While hiking is the classic Sedona move, sometimes you just want to put the windows down, blast some tunes, and let your heart do the driving. Here are the most scenic drives in and around Sedona that will make your Instagram followers weep with envy.
1. The “Welcome to Mars” Drive: Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179)
If you’re coming from Phoenix, this is your grand entrance. Often called a “Museum without Walls,” this 7.5-mile stretch is the ultimate introduction to the towering spires Sedona is famous for.
- Must-See Stops: Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. They look like giant red sandcastles rising from the earth.
- Pro Tip: Don’t miss the turn-off for the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Even if you’re not religious, the architecture literally built into the red rocks is a 20th-century marvel.
- The Vibe: Pure awe. It’s short, paved, and perfect for a quick “I’ve arrived” photo op.
2. The “Alpine Escape”: Oak Creek Canyon (SR 89A)
Ready to swap the desert for a lush, forested canyon? Head north on 89A toward Flagstaff. This drive takes you through a 16-mile gorge where the walls rise up to 2,000 feet on either side.
- Key Highlights: Slide Rock State Park (nature’s original water slide) and the West Fork Trailhead.
- 2026 Construction Alert: Just a heads up—ADOT is currently replacing guardrails near the switchbacks. As of late April, expect some one-lane alternating traffic. It’s a great excuse to slow down and actually look at the view!
- The Finale: The Oak Creek Vista at the very top. Pull over here to look back down into the canyon you just conquered.
3. The “Local Secret”: Red Rock Loop Road
If the main drags feel a bit too “touristy,” duck onto Upper Red Rock Loop Road. This route meanders through some of Sedona’s most beautiful residential areas and hidden parkland.
- The Money Shot: Stop at Lover’s Knoll. It offers an unobstructed, panoramic view of the Cathedral Rock formation.
- The Detour: Head down to Crescent Moon Picnic Site (also known as Red Rock Crossing) to see Cathedral Rock reflected in the waters of Oak Creek.
- The Vibe: Quiet, romantic, and much less crowded than the Byway.
4. The “Off-Road Adventure”: Schnebly Hill Road
Warning: Do not attempt this in your rental sedan unless you want to lose your security deposit. You need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for this one.
- The Route: This is a rugged, bumpy, dirt-climbing path that follows an old pioneer trail. It winds up the Mogollon Rim, offering views that make you feel like you’re flying over Sedona.
- Highlights: The Merry-Go-Round rock formation and the Schnebly Hill Vista.
- The Reward: You’ll see colors—shades of crimson, vermilion, and ruby—that you didn’t know existed in nature.
5. The “Sunset Quickie”: Airport Road
Short on time? Drive up to the Sedona Airport Overlook. It’s only a couple of miles from West Sedona, but because it sits on a mesa, you get a 360-degree view of the entire valley.
- Timing: Get there 30 minutes before sunset. The way the light hits the rocks and makes them “glow” is the reason Sedona is a bucket-list destination.
- The Vortex: This is also one of Sedona’s famous “vortex” sites, so don’t be surprised if you see someone doing yoga in the parking lot.
Know Before You Go (2026 Edition)
- Shuttle Update: As of today, the Sedona Shuttle is back to its Thursday–Sunday schedule. If you’re planning to stop and hike at Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge, check the app first!
- Red Rock Pass: Most scenic pull-outs require a $5 daily Red Rock Pass. You can buy them at kiosks along the road or use your America the Beautiful Pass.
- Stay Hydrated: Even in April, the Arizona sun is no joke. Carry more water than you think you need—your skin (and your car’s radiator) will thank you.
Sedona isn’t just a destination; it’s a feeling. Whether you’re bouncing up Schnebly Hill or cruising the 179, there’s a certain magic in those red rocks that sticks with you long after the dust settles.
