dive into Jerome’s mining past, the Historic Tour of Jerome offers personalized insights.
If ghost stories grab your attention, the Haunted Jerome Shuttle and the broader Arizona Haunted History Shuttle provide haunting tales and supernatural fun. Meanwhile, for Native American culture enthusiasts, the Hopi Lands and Cultural Tour offers an immersive, respectful look into ancient traditions.
Practical considerations include budget, time constraints, and personal interests. For instance, the Grand Canyon tour is a full-day, pricier experience but offers unparalleled scenery. The Jerome haunted tour is short and budget-friendly, ideal for a quick spooky fix. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours during peak seasons like spring and fall.
Final Thoughts
Sedona’s blend of natural splendor and rich stories makes it a fantastic place to explore Arizona’s past. Whether you’re drawn to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, the ghosts of Jerome, or Native American traditions, these tours offer a variety of ways to connect with history. For travelers who prioritize storytelling and authentic experiences, the Grand Canyon Guided Tour and Railway and Hopi Lands stand out. For those eager for a spooky adventure, Jerome’s haunted tours deliver a memorable thrill.
Given the variety, it’s wise to plan ahead and book early, especially during high season. Each tour provides a distinct window into Sedona’s past, ensuring that every trip can be tailored to your interests. Whether you’re after breathtaking vistas, ghostly tales, or Native American heritage, Sedona’s history is waiting to be uncovered—so pick your adventure and enjoy a trip full of stories you’ll remember.