Phoenix to Sedona Drive: What to See and Do on Your Day Trip
The Phoenix to Sedona drive offers one of Arizona’s most spectacular road trip experiences. In just about two hours and 117 miles, you’ll witness the landscape transform dramatically from urban sprawl to saguaro-dotted desert and finally to the breathtaking red rock formations that make Sedona famous. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or the beginning of a longer adventure, this scenic journey delivers unforgettable views and exciting stops along the way.
Best Route for Your Phoenix to Sedona Drive
When planning your Phoenix to Sedona drive, you have a couple of route options, each offering its own unique experience. The total distance is approximately 117 miles, taking about 2 hours without stops – though you’ll definitely want to make a few along the way!
I-17 North (Fastest Route)
The most direct route takes you north on Interstate 17 from Phoenix to Camp Verde, then northwest on Highway 260 and Highway 89A into Sedona. This route is ideal if you’re short on time but still want to experience some beautiful desert scenery. The highway is well-maintained and offers several rest stops and viewpoints along the way.
- Distance: Approximately 117 miles
- Drive time: About 2 hours (without stops)
- Best for: Efficiency and reaching Sedona quickly
- Key stops: Rock Springs Café, Montezuma Castle
Red Rock Scenic Byway (Most Scenic)
For the most dramatic entrance into Sedona, take I-17 North to Highway 179 (exit 298) – officially designated as the Red Rock Scenic Byway. This route takes you through the Village of Oak Creek and provides stunning views of Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock as you approach Sedona. The scenery on this route is simply breathtaking.
- Distance: Approximately 120 miles
- Drive time: About 2.5 hours (without stops)
- Best for: First-time visitors and photography enthusiasts
- Key stops: Bell Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross
Plan Your Perfect Road Trip
Make your journey smoother with these helpful road trip planning tools. Map your route, find points of interest, and calculate driving times with ease.
Best Stops Between Phoenix and Sedona
The Phoenix to Sedona drive offers numerous fascinating stops that showcase Arizona’s diverse landscapes and rich history. Here are the most worthwhile places to visit along your journey:
1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Just 45 minutes north of Phoenix, Lake Pleasant makes for a perfect first stop on your journey. This beautiful reservoir offers stunning views of water against the desert backdrop – a sight that might surprise first-time Arizona visitors. If you’re starting your trip early, consider stopping for a quick hike on the Beardsley or Pipeline Canyon trails, or simply enjoy the views from the visitor center.
- Activities: Hiking, photography, wildlife viewing
- Distance from Phoenix: 35 miles
- Time needed: 30-60 minutes
2. Rock Springs Café Arizona
About an hour into your Phoenix to Sedona drive, you’ll find Rock Springs Café – Arizona’s oldest independently owned restaurant and a legendary pie stop. This historic establishment has been serving travelers since 1918 and has become famous for its delicious homemade pies. The banana cream and apple bourbon varieties come highly recommended by regulars.
- Must-try: Their award-winning pies (especially the banana cream)
- Distance from Phoenix: 45 miles
- Time needed: 30-45 minutes
3. Agua Fria National Monument
Just north of Rock Springs Café is the turnoff for Agua Fria National Monument. This 71,000-acre preserve protects a remarkably pristine ecosystem and hundreds of ancient archaeological sites. The Badger Springs Trail is an easy 1.5-mile round-trip hike that leads to a seasonal creek and ancient petroglyphs, making it a perfect quick stop on your Phoenix to Sedona drive.
- Highlights: Badger Springs Trail, petroglyphs, desert wildlife
- Distance from Phoenix: 55 miles
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
4. Montezuma Castle National Monument
One of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America, Montezuma Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity of the Sinagua people who built this “high-rise apartment” nearly 1,000 years ago. The easy 1/3-mile loop trail takes you past the impressive structure built into a limestone cliff. Despite its name, the dwelling has no connection to the Aztec emperor Montezuma – early settlers just mistakenly attributed it to him.
- Highlights: 20-room cliff dwelling, visitor center exhibits
- Distance from Phoenix: 95 miles
- Time needed: 45-60 minutes
- Admission: $10 per person (free with America the Beautiful Pass)
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5. Verde Valley Wine Trail
Surprise! Arizona has a thriving wine region, and it’s right on your Phoenix to Sedona drive. The Verde Valley Wine Trail includes several wineries and tasting rooms around Cottonwood and Cornville. Merkin Vineyards (owned by Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan) and Page Springs Cellars are popular stops for wine enthusiasts. If you’re the designated driver, consider scheduling a return trip with a tour company.
- Top wineries: Merkin Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, Alcantara Vineyard
- Distance from Phoenix: 100 miles
- Time needed: 1-2 hours (or more if visiting multiple wineries)
6. Jerome
Once known as the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome is a former copper mining boomtown that nearly became a ghost town when the mines closed. Today, it’s a quirky artist community perched dramatically on the side of Cleopatra Hill. The town’s precarious position on the steep hillside has caused buildings to slide downhill over the years – including the town jail, which slid 225 feet from its original location!
- Highlights: Ghost Town Tours, Jerome State Historic Park, unique shops
- Distance from Phoenix: 110 miles (slight detour from main route)
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
7. Bell Rock
As you approach Sedona on the Red Rock Scenic Byway, Bell Rock will be one of the first major formations to greet you. This bell-shaped butte is not only visually striking but also considered one of Sedona’s vortex sites – places believed to have special energy. The Bell Rock Pathway offers an easy to moderate hike with spectacular views, making it a perfect introduction to Sedona’s famous red rock landscape.
- Highlights: Vortex site, panoramic views, accessible hiking
- Distance from Phoenix: 115 miles
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
- Parking: $5 day pass (free with America the Beautiful Pass)
Phoenix to Sedona Day Trip Itinerary
To make the most of your Phoenix to Sedona drive, here’s a suggested timeline that allows you to visit the key attractions while still having plenty of time to explore Sedona itself:
| Time | Activity | Notes |
| 7:00 AM | Depart Phoenix | Early start helps avoid traffic and heat |
| 8:15 AM | Rock Springs Café | Coffee and breakfast or pie to go |
| 9:30 AM | Montezuma Castle | Explore the cliff dwellings |
| 11:00 AM | Verde Valley Wine Trail | Quick stop at one winery (if interested) |
| 12:30 PM | Arrive in Sedona | Via Red Rock Scenic Byway |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch in Sedona | Try a restaurant with red rock views |
| 2:30 PM | Jeep Tour or Hiking | Experience Sedona’s landscapes up close |
| 5:00 PM | Explore Uptown Sedona | Shopping and art galleries |
| 6:30 PM | Dinner in Sedona | Many great options available |
| 8:00 PM | Return to Phoenix | Or stay overnight if preferred |
Pro Tip: If you have the flexibility, consider staying overnight in Sedona. The stargazing is incredible, and you’ll have more time to explore the area’s many hiking trails and attractions the next day.
Experience Sedona’s Backcountry
Get off the beaten path and explore Sedona’s most spectacular landscapes on a guided Jeep tour. These popular tours often sell out – book in advance to secure your spot!
Phoenix to Sedona Road Trip Tips
Make your Phoenix to Sedona drive more enjoyable with these practical tips:
When to Go
- Best seasons: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer ideal temperatures and smaller crowds
- Summer: Expect temperatures over 100°F in Phoenix, though Sedona is typically 10-15 degrees cooler due to elevation
- Winter: Mild in Phoenix, but Sedona can be chilly with occasional snow
- Weekdays: Less traffic and fewer crowds at attractions
What to Pack
- Water: Bring more than you think you’ll need (at least 1 gallon per person)
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (even in winter)
- Layers: Temperatures can vary significantly between Phoenix and Sedona
- Hiking shoes: If you plan to explore trails
- Camera: The scenery is spectacular
- Cash: Some smaller establishments may be cash-only
Driving Tips
- Gas up: Fill your tank before leaving Phoenix, as gas stations are limited along I-17
- Traffic: Avoid Phoenix rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM on weekdays)
- Navigation: Download offline maps as cell service can be spotty
- Parking: Arrive early in Sedona, as parking lots fill quickly, especially on weekends
- Red Rock Pass: Required for parking at many trailheads ($5 for a day pass, available at visitor centers and some parking areas)
Money-Saving Tips
- America the Beautiful Pass: If you plan to visit multiple national parks or monuments, this $80 annual pass will save you money
- Pack snacks and lunch: Food in Sedona can be pricey
- Free activities: Many hiking trails and viewpoints are free to access
- Travel credit cards: Use cards that offer rewards on gas purchases
Protect Your Journey
Road trips can be unpredictable. Ensure peace of mind with travel insurance that covers trip interruptions, medical emergencies, and rental car issues.
Where to Eat Between Phoenix and Sedona
From roadside diners to upscale restaurants with views, here are some great dining options for your Phoenix to Sedona drive:
Along the Route
- Rock Springs Café: Famous for pies, but also serves hearty breakfast and lunch options
- Arcosanti Café: Unique stop at an experimental urban laboratory with Italian-inspired menu
- Haunted Hamburger (Jerome): Great burgers with a view and spooky atmosphere
- Old Town Cottonwood: Several wine tasting rooms and restaurants if taking the alternative route
In Sedona
- Elote Café: Award-winning Mexican cuisine (reservations recommended)
- Mesa Grill: Located at the Sedona Airport with panoramic views
- Hideaway House: Italian food with stunning red rock views from the patio
- Wildflower Bread Company: Quick, casual option for sandwiches and baked goods
- Coffee Pot Restaurant: Local favorite for breakfast with 101 different omelet options
Dining Tip: For the best experience in Sedona, choose a restaurant with outdoor seating or window views of the red rocks. Make reservations in advance for dinner, especially on weekends.
Extending Your Phoenix to Sedona Drive
While a day trip from Phoenix to Sedona is doable, many visitors wish they had planned to stay longer. If you have the flexibility, consider extending your trip with an overnight stay in Sedona or adding these nearby destinations:
Where to Stay in Sedona
If you decide to extend your Phoenix to Sedona drive with an overnight stay, here are some accommodation options for different budgets:
Budget-Friendly
- Sedona Village Lodge
- GreenTree Inn Sedona
- Days Inn by Wyndham Sedona
- Quality Inn Sedona
Mid-Range
- Sedona Real Inn & Suites
- Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble
- Arabella Hotel Sedona
- Hilton Sedona Resort
Luxury
- L’Auberge de Sedona
- Enchantment Resort
- Amara Resort and Spa
- Adobe Grand Villas
Extend Your Sedona Experience
Turn your day trip into an unforgettable getaway. Find the perfect place to stay and wake up to breathtaking red rock views.
Nearby Destinations
- Grand Canyon South Rim: About 2 hours north of Sedona
- Flagstaff: Just 45 minutes north, offering a mountain town atmosphere
- Prescott: Historic downtown with Western charm, about 1.5 hours from Sedona
- Tuzigoot National Monument: Another ancient pueblo ruin near Cottonwood
Is the Phoenix to Sedona Drive Worth It?
Absolutely! The Phoenix to Sedona drive offers a perfect introduction to Arizona’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Even if you only have one day, the journey itself is part of the adventure, with each mile revealing new wonders of the Southwest. From ancient cliff dwellings to surprising vineyards and ultimately the breathtaking red rock formations of Sedona, this road trip delivers experiences that will stay with you long after you return home.
Whether you’re visiting Arizona for the first time or you’re a local looking for a perfect day trip, the drive from Phoenix to Sedona should be at the top of your list. Just remember to bring your camera, stay hydrated, and give yourself plenty of time to soak in the magic of this special corner of the Southwest.
Ready for Your Arizona Adventure?
Start planning your perfect Phoenix to Sedona road trip today. Secure your rental car early for the best rates and vehicle selection.