Sedona: Day Trips and Tours from Phoenix

The desert town of Sedona lies in the heart of Arizona, in a land of red rock canyons and fragrant pine forests. Famed for its warm weather and spiritual vibe, Sedona offers day-trippers a taste of backcountry life with a twist.

Whether you want to explore Native American ruins, photograph landforms or experience the desert energy, a Sedona day trip from Phoenix is sure to appeal.

Below you will find everyhing you need to know about Sedona, one of the most fascinating destinations for day trips from Phoenix.

Where is Sedona located? How do I get there from Phoenix?

Sedona is perfectly positioned at the end of Oak Creek Canyon in Arizona, around 185 kilometers north of Phoenix.

From Phoenix to Sedona by car

The journey to Sedona from Phoenix takes around 2 hours, making for a long but rewarding day trip. You’ll need to head north on the I-17 before taking the AZ-179 for the final few kilometers to Sedona.

There is a parking lot in town, as well as some on-street spaces for the early birds.

From Phoenix to Sedona by bus

There is a shuttle bus that runs between Phoenix airport and Sedona - the trip takes 2 hours and 45 minutes.

If you’re staying in the city, you can catch the Valley Metro Rail to the airport, where the shuttle departs from Terminal 2.

Guided tour to Sedona from Phoenix

The most convenient way to travel is on a day trip from Phoenix to Sedona. Many tour operators offer hotel pickups for a smooth door-to-door service while a few depart instead from a central city location.

These tours last a full day to give you plenty of time to explore the sights of Sedona, and sometimes the Grand Canyon too.

What will I see and do on a typical Sedona day tour from Phoenix?

Your day begins after breakfast, with a pickup from your hotel in central Phoenix. Then you’ll enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive to Sedona, with commentary from your guide so you know what to expect on arrival.

Once in Sedona you have several activity options, depending on your choice of tour. Hiking, jeep rides and visits to Native Indian settlements are all up for grabs. There are restaurants in Sedona where you will be able to buy lunch.

Some excursions then continue to the Grand Canyon, while others linger in Sedona to absorb more of the spiritual atmosphere. These full-day Sedona tours from Phoenix finish back where they started – at your hotel.

What kind of excursions to Sedona are available?

There are several types of day trip from Phoenix to Sedona, with both group and private options available.

Guided group tours to Sedona from Phoenix

The most popular Sedona day trips from Phoenix are guided group tours. Traveling with other explorers helps to keep costs down and you’ll meet new friends along the way.

Travel is by SUV or minivan, with hotel pickups available for seamless transfers.

Day trip to Sedona plus the Grand Canyon from Phoenix

Combine two of the best parks in the west with this day tour to Sedona from Phoenix. This is a small group excursion, with round-trip minivan transportation from your hotel.

Highlights on this tour include Oak Creek Canyon, the Grand Canyon and the Red Rock State Park at Sedona. You will be accompanied by a guide who will show you the top photo spots.

Private day trip to Sedona from Phoenix

Private tours to Sedona offer more flexibility and exclusivity than group tours. You’ll have your own transport and guide, as well as some say in the itinerary.

These trips can include either a visit to the Grand Canyon or hiking and wine tasting in Sedona.

Private jeep tour to Sedona from Phoenix

Ramp the adventure up a notch with a private jeep ride to Sedona around the red rock valleys of Sedona. You’ll be treated to exclusive transfers from your hotel in Phoenix, before heading into the desert for some off-road thrills.

Enjoy lunch in Sedona before being driven back to your hotel. Note that you will not be driving the jeep – this is a guide-led excursion.

What are the prices of day trips to Sedona from Phoenix?

Sedona day trips from Phoenix cost US$170 per passenger, with transport and entry fees to the Native American ruins covered. You will be traveling in a small group on these tours.

The Sedona excursions that also include the Grand Canyon are priced at US$200 per person on a shared basis. Park fees, transport, hotel pickups and a guide are included.

A private day tour from Phoenix to Sedona costs between US$280 and US$800. The cheaper tours include hiking, lunch and wine tasting in Sedona, while the more expensive options offer visits to both Sedona and the Grand Canyon. You’ll have private transportation and a guide. Hotel pickups and national park fees are usually covered too.

For the private Sedona jeep tours, expect to pay US$350 per person. This is for a 2-hour jeep ride in Sedona and includes transfers from Phoenix and lunch.

What are the highlights in Sedona?

Bell Rock

The Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s most iconic red rock landmarks. Most tours include a photo stop here as the perfect introduction to your visit.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

This famous church is built into the rocky red hillside and is a popular stop on day trips to Sedona from Phoenix.

Built in the 1950s, the chapel is an inspiring example of how modern architecture can be at one with nature.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

This authentic Native American settlement enjoys a spectacular location, set into a towering cliff. You can visit the ruins, which are well preserved and among the most impressive in the country.

Jeep tours

Sedona jeep tours are a fun way to explore the red rock valleys and feel the thrill of a backcountry adventure.

Hang on tight as you bounce through the desert on the Broken Arrow Trail and stop to explore ruins and photograph unusual landforms.

Vortex sites

Travelers seeking a bit of spiritual enlightenment will love Sedona and Vortex tours. There are several vortex locations around the town, where the powerful desert energy does wonders for the soul.

You’ll discover how different cultures have harnessed the mysterious vortex forces through the centuries. Outdoor meditation and yoga sessions can add another layer to the spiritual magic of Sedona.

Tlaquepaque Arts Village

If you’re looking for souvenirs during your Sedona jaunt, this is the place to come.

The shops and galleries are full of inventive local crafts, and the architecture complements the thriving arts scene in this desert town.

When is the best time to visit Sedona?

The most popular time of year for Sedona excursions is between March and May. Temperatures are pleasant, the light is good for photography and there’s little rain.

Summers are hot and wet, with spectacular thunderstorms illuminating the desert. Meanwhile, fall brings one of the best foliage displays in the west, so this is a favorite time for leaf peepers to visit.

Travel tips

• Sedona day trips from Phoenix can sell out during spring, so book ahead to avoid missing out.
• Footwear suitable for exploring outdoors is advised, as you’ll be walking on uneven ground near the landmarks and ruins.
• Meals are not generally included in the tours, but there are plenty of cafés and restaurants in Sedona to enjoy.
• Come with an open mind so you can fully appreciate the spiritual side of Sedona.