PICTURES OF SEDONA:
If you're like me, you've probably seen lots of tropic places on vacation. Sedona and the Grand Canyon are very different, and it's those differences that make it a very memorable place to visit. A few years ago me and my wife talked about giving gifts versus experiences to people of all ages. When we discovered is that people forget gifts quickly, but they don't forget experiences. If you want to get away from work and see someplace truly beautiful and share that experience with your family, you should get excited about Sedona. It's very unique and has something for everyone from shopping to cycling to hiking to photography to food to hotels, Sedona is awesome! Sedona airport transfer
This is our travel picture gallery for Sedona AZ. There are lot of beautiful places to take pictures, plenty of hiking, great restaurants and shopping. See for yourself, and if you like what you see, come visit us in Sedona AZ.
GET IN TOUCH WITH NATURE
There's something for everyone.
Sedona can be very romantic. Leave your cell phone in the hotel and go somewhere beautiful. Getting around Sedona
Antelope Canyon again. Yes, I know it's a bit off topic, but I just can't resist. Arizona is not like any other place.
Sedona is an awesome place to visit that's within driving distance to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, Hoover Dam, Havasu Falls, etc. Lake Havasu travel guide There are many great places to visit and Sedona should definitely be on your list of things to do in Arizona. Let us do the driving and you'll see a lot more and get great advice on where to go and what to do. Sedona airport transfer Traveling from Phoenix Sedona airport transfer Flagstaff distance
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some great hiking spots in Sedona?
Sedona offers many beautiful hikes, such as the Red Rocks Trail and Boynton Canyon.
Can I visit Antelope Canyon from Sedona?
Yes, Antelope Canyon is within driving distance of Sedona; it's a popular day trip destination.
What kind of food options are there in Sedona?
Sedona has a variety of restaurants offering everything from casual dining to fine cuisine.
How can I get to Sedona from Phoenix?
You can drive directly or take an airport shuttle like Airport Shuttle of Phoenix for convenience.
How Far Is Sedona and How Do You Get There?
Sedona sits about two hours north of Phoenix if you drive straight through without stopping, according to travel guides like Rock a Little Travel. From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport — which is only about 10 minutes from downtown Phoenix by car — the drive to Sedona is also roughly two hours. That short drive rewards you with some of the most stunning desert landscapes you'll ever see, especially if you approach town on the Red Rock Scenic Byway along Arizona State Route 179, a stretch of highway many travelers call the most beautiful in the world.
Most visitors take Interstate 17 north from Phoenix, then exit onto Highway 179 or Highway 89A to enter town. If you'd rather not drive yourself after a long flight, a Phoenix airport to Sedona shuttle lets you enjoy the scenery instead of watching traffic. For travelers flying into Arizona from elsewhere in the country, Flagstaff to Sedona transportation is another popular option, since Flagstaff's Amtrak station and regional connections make it a useful secondary gateway.
Getting to Sedona from Nearby Cities
Sedona's location in the heart of Northern Arizona makes it reachable from several major cities. Here's how the most common routes compare:
| Starting Point | Main Route | Approximate Drive Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix / Sky Harbor Airport | I-17 North to SR-179 or SR-89A | About 2 hours | Most first-time visitors; widest flight selection |
| Scottsdale | North through Phoenix, then I-17 North | About 2 to 2.5 hours | Travelers combining a resort stay with red rock country |
| Flagstaff | SR-89A through Oak Creek Canyon | Under an hour | Grand Canyon visitors extending their trip |
| Las Vegas | US-93 South to I-40, then south via Flagstaff | Roughly 4.5 hours | Southwest road-trip itineraries |
| Los Angeles | I-10 or I-40 East through Arizona | About 7 hours | Long-weekend road trippers |
If you're coming from Las Vegas or Los Angeles, plan for a longer day behind the wheel and consider breaking the trip with a stop — or let a professional handle it. A guided Sedona tour from the Phoenix area covers the route comfortably while you take in the views.
Best Stops on the Phoenix to Sedona Drive
The two-hour drive can be a destination in itself. Road-trip writers have mapped out full-day itineraries between Phoenix and Sedona, and if you make all the stops on one popular route, the driving alone takes about six hours — but each stop earns its place. Here are the highlights worth considering:
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
About 45 minutes north of Phoenix, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a nature lover's paradise with water views that feel surprising in the Sonoran Desert. It's an easy first leg if you want to stretch your legs before the climb north.
Agua Fria National Monument
Located off Interstate 17 about 20 minutes north of Black Canyon City, this 221,000-acre preserve protects centuries-old Native American artifacts and structures, including dwellings more than 1,000 years old. Visitors can see over 450 Native American structures, including large pueblos and petroglyphs. The nearby Black Canyon City area also connects to an 80-plus-mile mountain biking trail running through the Sonoran desert for riders who want to earn their views.
Arcosanti
Just off I-17 between Phoenix and Sedona, Arcosanti opened to the public in 1975 as an experiment in architecture that combines ecology with social theory. Ninety-minute guided tours share the history and philosophy behind its uniquely designed structures, and the visitor center is open daily starting at 9:00 a.m. It's a quick, unusual detour most travelers have never heard of.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Near Camp Verde, this cliff dwelling — five stories tall with an estimated 45 to 60 rooms — was built into a limestone alcove by the Sinagua people. It's one of the best-preserved ancient dwellings in the Southwest and an easy stop right off the freeway.
Jerome
Perched on a hillside about 45 minutes west of Montezuma Castle, Jerome was a roaring copper mining town in the 1920s and 1930s. When demand for copper fell and the Phelps Dodge Mine closed in 1953, most of the town's jobs left with it — and the near-ghost town reinvented itself as an artists' haven. Winding roads, historic buildings, and sweeping valley views make it a favorite stop.
Verde Valley Wine Trail
Between Jerome and Sedona, the Verde Valley Wine Trail passes through Cottonwood and nearby Page Springs, where tasting rooms like Page Springs Cellars have put Arizona wine on the map. From the wine trail, it's only about 45 minutes and 19 miles into Sedona — a scenic finale to the drive.
Things To Do While You're in the Area
Once you arrive, Sedona delivers far more than a pretty backdrop. The official Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau maintains a "100 Things to Do" list spanning arts and culture, attractions, itineraries, outdoor adventure, personal and spiritual wellness, tours and sightseeing, and shopping. A few essentials for planning your trip:
- Hike and bike over 300 miles of trails. Sedona's trail network covers every difficulty level, from creekside strolls to steep climbs up red rock ridges. Trailheads fill early, so start your day at sunrise.
- Explore more than 80 art galleries. The town is home to over 80 galleries featuring work from internationally recognized artists and emerging local talent — Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village in the heart of town is a natural starting point.
- Visit the visitor center in Uptown. The Sedona Visitor Center is located at 331 Forest Road in Uptown, and staff and volunteers assist visitors every day beginning at 8:30 a.m. The bureau assists more than 200,000 visitors a year, plus thousands of inquiries by phone and email, so it's a reliable source for current trail and road conditions.
- Day-trip to Arizona's other wonders. Sedona sits within driving distance of the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Antelope Canyon, and more. If you're plotting a loop, our Grand Canyon tours from Phoenix guide pairs well with a Sedona stay.
Around We Go: How to Drive a Roundabout in Sedona
One of the first things visitors notice when they reach Sedona is the roundabouts — the town famously uses them along SR-179 to keep traffic moving instead of stacking up at signal lights. If you've never driven one, the rules are simple: slow down as you approach, yield to traffic already circulating in the circle, and continue to your right until you reach your exit. Never stop inside the roundabout, and use your turn signal when exiting so drivers waiting to enter know your intentions. Give cyclists and pedestrians extra room, especially near popular trailhead crossings on the Red Rock Scenic Byway. A few calm passes through a roundabout and it becomes second nature — and you'll appreciate how they prevent the gridlock that plagues other scenic towns.
Should You Drive Yourself or Take a Shuttle to Sedona?
Both options work, and the right choice depends on your trip. Driving yourself gives you flexibility for detours like Jerome or the wine trail. But ride-hailing isn't cheap from the Valley — you can expect an Uber from Phoenix to Sedona to cost around $200, and that's before tipping your driver. A pre-booked shuttle service offers a fixed, budget-friendly alternative with a local driver who knows the route, the roundabouts, and where to stop for the best photos. Many visitors also book a shuttle one way and rent a car in Sedona for exploring the region — the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Phoenix to Sedona?
The drive from Phoenix to Sedona takes about two hours without stops, covering roughly 120 miles via Interstate 17 and State Route 179 or 89A.
Can I take a day trip from Sedona to Antelope Canyon?
Yes. Antelope Canyon, near Page, Arizona, is within driving distance of Sedona and is one of the most popular day trips. Build in plenty of time — it's a full day of driving.
The Sedona Visitor Center is at 331 Forest Road in Uptown Sedona. Staff and volunteers assist visitors daily starting at 8:30 a.m., and the bureau helps more than 200,000 visitors a year.
How much does an Uber from Phoenix to Sedona cost?
Rideshare from Phoenix to Sedona costs around $200 as an estimate, and tips for your driver are appreciated. A shared or private shuttle is typically the more economical choice.
What should I not miss on the Phoenix to Sedona drive?
Travelers love stopping at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Agua Fria National Monument, Arcosanti, Montezuma Castle National Monument, the town of Jerome, and the Verde Valley Wine Trail along the way.
Is Sedona good for hiking beginners?
Absolutely. With more than 300 miles of trails, Sedona offers options for every skill level, from flat creekside paths to challenging ridge hikes. Ask at the visitor center for current conditions.
What is the most scenic route into Sedona?
Most travelers consider the Red Rock Scenic Byway along State Route 179 the most beautiful approach — it runs south of town and delivers your first unforgettable look at the red rocks.
