Sedona Travel Tips

Sedona is about a 2-hour drive north of Phoenix, a distance of approximately 113.4 miles.

Highway 179 heading north to Sedona

You can take Interstate 17 north to Highway 179 at Exit 298, at the southern end of the Sedona area.

From Exit 298, it's about a 15-mile drive to the center of Sedona.

Highway 179 is a scenic byway. The road first passes through part of the Coconino National Forest and then through the Village of Oak Creek before going to the center of Sedona.

If you’re traveling from north of Sedona, you can take Highway 89A from Highway 17 south of Flagstaff.

This route travels through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon – a winding, two lane road that passes through steep-sided canyons and conifer forest.

While scenic, make note that this route can be very congested on the weekends and holidays.

You’ll often save time by just continuing south on Highway 17 from Flagstaff to Highway 179-Exit 298.

Construction along Highway 179 in Sedona

Sedona 2010 Travel Update: The Arizona Department of Transportation is still constructing improvements to segments of Highway 179 between the Village of Oak Creek and the junction of State Route 89A in Sedona.

While traffic is allowed to travel in both directions, there may be minor traffic delays due to shoulder closures, movement of large equipment or lane closures with flaggers present.

You can call Arizona Department of Transportation hotline at 5-1-1 for current construction updates and highway restrictions.

Sedona Air Travel

There is no large jet commercial air service to Sedona.

Air travelers must fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and rent a car to drive to Sedona.

Alternatively, there are shuttle services that provide transportation to and from Sedona – Phoenix. However, you really need a car if you want to fully explore Sedona.

Sedona does have an airport but it is open to small planes only.

Sedona’s "Y" intersection of Highway 89A and Highway 179

This oft-mentioned verbal shortcut refers to the junction where Highway 89A and Highway 179 split - hence the "Y."

Locals use the term as an easy way to mark distances and locations, as in the "cafe is one mile from the "Y."

Driving around Sedona is fairly straightforward. However, traffic can often be heavy, especially during peak tourist times and busy holiday weekends.

Sedona's main roads are paved but many roads in the surrounding Coconino National Forest are unpaved.

Uptown Sedona: located in Oak Creek Canyon, north of Highway 179. Part of Highway 89A runs right through here.

This area is rather touristy with gift shops, galleries, restaurants and a variety of lodgings.

Uptown Sedona is also very lovely with the bright green ribbon of tree-lined Oak Creek and soaring multihued canyon walls framing the area.

Because it is right in the canyon, this area has a more “closed in” feel. From Uptown Sedona, you have quick access to hiking and swimming spots in Oak Creek Canyon.

Highway 89A is the main road through West Sedona

West Sedona: spreads north and south along west Highway 89A. This area is more open than Uptown Sedona but it is no less spectacular.

Much of Sedona's commercial businesses are here, including hotels, motels, restaurants, grocery stores and shopping centers.

The Sedona Airport is also in this area.

The Village of Oak Creek: this town lies south of Sedona on Highway 179. In many ways, it serves as an overflow for the main Sedona area, which is pretty much built out.

The Village has motels, B&Bs, resorts, golf courses, restaurants, galleries and outlet stores.

Sedona’s Slide Rock State Park is a popular summer weekend spot for swimming

Sedona's moderate climate makes it a great destination anytime of the year.

However, the least crowded times are the first 2 weeks of December and the month of January.

The Christmas holiday season can be quite busy as Phoenix valley residents head north for a taste of winter.

Spring and fall are Sedona's busiest times because the weather is warm but much cooler than Arizona's low desert areas.

Sedona also has high visitation in the summer.

Even though it is hot with temperatures in the mid-90s to 100 degrees, escapees from even hotter Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun flock north to the cooler climate of Sedona and nearby Flagstaff.

Summer weekends can be very busy as visitors head to the cool swimming holes in Oak Creek Canyon.

Whenever you go, don't just roll into town and expect to get a room. Make room reservations well in advance.

If you really want to wing it, the easiest time to get a room is in winter. Of course, it will be cold and there may even be snow.

For busier times, we recommend booking a room for the early part of the week.

Rooms in Uptown Sedona and West Sedona tend to fill up the quickest. Try the Village of Oak Creek, which is south of main Sedona, for possible openings.

If you need a room and are booking at the last minute, or you just don’t want to pay the high rates, consider staying nearby in Cottonwood.

We often wear shorts for most of the year except winter.

Snow on Wilson Mountain. Photo: © iStockphoto

You'll need a warm coat in winter as well as gloves, a scarf and sweaters as Sedona does get snow.

Bring a jacket or sweater the rest of the year as evening temperatures can be quite cool, even in summer.

Always have a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses no matter what the time of the year.

Their friendly and helpful staff and volunteers can tell you about all things Sedona.

The Sedona Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center in Uptown Sedona

The visitor center is located at 331 Forest Road in Uptown Sedona. Hours are Monday - Saturday, 8.30 am - 5:00 p. Sunday and Holidays 9:00 am - 3 pm (closed Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year's). Or call them at (928) 282-7722.

You may see signs in front of many shops advertising “Sedona visitor information.” Be aware that these are not official Sedona Chamber of commerce visitor centers.

Another good spot to pick up Sedona travel tips about hiking and the red rocks is the U.S. Forest Service's Red Rock Ranger Station and Visitor Center.

Located about one mile south of the Village of Oak Creek on Highway 179, the helpful staff and volunteers can tell you all about the local geology, natural history and ancient cultural sites in the area. The center also has good exhibits plus maps and books for sale.

It's worth a stop just to see the spectacular view of Bell Rock and Courthouse Rock from the parking lot.

There's also picnic tables and restrooms.

Open daily from 8 am - 5 pm.

The view of Bell Rock and Courthouse Rock from the Red Rock Ranger Station

Ninety-five percent of the fees collected go towards resource protection and improving visitor facilities, so your money is put to good use.

Courthouse Rock is a popular Sedona hiking destination

You must display the pass in your windshield. Vehicles parked on forest service land in the red rock area without a pass will receive a citation.

If you’re just stopping for 15 minutes or less to take a photo or enjoy the view, you do not need a pass.

Red Rock Pass costs are:
$5 per day
$15 per week
$20 per year.

The Red Rock Pass is not valid for other fee-use sites such as Call of the Canyon/West Fork of Oak Creek trailhead, developed campgrounds and the Crescent Moon Day Use Area.

It's always best practice not to leave valuables in your vehicle and lock all doors and windows.

Desert Hiking Safety:

During your Sedona travel, don’t miss hiking among the red rocks. It’s an unforgettable experience.

However, before you head out on the trail, be prepared and informed. Follow basic trail safety including:

Sedona’s famous Oak Creek

• Inquire about trail conditions before you hike. Check with the Coconino National Forest Service rangers at (928) 282-4119 or (928) 203-7500.
• Wear sturdy, hiking boots with good traction and ankle support.
• Carry plenty of water no matter the season.
• Protect yourself from the elements. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Leave word with someone about where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Watch for lightening during the summer monsoon thunderstorm season. Read up on lightning safety before you hike.
• Watch your footing on trails.

• Parking in Uptown Sedona is limited. There are public lots off the main street. Also check to see if the resort or motel that you're staying at has a free shuttle service to the area.

The Midgley Bridge crosses over Oak Creek on Highway 89A

• One of the most important Sedona travel tips we can mention is to book spa appointments, Jeep tours, hot air balloon rides and horseback riding excursions well in advance. The most popular trips fill up quickly.
• Make reservations for fine dining venues ahead of time.
• Be prepared to wait for a table at restaurants on Friday and Saturday nights and weekends at breakfast.
• Avoid driving through Oak Creek Canyon on summer weekends, if at all possible. The cool waters and fishing spots of Oak Creek draw hordes of visitors on hot summer weekends and it can be just like rush hour in the city on the road.

You’re most likely to spot Gambel’s quail, ravens, red-tailed hawks, roadrunners, black-tailed jackrabbits or cottontail rabbits and a variety of small lizards.

When hiking, biking or rock climbing, keep your eyes open for:

• rattlesnakes,
• scorpions,
• coyotes,
• black bears,
• mountain lions.

Your chances of encountering these animals are remote. And even if you do, most of them are going to run away from you as quickly as possible.

Gambel’s quail are a common throughout Arizona (Photo courtesy of Arizona Game and Fish Department)

Just give them plenty of room and don’t try to touch, harass or feed them.

When staying in Sedona, you may occasionally find ants, crickets, spiders or other insects or even a small rodent in your room.

People often think this means that the hotel isn’t keeping its premises clean.

Actually, finding the occasional small animal in your room is a basic fact of life in Arizona’s deserts and mountains, whether you are staying in a resort or have taken up residence in the state.

Just scoop the critter up in a cup and put them outside. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, contact your hotel’s front desk and ask for assistance from housekeeping.

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