Photo: Anthony Melone / UnsplashDay plan
Sedona Day Trip from Phoenix
Experience the magic of Sedona's red rocks, unique shopping, and exquisite dining on a single, unforgettable day.
- Leave
- 7:30 AM
- Back by
- 8:00 PM
- Driving
- 2 h 5 min each way
- Travelers
- Couples
Drive times © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sedona from Phoenix: 2 h 5 min each way by car · best for a couple · hours checked for Saturday.
$0
The total covers getting around for the whole party, plus food, gas and parking estimated in the breakdown below.
Things to do
- Devil's Bridge Trail (Trailhead: Dry Creek Road) (Day 1)
- Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (Day 1)
- Bell Rock Pathway (South Trailhead viewpoint) (Day 1)
- Back in Phoenix (Day 1)
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Why this plan works
Morning red‑rock hike, relaxed midday at Tlaquepaque for galleries and lunch, then a late‑afternoon Bell Rock viewpoint before your drive back to Phoenix.
- 7:30 AM
Head out · Phoenix → Sedona
7:30 AM
2 h 5 min by car. Leave Phoenix by 7:30 AM, arrive around 9:35 AM.
- 9:50 AM
Sedona Roasting Company — Village of Oak Creek
9:50 AM
Fast local coffee in the Village of Oak Creek, minutes from trailheads and Tlaquepaque.
Grab a strong coffee and a pastry or breakfast sandwich on arrival so you start the hike fueled and avoid long café lines later.
- 10:35 AM
Devil's Bridge Trail (Trailhead: Dry Creek Road)
10:35 AM
A signature Sedona red‑rock hike close to the Village of Oak Creek and strong earlier‑day parking availability.
Classic red‑rock hike to the largest natural sandstone arch in the area; expect rocky steps and great photo vantage points at the bridge.
- 12:50 PM
The Secret Garden Café at Tlaquepaque
12:50 PM
Located inside Tlaquepaque for an easy transition to shopping and galleries after lunch.
Lunch on the Tlaquepaque promenade with Southwestern‑influenced seasonal dishes and patios set among galleries and fountains.
- 2:00 PM
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
2:00 PM
This covers your stated interest in Tlaquepaque and puts you in the heart of Sedona's gallery scene.
Stroll galleries, artisan shops and courtyards; pick up a small piece of local art or enjoy the outdoor sculpture and fountains.
- 4:25 PM
Bell Rock Pathway (South Trailhead viewpoint)
4:25 PM
A convenient, open viewpoint alternative to Airport Mesa that fits the afternoon window and is close to West Sedona for your return drive.
Short, scenic walk to the foot of Bell Rock with broad red‑rock views that make a reliable late‑afternoon photo stop.
- 5:50 PM
Head back · Sedona → Phoenix
5:50 PM
2 h 5 min by car.
- 7:55 PM
Back in Phoenix
7:55 PM
5 min to spare before 8:00 PM.
If you fall behind
- What to cut if you fall behind: Bell Rock Pathway (the afternoon viewpoint).
Bookings & costs
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Food not included: about $70, listed below
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Gas & parking
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Know before you go
Practical notes for this trip — the things worth sorting before you leave.
Trail access & closures
Cathedral Rock Trailhead and Airport Mesa Scenic Overlook are closed on Saturdays; confirm trail and overlook openings before you go and use Bell Rock or Red Rock Crossing instead.
Time-sensitive
Parking & Red Rock Pass
Most trailheads and Red Rock Crossing require a Red Rock Pass or pay parking; bring exact change or buy a pass at trailhead vending or the Forest Service site before arrival.
Time-sensitive
Timing & crowds
Start the hike right after arrival—trailhead lots fill by mid-morning; plan Tlaquepaque for late morning to early afternoon when galleries are quieter.
Time-sensitiveBell Rock Trailhead · Bell Rock Path
Weather & clothing
February mornings are chilly and afternoons mild—dress in layers, bring a windproof layer and sun protection for the exposed sections of Bell Rock and Red Rock Crossing.
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Questions about this plan
- What time should I leave Phoenix for this Sedona day trip?
- You should plan to leave Phoenix by 7:30 AM to arrive in Sedona around 9:35 AM, allowing for a full day of activities.
- Where can I get coffee and a quick bite upon arrival in Sedona?
- Your first stop in Sedona is at Sedona Roasting Company in the Village of Oak Creek, scheduled for 9:50 AM, for coffee and a breakfast sandwich or pastry.
- Which hike is planned for the morning?
- The itinerary includes Devil's Bridge Trail (Trailhead: Dry Creek Road) starting at 10:35 AM for about 2 hours, offering classic red-rock views and a natural sandstone arch.
- What is the last stop before heading back to Phoenix?
- The final stop is the Bell Rock Pathway (South Trailhead viewpoint) at 4:25 PM, providing broad red-rock views for about 85 minutes before your 5:50 PM drive back to Phoenix.
Related itineraries
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