Phoenix to Sedona Day Trip: Drive Yourself or Take a Tour?

A Phoenix to Sedona day trip is one of the easiest ways to add Arizona’s red-rock country to a Phoenix vacation.

Sedona is about two hours from Phoenix by car, making it possible to leave in the morning, spend most of the day exploring, and return to Phoenix that evening.

The biggest decision is whether to drive yourself or take a guided Sedona tour from Phoenix.

Both can work well. The better choice depends on how much flexibility you want, whether you are comfortable driving and parking, and how much planning you want to handle yourself.

How Far Is Sedona From Phoenix?

Sedona is roughly 113 to 116 miles from Phoenix, depending on where you start.

The usual route is:

Phoenix → I-17 North → Exit 298 → State Route 179 → Sedona

Allow about two hours each way under normal conditions.

For a comfortable day trip, plan to leave Phoenix early enough to give yourself several hours in Sedona before the return drive.

Option 1: Drive From Phoenix to Sedona

Driving yourself gives you the most freedom.

You can decide when to leave, where to stop, how long to spend at each attraction, and whether to change your plans during the day.

Driving may be best if:

• You already have a vehicle in Phoenix
• You want to explore at your own pace
• You are traveling with family or a small group
• You want to hike
• You want to visit several areas around Sedona
• You may stay overnight instead of returning to Phoenix

The drive itself is straightforward for most visitors, with the final approach along State Route 179 providing the first major views of Sedona’s red-rock landscape.

What to See on a Self-Drive Sedona Day Trip

Trying to see everything in one day usually creates a rushed trip.

Instead, choose a few highlights.

Bell Rock

Bell Rock is one of the most recognizable formations on the approach to Sedona.

It works well as an early stop because it is south of the main part of town and close to State Route 179.

You can enjoy the scenery without committing to a long hike.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is built into Sedona’s red rocks and is one of the area’s best-known landmarks.

It can fit easily into a sightseeing-focused day trip.

Uptown Sedona

Uptown is a practical place to stop for:

• Restaurants
• Shops
• Galleries
• Souvenirs
• Red-rock views

Sedona provides public parking in Uptown, including several free public lots and metered parking along Main Street.

Scenic Overlooks

Leave some time simply to enjoy the landscape.

A Sedona day trip does not need to consist entirely of attractions. Scenic viewpoints and short stops are often some of the most memorable parts of the trip.

Parking in Sedona

Parking is one of the main considerations when driving yourself.

Uptown Sedona has several public parking lots, including free options. Main Street also has metered parking.

Popular trailheads can be more difficult.

Sedona operates a free trailhead shuttle serving several heavily visited hiking areas. On days when shuttle service is operating, parking at some trailheads may be restricted or closed.

If hiking is part of your plan, check the current Sedona Shuttle schedule before leaving Phoenix.

Option 2: Take a Guided Tour From Phoenix or Scottsdale

If you do not want to drive, guided day tours are available from the Phoenix and Scottsdale area.

Some tours focus on Sedona, while others combine Sedona with Oak Creek Canyon or the Grand Canyon in a longer full-day trip.

A guided tour may be a good choice if:

• You do not have a rental car
• You would rather not drive several hours
• You want transportation and sightseeing handled for you
• You are interested in combining Sedona with another Arizona destination

Before booking, check the itinerary carefully. Some tours spend several hours in Sedona, while others include Sedona as one part of a longer Grand Canyon trip.

Compare guided Sedona and Northern Arizona tours departing from the Phoenix area.

Drive Yourself vs. Guided Tour

Drive yourself if you want:

• Maximum flexibility
• More hiking time
• Control over your schedule
• The ability to stop wherever you want
• The option to stay overnight

Take a guided tour if you want:

• Transportation included
• No parking concerns
• A planned itinerary
• Local commentary
• A more relaxed return to Phoenix

There is no single best choice.

For independent travelers who already have a vehicle, driving is usually the simplest option.

For visitors staying in Phoenix without a car, or anyone who does not want to spend several hours behind the wheel, a guided tour can be worth the convenience.

How Much Can You See in One Day?

A realistic Phoenix to Sedona day trip should focus on three or four main stops, not everything Sedona offers.

For example:

Simple Self-Drive Itinerary

• Morning: Leave Phoenix early.
• Late morning: Stop around Bell Rock or the Village of Oak Creek.
• Midday: Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
• Lunch: Eat in Uptown or another part of Sedona.
• Afternoon: Explore Uptown, visit a viewpoint, or take a short walk.
• Late afternoon: Begin the drive back to Phoenix.

This provides enough variety without turning the trip into a race between attractions.

What About a Jeep Tour in Sedona?

Another option is to drive yourself from Phoenix but book an activity once you arrive.

Sedona is particularly well known for guided Jeep and off-road tours through the surrounding red-rock landscape.

This combination works well if you want the flexibility of having your own vehicle but also want a guided experience during part of the day.

Compare Sedona Jeep and off-road tours for your travel date.

Should You Stay Overnight in Sedona?

A day trip works well if Sedona is only one part of your Arizona vacation.

But if you want to hike, take a tour, explore several scenic areas, or enjoy Sedona without watching the clock, consider staying overnight.

An overnight stay also removes the need to drive back to Phoenix after a full day of sightseeing.

Prefer to stay longer? Compare hotels in Sedona for your travel dates.

Is a Phoenix to Sedona Day Trip Worth It?

Yes, particularly if your Arizona trip is based in Phoenix and Sedona is not otherwise included in your itinerary.

The drive is short enough for a day trip, while the scenery is very different from the Phoenix metropolitan area.

The key is not trying to do too much.

Choose between:

• Driving yourself for flexibility
• Taking a guided tour for convenience
• Driving and booking a Sedona activity for a combination of both

Plan Your Phoenix to Sedona Day Trip

If you already have a vehicle and enjoy exploring independently, driving yourself is likely the better choice.

If you would rather leave the transportation, parking, and itinerary to someone else, compare guided Sedona day trips from Phoenix before your travel date.