Sedona's dramatic red sandstone formations, arts galleries, and spiritual energy make it one of Arizona's most popular destinations. A day trip from Phoenix allows time for a jeep tour, hike to Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock, lunch at Elote Café, and exploration of Tlaquepaque arts village.
Sedona, Arizona, sits approximately 190 kilometers north of Phoenix along Interstate 17 and State Route 179, a scenic two-hour drive that climbs from the Sonoran Desert into the cooler elevation of the Colorado Plateau. The approach through Oak Creek Canyon on AZ-89A from the north is one of the most dramatic road descents in the American Southwest, threading through red-walled canyon walls with Oak Creek running alongside. Alternatively, the direct route on I-17 to SR-179 passes through the Village of Oak Creek, with Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte visible to the east as the road enters Sedona.
The Red Rock country surrounding Sedona is defined by Schnebly Hill Formation sandstone — a deep crimson rock colored by iron oxide and laid down roughly 300 million years ago. The formations — Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Coffee Pot Rock — create a landscape that draws photographers, hikers, jeep tour operators, and those seeking the energy vortex sites for which Sedona is internationally known.
A Red Rock Pass ($5 per day) covers most of the area's managed trailhead parking. Cathedral Rock trailhead off Back O' Beyond Road offers one of Arizona's most iconic hikes: a 1.5-mile round trip with a steep scramble to a saddle with 360-degree panoramic views. Bell Rock provides an easier option — a broad trail loops the base with optional rocky scramble sections. The Airport Mesa loop trail and Chapel of the Holy Cross (embedded into the cliff face off Chapel Road, open without charge) offer distinct experiences at different elevations.
Uptown Sedona concentrates galleries, restaurants, and tour operators along AZ-89A. Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, a Spanish colonial-style complex on Tlaquepaque Road, houses artisan shops and restaurants in a shaded courtyard. Jeep tours ($60–90 per person) depart from multiple operators and venture into terrain inaccessible by standard vehicle. For dining, the Hideaway House overlooks Oak Creek, while SaltRock Southwest Kitchen and The Hudson are reliable midday options in uptown. Elote Café on King Street, one of Arizona's most celebrated restaurants for elevated Mexican cuisine, operates dinner-only.
Suggested itinerary
- Leave Phoenix by 8am. Arrive Sedona 10am via scenic Oak Creek Canyon (AZ-89A south). Hike Bell Rock trail, lunch in uptown Sedona, afternoon jeep tour, Tlaquepaque shops, drive back via I-17.
Highlights
- Cathedral Rock hike or overlook
- Elote Café lunch (arrive early — opens at 5pm for dinner; better for lunch at SaltRock)
- Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village
- Old Town Sedona galleries
- Red rock jeep tour ($60-90 per person)
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
Tips for visiting
- Purchase a Red Rock Pass ($5/day or $15/week) at a trailhead kiosk on arrival — all major parking areas require it and rangers check consistently.
- Arrive before 8am to secure parking at Cathedral Rock trailhead; by 10am on weekends the lot is often full and overflow on Back O' Beyond Road is limited.
- Book a jeep tour at least a day in advance — weekend and holiday slots fill quickly through operators like Pink Jeep Tours on SR-89A.
- Elote Café is dinner-only; for lunch the best uptown options are SaltRock Southwest Kitchen on Bree Street or the Hideaway House on Canyon Road.
- The drive into Sedona via Oak Creek Canyon on AZ-89A from Flagstaff is far more scenic than the SR-179 approach; consider making it a loop to cover both routes.
When to visit
March through May and September through November offer the most comfortable temperatures (15–25°C) for hiking, with October and November providing the best light for photography. Summer is viable with early morning starts before the midday heat peaks, and winter brings quieter crowds and occasional dramatic cloud formations over the red rocks.
Accessibility
Uptown Sedona and Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village are largely wheelchair accessible along paved surfaces. The Airport Mesa overlook and Chapel of the Holy Cross are reachable by car and have accessible viewing areas. Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock trailheads involve uneven red rock surfaces and are not suitable for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Sedona from Phoenix and how long does the drive take?
Sedona is approximately 190 kilometers north of Phoenix, roughly a two-hour drive via Interstate 17 and State Route 179. The more scenic approach through Oak Creek Canyon adds 30–45 minutes but offers dramatic canyon scenery.
Do visitors need to pay to hike in Sedona?
Most trailhead parking areas require a Red Rock Pass, costing $5 per day or $15 per week, available at self-service kiosks. The trails themselves are free to use.
What is the most photographed spot in Sedona?
Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing is arguably Arizona's single most photographed landscape. The Cathedral Rock trail summit and Bell Rock are close alternatives for iconic images.
Are guided tours available from Phoenix to Sedona?
Yes, Arizona Shuttle operates shared van services from Phoenix for around $45 each way. Multiple operators run guided day tours combining Sedona with Jerome or Montezuma Castle, typically priced between $100 and $180 per person.
Is Sedona suitable for families with young children?
Yes, particularly Bell Rock and Airport Mesa trails, which are wide and accessible for older children. Jeep tours are family-friendly and engaging for all ages. Tlaquepaque arts village is highly walkable with shaded courtyards.