A Flagstaff to Sedona Drive

When driving Flagstaff to Sedona, you have two main route options to choose from. Here we will cover the Flagstaff to Sedona distance, directions, time, and tips! Here is everything you need to know for the drive to Sedona from Flagstaff.

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Anyone living in or visiting the Flagstaff area should take the quick road trip from Flagstaff to Sedona as often as possible. The drive can be scenic and the destination is one of a kind.

Sedona kind of has it all – rugged rocks for the outdoorsy types; endless trails for the hikers, soundbaths and massages for those seeking wellness opportunities, and vortexes for the spiritual.

And frankly – those barely scratch the surface of all the things to do in Sedona.

Anyone driving from Flagstaff to Sedona has two main route options. Here, we will cover both routes, as well as the distance between Flagstaff and Sedona and detailed directions.

Let’s get to it – you are in for a treat!

You May Also Like: A One Day in Sedona Itinerary

Flagstaff to Sedona: The Scenic Route

Our first option is the Oak Creek Canyon Route. This is hands-down the more beautiful of the two, as it meanders through the tall pine trees iconic to Flagstaff and features panoramic views of Oak Creek Canyon.

How to take this route:

• Get onto Highway 89A South in Flagstaff.
• Pass by (and stop at!) Oak Creek Canyon Vista Point.
• Continue through the Canyon until you reach Oak Creek’s bridge.
• Once across the bridge, you will enter Sedona!

The distance between Flagstaff and Sedona on this drive is roughly 29 miles, and will take just under one hour.

Flagstaff to Sedona: The “Safe” Route

The second route option is along Interstate 17, and it is definitely not as picturesque. However, it is slightly shorter and avoids the hairpin turns of 89A.

This is also the route I would recommend during the winter season, as the roads through Oak Creek Canyon above can be closed due to snow. Yes, it does snow in Arizona!

How to take this route:

• Get onto Interstate 17 South in Flagstaff.
• Take the exit toward State Route 179 North.
• Continue for about 15 miles and you will reach Sedona.

This route will take about one hour on the dot, and it is roughly 57 miles long.

A Flagstaff to Sedona Map

This map shows the Scenic Route, but you can drag and change the route to see the alternate option on Google Maps.

Places to Stop on the Way

Slide Rock State Park – one of my favorite spots in the hot Arizona summer! This is one of my favorite places to see near Sedona. You can swim in the water, hike the trails, and relax in nature. You will pass Slide Rock on the Scenic Route.

Montezuma Castle National Monument – Just a few extra miles south on the “Safer” Route, this National Monument is fascinating! This ancient housing structure, pictured below, is an authentic example of how the Anasazi tribe used to live.

Coconino National Forest – you will pass through Coconino National Forest on either route, and you will see plenty of places for photography along the way (particularly on the Scenic Route.)

A Few Road Trip Tips

I have taken countless road trips solo, both across the entire USA as well as abroad. Here are a few things to consider before you go!

• Check the gas tank before you go
• Make sure you have a tire pressure reader
• Always have a spare tire handy
• Download offline maps in case service is spotty at any points in the drive
• have some music or podcasts ready!

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Additional Sedona Resources

For some of my best Sedona articles and tips, check out these posts:

• One Day in Sedona Itinerary
• A Phoenix to Sedona Drive: What to See on Your Trip
• Easy Hikes in Sedona
• A Sedona 3 Day Itinerary
• The Best Things to Do in Sedona

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And there you have it! All of the information needed to make your Flagstaff to Sedona road trip a success. From maps to stops to routes, this is such a fun and easy trip – have a great time on your drive!

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