A Phoenix to Sedona drive is likely one of the very unlikely, lesser-discussed street journeys within the US. In contrast to most of the US’ mammoth street journeys, this Sedona street journey can simply be tackled in a day. And the route splits Arizona in two – heading north as much as central Arizona and passing a few of the greatest locations to go to in Arizona as you go. Solely simply over two hours in size, the Phoenix to Sedona drive covers 117 miles. It whisks you from one in every of Arizona’s most iconic large cities into the guts of purple rock nation. The drive incorporates purple rocks galore and tons of climbing trails. There are cultural points of interest, too, like Montezuma Fort Nationwide Monument.
On this information, we’ll cowl all the things price figuring out concerning the Phoenix to Sedona drive – which is definitely so much. There’s an final itinerary arising, plus solutions to some frequent FAQs, and even some issues to do in Sedona and Phoenix. You possibly can simply squeeze this stuff in earlier than and after your day journey of a lifetime. Let’s get began.
Phoenix to Sedona Drive Itinerary
So, you’re able to sort out the Phoenix to Sedona drive. That is simply one in every of Arizona’s high street 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 reducing by means of central Arizona and the dramatic desert panorama. Surrounded by pure magnificence, that is the proper day journey for wildlife, climbing, or animal lovers. We’ll first cowl probably the most direct route, then present an alternate route in the event you fancy a detour.
Greatest Sedona Excursions From Phoenix
Beneath are a few of the high excursions from Phoenix to Sedona. These are nice in the event you don’t have a automobile.
Prime Actions and Excursions:
The best approach to full the Phoenix to Sedona drive is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport. From Phoenix Airport, hire a automobile, drive to Sedona utilizing this itinerary, after which fly from Sedona Airport. Or, in the event you actually need, you may drive again to Phoenix after spending a couple of nights in Sedona. For those who plan a return journey, that is the proper time to make the most of our different route – you get the most effective of each worlds.
Obtained your paper and pen prepared? Then let’s begin. That is the final word itinerary to expertise the Phoenix to Sedona street journey.
1. Lake Nice Regional Park
- Distance from Phoenix: 55 minutes
- Time required: 1 hour
Lake Nice Regional Park is an enormous leisure space and one of many first notable points of interest you move as you start your Phoenix to Sedona drive. Lake Nice has over 100 campsites and RV spots – it’s a massively widespread pure getaway for these residing in Phoenix. When driving from Phoenix to Sedona, it’s best for an early morning refresher, because of its wealth of water actions. You might go for a dawn kayak. Or, in the event you go away it till 10 am, take a trip on the world’s largest floating waterslide at H2. Whoa!
Pack swimwear and a towel; use Lake Nice as the proper wake-up spot. It’s good to start out your day with some exercise, and in summer season particularly, Lake Nice has a beautiful environment.
2. Rock Springs Cafe in Black Canyon Metropolis
- Distance from Phoenix: 49 minutes
- Time required: half-hour
Black Canyon Metropolis is somewhat desert city as soon as used for mining. The previous mining city is now a quick stop-off level on the drive from Phoenix to Sedona. Nevertheless, 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 type on its partitions.
The cafe is stuffed with character with hyperlinks to the previous bootlegging days and over 100 years of native historical past. Its particular pies are simply an added bonus. Rock Springs ships pie everywhere in the US and serve them to guests on arrival. We propose stopping by for a fast brunch after your water actions on Lake Nice.
3. Badger Springs Path
- Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Time required: 1 hour
Badger Springs Path is a 1.5 miles hike with a trailhead inside the Agua Fria Nationwide Monument. Brief however candy, this path is simple to finish and appropriate for hikers of all capabilities as long as they’ve primary 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 Path 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 see over crowds.
4. Agua Fria Nationwide 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 Nationwide Monument, you may genuinely recognize the 71,000 acres of protected pure area. Badger Springs Path is an effective way to start out your time within the nationwide monument – particularly with its historical past, wildlife, and Agua Fria River entry.
Nevertheless, after this, we’d counsel spending somewhat further time within the space with binoculars, simply taking a break from driving and having fun with the views. You possibly can spot coyotes, mountain lions, mule deer, and even antelope in case you are fortunate.
You possibly can detour to the Pueblo La Plata web site at this level in order for you as effectively. 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 Fort Nationwide Monument
- Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Time required: half-hour
Talking of Native American historical past, Montezuma Fort is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Arizona. The 20-story cliff dwelling is a outstanding early settlement reduce into limestone rock. This historic stone pueblo is likely one of the US’ most revered historic points of interest. You possibly can take a ranger-led tour of Montezuma Fort or go to independently. It’s only a quick stroll from the parking space alongside a paved monitor – taking beneath 10 minutes to finish. When you can’t enter Montezuma Fort, you will get fabulous views from simply exterior.
Montezuma Fort Nationwide Monument is located simply exterior of Camp Verde. It’s simply the most effective historic points of interest you may add as a stop-off in your journey from Phoenix to Sedona, and you must undoubtedly tick it off.
6. Purple Rock Scenic Byway
- Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Time required: 20 minutes
Many individuals say that the Purple Rock Scenic Byway is a gateway to Sedona. The scenic drive is roughly 7.5 miles lengthy and cuts by means of some spectacular purple rock formations. Since Sedona is famed for its purple rocks, it’s no marvel this coming into street is stuffed with brilliant, cherry-red rock options.
Driving, it solely takes 20 minutes; this byway is on the direct route from Phoenix to Arizona. It’s the best attraction to mix with this street journey – you gained’t need to exit of your method. And actually, the one method this can take further time is if you wish to cease and take some fast photographs.
7. Bell Rock
- Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours
- Time required: 1-2 hours
Bell Rock is a dramatic purple rock butte you move simply earlier than coming into Sedona. As a remaining stop-off earlier than coming into town, we advocate stopping and climbing (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 reasonable, and also you’ll must deliver some water and sound, sturdy sneakers. Nevertheless, it’s one in every of Sedona’s most iconic hikes, so it’s incredible to finish. The panoramic view you get on this hike makes all of it worthwhile.
Alternate Route: By way of Verde Valley Wine Path
Fancy a special drive again to Phoenix? Or would you like to skip over the scenic byway and Bell Rock in favor of a superb wine tour? Looping as much as Previous City Cottonwood is a superb alternate route on the Phoenix to Sedona drive. You possibly can incorporate one of many fabulous wine excursions on the Verde Valley Wine Path.
For those who detour this fashion, you may also go to the Verde Canyon Railroad and Tuzigoot Nationwide Monument – gorgeous and interesting points of interest. You probably have youngsters it’s possible you’ll need to cease on the Africa Wildlife Park, although we don’t advocate visiting establishments like this, this appears to be effectively run. Use your individual judgment. The railroad, specifically, is greatest for individuals who don’t need to hike Bell Rock or have compromised mobility.
Since wine excursions are somewhat incompatible with single-day street journeys, we propose stopping in a single day in Previous City Cottonwood in the event you select this selection. Until you have got 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, go away your self a day or two to settle earlier than heading in your Phoenix to Sedona drive. So how are you going to hold your self entertained? What are a few of the greatest issues to do in Phoenix? Neglect a day journey for at the very least the primary couple of days, as there may be simply a lot to see on this Arizona metropolis. You possibly can go to a procuring village, take a look at Arizona’s artwork galleries, or choose any of the points of interest beneath.
Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum is likely one of the most unusual museums within the US, not to mention Arizona or Phoenix. There are over 15,000 artifacts – which is truthfully virtually unfathomable. Phoenix’s inventive, cultured character is unattainable to not love. And having the Musical Instrument Museum to understand 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 together with your go to dates, and cease by the present store after.
Frontier City
Frontier City is tremendous cool. The recreated previous west settlement is sort of a little time capsule and a incredible place to find an immersive Western expertise in the course of town. It isn’t only a Western pop-up attraction, although; it acts as a completely purposeful procuring heart.
Suppose snapping footage in entrance of aesthetic, previous west-style surroundings whereas rummaging by means of store after store of discount buys. If you wish to cease by a present store or two, simply add Frontier City to your itinerary. Is it a vacationer entice? A bit bit. Nevertheless it may nonetheless get a smile out of even the grouchiest adults.
The Japanese Friendship Backyard of Phoenix
The Japanese Friendship Backyard of Phoenix is somewhat solace amid Downtown Phoenix. It’s run primarily by volunteers and has a peaceable environment, making it the best place to slink away to take pleasure in a brief stroll and a few inexperienced area. The backyard has tiny pagodas, countless water options, quaint purple 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 conventional 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. Positioned 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 based mostly on his proposed design as Arizona’s new state capitol in 1957. You possibly 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 could be a day journey, however you may nonetheless spend a couple of days visiting Sedona when you arrive. Our recommendation: deal with your likelihood to go to Sedona as a brief getaway. Spend at the very least a couple of days there after driving from Phoenix to Sedona. These are the highest number of all of the issues to do in Sedona throughout your keep. Who is aware of, possibly you’ll plan a Sedona street journey to someplace particular close by, just like the Grand Canyon?
Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon is a surprising purple rock gorge and an absolute dream to cease by whenever you go to Sedona. The canyon is ideal for getting that purple rock surroundings and contains a swimming gap and a pure waterslide. Oak Creek Canyon is lower than 10 minutes away from Sedona by automobile.
You possibly can simply use it as a half-day exercise – simply pack some swimwear, a towel, and snacks. Photographers ought to deliver a digital camera too. Alternatively, in the event you fancy a extra energetic method of reaching the canyon, hire a motorbike 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 Path
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 purple rock formations. The 1.5-mile spherical hike isn’t for the faint-hearted, however undoubtedly, an achievement to get your blood pumping. Technically talking, Cathedral Rock Path isn’t demanding of hikers’ expertise – it requires psychological power to persevere by means of the ascent.
You’ve in all probability seen Cathedral Rock earlier than, but when not, take a look at an image now. The sandstone butte is definitely one in every of Arizona’s most well-known sights. The jagged sequence of mounds make up the large butte, and it’s a transfixing sight whether or not you climb it or not. Furthermore, Cathedral Rock is a 12-minute drive from Sedona and exquisite at sundown.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Chapel of the Holy Cross is an summary Catholic church relationship again to the Nineteen Fifties. The bizarre-designed church juts up with floor-to-ceiling home windows and overlooks the purple rocks scattered exterior. The towering concrete landmark appears extra like a spaceship than something non secular – an actual piece of contemporary structure. Completely free to enter; it is likely one of the hottest points of interest in Sedona. Vacationers adore it for its novel modern attract. It even has its personal on-line present store.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon isn’t in Sedona itself. Nevertheless, it’s only a 2-hour drive from Sedona, so the city is a incredible base for a day journey to probably the most well-known canyon. The canyon is likely one of the US’ hottest points of interest. Folks flock to the canyon to admire its dramatic surroundings, take pleasure in helicopter rides, and head out on climbing trails.
However, it’s removed from only a fairly face. Stretching 278 miles, it encompasses 11 related tribes’ ancestral homelands and boasts the Nice Unconformity. The Nice Unconformity is a lacking layer within the rock sample. It stays a complete thriller to geologists everywhere in the world.
The Grand Canyon is rather 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 couple of days, including on a day journey additional north to the Grand Canyon. It’s 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 stunning locations to admire the views close to Sedona. It’s a fabulous sundown level when the purple rocks are illuminated in gorgeous shades of purple. The point of view overlooks western Sedona and sits on the finish of the airport street – therefore the identify.
The huge parking zone is free to take pleasure in. So pack a picnic, deliver 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 in the event you fancy some star gazing.
Phoenix to Sedona Drive: FAQs
The Phoenix to Sedona drive is a bucket record street journey. And this route is a breeze to finish in a day journey – perfect 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 well worth the drive from Phoenix?
Positively, Sedona provides a completely totally different perception into Arizona than what Phoenix provides. You’ll expertise actual ‘purple rock nation’ and street journey a ridiculously scenic path to get there. Sedona itself is stuffed with climbing trails and tradition. Additionally it is an ideal base to take pleasure in snowboarding or head to the Grand Canyon.
What’s the greatest scenic route from Phoenix to Sedona?
The perfect scenic route from Phoenix to Sedona is by way of the Purple Rock Scenic Byway. On this route, you’re surrounded by purple rocks, and it’s beautiful at sundown. If you’d like an iconic approach 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 Freeway for a lot of the journey, solely altering to Freeway 179 (the scenic byway) for the final half-hour of the drive. It’s tremendous easy to navigate.
What’s the street like from Phoenix to Sedona?
The street from Phoenix to Sedona is primary and simple to drive. You might be purely touring on highways – beginning on the Arizona Veterans Freeway and switching to Freeway 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 certain. The purple rocks of Sedona and the desert panorama you move on this street journey are irresistible. You’ll have a superb time whether or not you cease by the traditional stone pueblos at Montezuma Fort Nationwide Monument or take one of many three climbing trails listed on this information. The perfect half is that the Phoenix to Sedona drive is simply two hours lengthy – which means you have got all day to fill with thrilling points of interest and stop-off factors.
In search of extra Arizona inspiration? Why not plan to remain in an aesthetic, conventional cabin? These are the greatest cabins in Arizona in the event you can tempt your self to cease driving and keep put for an evening. Belief us, you’ll recognize the attractive views and heat environment.
