The distance from Phoenix to Sedona by car is 116 miles, with a 1h54m driving time. The best road trip stops on the Phoenix to Sedona drive are the Pioneer Living History Museum, the Ague Fria National Monument and Camp Verde.
Planning a Phoenix to Sedona road trip itinerary
The Phoenix to Sedona drive takes you from the capital of Arizona to one of the state’s most entrancing towns.
Highlights of Phoenix include Hole in the Rock, Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanic Garden in Papago Park, plus the Arizona Science Center and the Heard Museum.
However, a stay in Phoenix is at its best when you explore the surrounding Sonoran Desert. That might be in a hot air balloon flight, on an ATV tour or on a guided sunset hiking adventure. You can also do day tours along the Apache Trail.
For other Phoenix experiences, try a downtown food tour, a street art tour or a spooky nighttime ghost walk.
Attractions that you might wish to buy advance include cell phone-friendly tickets for include Phoenix Zoo, the Sea Life aquarium or a drunk Shakespeare performance.
For Phoenix accommodation options with a bit of character, try the art-splashed Foundre or the resort-like Raintree at Phoenix South Mountain Preserve.
5 great Phoenix experiences to book
- 🎈 Float above the Sonoran desert on a morning hot air balloon ride.
- 🚴 On a guided ebike adventure, see the most spectacular desert scenery.
- 🏜️ Enjoy the thrills on a guided desert ATV tour.p
- 🍽️ Take a food tour along Roosevelt Row – with 7 tastings.
- 🥾 Let a local show you the trails on a guided sunrise or sunset hike.
Desert town Sedona sits in an inspirational setting amid red rock buttes, canyons and forest. It’s no wonder so many artists choose to live there.
The surrounding desert trails and state parks are magnificent for hiking and biking. Cathedral Rock and Courthouse Butte are big favourites, while Red Rock Crossing is an astonishing place for a swim.
You can also explore on a scenic helicopter flight, outback Jeep tour, guided ATV adventure or e-biking at Cathedral Rock.
Other Sedona experiences include Verde Valley wine tours, Jeep tours of the mystical Sedona vortexes, glassblowing workshops and nighttime stargazing sessions.
For great Sedona accommodation that makes the most of the views, try the Sky Ranch Lodge or Amara Resort.
5 great Sedona experiences to book
- 🚙 Get to red rock views others cannot reach on an off-road Jeep tour.
- 🚆 Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad, passing cliff dwellings, desert scenery and wildlife.
- 🌀 Discover the science and spirituality of Sedona’s vortexes on a specialist tour.
- 🚲 See Sedona’s highlights the easy way on an e-bike tour.
- 🌌 Take a Sedona night sky tour and hear the stories of the constellations.
Phoenix to Sedona distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Phoenix to Sedona is 116 miles. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and 54 minutes. The quickest route is up the I-17 and AZ-179.
The best stops to add to a Phoenix to Sedona road trip itinerary are the Pioneer Living History Museum, the Ague Fria National Monument and Camp Verde.
Phoenix to Sedona road trip attractions: Pioneer Living History Museum
The Pioneer Living History Museum to the north of Phoenix takes you back to the days when Arizona was a territory rather than a state. Across 20 reconstructed buildings and 90 acres, there’s a real Old West feel. Visitors can nosy around the blacksmith’s shop, dress shop and plenty more. Entrance to the on-site Telephone History Museum is included in the price.
Phoenix to Sedona drive: Agua Fria National Monument
The Agua Fria National Monument is primarily of interest for its architectural record. Hundreds of Native American pueblo structures, built between 1250 and 1450, have been found here. The Pueblo La Plata section is the best bet for visitors wanting to know more.
There’s also an extensive haul of petroglyphs between the dormant volcano and two mesas that provide the monument’s visual appeal. It’s a good spot for hiking and wildlife-viewing.
Best stops between Phoenix and Sedona: Camp Verde
Camp Verde is an all-action kind of place. Great Camp Verde activities include tackling the Verde River in an inflatable kayak.
Top attractions include the Out of Africa Wildlife Park – where you can also take on a zipline course – and the Verde Valley Archaeology Center. The latter looks at the life of the Native Sinagua people.
Great Camp Verde accommodation options include the Cliff Castle Casino Hotel and the Fort Verde Suites.
More Arizona travel
Other Arizona travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Should I do a Grand Canyon day tour from Sedona?
- Why visit Montezuma Castle National Monument?
- Visitor guides to the Arizona Heritage Center and Sea Life Aquarium Arizona in Tempe.
- The best stops on Flagstaff to Kingman drive.
- How long is the Kingman to Las Vegas drive.
