If you want to be enchanted by Sedona’s stunning landscape, then a day trip to Sedona from Scottsdale should be on the cards. During this 24-hour journey, you’ll soak up the breathtaking beauty of Sedona’s renowned red rock formations. And with everything you’ll get to see and do, your trip from Scottsdale to Sedona will leave you feeling refreshed and in awe.
You may be wondering, “How far is Sedona from Scottsdale?” Well, it’s about 125 miles away. And when looking at the duration, the Scottsdale to Sedona drive is around two hours long.
But enough with distance and time. The real question is what you’ll experience spending one day in Sedona. Yes, you’ll be leaving the hustle and bustle of Scottsdale, but that doesn’t mean Sedona’s a boring place in the desert.
From cozy cafés to invigorating hiking spots, Sedona’s got it all. And hopefully you love it as much as I do!
Let’s dive right in!
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Must-Know Things for the Ultimate Sedona, AZ Day Trip
Without further ado, here’s what you need to know for your Sedona day trip.
How to Get Around for One Day in Sedona, Arizona
You’ll easily walk to and from the art galleries and shops in Uptown Sedona’s downtown area.
That said, outside of Uptown Sedona, the rest of the city is rather spread out, making walking to destinations more difficult.
So, to make things a bit easier for you, it’s highly recommended you use a car to get around this magical city. But if you don’t have one, don’t worry.
Below are some public transportation options available to you.
Verde Lynx—This public bus system has stops in different parts of Sedona. Be it Uptown Sedona, West, and more; it’ll take you where you need to go. The Verde Lyx is reliable and affordable, at just $1, paid in cash, for Lynx trips within Sedona.
Bike Rentals—While you can rent a bike to get around Sedona, the terrain is quite hilly overall. So, mountain bikes are your best bet for riding with ease. And with Sedona’s Trails and Pathways System (ST&PS), the city aims to expand shared-use pathways for improved access to transportation. Currently, you’ll have access to about 4 miles of these pathways—a full-day mountain bike rental for an adult ranges from $59 to $120.
Uber—As convenient and reliable as Uber (and other ride-sharing apps) generally are, you won’t get rides as easily in Sedona as in other areas. In fact, you may wait up to 15 minutes for a ride. Using UberX, it’ll cost you around $10 to $15 to travel from one side of Sedona to the other.
Guided Tour—A guided tour is the best way to explore Sedona. And with several Sedona tours from Scottsdale, AZ, knowing which to choose can be tricky. This ten-hour tour will take you to attractions like the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Prices range from $250 upwards.
Read Next: Explore these fantastic day trips from Scottsdale next.
Best Time to Visit Sedona, Arizona
Hmm, so when should you plan your Scottsdale to Sedona day trip?
This is a difficult question. In fact, asking “How far is Sedona from Scottsdale, AZ?” is much easier to answer. But here’s the scoop.
You’ll probably have a far more enjoyable time visiting Sedona during spring or fall.
Here’s why: Spring (March to May) brings pleasantly mild weather with fewer crowds than summer.
And fall (September to November) is relatively warm and sunny. Like spring, you’ll experience fewer crowds.
Both seasons greet you with Sedona’s natural beauty; flowers like the golden Desert Marigold bloom in spring, and the city’s famous red rock formations stun viewers in vibrant pink-red shades in fall.
As you see, a day trip to Sedona will be a memorable experience during these times.
So, let’s not waste any more time and get into the nitty gritty of your itinerary.
Insider Tip: Speaking of Sedona’s red rock formations, why not discover which pass is best for exploring America’s Southwest with this Red Rock Pass vs. America the Beautiful post?
Your Day Trip to Sedona, AZ
Arrive in Sedona
With the Scottsdale to Sedona drive time being around two hours, you’ll want to rest up at your hotel for a bit.
Based on this timeline, you should plan to arrive in the city at around 8:00 am or even 7:00 am.
You’ll be able to nap or freshen up before getting ready to explore Sedona in a day.
Let’s say you take a plane because you don’t want to drive from Scottsdale to Sedona; it’s well worth catching the earliest flight you can.
That said, an alternative to the above is arriving in Sedona the night before.
This way, you’ll have plenty of time to get some decent shut-eye.
Overall, the plan is to get your day started as early as possible to fully enjoy Sedona in one day.
Top Tip: Flying into Sedona and need a car? Use Enterprise to get the right vehicle for your needs.
Morning
Sedona’s mornings are a lot cooler than other parts of the day, so it’s recommended you get your hike in really early to avoid the desert heat and crowds.
Afterward, you’ll have brunch in downtown Sedona, close to all the sights and attractions.
Hike in Red Rock State Park
Grab a sandwich and a bottle of water before leaving your hotel and head to Red Rock State Park.
Here, you’ll hike the Eagle’s Nest trail, a moderate 2.8-mile hike that’ll get your blood pumping.
Being the popular trail that it is, it’s best you arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds.
You’ll also enjoy cooler weather and witness the sheer beauty of the red rock formations from Eagle Nest’s peak.
After hiking for about an hour, it’s time to head to downtown Sedona.
Doe Mountain (Alternative)
If you’re an early riser like me and want to catch sunrise over Sedona, I’m a huge fan of Doe Mountain!
It’s an incredibly easy hike with 360 views of the red rocks.
Sometimes, you can see hot air balloons out for a morning flight!
Pro Tip: Have your America the Beautiful Pass handy!
Brunch
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then brunch is the next best option.
Although you had something light to eat before your hike, you’re probably hungry by now.
So, now’s the time to treat yourself to a delicious meal and some strong coffee.
Open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays, Layla’s Cafe And Bakery serves up scrumptious European baked goods.
Their pain au chocolate and bulletproof coffee are sure to give you that hit of caffeine and sugar needed to fuel you.
Shop and Soak Up Some Art at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Located in the heart of Sedona is this cultural landmark. Here, you’ll get to admire locally crafted artwork and souvenirs.
Plus, you’ll also enjoy the laidback Southwest vibe, thanks to its cobble-stoned paths and lovely arches.
The outdoor shopping complex boasts over 45 art galleries, one of which is the Renee Taylor Gallery, which showcases contemporary jewelry.
You’ll also find spices and unique condiments at Spirits & Spice, as well as out-of-this-world masala chai at The Chai Spot.
With so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
That said, aim to spend no more than an hour to 90 minutes there to make room for other activities.
Tip: Be sure to explore a few different shops and see what piques your interest.
Afternoon
Come afternoon, and you’ll have spent half a day in Sedona.
Now, it’s time to venture out more for some exciting things to do.
Head to the Chapel of the Holy Cross
If Sedona’s stunning red rocks didn’t enchant you on your morning hike, then the Chapel of the Holy Cross will.
The structure juts out of a “thousand-foot rock wall,” which is a marvel to witness.
Located at 780 Chapel Road, this architectural wonder delights you with even more impressive desert views.
But it’s not just an attraction; the Chapel actually hosts religious services such as Confession from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Before you leave, consider purchasing local art on the building’s lower floor to keep as a memento.
Tip: The Chapel kindly requests that guests maintain silence and don’t eat or drink when visiting. Also, pets aren’t allowed here.
Visit Sedona Heritage Museum
They say traveling is about the journey and not the destination.
No place further exemplifies this than the Sedona Heritage Museum.
This museum will take you on a journey through time as you explore the city’s rich heritage.
You’ll learn all about Sedona’s culture and development, from its pioneers to the interesting native plants that dot the garden.
Bell Rock Climb (Alternative)
Now, if you just want to hike your heart out, a good mid-day option would be Bell Rock Vortex.
You can opt for a loop hike or hike to the top.
Read Next: All the Best Sedona Hikes for Sunrise and Sunset
Dinner & Sedona Evening Activities
After a splendid afternoon soaking up some architecture, religion, and culture, it’s time for you to see what Sedona’s nightlife has to offer.
Delight in Sunset Views at Airport Mesa Viewpoint
Honestly, Sedona is such a showoff in terms of nature.
But with Airport Mesa Viewpoint, the city has earned bragging rights.
Before you wrap up your day with dinner, you’ll come here to marvel at the sunset’s rosy hues and the rocks’ changing colors.
Head to Airport Mesa and leave your vehicle at the parking.
It gets really busy, so aim to arrive up to 45 minutes before sunset to ensure you get a parking spot.
After parking, walk for about five minutes to the main viewpoint.
With 360-degree angles of Sedona, you’ll have endless sunset views.
Lovers Knoll & Cathedral Rock (Alternative)
As with anything else in this itinerary, you can swap out things as you please!
If you want another iconic hike in Sedona, try Cathedral Rock Vortex for sunset.
Munds Wagon is a good one too, but if it were me, I would book a jeep tour to take me to this area via Schnebly Hill Road.
Not in the mood to hike? Try Lover’s Knoll!
Read Next: The Most Instagrammable Places in Sedona, AZ
Have Dinner at Creekside American Bistro
For a casual, upscale dining experience, look no further than Creekside American Bistro.
The restaurant serves up hearty meals, like their high country shrimp & grits and braised short ribs, all made from fresh, local ingredients.
And that’s not all.
True to its name, Creekside American Bistro offers you serene creek views from its large deck.
Your Day Trip to Sedona from Scottsdale at a Glance + Map
Morning:
- Hike in Red Rock State Park
- Brunch
- Shop and Soak Up Some Art at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Afternoon:
- Head to the Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Visit Sedona Heritage Museum
Evening
- Delight in Sunset Views at Airport Mesa Viewpoint
- Have Dinner at Creekside American Bistro
Click here for a live version of the map!
Where to Stay in Sedona, Arizona
If you want to be as close to the action, landmarks, and amazing dining options, Uptown Sedona is where you need to be.
Here are the ideal spots to stay in when checking out what to see in Sedona in one day.
These top recommendations cater to all budgets.
Luxury Uptown Home—This Luxury Uptown Home has mountain views you can enjoy whilst soaking in the hot tub. Boasting a firepit and outdoor dining, this accommodation is perfect for socializing and sharing meals with company. With lavish furniture like luxurious sheets and mattresses, you’re sure to enjoy unrivaled, restful sleep here.
While it’s in the mountains, this three-bedroom home is an accessible 13-minute walk to Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Matterhorn Inn—Matterhorn Inn blends simplicity and effortless style with its décor. From kitchen to bathroom, the rooms are light and spacious. This Inn is the perfect retreat from a busy day out exploring Sedona’s attractions. If the desert heat beats down on you, you can always cool down in the outdoor pool.
The accommodation is only a minute’s drive from Sedona Arts Center, making it convenient for you to check out works by local artists.
Serene Getaway in Uptown Sedona—This Serene Getaway in Uptown Sedona offers you value for money. Not skimping on quality, this accommodation is ideal if you’re on a budget. Despite its pared-down interior, Serene Getaway still maintains a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Located less than 10 minutes away from Sedona Arts Center and 13 minutes from Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, you’ll be close to all landmarks.
Read Next: Best Sedona Vacation Rentals
Final Thoughts on Your Ideal Scottsdale, AZ to Sedona, AZ Trip
A day trip to Sedona’s gorgeous landscape promises a remarkable journey you don’t want to miss.
Yes, it’s for a day only, but you can extend your time to view more artistic sights and reconnect with nature a bit more.
The thing is, whether Sedona’s spiritual energy enchants you or its outdoor adventure thrills you, the city’s unique charm won’t disappoint you.
Apart from this, the area also offers you a brief escape from Scottsdale if you need it, making it worth visiting.
Returning to Scottsdale and wondering what to do next? Look no further for the perfect getaway for your weekend in Scottsdale.
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