This area, at the east end of the Grand Canyon, is what I would call the 2nd main tourist spot of the Grand Canyon. It has a large parking area, facilities, and the lookout tower is a big tourist attraction. Off to the east is the Painted Desert, but we didn't get to visit there.
AZ - Grand Canyon desert view
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I would recommend an overnight stay if you are based in Sedona and visit the Grand Canyon. We got to see a lot of the scenery, from the South Rim, near El Tovar Hotel, to the east end (this page), but we could have spread it out more. There is an IMAX type of show somewhere on the road leading up to the Canyon that your family should see if they can at some point during your vacation.
These photos were taken in 2003.