Shaka Guide's Sedona, Arizona Itinerary
When it comes to scenic drives, it’s hard to beat Sedona.
With Oak Creek Canyon, the Red Rock Scenic Byway, and Red Rock Loop Road, there are so many incredible vistas and spots to explore.
Even if you never leave the car, you’re in for a treat.
Sedona is a top-rated destination, so depending on when you visit, things can get a little busy around here.
Don’t be surprised to find parking lots filled up and cars circling for a parking spot.
Our Shaka Guide tour provides plenty of options in case something doesn’t work out.
We’ve designed the route to help you customize your tour, and, with some luck, escape some of the potential crowds in the middle of the day.
The best thing you can do to ensure a successful road trip is to get an early start. Try to reach a tour start point by 8 am.
There are three starting points: the north entrance on Route 89A coming from Flagstaff, the south entrance on I-17 coming from Phoenix, and right in the middle of Sedona if you're staying in town.
Other than the three entrances and the spurs to Oak Creek Canyon and Cottonwood/Jerome, the tour follows a loop, which you can take clockwise or counterclockwise. Either way, you hear the same stories and see the same sights.
There are about 3 hours of driving on the tour. If you’re not planning on doing much hiking, expect to spend about 8-10 hours touring with us. Longer if you want to sneak in a couple hikes.
One thing we suggest is, if you have the time, to split the tour into two days. Take one day to enjoy Oak Creek Canyon and one day to explore everything else. This is a much more relaxed pace. Otherwise, you'll need to make some choices...you can't see everything!
Another suggestion we have is to end the day with a sunset at Airport Mesa, in the middle of town. It's a spectacular view and, with no hiking required, easy for everybody to access. But, there are many places to enjoy the sunset, and you can end the tour at Airport Mesa, Oak Creek Vista, or heading south towards Phoenix.
The itinerary below begins in the Sedona tour start, assumes you've skipped Airport Mesa to save for later, and have taken the tour clockwise.
1. Chapel of the Holy Cross
Approximate Time: 15-30 minutes
Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Check out this striking mid-century modern chapel with an outstanding view of the red rocks, both from inside and outside.
It’s a popular spot, so expect some crowds. Want a closer look at the red cliffs behind the chapel?
The Chapel Trail is an excellent, fairly easy hike with awesome views of the cliffs the whole time.
Expect to spend a little more time here if you decide to enjoy the trail.
Entry fees/requirements: N/A
2. Yavapai & Courthouse Vistas
Approximate Time: 15-30 minutes
Shutterstock Image
Two vista points–Yavapai and Courthouse–are near each other on opposite sides of the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
There are hiking trails leading from both, but Courthouse Vista’s trails surrounding Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are superior.
Visitors looking for a meditative experience will also want to seek out the alleged vortex on Bell Rock, so you may find people doing yoga or enjoying a moment of peace.
Whichever vista point you choose, both offer splendid views of the buttes and the surrounding red rock scenery.
Parking may be slightly easier at Yavapai, for what it’s worth!
Entry fees/requirements: A Red Rock Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) is required to park.
3. Courthouse Loop South Trailhead
Approximate Time: Under 15 minutes
Image by Matthew Caracciolo
Get another look at Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte from this trailhead and parking lot right off the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
Entry fees/requirements: A Red Rock Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) is required to park.
4. Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center
Approximate Time: Under 15 minutes
Image by Matthew Caracciolo
Use the restroom, refill your water bottle, and get your National Park Passport stamp at this modern and informative visitor center.
A scenic overlook by the front door provides one more view of the scenic byway’s red rocks.
Exhibits inside interpret the area’s natural and human history.
Entry fees/requirements: N/A
5. Old Town Cottonwood
Approximate Time: 45 minutes
Image from Flickr by Scott Blackwell
This small historic district is a great place to grab a bite while Sedona’s parking lots fill up.
The cafes, restaurants, and taverns on this strip are generally cheaper than their peers in Sedona too.
Entry fees/requirements: There are paid parking spots along Main St, but there is free parking nearby.
6. Tuzigoot National Monument
Approximate Time: 45 minutes
Marine 69-71, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Sinagua built this 110-room hilltop pueblo over 1,000 years ago.
Check out the museum inside the visitor center displaying artifacts discovered during the pueblo’s excavation.
Then explore the pueblo’s ruins themselves just up a small hill from the visitor center.
No one was sneaking up on them from that view!
Entry fees/requirements: $10 adult (16+)
7. Jerome State Historic Park
Approximate Time: 30-45 minutes
Image by Matthew Caracciolo
The Douglas Mansion was built in 1916. Today, it houses this museum that depicts the history of Jerome and its mines.
Learn about the Douglas family that ran the mines, look at the dioramas of the mine shafts under the town, and enjoy the incredible view of the entire Verde Valley.
Entry fees/requirements: $7 adults (14+), $4 youth, Free 0-6
8. Town of Jerome
Approximate Time: 60 minutes
Image by Matthew Caracciolo
This town on a steep hillside was known as much for its loose morals and frequent disasters as it was for its booming mining business.
Almost a ghost town after the mines closed, today Jerome’s crumbling buildings mix with a funky assortment of restaurants, bars, and shops.
This is another cheaper lunch option than Sedona.
Entry fees/requirements: Street and lot parking will cost a couple of bucks in town. You can also park for free at Jerome State Historic Park and take the free shuttle into town.
9. Red Rock State Park
Image by Matthew Caracciolo
Approximate Time: 60 minutes
One of the highlights of Red Rock Loop Road, this state park’s hiking trails take in the surrounding red rock mesas and buttes.
Most trails are easy to moderate in difficulty and go through a mix of brush and low forest.
Oak Creek running through the middle of the park is an important watering hole for desert wildlife.
Entry fees/requirements: $10 for adults 14+, $5 for youth, Free 0-6
RELATED: SEDONA HIKING GUIDE
10. Crescent Moon Picnic Site
Approximate Time: 30-60 minutes
Coconino National Forest, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Even if you left your picnic basket at home, check out the incredible views of Cathedral Rock from this park close to its base.
Keep walking along Oak Creek until you find the perfect photo spot, which is what many people come to this picnic area to do.
Entry fees/requirements: $11 per vehicle (up to 5 people). $2 for walk-ins/additional passengers. Cash and check only. Red Rock Grand Annual Pass accepted.
11. Secret Slickrock Trailhead
Approximate Time: 15-30 minutes
Image by Matthew Caracciolo
Is Crescent Moon too busy? Even if it’s not, you’ll want to explore this easy hike for a higher, unobstructed view of Cathedral Rock from a wide open ledge.
Entry fees/requirements: N/A
12. Lover’s Knoll
Approximate Time: Under 15 minutes
Image by Matthew Caracciolo
This unmarked pull-off on the side of Red Rock Loop Rd is great for getting a more panoramic view of the surrounding red rock scenery.
Park the car, walk up a small hill through desert plant life, and take in the 360-degree view.
Entry fees/requirements: N/A
13. Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
Approximate Time: 15-30 minutes
Image by Matthew Caracciolo
Tibetan prayer flags flap in the wind and people come from all walks of life for prayer, meditation, or reflection in this peaceful desert sanctuary.
The giant stupa, or Buddhist monument filled with sacred relics, is the focal point of the park, with sweeping views of the red rock mesas in every direction.
Entry fees/requirements: N/A
14. Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout
Approximate Time: 15-30 minutes
Image by Matthew Caracciolo
A view not to be missed! Airport Mesa is in the middle of the city, with this scenic lookout facing the northern and western red rock formations.
This is one of the best sunset views in Sedona, so time your visit accordingly!
Halfway up the mesa is a small parking lot, where another incredible sunset view and a vortex await explorers.
Entry fees/requirements: $3 to park at the lookout
15. Midgley Bridge Picnic Area
Approximate Time: Under 15 minutes
Jim Twitchell/Redacted from Chelmsford, MA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The entry into Oak Creek Canyon passes some really cool red rock formations.
Park at this small lot to snap your pictures and take a look at the Midgley Bridge and the canyon below.
From here, the canyon only gets bigger and more impressive.
Entry fees/requirements: A Red Rock Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) is required to park.
16. Native American Crafts Market
Approximate Time: Under 15 minutes
Support local artists from Arizona’s native tribes and shop for souvenir crafts, art, and jewelry.
Approved vendors have direct relationships with the artists.
Entry fees/requirements: N/A
17. Slide Rock State Park
Approximate Time: 45-60 minutes
Image by Matthew Caracciolo
Pack your swimming trunks. Most of this park protects the former Pendley Homestead and its apple orchard, but the highlight is a natural water play area along Oak Creek, including a water slide!
The red rocks surrounding the creek are also fun to climb around. This could be the highlight of the day for youngsters.
Entry fees/requirements: $30 per vehicle (1-4 people) May-September, $20 per vehicle October-April. Children under 6 free. $5 each additional person.
18. West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead
Approximate Time: 45-180 minutes
Oak Creek, and the canyon, fork to the west at this beautiful spot.
It’s an easy, but long trail through a forested gorge that requires creek crossings on logs and stepping stones.
Don’t want to do the whole trail? Go as far as you’d like, and enjoy the ruins of the Mayhew Lodge not far from the parking lot.
A stunning stop whether you’re a hiker or not!
Entry fees/requirements: $15 per vehicle (up to 5 people), $4 for walk-ins/additional passengers. Coconino Pass accepted.
19. Oak Creek Vista
Approximate Time: 15-30 minutes
Coconino National Forest, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The grand finale of your Sedona tour. Get a bird’s eye view of Oak Creek Canyon from this overlook.
A Native American Craft Market sets up shop on the walkway between the parking lot and the overlook, so don’t forget to shop for a souvenir from a local artist.
Entry fees/requirements: N/A
Sedona is an amazing place, and we can't wait to take you there! This tour is flexible, and you can choose whichever you decide to stop at. However you decide to take this tour, you'll have a wonderful time. Enjoy Sedona!
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Ready to embark on Shaka Guide's Sedona Tour?
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
Be sure to check out our Know Before you Go in Sedona and our Things To Do in Sedona articles!
RELATED ARTICLES ABOUT SEDONA:
Hiking Devil's Bridge in Sedona: Everything You Need To Know
Driving to Sedona from Phoenix
Driving Between the Grand Canyon and Sedona, Arizona
The Ultimate Sedona, Arizona Travel Guide
Know Before You Go: Shaka Guide's Sedona Tour
About the Writer:
Matt Caracciolo is a travel writer based out of Ohio, and wrote the Shaka Guide tour for Sedona. Born and raised in Columbus, Matt fell into travel writing while teaching English abroad in South Korea. He has written two travel books, including the Moon Ohio guidebook, and is happy writing and editing tours for Shaka Guide. Matt adheres to Mark Twain’s ‘travel is fatal’ adage, that the more we travel and learn about other places, other times, and other people, the more we learn about ourselves
Sedona Arizona Driving Tour
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