Red Rock Scenic Byway: A Breathtaking Drive in Sedona, Arizona

One of the most scenic roads in Arizona is the Red Rock Scenic Byway or State Route 179. This scenic Sedona byway is eight miles long and you will pass some iconic red rock formations such as Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Cathedral Rock. In addition, you can see the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

I visit often and want to share some of the things you can see and do once you turn off of the interstate onto the Red Rock Scenic Byway in Sedona, Arizona.

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Red Rock Scenic Byway Sedona, Arizona

We live in the Phoenix area, so Sedona is our favorite day trip. The fastest way to reach Sedona from Phoenix is to take I-17.

Once you turn off the Interstate 17 you’ll find the scenery gradually changing as you get closer to Oak Creek Village. You’ll see a Scenic Byway sign on your right as you head north on State Route 179.

Red Rock Scenic Byway Map

Red Rock Ranger Visitor Center

Your first scenic vista point is at the Red Rock Ranger Visitor Center on your right a little over three miles from the Byway sign. From here you can use the restroom, get parking passes, America the Beautiful Pass, and maps. Browse the gift shop and see some beautiful views of Red Rock Country.

You can also hike Wood Canyons Trail here at the south end of the parking lot. Woods Canyon Trail is dog friendly (on leash).

Once you have all of your maps and your parking pass you’re ready to continue your journey down State Route 179 towards Oak Creek Village. The village has some cute shops , restaurants, gas stations, hotels, and EV charging station.

Jack’s Canyon Trailhead

Tucked in an Oak Creek Village neighborhood, Jack’s Canyon trailhead is a hidden gem. If you’re up for a quieter challenging long hike this one may be for you. Dogs on leashes are welcome. Take the first exit to your right at the second round about in Oak Creek Village on Jack Canyon’s Road.

Bell Rock

Oak Creek Village has four round abouts. Bell Rock Trailhead parking area will be after the fourth round about, right outside of the village to your right.

A perfectly shaped sandstone formation that really does look like a giant bell rising out of the earth. It’s one of the easy hikes in Sedona.

With such amazing energy it’s no surprise people believe it’s one of Sedona’s famed vortex sites. Whether you believe in vortexes or not, you’re going to love the views at Bell Rock.

Court House Butte

Just up the road from Bell Rock Trailhead is the Courthouse Butte Vista. If you look across to the other side of State Route 179 you’ll see Cathedral Rock.

Continuing on State Route 179 towards Sedona, Little Horse Trailhead and parking area will also be on your right.

Cathedral Rock

You can see Cathedral Rock while you’re driving, but to get to the trailhead you will need to turn off on Back O Beyond Road at the first round about after the Little Horse Trailhead parking area.

Depending on the day you visit you may not be able to turn down this road as it is a private drive and once the parking lot for the trailhead is full you will have to take the shuttle instead. They will shut the road down to residents only, so if you see the signs are up just head to the shuttle stop.

For a closer look, plan a stop at Red Rock Crossing later in your day—it’s one of the most photographed spots in Arizona for a reason.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

If you didn’t turn off to go to the Cathedral Rock trailhead and just continue straight on the round about you’ll come to another round about. Make the first exit on your right down Chapel Hill Road this will take you to the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

While you’re driving you may see about a dozen parking spaces to your left. These spots are for Mystic Trail.

If you’re goal is to see the chapel, continue driving straight. There will be a couple dozen parking spaces on both sides of the road as you get closer to the chapel. If you continue up the hill there is more parking.

The Chapel is built right into the red cliffs, with giant windows looking out over the valley. It’s not just a place for quiet reflection it’s also an architectural gem that blends seamlessly into the landscape.

You can visit inside the church, light a candle (if you want), take in the views of the surrounding area. You can also see the Two Nuns rock formation from the Chapel Trail.

Just because your official eight mile Red Rock Scenic Byway drive is complete it doesn’t mean the remainder of your journey isn’t scenic.

There are about eight more miles on State Route 179 towards Sedona before you hit the “Y” interchange. It is no longer a “Y” since it has a round about now, but it is where 179 meets 89A.

If you continue driving this way the views are beautiful in every direction.

State Route 179 Towards Sedona

The official Red Rock Scenic Byway ends at the Chapel, however if you continue driving north towards Sedona there are so many more gorgeous areas to explore.

Broken Arrow Trail

A couple miles up SR 179 is the trailhead for Broken Arrow Trail. If you’re adventurous there are so many gorgeous views from this trail. Don’t want to hike? This area is a popular off-road area and you can also take a jeep tour here.

Marges Draw Trailhead

Hillside Sedona Shopping Center

If you’d like to shop or get a bite to eat the Hillside Sedona Shopping Center is going to be right before Schenbly Hill Road.

I really like The Hudson. They have a nice bar area, beautiful views from their outdoor patio and everything we’ve had there has been amazing.

Near the Javelina Catina there is a Hillside Vista Lookout Point you can snap a photo or two.

Schnebly Hill Road

Schnebly Hill Road will take you all the way to Flagstaff if you would like. It is very scenic, but you’ll need a high clearance vehicle. Alternatively you can also take a jeep tour up Schenbly Hill. This road is paved for awhile but once you start climbing it is not.

Munds Wagon Trail & Huckaby Trail

I loved the Munds Wagon hike. It was peaceful when we went, although it was winter so not high season. You can bring your dog. It is a moderately challenging hike and about 8.5 miles to complete the whole trail.

Shopping & Restaurants

Just after Schnebly Hill you can continue straight on SR179 towards Sedona and more shopping and restaurants are at your right. I recommend Pump House Station.

They have a nice outdoor area on the back of the restaurant and really good breakfast. Another popular spot with great views is Creekside American Bistro.

You’ve made it to the “Y” or round about where SR 179 meets 89A. You can go North (to your right) towards uptown Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff or left to the westside of Sedona. Either way there are lots of other adventures to be had.

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Southbound SR179

If you want to see the sights from Sedona to Oak creek southbound just follow the “Y” roundabout back the direction you just came.

Turning Around: State Route 179 Southbound towards I-17

If you decide to turn back and drive south on State Route 179 towards Oak Creek from the “Y” and want to see a historic and cute gift shop turn at the first street on your right, Ranger Road.

This road turns into Brewer Road and takes you to Mi Amore, a boutique shop in Sedona’s 1926 Hart House. This is one of my favorite shops in Sedona because it has such cute eclectic items and French soaps.

The next road off of SR 179 is Portal road and this will take you to a popular shopping area in Sedona – Tlaquepaque.

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Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

If you haven’t stopped here I would recommend since it is such a pretty outdoor shopping center. Tlaquepaque has lots of shops, art sculptures and several really good restaurants. If you love plants and gardens, the Secret Garden Cafe has such a lovely vibe.

Read the complete guide → Shopping in Sedona

SR179 Shuttle Park & Ride

Headed south on Route 179 you will find the Park and Ride where you can grab a shuttle to some popular hiking spots like Cathedral Rock & Little Horse Trail.

Raven’s Cave Trail

There is a very small dirt parking lot for Raven’s Cave Trail. You may miss it if you’re not paying attention. This short half mile hike will lead you to some caves overlooking Oak Creek.

Cathedral Rock

To reach Cathedral Rock turn on Back O Beyond Road. If you’re visiting on the weekend or particularly busy days you’ll need to use the shuttle bus to get to the trailhead.

Read the complete guide → Cathedral Rock Trailhead in Sedona

Shopping

Yavapai Trailhead

There is a popular Sunset View point on this trail.

Have fun exploring!

Sedona Guides

Other Scenic Drives Near Sedona

• Red Rock Loop
• Scenic 89A: Sedona to Flagstaff (89A)
• Dry Creek Scenic Road (89A)
• Jerome, Clarkdale, Cottonwood Historic Road (89A)
• Schnebly Hill Road: Sedona to Flagstaff (need high clearance vehicle-not paved)

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Sedona Tours

• Book a Flight to Sedona: To Sedona the closest airport is Flagstaff Pulliam and Sky Harbor in Phoenix.
• Rent a Car to Sedona: You can rent a car in Flagstaff or Phoenix and drive to Sedona. Alternatively, you can leave the driving to someone else and take a bus tour from Phoenix to Sedona.
• Where to Stay in Sedona: Choose from hotels, motels, resorts, airbnb, vrbo, cabins, and camp sites in Sedona.
• Tours to Take in Sedona