Sedona [1] is a small town, and almost all of the area’s natural attractions, cultural sights, and restaurants can be reached within a 10-minute drive of Uptown. And with so much neck-craning scenery, you won’t mind your time behind the wheel, though the weekend traffic, especially during holidays, can test your patience. The scenic drive between the Y intersection in Uptown and the Village of Oak Creek [2] on Highway 179 is particularly inspiring, and you’ll be tempted to pull over more than few times to check out the mammoth formations and to investigate if even the dirt is that red (it is).
You’ll need to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., 602/273-3300, www.phxskyharbor.com [3]) and in all likelihood drive the 90 minutes north to Sedona on I-17 to Highway 179. If you don’t want to rent a car, take the Sedona Phoenix Shuttle (800/448-7988, www.sedona-phoenix-shuttle.com [4]), which offers service via van from Sky Harbor to the Village of Oak Creek [2] and West Sedona for $50 one-way and $90 round-trip. Also, chartered jet services are available to Sedona Airport (235 Air Terminal Dr., 928/282-4487, sedonaairport.org).
To really explore Sedona [1], Red Rock Country [2], and the Verde Valley [5], you’ll need a car. At Phoenix [6]’s Sky Harbor Airport, take the free shuttle from any of the terminals to the Rental Car Center (1805 E. Sky Harbor Circle, 602/683-3741). You’ll find major companies, like Budget (602/267-4000, www.budget.com [7]), Hertz (602/267-8822, www.hertz.com [8]), and Enterprise (602/489-6898), which has convenient drop-off centers around Phoenix. Hertz has a rental center in West Sedona (3009 W. Hwy. 89, 928/774-4452, www.hertz.com [8]) and will make pickups within a 15-minute drive.
To make the most of your visit to Red Rock Country, you may want to consider renting a vehicle with four-wheel drive, especially as many of Sedona’s off-highway destinations go off-road.
If you’re tired of driving, catch the Sedona Trolley (276 Hwy. 89A, 928/282-4211, www.sedonatrolley.com [9], $12 adults, children under 12 free) at its Uptown depot for one of two hour-long, narrated tours. The Sedona Highlights Tour visits Gallery Row [10] and Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village [11] before making a 15-minute stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross [12]. The Seven Canyons Scenic Tour heads out to West Sedona, making a stop at Enchantment Resort [13] in Boynton Canyon. Call or visit the website for times.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/phoenix-scottsdale-sedona/sedona
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/phoenix-scottsdale-sedona/sedona/sights/the-red-rocks
[3] http://www.phxskyharbor.com
[4] http://www.sedona-phoenix-shuttle.com
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/phoenix-scottsdale-sedona/sedona/vicinity-sedona/the-verde-valley
[6] http://www.moon.com/destinations/phoenix-scottsdale-sedona/phoenix
[7] http://www.budget.com
[8] http://www.hertz.com
[9] http://www.sedonatrolley.com
[10] http://www.moon.com/destinations/phoenix-scottsdale-sedona/sedona/shopping/gallery-row
[11] http://www.moon.com/destinations/phoenix-scottsdale-sedona/sedona/shopping/tlaquepaque-arts-and-crafts-village
[12] http://www.moon.com/destinations/phoenix-scottsdale-sedona/sedona/sights/uptown/chapel-the-holy-cross
[13] http://www.moon.com/destinations/phoenix-scottsdale-sedona/sedona/accommodations/west-sedona