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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.