A day trip to Sedona from Phoenix is one of the most dramatic landscape transitions in the American West — in just two hours, you’ll climb from the Sonoran Desert floor at 1,100 feet to red rock country at 4,350 feet, watching the saguaro cacti give way to juniper forests and towering crimson formations. We’ve been making this drive since 1992, and we still get that rush of excitement when the first red rocks appear on the horizon. Here’s how to make the most of your day trip, from the best route options to an hour-by-hour itinerary, all from a local’s perspective.
Day Trip To Sedona From Phoenix
Three Ways to Get There
Route 1: I-17 to Highway 179 (The Standard Route)
Distance: 116 miles | Drive time: About 2 hours
The route: Take I-17 North from Phoenix to Exit 298 (Highway 179/Village of Oak Creek). Turn left onto 179 and drive 15 miles north through the Village of Oak Creek into Sedona.
Why choose this route: This is the fastest and most straightforward option. The final 15 miles on Highway 179 (designated an All-American Road) serve as a spectacular introduction to Sedona — Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Cathedral Rock appear in sequence as you drive north. It’s like a preview reel of everything you’re about to experience.
Tips: Highway 179 can bottleneck near the Tlaquepaque roundabouts, especially on weekend mornings. Leave Phoenix by 6:30 AM to arrive before the traffic builds.
Route 2: I-17 to Highway 260 to 89A (The Oak Creek Canyon Route)
Distance: 130 miles | Drive time: About 2.5 hours
The route: Take I-17 North past Camp Verde to Exit 337. Head west briefly on Highway 260, then north on 89A through Oak Creek Canyon into Sedona.
Why choose this route: This is the scenic route, arriving into Sedona from the north through the jaw-dropping Oak Creek Canyon. The road switchbacks down through a forested canyon with towering red and white cliffs, passing Slide Rock State Park and numerous creek swimming holes. It’s the more dramatic arrival.
Tips: The Oak Creek Canyon portion of 89A is a narrow, winding mountain road — not ideal if you’re uncomfortable with steep switchbacks. Add 30+ minutes for stops (you’ll want to stop). Not recommended during winter ice or active monsoon storms.
Route 3: AZ-87 Through Payson (The Road Less Traveled)
Distance: 140 miles | Drive time: About 2.5-3 hours
The route: Take AZ-87 (Beeline Highway) north from Mesa through Payson, then west on AZ-260 to I-17, and north to Sedona via either 179 or 89A.
Why choose this route: If you’re coming from East Valley (Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler), this avoids Phoenix traffic entirely. The drive through the Tonto National Forest and Mogollon Rim country is beautiful in its own right. Stop in Payson for breakfast at a local diner.
Tips: Best for East Valley residents or anyone who wants to avoid I-17. Otherwise, Route 1 is faster and more direct.
Stops Worth Making Along the Way
Sunset Point Rest Stop (I-17, Mile 252)
About an hour north of Phoenix, this elevated rest area offers panoramic views of the Bradshaw Mountains and Agua Fria River valley. It’s a great leg-stretcher with clean facilities and a dramatic overlook. Quick 10-minute stop.
Montezuma Castle National Monument (I-17, Exit 289)
Just a 5-minute detour off I-17, this remarkably preserved five-story cliff dwelling was built by the Sinagua people around 1100 AD. The short, paved loop trail takes about 30 minutes and provides fascinating context for the ancient cultures that inhabited this landscape long before any of us arrived. $10 per adult, free for kids under 16. Well worth the stop, especially on your way back when you have more time to absorb the history.
Camp Verde
A small town at Exit 287 on I-17 with gas stations, fast food, and the Out of Africa Wildlife Park — a worthwhile stop if you’re traveling with kids (allow 2-3 hours for the park). Also home to Fort Verde State Historic Park if you’re interested in frontier Arizona history.
Your Hour-by-Hour Sedona Day Trip Itinerary
6:00-6:30 AM: Leave Phoenix
Yes, early. Here’s why: you’ll arrive in Sedona by 8:00-8:30 AM, which gets you trail parking before the lots fill up (critical during peak season), cooler morning temperatures for hiking, and a full day to explore. Grab coffee and a breakfast sandwich for the road — eat while you drive or stop at Sunset Point.
8:00-10:00 AM: Morning Hike
Top pick: Cathedral Rock Trail. Sedona’s most iconic hike — a steep 1.2-mile scramble up slickrock to a saddle between the cathedral spires with 360-degree views. It’s challenging but short, and the views are absolutely worth the effort. This is also one of Sedona’s famous vortex sites. Park at the Back O’ Beyond Road trailhead.
Easier alternative: Bell Rock Pathway. A gentle 3.6-mile loop with views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Great for all fitness levels. Park at the Bell Rock Vista parking area off Highway 179.
More challenging: Devil’s Bridge Trail. A 4.2-mile round trip to Sedona’s largest natural sandstone arch. The “bridge” itself makes for an incredible photo opportunity. Start from the Dry Creek Road trailhead (not the longer Mescal trailhead).
10:00-11:30 AM: Explore Tlaquepaque Arts Village
Cool down from your hike at this beautiful arts and shopping village modeled after a traditional Mexican town. Browse galleries, artisan shops, and pop into a courtyard cafe for a late breakfast or early lunch. Free to explore.
11:30 AM-12:30 PM: Lunch
Quick and excellent: Sedona Memories Bakery & Cafe — hearty sandwiches and baked goods at reasonable prices. A local institution.
Worth a splurge: Elote Cafe — if you can get in. James Beard-nominated. Opens at 5 PM for dinner, but worth mentioning if you’re staying late.
Casual with views: The Hudson — American comfort food with red rock views from the patio.
12:30-2:00 PM: Chapel of the Holy Cross + Scenic Drive
Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross — a stunning modern chapel built into the red rocks in 1956. Free admission, about 30 minutes including the short walk up. Then drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179 south), stopping at the various pullouts for photos of Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte from different angles.
2:00-3:30 PM: Afternoon Activity (Choose One)
Option A — Uptown Sedona: Browse the galleries, shops, and crystal stores in Uptown. Stop for ice cream at one of the local shops. Take in the views from the Jordan Road trailhead overlook. This is also where you’ll find the metaphysical shops and psychic readers that Sedona is famous for.
Option B — Second Short Hike: If your legs are up for it, Airport Mesa Loop (3.3 miles, moderate) offers incredible panoramic views and is one of Sedona’s vortex sites.
Option C — Pink Jeep Tour: If hiking isn’t your thing, a 2-hour Jeep tour covers backcountry terrain you can’t access on foot. The Broken Arrow tour is the most popular. Book in advance.
3:30-5:00 PM: Return Trip Stop — Jerome or Cottonwood
Instead of driving straight back to Phoenix, detour west to the Verde Valley for a completely different Arizona experience.
Jerome (30 minutes from Sedona): A former copper mining town turned artist colony, perched dramatically on the side of Mingus Mountain. Wander the steep streets, browse galleries, visit the Haunted Hamburger for a late lunch/early dinner with spectacular views, and peek into the Jerome State Historic Park. An hour here is perfect.
Old Town Cottonwood (20 minutes from Sedona): A charming downtown with wine tasting rooms, antique shops, and restaurants. Part of the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Great for a wine tasting or two before heading home (designate a driver!).
5:00-7:00 PM: Drive Home
From Jerome or Cottonwood, take Highway 260 East to I-17 South for a direct shot back to Phoenix. Total drive time is about 1 hour 45 minutes. You’ll arrive home by 7 PM with an entire day of Sedona experiences under your belt.
Alternative: Stay for sunset. If you want the full Sedona experience, skip the Jerome/Cottonwood detour and instead head to Airport Mesa for sunset (typically 6-7 PM depending on season). It adds an hour to your day but watching the red rocks turn crimson at golden hour is the most magical thing you can do in Sedona. You’ll get home around 9 PM.
Seasonal Tips for Your Day Trip
Spring (March-May)
Peak season — leave extra early (6 AM) for trail parking. Wildflowers bloom on lower trails in March-April. Perfect hiking weather. Restaurant reservations recommended even for lunch. Check the best time to visit guide for week-by-week details.
Summer (June-August)
Start your hike before 7 AM to beat the heat. Carry extra water (at least 3 liters per person). Monsoon storms (July-August) typically arrive 2-5 PM — plan to be off exposed trails by early afternoon. Slide Rock State Park is perfect for cooling off. The drive up through Oak Creek Canyon (Route 2) is especially beautiful when the monsoon clouds build.
Fall (September-November)
October is fall foliage season in Oak Creek Canyon — spectacular colors but heavy crowds. The return trip through Oak Creek Canyon is worth the extra time in October. Comfortable hiking temperatures return in September.
Winter (December-February)
Check road conditions for Oak Creek Canyon (89A) — it can close for snow and ice. I-17 and Highway 179 are almost always clear. Fewer crowds mean easier parking but shorter daylight hours mean less time for activities. Snow on the red rocks is rare but magical.
Want to Stay Longer?
If your day trip convinces you that one day isn’t enough (it will), check out our weekend itinerary for the perfect 2-3 day trip, or our neighborhood guide for where to base yourself on a return visit. For budget-friendly options, you can extend your day trip into an affordable overnight by staying in nearby Cottonwood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really see Sedona in one day?
You can see the highlights, absolutely. One day gives you time for 1-2 hikes, Tlaquepaque, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and either Uptown exploration or a Jerome detour. You’ll miss the deeper exploration, but you’ll understand why people fall in love with this place.
Is the drive from Phoenix to Sedona safe?
Yes. I-17 and Highway 179 are well-maintained highways. The only tricky stretch is Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon (Route 2), which has steep switchbacks — take it slow and stay in your lane. In winter, check ADOT for road conditions on 89A.
Do I need a special vehicle?
No. Any standard car handles all three routes and all paved trailhead parking areas. You only need 4WD/high clearance for unpaved forest roads (which this itinerary doesn’t include).
What’s the best day of the week for a day trip?
Tuesday through Thursday. Weekends are significantly busier, especially during peak season. Friday is okay. Monday can be good but some shops and restaurants close on Mondays.
Should I take a guided tour instead of driving myself?
Self-driving gives you maximum flexibility, which is valuable on a day trip. However, if you don’t want to drive, several companies offer guided day tours from Phoenix that include transportation, a guide, and pre-planned activities. Expect to pay $150-$250 per person.
Before coming to sedona it’s always helpful to check out the Sedona Chamber of Commerce.
