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One of the most breathtaking drives in Arizona is the scenic drive from Phoenix to Sedona. It’s a 117 mile stretch of road along I-17 that takes you from the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix all the way up to the red rocks of Sedona.
With each passing mile, the desert landscape transforms before your eyes. In Phoenix, you drive through a wide open stretch of saguaros and rocky plains. Slowly, the landscape turns into rolling hills and juniper trees. Then you begin to see the red rock formations rise in the distance…getting closer and closer!
All of a sudden you find yourself surrounded by towering buttes, dramatic cliffs, and an almost otherworldly sense of wonder.
It’s not to be missed! I must have driven all the way there with my jaw in my lap!
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How to Get from Phoenix to Sedona
There are two ways to get from Phoenix to Sedona. One is highway I-17 to 260. The other way is highway I-17 to 179. They each take about two hours to drive straight through.
For the most scenic drive from Phoenix to Sedona, you’re going to want to take highway I-17 north to 179. Once you turn onto 179, you’ll be on the Red Rocks Scenic Byway – one of the most scenic roads in America!
It’s definitely the better of the two routes.
Depending on the day though, traffic can get a little backed up on 179. People looking for a day trip from Phoenix, or going to Sedona for the weekend, all travel this route. Plan for an extra 30 minutes if you’re going on a weekend.
What to See before you Leave Phoenix
I was in Phoenix for work so I didn’t have time to explore as much as I wanted. There were two places that I did go to though, and I would recommend for anyone looking for something to do in Phoenix.
Papago Park
Papago Park is such a neat place to explore in Phoenix! I loved checking out the Hole-in-the-Rock, a natural rock formation that gives you amazing views of the city through, you guessed it – a giant hole in the rock. The park’s red sandstone formations are pretty unique too, and there are some nice trails that make it easy to explore the desert landscape.
Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is a must-visit if you’re into unique plant life and desert beauty. I loved strolling through the trails, where you can see all kinds of cacti, succulents, and desert blooms—some of which I’d never seen before.
Goodbye Phoenix!
As you begin your scenic drive from Phoenix to Sedona, the landscape is classic Sonoran Desert. You’ll see towering saguaro cacti, low-lying desert shrubs, and vast, open spaces stretching toward distant mountain ranges. The classic desert colors—golden yellows, muted greens, and sandy browns—are everywhere.
Driving through the desert landscape doesn’t even feel real. I felt like I was watching one of the old roadrunner and coyote cartoons from when I was a kid. Any minute there would be that purple roadrunner darting in front of me – Beep! Beep!
Phoenix to Sedona Road Trip: What to See
When I drive somewhere, I usually prefer a direct route. Just the quickest way to get me from point A to point B.
But this is a road trip, right? So that means some roadside attractions are in order.
Here are five of the best things to see along the I-17 to 179 route from Phoenix to Sedona:
1. Rock Springs Cafe and Village
About 40 miles north of downtown Phoenix, just off I-17 in Black Canyon City, you’ll find Rock Springs Cafe. This iconic roadside stop has been around since the early 1900s and is famous for its homemade pies.
When I went, a slice of pie was about $7 and a glass of iced tea was $4. A little on the pricey side but not bad for being able to say you had pie from that famous pie place outside of Phoenix!
Before you leave, be sure to wander around the area. It’s small and won’t take up much time. Besides the cafe, there’s a functioning old gas depot and a general store. You’ll find all sorts of homemade canned goods and merchandise…and of course, pies!
2. Arcosanti
Arcosanti had me curious. I had read about this experimental community, designed by Italian architect Paolo Soleri, that combines architecture and ecology. His vision was to demonstrate sustainable urban living with a full buildout housing 5,000 people.
The full potential of Arcosanti has not been reached yet.
It has been a work in progress since the 1970s and definitely has that “hippie” vibe to it. There are only about 50 people who live and work there fulltime.
To get there, you drive a couple of miles down an unpaved gravel road in what feels like the middle of nowhere. Look across the open desert though and you can see the buildings of Arcosanti off in the distance.
The cafe and gift shop are free to visit. There’s also a trail in the back that is free to walk. But, if you have time, take a quick tour for a behind the scenes look into this fascinating place and learn about Soleri’s vision for an environmentally conscious future.
3. Montezuma Castle National Monument
Continuing north, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Arizona awaits. Montezuma Castle National Monument, located near Camp Verde, is a stunningly well-preserved cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people over 800 years ago.
You aren’t able to go inside the limestone cliff dwelling but there is a short, paved trail that takes you close enough to get a good view of the exterior. Not close enough to see the inside though. The paved path will take you to a large diorama that shows you what the inside of Montezuma Castle would have looked like.
Fun fact: Montezuma was never here! European settlers mistook the cultures and named it incorrectly.
4. Agua Fria National Monument
Agua Fria National Monument is a rugged, off-the-beaten-path destination filled with over 450 Native American archaeological sites, including centuries old petroglyphs and remnants of pueblo villages.
There is a 1.5 mile out and back trail, the Badger Springs Trail, that will take you by the petroglyphs and pueblo remnants.
The area can be challenging to get to though, and a four wheel drive vehicle is recommended. I was looking forward to coming here but unfortunately the rental car I had was too low to the ground, so I had to pass.
5. Red Rock Scenic Byway
After Agua Fria, you’ll notice a dramatic difference in the landscape. This is where the red rocks start to emerge. Be prepared to be wowed!
You’ll turn onto 179 for the Red Rock Scenic Byway. My favorite 7.5 mile stretch of road I have ever been on! Ever.
This short but spectacular road is an absolute must-drive. It winds through towering red rock formations, with breathtaking views of Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. I can’t even count the number of times I was pulling off the road just in awe of what I was seeing.
Words can’t even describe it! It felt otherworldly and I can’t imagine a more scenic way to enter Sedona!
Hello Sedona!
Sedona is in Arizona’s high desert country. It is situated at the mouth of spectacular Oak Creek Canyon and is known for its myriad of hiking trails and massive red-rock formations named for their likenesses to cathedrals, bells, chimneys, and coffee pots.
I was only in Sedona for the night so, like Phoenix, I didn’t get a chance to explore much. I was able to squeeze in a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross and a quick hike though.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona is an architectural marvel. The unique design features a towering 90-foot cross integrated into the front wall. The cross is surrounded by large floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking panoramic views of the red rocks. You could even see Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock in the distance.
Visiting the Roman Catholic chapel is free and all denominations are welcome.
Parking can be limited, especially during peak tourist hours. There are two parking areas: one at the top near the entrance and a lower lot farther down the hill. A free golf cart shuttle runs from the lower lot, making access easier for those who prefer not to walk up the steep incline.
Whether you visit for religious reasons or simply to admire the stunning architecture and views, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must-see attraction in Sedona.
Hiking
With just a couple of hours to spare before heading back to the airport, the Baldwin Loop Trail in Sedona was the perfect choice for a quick but rewarding hike. The 3-mile loop has stunning views of Cathedral Rock and winds through a mix of red rock formations.
I loved how peaceful it felt, with fewer crowds than some of the more popular trails. , and the changing scenery kept things interesting. It was the ideal way to stretch my legs one last time before the long travel day ahead.
Sedona’s Energy Vortexes
Sedona Arizona is also known for its energy vortexes—locations believed to emit powerful spiritual energy. Personally, this isn’t something that I believe in so I really can’t speak to this other than to say that I did not feel any increase in spiritual awareness or energy.
But that’s my experience.
There are tens of thousands of others who come here to meditate, practice yoga, and simply experience the heightened sense of peace and awareness that these sites are said to provide.
There are four vortex sites in Sedona: Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, and Boynton Canyon. You’ll pass both Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock when you’re on the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
Whether you believe in their mystical properties or not, these locations have some of the most stunning scenery in Sedona and are worth visiting.
Alternate Route from Phoenix to Sedona
Remember how I mentioned that there are two ways to get from Phoenix to Sedona? The way I went takes I-17 to 179, and the other way takes I-17 to 260.
If you take the 260 route you would miss the Red Rock Scenic Byway, but you would be within easy reach of four other places to see on your scenic drive from Phoenix to Sedona.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park is a fun and unique experience, especially if you love animals. It’s not a typical zoo—it’s more like a safari, with large open habitats where you can see lions, tigers, giraffes, and other wildlife up close.
Tuzigoot National Monument is an ancient pueblo built by the Sinagua people, The site features a partially restored stone village atop a hill, with panoramic views of the Verde Valley.
Jerome is an old mining town with stunning views, quirky shops, and a rich past. Once called the “Wickedest Town in the West,” it’s now filled with art galleries and several boutique wineries.
Cottonwood is a great stop with a historic Old Town, boutique shops, and local wineries. Nearby, Dead Horse Ranch State Park has scenic trails and access to the Verde River
FAQ
How long does the drive from Phoenix to Sedona take? The drive typically takes about two hours without stops. Plan on extra time if you are stopping at any attractions.
Is the road to Sedona difficult to drive? No, all the roads are well-maintained highways. There are some sections with steep grades though, so use caution, especially in bad weather.
When is the best time to visit Sedona? Spring and fall are the best times to visit. You’ll have mild temperatures and vibrant colors. Summers can be hot, and winters occasionally bring snow to the higher elevations.
Are Sedona’s energy vortexes real? Many people report feeling a sense of peace and heightened awareness at vortex sites, but whether you experience it as energy or simply stunning natural beauty, they are worth a visit.
Is the Chapel of the Holy Cross free to visit? Yes, the chapel is free to visit, though donations are welcome. Parking can be limited and so I recommend arriving early.
What is the nearest airport? The nearest airport to Phoenix is the Sky Harbour International Airport. The nearest airport to Sedona is Flagstaff.
Final Thoughts
The scenic drive from Phoenix to Sedona is one of Arizona’s most spectacular road trips. It’s relatively short and can be completed in as little as two hours but it’s huge on jaw dropping payoff!
From the stark beauty of the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix to the red rock landscapes in Sedona, this road trip is an unforgettable adventure straight through the heart of Arizona.
If you find yourself in Phoenix, taking a scenic drive from Phoenix to Sedona should definitely be on your list of things to do!