Phoenix to Sedona Drive is likely one of the impossible, lesser-discussed highway journeys within the US. Unlike most of the US’ mammoth highway journeys, this Sedona highway journey can simply be tackled in a day. And the route splits Arizona in two – heading north up to central Arizona and passing among the greatest locations to go to in Arizona as you go. Only simply over two hours in size, the Phoenix to Sedona drive covers 117 miles. It whisks you from considered one of Arizona’s most iconic massive cities into the center of crimson rock nation. The drive incorporates crimson rocks galore and tons of mountaineering trails. There are cultural sights, too, like Montezuma Castle National Monument.

In this information, we’ll cowl all the things value realizing in regards to the Phoenix to Sedona drive – which is definitely quite a bit. There’s an final itinerary developing, plus solutions to some widespread FAQs, and even some issues to do in Sedona and Phoenix. You can simply squeeze these items in earlier than and after your day journey of a lifetime. Let’s get began.

Phoenix to Sedona Drive Itinerary

So, you might be prepared to deal with the Phoenix to Sedona drive. This is definitely considered one of Arizona’s high highway journeys – and day journeys – and we’ve ready the final word itinerary so that you don’t miss out on a factor. You’ll be chopping by means of central Arizona and the dramatic desert panorama. Surrounded by pure magnificence, that is the proper day journey for wildlife, mountaineering, or animal lovers. We’ll first cowl essentially the most direct route, then present an alternate route should you fancy a detour.

The simplest way to full the Phoenix to Sedona drive is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. From Phoenix Airport, lease a automobile, drive to Sedona utilizing this itinerary, and then fly from Sedona Airport. Or, should you actually need, you may drive again to Phoenix after spending a number of nights in Sedona. If you propose a return journey, that is the proper time to make the most of our different route – you get one of the best of each worlds.

Got your paper and pen prepared? Then let’s begin. This is the final word itinerary to expertise the Phoenix to Sedona highway journey.

1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Distance from Phoenix: 55 minutes Time required: 1 hour

Lake Pleasant Regional Park is an enormous leisure space and one of many first notable sights you cross as you start your Phoenix to Sedona drive. Lake Pleasant has over 100 campsites and RV spots – it’s a massively standard pure getaway for these dwelling in Phoenix. When driving from Phoenix to Sedona, it’s best for an early morning refresher, thanks to its wealth of water actions. You may go for a dawn kayak. Or, should you depart it till 10 am, take a experience on the world’s largest floating waterslide at H2. Whoa!

Pack swimwear and a towel; use Lake Pleasant as the proper wake-up spot. It is good to begin your day with some exercise, and in summer season particularly, Lake Pleasant has an exquisite environment.

2. Rock Springs Cafe in Black Canyon City

Distance from Phoenix: 49 minutes Time required: half-hour

Black Canyon City is a little bit desert city as soon as used for mining. The outdated mining city is now a short stop-off level on the drive from Phoenix to Sedona. However, the unassuming city has one main draw – Rock Springs Cafe. The cafe has an aesthetic trucker vibe, with a faint signal etched in true Southern hospitality fashion on its partitions.

The cafe is filled with character with hyperlinks to the outdated bootlegging days and over 100 years of native historical past. Its particular pies are simply an added bonus. Rock Springs ships pie all around the US and serve them to guests on arrival. We counsel stopping by for a fast brunch after your water actions on Lake Pleasant.

3. Badger Springs Trail

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 10 minutes Time required: 1 hour

Badger Springs Trail is a 1.5 miles hike with a trailhead throughout the Agua Fria National Monument. Short however candy, this path is straightforward to full and appropriate for hikers of all capabilities as long as they’ve fundamental mobility. The path drops you down alongside the banks of the Agua Fria River, immersing you in Arizonian wildlife and taking you to some spectacular Perry Mesa petroglyphs hidden inside a canyon.

Badger Springs Trail is ideal for spending an hour or so stretching your legs. The path is comparatively busy however not packed, so it’s a good alternative to see some petroglyphs with out straining your neck to peer over crowds.

4. Agua Fria National Monument

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 10 minutes Time required: 1 hour

Now that you simply’ve formally entered the central area of Agua Fria National Monument, you may genuinely respect the 71,000 acres of protected pure house. Badger Springs Trail is a good way to begin your time within the nationwide monument – particularly with its historical past, wildlife, and Agua Fria River entry.

However, after this, we’d counsel spending a little bit additional time within the space with binoculars, simply taking a break from driving and having fun with the views. You can spot coyotes, mountain lions, mule deer, and even antelope in case you are fortunate.

You can detour to the Pueblo La Plata website at this level if you would like as nicely. Visiting Pueblo La Plata includes a 40-minute drive by means of a distant desert panorama to see an historic Native American Settlement.

5. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 45 minutes Time required: half-hour

Speaking of Native American historical past, Montezuma Castle is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Arizona. The 20-story cliff dwelling is a outstanding early settlement lower into limestone rock. This historic stone pueblo is likely one of the US’ most revered historic sights. You can take a ranger-led tour of Montezuma Castle or go to independently. It is only a brief stroll from the parking space alongside a paved monitor – taking underneath 10 minutes to full. While you may’t enter Montezuma Castle, you may get fabulous views from simply exterior.

Montezuma Castle National Monument is located simply exterior of Camp Verde. It is definitely top-of-the-line historic sights you may add as a stop-off on your journey from Phoenix to Sedona, and it is best to positively tick it off.

6. Red Rock Scenic Byway

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 50 minutes Time required: 20 minutes

Many folks say that the Red Rock Scenic Byway is a gateway to Sedona. The scenic drive is roughly 7.5 miles lengthy and cuts by means of some spectacular crimson rock formations. Since Sedona is famed for its crimson rocks, it’s no surprise this coming into highway is filled with shiny, cherry-red rock options.

Driving, it solely takes 20 minutes; this byway is on the direct route from Phoenix to Arizona. It is the simplest attraction to mix with this highway journey – you gained’t have to exit of your means. And actually, the one means it will take additional time is if you would like to cease and take some fast images.

7. Bell Rock

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours Time required: 1-2 hours

Bell Rock is a dramatic crimson rock butte you cross simply earlier than coming into Sedona. As a ultimate stop-off earlier than coming into the town, we suggest stopping and mountaineering (or mountain biking) up Bell Rock. The path is just 0.8 miles out and again, however you’ll attain an elevation acquire of 203 ft – so be ready to get barely out of puff.

This path is ranked as average, and you’ll want to carry some water and sound, sturdy sneakers. However, it’s considered one of Sedona’s most iconic hikes, so it’s incredible to full. The panoramic view you get on this hike makes all of it worthwhile.

Alternate Route: Via Verde Valley Wine Trail

Fancy a unique drive again to Phoenix? Or would you favor to skip over the scenic byway and Bell Rock in favor of an excellent wine tour? Looping up to Old Town Cottonwood is a superb alternate route on the Phoenix to Sedona drive. You can incorporate one of many fabulous wine excursions on the Verde Valley Wine Trail.

If you detour this manner, you too can go to the Verde Canyon Railroad and Tuzigoot National Monument – beautiful and partaking sights. If you’ve children it’s your decision to cease on the Africa Wildlife Park, although we don’t suggest visiting establishments like this, this appears to be nicely run. Use your personal judgment. The railroad, particularly, is greatest for individuals who don’t need to hike Bell Rock or have compromised mobility.

Since wine excursions are a little bit incompatible with single-day highway journeys, we advise stopping in a single day in Old Town Cottonwood should you select this selection. Unless you’ve a chosen driver, getting two days out of this different Phoenix to Sedona route is greatest.

What To See and Do in Phoenix

After touchdown at Phoenix Airport, depart your self a day or two to settle earlier than heading on your Phoenix to Sedona drive. So how are you going to preserve your self entertained? What are among the greatest issues to do in Phoenix? Forget a day journey for not less than the primary couple of days, as there may be simply a lot to see on this Arizona metropolis. You can go to a purchasing village, take a look at Arizona’s artwork galleries, or choose any of the sights beneath.

Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum is likely one of the most original museums within the US, not to mention Arizona or Phoenix. There are over 15,000 artifacts – which is truthfully nearly unfathomable. Phoenix’s inventive, cultured persona is not possible not to love. And having the Musical Instrument Museum to respect improves Phoenix tenfold. Don’t simply go to the exhibitions; Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum has a 300-seat theater and hosts common performances. See if one aligns along with your go to dates, and cease by the present store after.

Frontier Town

Frontier Town is tremendous cool. The recreated outdated west settlement is sort of a little time capsule and a incredible place to uncover an immersive Western expertise in the course of the town. It isn’t only a Western pop-up attraction, although; it acts as a completely useful purchasing heart.

Think snapping photos in entrance of aesthetic, outdated west-style surroundings whereas rummaging by means of store after store of discount buys. If you need to cease by a present store or two, simply add Frontier Town to your itinerary. Is it a vacationer lure? A little bit bit. But it may nonetheless get a smile out of even the grouchiest adults.

The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix

The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is a little bit solace amid Downtown Phoenix. It is run primarily by volunteers and has a peaceable environment, making it the best place to slink away to get pleasure from a brief stroll and some inexperienced house. The backyard has tiny pagodas, infinite water options, quaint crimson bridges, and ceramic wind bells. And when you’ve had a soothing stroll, there’s a tea backyard and tea home the place you may seize a standard beverage to finish the expertise.

Frank Lloyd Wright Spire

Frank Lloyd Wright Spire doesn’t make many high suggestions relating to issues to do in Phoenix. Located within the suburbs in close by Scottsdale, Frank Lloyd Wright Spire is a outstanding feat of structure – a 125-foot tall jagged spike of blue that juts out above the boulevard. The spire is an ode to the late architect primarily based on his proposed design as Arizona’s new state capitol in 1957. You can discover from the bottom of the spire and stroll across the park it’s situated in.

What To See and Do in Sedona

The Phoenix to Sedona drive is perhaps a day journey, however you may nonetheless spend a number of days visiting Sedona when you arrive. Our recommendation: deal with your likelihood to go to Sedona as a brief getaway. Spend not less than a number of days there after driving from Phoenix to Sedona. These are the highest collection of all of the issues to do in Sedona throughout your keep. Who is aware of, perhaps you’ll plan a Sedona highway journey to someplace particular close by, just like the Grand Canyon?

Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon is a shocking crimson rock gorge and an absolute dream to cease by if you go to Sedona. The canyon is ideal for getting that crimson rock surroundings and encompasses a swimming gap and a pure waterslide. Oak Creek Canyon is lower than 10 minutes away from Sedona by automobile.

You can simply use it as a half-day exercise – simply pack some swimwear, a towel, and snacks. Photographers ought to carry a digicam too. Alternatively, should you fancy a extra lively means of reaching the canyon, lease a motorcycle and cycle to Oak Creek Canyon. The canyon is simply half-hour away by bike, so biking is a possible addition to this attraction.

Cathedral Rock Trail

When visiting Sedona, scary hikes are a should. Cathedral Rock path is as scary because it will get, and this steep hike ascends abruptly to a saddle that lies between two crimson rock formations. The 1.5-mile spherical hike will not be for the faint-hearted, however positively, an achievement to get your blood pumping. Technically talking, Cathedral Rock Trail isn’t demanding of hikers’ expertise – it requires psychological power to persevere by means of the ascent.

You’ve most likely seen Cathedral Rock earlier than, but when not, take a look at an image now. The sandstone butte is definitely considered one of Arizona’s most well-known sights. The jagged collection of mounds make up the large butte, and it’s a transfixing sight whether or not you climb it or not. Moreover, Cathedral Rock is a 12-minute drive from Sedona and lovely at sundown.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Chapel of the Holy Cross is an summary Catholic church relationship again to the Fifties. The bizarre-designed church juts up with floor-to-ceiling home windows and overlooks the crimson rocks scattered exterior. The towering concrete landmark appears extra like a spaceship than something non secular – an actual piece of contemporary structure. Totally free to enter; it is likely one of the hottest sights in Sedona. Tourists adore it for its novel modern attract. It even has its personal on-line present store.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon will not be in Sedona itself. However, it’s only a 2-hour drive from Sedona, so the city is a incredible base for a day journey to essentially the most well-known canyon. The canyon is likely one of the US’ hottest sights. People flock to the canyon to admire its dramatic surroundings, take pleasure in helicopter rides, and head out on mountaineering trails.

But, it’s removed from only a fairly face. Stretching 278 miles, it encompasses 11 related tribes’ ancestral homelands and boasts the Great Unconformity. The Great Unconformity is a lacking layer within the rock sample. It stays a complete thriller to geologists all around the world.

The Grand Canyon is far more possible as a day journey from Sedona than Phoenix. So profit from venturing on this Phoenix to Sedona drive and keep in Sedona for a number of days, including on a day journey additional north to the Grand Canyon. It is a fairly direct route, heading up by means of Flagstaff or Grand Canyon Junction.

Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout

Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout is likely one of the most lovely locations to admire the views close to Sedona. It is a wonderful sundown level when the crimson rocks are illuminated in beautiful shades of crimson. The viewpoint overlooks western Sedona and sits on the finish of the airport highway – therefore the identify.

The huge parking zone is free to get pleasure from. So pack a picnic, carry some blankets, and settle in for a romantic night overlooking Sedona. Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout is likely one of the most romantic issues to do in Sedona for sundown and even after darkish should you fancy some star gazing.

Phoenix to Sedona Drive: FAQs

The Phoenix to Sedona drive is a bucket record highway journey. And this route is a breeze to full in a day journey – preferrred for individuals who have little time in Arizona. So, what else is there to know? As promised, listed below are the solutions to your mostly requested questions.

Is Sedona definitely worth the drive from Phoenix?

Definitely, Sedona affords a completely totally different perception into Arizona than what Phoenix affords. You’ll expertise actual ‘red rock country’ and highway journey a ridiculously scenic route to get there. Sedona itself is filled with mountaineering trails and tradition. It can be an ideal base to get pleasure from snowboarding or head to the Grand Canyon.

What is one of the best scenic route from Phoenix to Sedona?

The greatest scenic route from Phoenix to Sedona is by way of the Red Rock Scenic Byway. On this route, you might be surrounded by crimson rocks, and it’s attractive at sundown. If you need an iconic means to enter Sedona, select this route.

Is the drive from Phoenix to Sedona simple?

The drive from Phoenix to Sedona is very easy. You keep on the Arizona Veterans Highway for many of the journey, solely altering to Highway 179 (the scenic byway) for the final half-hour of the drive. It is tremendous easy to navigate.

What is the highway like from Phoenix to Sedona?

The highway from Phoenix to Sedona is fundamental and simple to drive. You are purely touring on highways – beginning on the Arizona Veterans Highway and switching to Highway 179. The highways run by means of desert terrain and are comparatively quiet when you’ve exited Phoenix.

To Conclude

The Phoenix to Sedona drive is fairly iconic, that’s for positive. The crimson rocks of Sedona and the desert panorama you cross on this highway journey are irresistible. You’ll have a wonderful time whether or not you cease by the traditional stone pueblos at Montezuma Castle National Monument or take one of many three mountaineering trails listed on this information. The better part is that the Phoenix to Sedona drive is simply two hours lengthy – that means you’ve all day to fill with thrilling sights and stop-off factors.

Looking for extra Arizona inspiration? Why not plan to keep in an aesthetic, conventional cabin? These are the greatest cabins in Arizona should you can tempt your self to cease driving and keep put for an evening. Trust us, you’ll respect the gorgeous views and heat environment.