United States

Sedona in winter is pure magic. The city is quiet, peaceful, and if you’re lucky it’s covered in a blanket of fresh white snow.

Sure, winter in Sedona might come with some rainy days or gray skies, but don’t let that stop you. Like many places, I think a winter visit is best for really getting to know a place.

Since winter is off season in Sedona, you’ll often find yourself alone at even the most popular attractions around town.

So if you’re ready for a beautiful adventure, grab your raincoat and hiking boots and let’s hit the road for Sedona.

1. No crowds

As I mentioned above, Sedona attractions in winter are often empty or at least with minimal crowds.

While visiting Sedona in January I found myself mostly alone at Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross and Red Rock Crossing.

Those into the outdoors will find hiking in Sedona in January especially peaceful. Even if you do come across other hikers, you’ll have most of the trails to yourself.

You will likely encounter other travelers when visiting Oak Creek Canyon or Red Rock State Park, but not many. Even these normally crowded destinations will be rather quiet this of year.

Trust me, you can do a lot in Sedona in one day without the crowds. Definitely take advantage of this during your trip.

2. Cooler temperatures

You’ll definitely be blessed with cooler weather during your Sedona winter getaway.

Sedona Arizona winter temperatures generally range from the mid 30s to the mid 60s. You’ll have some rainy days and cloud cover during this time as well, but don’t be surprised if you get blue skies on occasion also.

3. Tours are not sold out

You’ll be happy to know that tours in Sedona during winter don’t usually sell out. Since crowds are small this time of year you’ll have plenty of options for tours, even the always popular Pink Jeep Tours.

Of course, some weekends may be busier than others so I would book ahead if you plan to join a tour, but you should have a good selection and plenty of availability during a winter in Sedona visit.

4. Attractions are open year round

For the most part, Sedona is an outdoor destination and it’s beauty lies in its stunning natural landscape.

That being said, there are always things to do in Sedona in winter. Popular Sedona winter activities include hiking the area’s many trails, mountain biking, photography and stargazing just to name a few.

Just don’t forget all the great restaurants and wineries in the area too.

5. Day trips are easy

Since crowds are so light in Sedona during winter you’ll encounter virtually no traffic around town. This makes for the perfect opportunity to enjoy a few day trips outside the city.

Some of my favorite day trips are below

• Sedona to Grand Canyon: This one goes without saying, but you’re only 2 hours south of the Grand Canyon. There is also a train from Sedona to Grand Canyon if you prefer not to drive.
• Jerome: A former mining town now thought to be haunted. This is a very cool hillside town known for its many artists and musicians. Jermone is about 40 minutes from Sedona.
• Verde Valley Wine Trail: You’ll find the Verde Valley Wine Trail about 25 minutes outside of Sedona.
• Horseshoe Bend: This is a popular destination for photographers about 3 hours north of Sedona.

6. Hotel prices are much lower

Since you made the wise decision to visit Sedona in winter you’ll also be rewarded with very low hotel rates.

In fact, you’ll find most hotels with plenty of availability between December and February along with room rates well below those of spring and fall.

The exception to this rule is that you will see price hikes on and around major holidays. Watch out for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day if you’re looking for a hotel deal.

7. Dinner reservations are easier to get

Besides all the great room rates in winter, you’ll also be happy to know that dining reservations are much easier to get between December and February as well. The same exception to holidays is in play here as mentioned above.

In general you should be able to get a table at most restaurants in the city during your visit. I would stil book these before you arrive if possible, but you should have no trouble if making a reasonable effort to plan ahead.

8. You can play in the snow

Another benefit of a Sedona winter visit is the possibility of snowfall during your trip. As you can imagine, the Sedona landscape is absolutely beautiful under fresh snowfall.

I was lucky enough to get to experience this during my winter Sedona visit as well. I can confirm, it’s amazing.

9. Holiday activities

If you’re looking for a cozy and fun place to spend the holidays, consider a Sedona holiday getaway. The city is super fun during Christmas and New Year’s.

You definitely need to make those accomodation reservations very early though, as hotels will sell out over the holiday season. The same goes for dinner reservations. Make your plans early to secure a table at the city’s most popular restaurants.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about my favorite reasons to visit Sedona in Winter. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. As always, thanks for reading.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

Let me start off with the obvious, the best time to visit Sedona truly depends on what you’re looking for.

In all honesty, I don’t think there is a bad time to visit Sedona. It’s such a stunningly beautiful destination with year round things to do, how could you go wrong?

So for the purposes of this post, I’ll give you the pros and cons of each season. This way, you can choose the best time to visit Sedona Arizona for you.

Best Time to Visit Sedona

This post on the best time to go to Sedona is organized by season. I’ll give you my pros and cons for each season including the best things to do in Sedona, weather in Sedona, and crowd sizes.

At the end, you can decide which season sounds the most fun to you.

Ultimately, I just hope you give Sedona a chance. I think its one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the United States, and its definitely worth the extra time to visit.

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Sedona, I like to stay at the Element Sedona. It’s affordable and located right by Bell Rock.

If you have a larger group or prefer not to stay in Sedona hotels, you can also stay in a Sedona AirBnB. You’ll find many affordable and stylish options conveniently located around the city.

Sedona in Winter

Having just returned from a Sedona in Winter getaway myself in January, I can definitively say that winter is a perfectly lovely time to visit.

I was able to secure a very reasonably priced hotel room and encountered very few people out on the trails, even in the middle of the day.

While the weather was a bit cloudy and rainy, I was still able to enjoy visits to Bell Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, and Oak Creek Canyon. I even came across a little snow while visiting Slide Rock State Park.

On the down side, the rain made the temperatures a bit cooler than I would have liked. Also, I really wanted to enjoy stargazing in the nighttime, but was unable to do so due to all the clouds.

Overall, I enjoyed my visit to Sedona in Winter and would visit again. While I missed out on the stargazing and outdoor dining, I liked having many of the city’s biggest attractions all to myself.

Sedona in Spring

Spring is the most popular time of year to visit Sedona. Average temperatures during the daytime hover around 65 to 75. You’ll also have mostly blue skies and sunny days.

Spring is the best time of year to visit Sedona if you’re looking for the best weather and conditions for enjoying the area’s many outdoor activities.

The spring months are perfect for getting out on Sedona’s many hiking and mountain biking trails. Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock are my favorites.

If you’re just looking for the best that Sedona has to offer and you don’t mind the crowds and higher hotel prices, then Spring is the best time of year to go to Sedona.

Just be sure to make those hotel, dining, and tour reservations in advance. If you want to escape the crowds a bit, early March may be the best month to visit Sedona.

Sedona in Summer

If you can take the heat, summer can also be the best time to travel to Sedona. Summer temperatures during the daytime will average in the 90s, with July being the hottest month.

That being said, you’ll have optimal weather for stargazing, photographing the beautiful red rocks, and enjoying the rivers and swimming holes like Slide Rock and Grasshopper Point.

If you’re looking to avoid the midday heat you can visit the art galleries at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village or go wine tasting in Verde Valley.

If you don’t mind the high temperatures, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of spring but with lighter crowds and reduced hotel prices.

Just be sure to get strenuous activities in during the morning hours before it gets too hot and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Sedona in the Fall

Fall in Sedona is the second busiest time of year, second only to spring time. Sedona weather in the fall comes with average daytime temperatures between 70 to 80 degrees.

You’ll experience a mix of sunny and cloudy days, with rainy days increasing towards October and November.

Fall is a great time to visit when you want to go hiking and mountain biking as you’ll have fairly moderate temperatures from late September to November.

Fall is a great time to visit if you want moderate temperatures and don’t mind a few rainy days.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the best time to visit Sedona. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. As always, thanks for reading.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

A Sedona to Grand Canyon road trip is the perfect way to add a little adventure into your Sedona vacation.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is located 3 hours north of Sedona making it a relatively easy day trip or road trip opportunity. Believe me, if you’ve never been to the Grand Canyon before, it’s totally worth it.

Once you arrive at Grand Canyon National Park, you’ll have plenty to see and do, even if you only plan to visit for the day. I’ll include my favorite things to do at the Grand Canyon down below, but once you’re there, I’m sure you’ll have no problem filling up your day.

So if you’re ready, gas up your car and let’s get this Sedona to Grand Canyon road trip under way.

Sedona to Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary

A few quick notes on this Sedona to Grand Canyon itinerary. This post assumes you’ve already spent at least one day in Sedona (hopefully more) enjoying all the sights.

If not, I encourage you not to miss Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Red Rock Crossing, Red Rock State Park, Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout, or stargazing at night.

You’ll want to get an early start on the day of your road trip to the Grand Canyon. I would leave by 7:00 a.m. at the latest to ensure you have a full day to visit the park and enjoy a few stops along the way.

The drive north on State Route 89 is absolutely beautiful, so I’m including a few stops between Sedona and Flagstaff in case you want to get a closer look.

In the event that you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive, you can also take a one way Grand Canyon Railroad tour from Sedona. It’s a little pricey, but its definitly a unque experience.

Stop 1: Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon has been described as a sort of “mini Grand Canyon” and is located about 12 minutes north of Sedona. If you haven’t already visited Oak Creek Canyon while you were exploring Sedona, now is the perfect time to stop for a quick look.

As you’re driving north out of Sedona you’ll cross the Midgley Bridge pictured above. Just past the bridge on the left you’ll find a small parking lot. Try and find a spot and walk down the stairs to the overlook.

It’s absolutely beautiful and definitely worth the quick stop.

• Next Stop: Slide Rock State Park
• Distance: 10 minutes (5.2 miles)

Stop 2: Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is another easy stop that’s totally worth the extra effort. The park is home to a famous swimming hole in Oak Creek. Even better, there’s an 80 foot long sandstone water slide, which is of course where the park gets its name.

Even if you don’t have time to swim or enjoy the water slide, this section of Oak Creek is worth seeing.

Park your car in the park’s main lot and head over to the paved walkway to the right of the ranger station. You’ll take this paved walkway about 10 minutes or so until you see the stairs for Slide Rock on your right.

At the bottom of the stairs you’ll be able to continue on the rocks towards the swimming hole and slide rock.

Bring good shoes for this one, the rocks can get slippery.

I estimate this stop at Slide Rock State Park will take about 30 to 40 minutes. If you’re in a hurry to get to the Grand Canyon, you could easily make this stop about half that time if you move at a brisk pace and don’t linger too long at the swimming hole.

• Next Stop: Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center
• Distance: 2 hours 45 minutes (107 miles)

Stop 3: Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center

Once you’ve made it into Grand Canyon National Park, make your way over the Visitor Center and find a parking spot.

At the Visitor Center you can get information about the park, Grand Canyon tours, and use the restroom after your long drive. This stop will also put you near one of the park’s best lookouts over the canyon. That stop is next.

• Next Stop: Mather Point Lookout
• Distance: 5 minute walk

Stop 4: Mather Point Lookout

The views from Mather Point Lookout are incredible and this is one of my favorite lookouts at the Grand Canyon.

The downside is that it’s also one of the busiest due to its proximity to the Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Village. You’ll have the opportunit to escape the crowds a bit later. For now, just enjoy the view.

• Next stop: Grand Canyon Village
• Distance: 5 minute drive / 20 minute walk

Stop 5: Grand Canyon Village

Grand Canyon Village is where you’ll find most of the park’s lodging and restaurants. If you’ll be staying the night inside the park you can get checked into your room. If not, you may want to get lunch at one of the park’s restaurants.

You can also walk around the village and see the historic buildings and the old Grand Canyon Railroad Depot. The Grand Canyon Railway is actually still in operation with trains running between the Grand Canyon and Williams, Arizona.

You can also find gift shops, ice cream, and a variety of other services.

Once you’ve settled into your room or had grabbed some lunch, make your way back to the car so you can drive along the rim of the canyon to the other lookout points.

• Next stop: Desert View Watchtower
• Distance: 44 minutes (23 miles)

Stop 6: Desert View Watchtower

The Desert View Watchtower is the easternmost lookout inside Grand Canyon National Park and my favorite place to go when I visit.

I find the crowds are usually fairly light on this side of the park, and you can’t beat that view.

Once you find a parking spot, walk over to the left of the watchtower and find a place to sit along the edge of the canyon. Don’t worry, it’s not a steep drop right here, but do be careful.

It’s actually quite peaceful in this spot, I could sit here for hours. If you’re looking for a good sunrise spot, this would be my choice.

Once you’re done taking in the view, make your way back over to the watchtower.

You can get some good photos in and around the watchtower. To the right of this picture you will find stairs to climb to the top of the watchtower.

Take your time to explore a bit, then head back to the car.

• Next Stop: Tusayan Museum and Ruins
• Distance: 8 minutes (3.6 miles)

Stop 7: Tusayan Musuem and Ruins

Tusayan is one of over 4,000 archaeological sites located within Grand Canyon National Park.

The Tusayan Museum and Ruins is a former Pueblo Indian site. Visitors can tour the musuem and ruins and learn about the history of the area which dates back to around AD 1185.

• Next stop: Grandview Point
• Distance: 17 minutes (11 miles)

Stop 8: Grandview Point

Grandview Point is where you can see vast sections of both the eastern and western portions of the Grand Canyon. You’ll also get to see the Colorado River down below.

If you’re looking for an extremely challenging hike, the notoriously difficult Grandview Trail can be accessed from this lookout.

• Next stop: The Abyss
• Distance: 39 minutes (17 miles) – **See below for details.

Stop 9: The Abyss

The Abyss lookout is located west of Grand Canyon Village along Hermit Road. This road requires taking a shuttle if you’re visiting the park between March and November. You will take the Red Shuttle from Grand Canyon Village.

Here is a map of the Red Shuttle stops along Hermit Road. The Abyss will be the 6th shuttle stop.

If you’re visiting the park from December to February, you may drive your personal vehicle on Hermit Road.

The Abyss is known for its stunning red rocks and steep canyon views.

• Next stop: Hermit’s Rest
• Distance: 9 minutes on shuttle (3.1 miles)

Stop 10: Sunset at Hermit’s Rest Viewpoint

If you can time it right, try to catch sunset at Hermit’s Rest. This is the lookout closest to the west rim and looks westward over the canyon. For the best photos, arrive in time for golden hour.

Final Thoughts

If you have extra time, consider taking a Grand Canyon day tour organized by the park. The tours are incredibly interesting and you’ll learn a lot about the Grand Canyon.

If you have even more time to spare, consider taking a trip up to the North Rim, the Little Colorado River Gorge, or nearby Horseshoe Bend. All are worth a visit if you’ve never been.

Be sure to stop at Cameron Trading Post on your way out of the eastern section of the park if you still want souvenirs.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Sedona to Grand Canyon Road Trip Ininerary and that I’ve helped inspire your next trip. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. As always, thanks for reading.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

The drive from Phoenix to Sedona may just be one of the prettiest in the world. If you’re lucky enough to be making the trek and its your first visit, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.

The drive is just 2 short hours, but you’ll be met with some of the most stunning desert landscapes you’ve ever seen.

While the iconic red rock formations steal the show as you near the outskirts of Sedona, there is still plenty to see along the way.

If you’re up for a little adventure on your Phoenix to Sedona road trip, you don’t want to miss the stops below.

The Ultimate Phoenix to Sedona Road Trip Itinerary

Since you’re starting out in Phoenix, I’ll assume you’ve already had some time to enjoy the city.

If not, and you’re looking for things to do in Phoenix don’t miss the Wrigley Mansion, the Heard Musuem, Japanese Friendship Garden, or the local hikes and wine tasting.

After you’ve finished exploring Phoenix, plan to get an early start on your Phoenix to Sedona road trip. You’ve got lots to see.

How to get from Phoenix to Sedona

Sedona is located about 2 hours north of Phoenix if you drive straight without stopping. From Phoenix airport to Sedona the drive is also about 2 hours.

If you make all 6 stops listed below, the drive itself will take 3 hours and 50 minutes but I promise the stops are worth it.

If one of these stops doesn’t sound fun to you, just skip it. In my opinion, I would not skip Montezuma Castle National Monument or Jerome.

While Jerome is a little out of the way, it’s definitely worth it. Jerome is awesome, you’ll see.

Stop 1: Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Lake Pleasant is a large public park just north of Phoenix. It’s about 45 minutes north of downtown off Interstate 17.

I recommend a short stop at Lake Pleasant because its a beautiful park, but also because its a great opportunity to get in a little exercise before your road trip. The park has several trails and walking paths for you to choose from.

For those looking to stick around and enjoy the park for a while, you can also enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and even SCUBA diving. There are also places to camp or have a picnic.

Arrive early to avoid the heat and the crowds.

Time for stop: 1 hour

Stop 2: Black Canyon City

Black Canyon City is a former Old West town from the 1800s located about 40 minutes north of Lake Pleasant. It’s a good stop if you’re looking to grab something to eat or take a quick break from the road.

If you’ve got your mountain bike with you, consider checking out the Black Canyon Trail. This is an 80 plus mile mountain biking trail running through the sonoran desert. The trail is a former route used by Native American travelers and traders.

To be completely honest, I visited Black Canyon City on my recent drive from Phoenix to Sedona and wasn’t all that impressed. I did spot a cow eating grass on the edge of the road though, which was the highlight of my drive through the town.

Time for stop: 15 minutes if just driving through.

Stop 3: Agua Fria National Monument

Agua Fria National Monument is a large nature preserve covering 113 square miles. Visitors to Agua Fria can see over 450 Native American structures including large pueblos and petroglyphs.

Agua Fria is also home to two mesas and the Agua Fria river and canyon. The preserve is home to an abundance of wildlife incuding bobcats, coyotes, mule deer, javelina, and a whole bunch of other small critters, reptiles and birds.

At Agua Fria you can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. There are also camping and picnic spots available.

Agua Fria is located off Interstate 17 about 20 minutes north of Black Canyon City.

Time for stop: 30 minutes to one hour.

Stop 4: Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument was one of my favorite stops on the way up to Sedona. Visitors to the monument can view pre-Colombian cliffside dwellings built into a limestone cliff (pictured above).

The dwellings date back to 1100 to 1425 AD. The main dwelling shown above was five stories with 45 to 60 rooms. Even more impressive is that it was constructed over the course of three centuries.

There is also a gift shop and several exhibits located in the visitor center where you can learn more about Montezuma Castle and the people who lived there. Short guided tours are also available.

Montezuma Castle is located off Interstate 17 about 45 minutes north of Agua Fria National Monument.

Time for stop: 30 minutes

Stop 5: Jerome

I said it before and I’ll say it again. Jerome is awesome.

The town of Jerome is famous for being designated the largest ghost town in America. It was also a roaring copper mining town in the 1920s and 1930s. Unfortunately, due to decreased demand for copper, the Phelps Dodge Mine closed in 1953, taking most of the city’s jobs along with it.

Today, Jerome is a beautiful hillside tourist town home to musicians, artists, and shop owners. Visitors will enjoy exploring the small downtown where you can find boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars.

Before you leave, be sure to stop at the haunted Jerome Grand Hotel. You can’t miss it, the famous hotel sits at the very top of the hill. Ghost tours are available to hotel guests, inquire in advance.

Jerome is located 45 minutes west of Montezuma Castle National Monument.

Time for stop: 1 hour

Stop 6: Verde Valley Wine Trail

For your wine tasting pleasure, the Verde Valley Wine Trail is located 20 minutes east of Jerome in Cottonwood.

Make your way to Main Street in Old Town Cottonwood and you’ll be walking distance to all six wineries and tasting rooms located in town. Wine tasting has never been easier, seriously.

Here is a list of the six wineries you’ll find in Cottonwood.

• Burning Tree Cellars
• Arizona Stronghold
• Pillsbury Wine Company
• Winery 101
• Fire Mountain Wines: This one may be permanently closed. Will update here soon.
• Merkin Wineyards Osteria

I haven’t been to these wineries but did visit Page Springs Cellars, which is a bit closer to Sedona and loved it.

But, if I were visiting agian, I would hit up two to three of the wineries at the top of this list based on what looks cool when I walk by (Yes, I’m suggesting you pick a winery based on how it looks from the outside. I’m not a somelier over here so I aim for ambiance.)

Then, I would visit Merkin Vineyards Osteria last because I’m a sucker for authentic Italian. Plus, it would be a good idea to soak up all that wine before driving into Sedona.

Time for stop: 1 hour (or as much time as you need).

Final Destination: Sedona

After you’ve finished up on the Verde Valley Wine Trail, make your way to your final destination in Sedona. Once you’re settled in, there are a million ways to enjoy a day in Sedona.

If this is your first visit don’t miss Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Slide Rock State Park, Oak Creek Canyon, or the pink jeep tours.

My personal favorite stops are Bell Rock and Oak Creek Canyon. Bell Rock is perfect for an early morning hike or to enjoy stargazing late at night. Bring your camera to get pictures of those beautiful red rocks.

Oak Creek Canyon is sort of a mini Grand Canyon (very mini), but its incredibly beautiful.

Sedona is about 20 minutes northeast of Cottonwood.

I hope you’ve found this Phoenix to Sedona Road Trip Itinerary useful in planning a trip of your own. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. As always, thanks for reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the drive from Phoenix to Sedona safe? Yes, I found it to be very safe. Interstate 17 is a pretty straight shot up to Sedona, so the drive is not complicated.
• Can I rent a car? Yes, you can make a Phoenix to Sedona car rental reservation and pick up your car from the airport.
• How can I get to Sedona without a car? From the airport there is a Phoenix to Sedona shuttle service. Advanced reservations are required.
• What is the distance from Phoenix to Sedona? 117 miles, or about 2 hours.
• What is the distance from Phoenix to Flagstaff? 144 miles, or about 2 hours 10 minutes.
• Can you fly from Phonix to Sedona? Yes. If you’re rich, you can charter a small plane and fly to Sedona. I have no idea how much this costs.

If you have any other questions, head over to my contact page and send me a message.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

I love Arizona. It’s red rock meets desert landscape gets me every time. If you’ll be spending any time in Scottsdale during your trip to Arizona, then you must make room in your schedule for a Scottsdale to Sedona day trip.

To be honest, just the drive alone is worth the effort, but there are also plenty of incredile things to see in Sedona not to mention a few fun stops along the way.

If you plan to stick around for a while, there are some cute and affordable AirBnBs in Sedona. I recommend two to three days to see all the sights.

But, if you’re just doing a Scottsdale to Sedona day trip, that’s fine too. You’ll have a great time either way. And don’t forget your camera, it’s gorgeous.

A Scottsdale to Sedona Day Trip Itinerary

For the purposes of this post, I’ll assume you’ve already spent a few exciting days enjoying all that Scottsdale has to offer.

If not, you’ll want to hike Cambelback Mountain, have cocktails poolside at your resort, shop the local boutiques, and have dinner and drinks in Old Town Scottsdale.

If resorts aren’t your thing, you can find plenty of affordable AirBnBs in Scottsdale, many with a pool and within walking distance to Old Town.

Once you’ve thoroughly explored Scottsdale, you’ll be ready for the impressive change of scenery in Sedona.

How to get from Scottsdale to Sedona

Sedona is located about 2 hours north of Phoenix. The Scottsdale to Sedona drive time is also about 2 hours. From Scottsdale, you’ll make your way to Interstate 17 and head north.

From Interstate 17 North you’ll merge onto Highway 260 for a bit. You’ll exit Highway 260 just before Cottonwood and make a right onto Route 89, which will take you into Sedona.

For planning purposes, here are estimated drive times between popular destinations in Arizona:

• Phoenix to Sedona: 2 hours
• Scottsdale to Flagstaff: 2 hours 14 minutes
• Scottsdale to Phoenix: 26 minutes
• Flagstaff to Sedona: 55 minutes
• Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park: 2 hours 12 minutes
• Scottsdale to Grand Canyon National Park: 3 hours 32 minutes
• Sedona to Scottsdale: 2 hours

What to see from Scottsdale to Sedona

If you’re wondering what to see from Scottsdale to Sedona, I’ve included a few interesting stops below. Remember the drive is only two hours, so you may not want to (or need to) make too many stops.

• Montezuma Castle National Monument: Visitors can view pre-Colombian cliffside dwellings built into a limestone cliff (pictured above). Montezuma Castle is located off Interstate 17 about 90 minutes north of Scottsdale.
• Agua Fria National Monument: Visitors can see over 450 Native American structures including large pueblos and petroglyphs. Agua Fria is located off Interstate 17 one hour north of Scottsdale.

If neither of these stops sounds interesting you, just drive straight to Sedona. There’s so much to see and do in Sedona, you’ll be glad to have more time there.

Best Sedona Arizona Attractions

Now that you’ve finished the drive it’s time to enjoy all the cool things to do in Sedona. Even if you’re just in town for a few hours, you’ll still have time to see plenty of Sedona in one day.

The Sedona Arizona attractions and sights listed below are in order as you would encounter them when driving into the city from the west based on the directions above. I listed them this way to make the best use of your time and prevent you from having to drive back and forth.

As always, make your trip your own. Move things around, skip what doesn’t interest you, and add in unique experiences that will make the trip special for you.

Stop 1: Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park is a popular place for hiking and enjoying the surrounding red rock formations. There are several miles of hiking trails within the park that are considered easy to moderate difficulty making them suitable for just about any ability.

While mountain biking is prohibited on most of the park’s trails, there are some Forest Service trails running through the park that are bike friendly. Ask at the Ranger Station on where to access these if you’ve got your bike with you.

Stop 2: Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook

The Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook is a popular spot to watch the sunrise or sunset, but honestly it’s perfect anytime of day. This overlook is where you’ll find some of the best views of Sedona, so don’t skip this one.

There are several trails in the area for those that want to go hiking, but you can also just drive to the overlook as well. You’ll find a large parking lot at the top of the hill. The cost to park is about $3.

Stop 3: Pink Jeep Tours

The Pink Jeep Tours in Sedona are really popular. Full disclosure, I haven’t taken one myself yet, but I’m including them here as on option because they get terrific reviews from everybody I know who has taken one.

The Pink Jeep Tours will take you off roading in the desert where you can learn about the red rock formations, desert wildlife and plantlife. There are also tours that will take you up to Grand Canyon National Park or out to the desert in the evening for stargazing.

I think these are a great option if you want a break from driving, or you just want to learn more about the area.

Stop 4: Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon is a river gorge located a short drive north of Sedona. It’s often described as a mini Grand Canyon. I’m not sure I’d go quite that far, but it is beautiful and worth a visit if you’re in Sedona.

Popular activities in Oak Creek Canyon are hiking, swimming, and fishing. Apparently there is a natural water slide near the swimming hole as well. I haven’t seen this yet but will be visiting again soon and plan to try it out.

Stop 5: Tlaquepaque Arts Village

Tlaquepaque is an arts and crafts village in the heart of Sedona. Here you’ll find local boutiques and art galleries. You can find everything from clothing to jewelry to paintings by local artists.

This is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs or a special item to bring back home with you. There are also a few restaurants, a brewery and a winery if you’re so inclined.

Stop 5: Chapel of the Holy Cross

Chapel of the Holy Cross is a small Roman Catholic church built into the Sedona red rocks. The chapel is a popular location for weddings, but is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week.

The chapel is located in a residential neighborhood just off There are currently no services held at Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Stop 7: Cathedral Rock

If you only have time for one hike during your Scottsdale to Sedona day trip, make it Cathedral Rock. This is such a fun hike and Cathedral Rock is just gorgeous. It’s even better up close as you hike up to the base.

The Cathedral Rock Trail is just .7 miles and will take you about an hour to reach the top. There are some steep sections, so you’ll want to be in good shape to tackle this one. It should take you under an hour to get down, so leave about 2 hours for the full hike.

Be sure to have your cell phone or camera on you for this hike. The views up top are just stunning. So is Cathedral Rock itself actually, so you’ll want to take lots of pictures.

Also, bring lots of water. The Arizona desert can get HOT. I recommend starting this hike in the morning or early evening so you’re not hiking up during the hottest part of the day.

Stop 8: Bell Rock

One of the last stops I recommend making on your Scottsdale to Sedona road trip is to Bell Rock. No hiking or climbing necessary for this one. You’ll have an incredible view just steps from the parking area.

Those wanting a closer look can hike the Bell Rock Trail. This is a relatively easy 1.5 mile round trip hike that will take you up the north face of Bell Rock.

As with Cathedral Rock, try to start this one early to beat the crowds and the hear. You’ll also want plenty of water and your camera.

I hope you’ve found this Scottsdale to Sedona Day Trip Itinerary useful in planning a trip of your own. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. As always, thanks for reading.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

Looking for the best AirBnBs in Scottsdale Arizona for your upcoming getaway?

This post will show you ten modern, stylish, and affordable AirBnBs to choose from that are conveniently located near the city’s biggest attractions.

If this is going to be your first visit to Scottsdale, I recommend spending at least three days exploring the city and surrounding area.

Scottsdale is a popular getaway destination for both guys and girls. Guys most often visit Scottsdale in February and March for Major League Baseball’s annual Spring Training.

Girls love Scottsdale for the year round sunny weather, upscale resort options, local boutiques, trendy restaurants, and outdoor adventure opportunities.

No matter the reason for your visit, Scottsdale is a beautiful city with plenty of fun activities to keep you busy.

Those traveling to Scottsdale as a group will likely find an AirBnB to be more comfortable and spacious than a hotel room. So I’ve put together this list of Scottsdale vacation rentals to help you find a cute, yet affordable place to stay.

I hope you can find something you like down below.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, as an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through these links. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

10 Affordable AirBnBs in Scottsdale Arizona

The 10 AirBnBs in Scottsdale Arizona listed below are all located inside Scottsdale, and most are conveniently located near Old Town Scottsdale. Old Town is where you’ll find the best restaurants and bars, so I tried to include a few within walking distance.

Since I was specifically looking for affordable AirBnBs in Scottsdale, most listings were in the $100 to $200 range at the time I was doing research for this post. I have included a button after each listing so you can check availability and view pricing for your travel dates.

Please also keep in mind that AirBnB rentals often come with multiple fees such as a cleaning fee, service fee, and occupancy taxes. These can add up quickly and really increase the cost of a stay, so be sure to check these before booking.

These fees are the reason I focused on affordable listings. I was hoping to help others find affordable accomodations, even with the fees included.

That being said, I think I came up with a perfect list of modern meets affordable.

Please keep in mind prices will fluctuate significantly throughout the year. You should expect much higher prices during high season, which for Scottsdale is in the spring beginning with the start of Spring Training in February.

For lighter crowds and more affordability, considering planning your visit in the summer or fall.

1. Gato Azul

This colorful and cute casita style rental comes with swimming pool access and a private patio area. Even better, there is no cleaning fee charged to the guests.

The rental features one bedroom with a queen size bed and one bathroom. There is also a small breakfast nook/mini kitchen for preparing meals.

Gato Azul is located a short drive or bike ride to Old Town Scottsdale where you will find plenty of dining and nightlife options along with local boutiques.

• Sleeps: 2 guests
• Size: 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom
• Price starting at: $65/night

2. The Scott

I love the minimalist mid-century design of this one.

This bright and spacious 2 bedroom condo is located right in the heart of Scottsdale and walking distance to Old Town.

Guests will have access to pool and hot tub on site. The condo also comes with 2 bedrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, living area, one bathroom, and small private balcony.

• Sleeps: 4 guests
• Size: 2 bedrooms / 1 bathroom
• Prices starting at: $79/night

3. Camelback Cottage

Bright and clean two bedroom townhouse with 1.5 bathrooms and a full kitchen. This unit is perfect for couples traveling together or a small family.

This unit features plenty of light and its own private backyard. This rental is a bit further from Old Town Scottsdale, but I am including it because it’s both stylish and affordable.

• Sleeps: 4 guests
• Size: 2 bedrooms / 1.5 bathrooms
• Prices starting at: $55/night

4. Old Town Scottsdale

Conveniently located 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom condo located right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. This unit is perfect for friends or couples traveling together.

This unit comes with access to the pool and hot tub. You’ll also be walking distance to the city’s best restaurants and bars.

Please note: This rental currenly requires a 30 day minimum. However, I still think it’s a great option for those looking for a longer stay. A 30 day stay in August came out to about $1350, which is significantly lower than most monthly AirBnB rentals I’ve seen.

• Sleeps: 3 guests
• Size: 2 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms
• Price: $45/night

5. Private Guesthouse on Luxury Estate

This private guesthouse is located just north of Scottsdale. You will have your own separate guesthouse and private splash pool in an upscale neighborhood.

The guesthouse features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, and a full kitchen. The property also comes with a large shared backyard where you can enjoy a game of pickleball or basketball.

• Sleeps: 2 guests
• Size: 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom
• Prices start at: $105/night

6. Scottsdale Condo Retreat

Cozy and stylish condo north of Old Town Scottsdale. If you’re into baseball, you’ll be walking distance to Salt River Fields ballpark where the Arizona Diamondbacks play their Spring Training games.

The condo features one bedroom, one bathroom, a full kitchen and large balcony. Guests will also have access to the community pool and hot tub.

• Sleeps: 4 guests
• Size: 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom
• Prices start at: $110/night

7. Old Town Townhouse

Spacious condo in Old Town Scottsdale perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together. You’ll be walking distance to the city’s best restaurants, bars, and boutiques. You’ll also be a short distance to Fashion Square Mall, Camelback Mountain, and the ballparks.

Guests will also have access to the community shared pools.

• Sleeps: 5 guests
• Size: 2 bedrooms / 1.5 bathrooms
• Prices start at: $100/night

8. Cozy Desert Oasis

This cute and cozy AirBnB is located a few minutes south of Scottsdale near Papago Park. You’ll be just a few minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, Camelback Moutnain, shopping, restaurants, and the ballparks.

This is a studio suite comes with one bathroom and a full kitchen with chic southwestern decor.

• Sleeps: 2 guests
• Size: 1 bedroom/ 1 bathroom
• Prices start at: $55/night

9. The Eisenhower

Stylish and artsy condo a short walk from Old Town Scottsdale.

The condo is artistically decorated and features one bedroom, one bathroom, and a full kitchen. Guests will also have access to the community pool.

• Sleeps: 4 guests
• Size: 2 bedrooms / 1 bathroom
• Prices start at: $140/night

10. The Fox

Cute and stylish AirBnB in the center of Old Town Scottsdale. You can easily walk to local shops and restuarants nearby.

This condo is thoughtfully decorated and features one king bedroom, one bathroom, full kitchen, and outdoor balcony. The rental also comes with a shared pool, hot tub, and fitness center.

• Sleeps: 2 guests
• Size: 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom
• Prices start at: $180/night

Additional Considerations

Here are a few additional considerations when booking AirBnBs in Scottsdale Arizona:

• Summer temperatures in Arizona can get HOT. Be sure you’re prepared for the heat if planning your visit during the summer months.
• Major League Baseball holds their annual Spring Training in Scottsdale every February and March. Prices are likely to increase during this time for both hotels and property rentals. There will also be limited availability, so book early.

I hope this post has helped you find the best AirBnBs in Scottsdale Arizona for your upcoming visit. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. Thanks for reading.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.