Sedona is one of those places that barely looks real. Towering red rock formations rise in every direction, glowing bright orange and deep crimson depending on the time of day. And the best part? You don’t have to hike miles into the desert to see them.
Some of the most incredible views in Sedona can be experienced right from your vehicle. Scenic highways, winding canyon roads, and quiet backroads offer nonstop views of sandstone cliffs, towering buttes, and dramatic desert landscapes that make this area one of the most beautiful destinations in Arizona.
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If you’re planning a Sedona Road trip, these scenic drives belong on your list.
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive
The drive between Sedona and Flagstaff along Highway 89A is easily one of the most beautiful drives in Arizona. Oak Creek Canyon feels completely different from Sedona’s desert floor, with towering canyon walls, shaded forests, and a crystal-clear creek running alongside the road.
The 28-mile drive climbs through dramatic switchbacks into cooler pine forests, offering incredible overlooks the entire way. Oak Creek Vista is one of the best stops for panoramic canyon views and photos.
During fall, this drive becomes even more spectacular when the leaves begin changing color. Summer brings a stop at Slide Rock State Park and its natural waterslide.
Pro Tip: If you’ll be there in warm weather bring your bathing suit and hit the waterslide in Slide Rock State Park.
Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179)
If you only have time for one scenic drive in Sedona, make it Red Rock Scenic Byway. This stretch of Highway 179 is short but absolutely packed with iconic views.
Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte dominate the landscape almost immediately after leaving town. The roundabouts along the route may slow traffic down a bit, but honestly, you’ll probably want to drive slowly anyway because the scenery is unreal.
This route is especially beautiful around sunrise and sunset when the rocks glow fiery red.
Pro Tip: Have your camera ready because you’ll want pictures of these great views. We love our Kodak PixPro camera. If you’re looking for a new camera, it takes great pictures and videos.
Schnebly Hill Road
Schnebly Hill Road offers a rougher, more adventurous side of Sedona. This dirt road climbs above the town and delivers some of the best elevated views of Sedona’s red rock country.
You’ll see sweeping views of Mitten Ridge, Munds Mountain, and the Verde Valley stretching far below. The road is rocky and wash boarded in places, so high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended.
After rain, conditions can become rough quickly, so always check road conditions before heading out.
State Route 89A: Sedona to Cottonwood
This scenic drive from Sedona to Cottonwood gradually transitions from towering red rock cliffs into wide-open desert landscapes and Verde Valley views.
The red rock scenery is especially impressive near Dry Creek Basin, where mesas and sandstone walls rise close to the highway. As you descend toward Cottonwood, the views open dramatically.
Once you reach Cottonwood, take some time to explore Old Town Cottonwood with its local shops, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants.
Boynton Pass Road
Boynton Pass Road feels more tucked away than some of Sedona’s busier scenic drives. The road winds into a narrow valley surrounded by towering red cliffs and flat-topped mesas.
Juniper trees and pinyon pines dot the landscape while massive sandstone walls rise sharply around you. Several hiking trails and resorts are located along the route, but it still feels peaceful compared to the heart of Sedona.
This is one of the best drives if you want beautiful scenery without heavy traffic.
Dry Creek Road
Dry Creek Road heads northwest into a wide-open red rock basin filled with classic Sedona scenery. Massive formations like Chimney Rock and Capitol Butte dominate the landscape throughout the drive.
The road is fully paved and easy to drive, making it a great option for travelers looking for scenic views without steep climbs or rough terrain.
Several side roads lead to hiking trails and photography spots along the way.
Back O Beyond Road
Back O Beyond Road may be short, but the scenery is absolutely incredible. This drive takes you directly toward Cathedral Rock, one of Sedona’s most recognizable landmarks.
The massive sandstone spires rise dramatically beside the roadway, creating an almost enclosed canyon feel in places. The closer you get, the more impressive Cathedral Rock becomes.
Sunset is especially stunning here when the rocks light up deep red and orange.
Highway 179 to the Village of Oak Creek
The southern stretch of Highway 179 toward the Village of Oak Creek delivers nonstop views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
This section of road is wider and more open than many Sedona drives, allowing huge panoramic views across the valley. Because the roadway is relatively straight, it’s an easy and relaxing scenic drive for visitors who want incredible scenery without mountain curves.
While in Oak Creek do some shopping at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and grab a bite to eat.
Pro Tip: I really like this folding shopping bag when traveling, so if you plan on doing some shopping while visiting Sedona, you’ll want something that holds all of your treasures you purchase.
Long Canyon Road
Long Canyon Road offers a quieter, more remote feeling compared to central Sedona. Wide-open desert valleys and distant red rock formations create sweeping views in nearly every direction.
Parts of the road eventually transition to dirt, but even the paved sections offer fantastic scenery and fewer crowds. This area feels peaceful and less developed, which honestly can be a nice break from Sedona’s busier tourist areas.
Pro Tip: Take you binoculars on these drives to get great views and pics of the scenery. We love our digital binoculars from Anminto because they have 8X zoom and take great pictures.
Upper Red Rock Loop Roads
The Upper Red Rock Loop area features several smaller scenic roads winding through west Sedona. These routes offer constantly changing views of nearby cliffs, mesas, and ridges.
Traffic tends to be lighter here, making it a great area for relaxed scenic driving. You can easily combine several loop roads together for a leisurely afternoon exploring different viewpoints around Sedona.
Learn more about Sedona: Red Rocks & Vortexes: Your Ultimate Sedona Travel Guide
Tips for Driving Around Sedona
Start Early or Late
Sunrise and sunset offer the best lighting for photography and cooler temperatures for exploring.
Expect Traffic
Sedona is extremely popular, especially during spring and fall weekends. Scenic roads can get busy.
Bring Plenty of Water
Even quick scenic stops can feel hot and dry, especially during summer. We like these DYSANKY Insulated Water Bottles. They hold 64 oz. and have a bag to carry them.
Watch for Pullouts
Some of the best views are at roadside pullouts and overlooks that are easy to miss if you’re driving too fast. Watch for people pulling onto road from these pullouts.
Final Thoughts
Sedona is one of the best destinations in the Southwest for scenic driving. The red rock landscapes are incredibly accessible, and you can experience jaw-dropping views without needing a hardcore hiking itinerary.
Whether you want a quick scenic loop, a rugged backroad adventure, or a relaxing drive through towering sandstone canyons, Sedona delivers some of the most unforgettable road trip scenery in Arizona.
And honestly? Even after multiple visits, those red rocks still don’t stop looking amazing. I’m already looking forward to our next trip here.
We love sharing tips and information we learn along the way to help you plan your next vacation. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.