If you find yourself near Phoenix but are hankering for some nature, you have to head to Sedona. Only an hour or so north, this desert heaven has beautiful red rocks, great energy, and some of Arizona’s best hiking.
I did a day trip from Phoenix to Sedona, and honestly—it was so worth it!
Starting off the trip: Phoenix to Sedona
I left fairly early, set out from Phoenix around 7:00. The ride up on I-17 is okay, but it’s that final leg on State Route 179 that really gets you. As you near Sedona, the view completely changes. You begin to see those gigantic red sandstone monoliths rising up on the horizon, and the air is different—fresh and cool.
So while driving out, I really observed the way the landscape is changing. The desert transforms into these really green forests, and you smell pine everywhere. Such a relaxed switch from the madness of Phoenix.
First off: Cathedral Rock Trail
I went directly to one of Sedona’s coolest sites—Cathedral Rock. The 1.2-mile hike is steep, but it gets you to this saddle between two gigantic spires. Some scrambling is required, but you have to trust me, those red rocks surrounding you are completely worth it.
When I reached the top, I took a moment to absorb the breathtaking view. The multi-colored rocks set against that beautiful sky were simply beautiful. The atmosphere was really relaxed.
Scenic Driving: Exploring Sedona’s Breathtaking Scenery
Following the hike, it seemed like it’d be great to drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway (State Route 179) and absorb more of Sedona’s beautiful views. Believe it or not, you’ve really gotta drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Only 7.5 miles, but spots like Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are really breathtaking. I visited the Chapel of the Holy Cross, this really neat church that’s actually constructed within red rock. The views from the chapel were great!
So, I ventured off the beaten path to see about Dry Creek Road. It was a bit of a rough ride along Boynton Canyon, known for its energy vortices. The ride was really laid back, much less tourists about, and plenty of opportunity to simply vibe with Mother Nature.
4 Additional Awesome Scenic Routes: Roads That Make You Cool
Cruising along Red Rock Scenic Byway and Dry Creek Road, I was hooked. Something about rolling the windows down, turning up the road trip tunes, and seeing Sedona’s incredible vistas roll by is really amazing. And fortunately, Sedona knows where it’s at with driving routes.
1. Oak Creek Canyon Drive (that’s Highway 89A)
Honestly, it’s without a doubt one of the coolest Arizona drives I’ve ever made. Highway 89A winds through Oak Creek Canyon, connecting Sedona to Flagstaff. My drive along this route started north of Uptown Sedona and lasted approximately 14 miles, with these gigantic canyon walls, thick forests of pine, and no joke—spectacular views of Oak Creek along the way.
One of the best things about it was the ability to simply stop and have a quick hike and have a picnic. I visited Slide Rock State Park, which is really overcrowded but has incredible natural waterslide creations made by Oak Creek over the rocks. Despite having totally forgotten to pack my swimsuit, I removed my sneakers and dove into the icy water. That certainly helped to make me more awake after that early-morning hike!
The north side switchbacks of the drive are seriously twisty, but if you enjoy mountain driving, you’re going to have so much fun—and the views are completely worth it.
2. Schnebly Hill Road: A Wild Ride
If you are an adventure-seeker with a high-clearance vehicle (4WD is your best choice), you’ve got to try Schnebly Hill Road—it’s an experience you won’t soon forget! I actually rented a Jeep for this one, and wow, it was an exhilarating bumpy ride. The road begins right along the roundabout in downtown Sedona and winds up to this incredible place with a breathtaking view of the entire valley.
The higher you travel, the better the views become. Red rock buttes stretch out at your feet like some kind of insane artwork. I pulled over several times to relax and soak it up. To be honest, the pictures don’t even begin to convey it—you really have to see it to really experience it.
If you’re going to keep going (and your car is able to withstand it), you’ll be on Interstate 17 by Flagstaff soon enough. But for a day trip like mine, it’s better to turn back at the Schnebly Hill Vista.
3. Red Rock Loop Road: Super short, very scenic, and full of surprises.
Are you in a rush? If not, you should ride Red Rock Loop Road—it’s a gem. It’s this half-gravel, half-paved loop southwest of town that it’s easy to miss if you’re not watching closely—but trust us, it’s worth it.
I came across it by chance after an early-morning hike because I really needed to relax for a bit. The drive there was really laid back with incredible views of Cathedral Rock, and by the way, you’ll see a lot more cows than automobiles. One great location is Red Rock Crossing at Crescent Moon Ranch—it’s actually one of the most photographed places in Sedona. We stopped by and ran over to the creek, where Cathedral Rock looked really neat glinting off the water. It completely threw me for a loop and made me smile.
This highway is great if you want some really great views without having to travel too far. It was like a relaxing tour of Sedona’s relaxed atmosphere.
4. Verde Valley Wine Trail: A Fun Twist on Stunning Scenic Beauty
In case you have some spare time and enjoy wine, you simply have to visit the Verde Valley Wine Trail! It begins just to the south of Sedona and winds along through these quaint little communities such as Cottonwood, Cornville, and Jerome—trust me, they have so much charm and some great local wineries that will surprise you completely!
I stopped over at Page Springs Cellars in Cornville and hung out on the patio with an evening glass of red, simply viewing the creek as it flowed along. Not your typical nature hike by any stretch, but it’s so relaxing and great to enjoy the view from an alternative standpoint.
And hey, it’s an really laid-back way to end your day trip if you want to relax a little before returning to Phoenix (just have a designated driver or enjoy it responsibly).
Hiking Highlights: Something for Everyone Who Hikes
Sedona is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails for all skill levels. Here are some of the top hikes I recommend.
Devil’s Bridge Trail
This trail is about a 4-mile round trip to see the largest natural arch of sandstone nearby. The views up there are simply amazing, and the arch completely draws people who enjoy taking photos.
West Fork Trail
This 6.5-mile out-and-back trail follows a creek through this very green canyon, providing a new perspective on Sedona scenery. It’s a relatively mellow hike with plenty of shade and incredible views.
Boynton Canyon Trail
This 6.1-mile round-trip trek takes you along one of Sedona’s loveliest and spiritually significant locations. The trail winds along a canyon filled with energy vortexes and offers you breathtaking views of those red rock cliffs.
Airport Mesa Loop Trail
This 3.2-mile loop offers you some seriously great views of Sedona. It’s really the place to watch the sunrise or sunset, and you can actually connect with the energy from one of Sedona’s vortexes.
Each trail has its own atmosphere, so I figured the best way to see Sedona is to just walk around.
Exploring Sedona: Delicious Cuisine and Relaxed Atmosphere
After hiking and sightseeing for hours, I was so ready to relax and catch some grub. Sedona has plenty of restaurants to choose from, ranging from casual to high-end. I stopped by this local eatery with an outdoor patio and great view of the red rocks. The cuisine was incredible, and the atmosphere was really relaxing after an intense day.
If you want to unwind, Sedona has plenty of spas and health resorts. Mii Amo spa in Boynton Canyon is really known for holistic treatments and relaxing atmosphere. I didn’t have time to indulge when I dropped by for the day, but it’s high on my list for the next trip.
Sunset at Airport Mesa
You really can’t visit Sedona without viewing those sunsets everyone gushes about. I stopped at Airport Mesa, basically the place to be for viewing the sunset. As the sun dipped, the sky became this incredible combination of purples and oranges that illuminated the red rocks surrounding us. Such a great way to end the day!
Recommendations for Your Day Out
- Start Early: To make the most of your day, leave Phoenix early to avoid traffic and crowds.
- Wear the correct footwear: Many of the trails are quite rugged, so sturdy hiking footwear is really essential.
- Stay hydrated: The desert sun is really intense, even in spring, so be sure to bring plenty of water.
- Be kind to nature: Stay on the trails and carry out your garbage so Sedona remains pretty.
- Check the trail conditions before you go: A few of the trails may be closed or restricted due to weather or maintenance, so it’s best to check the current reports beforehand.
Conclusion
My trip to Sedona from Phoenix was totally epic. The red rocks? Wow, they’re breathtaking, and those hikes? Super relaxed—totally the ultimate way to get away into nature. In all seriousness, no matter if you’re up for adventure, some relaxing times, or some great energy for your spirit, Sedona has it. I’m totally ready to head back and explore even more of this great place!