Red Rock Loop Scenic Drive: Best Stops & Views in Sedona

I still remember my first drive down Red Rock Loop in Sedona, Arizona back in 2007. There was no itinerary. I was simply curious to see where the road would lead and wanted to get out of the city. I’ve been back more times than I can count since then, and every visit reminds me why it’s one of my favorite scenic drives in Sedona.

If you’re wondering whether Red Rock Loop Road is worth adding to your Sedona itinerary, I’d say absolutely. It’s one of those places where the drive itself is part of the experience.

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What I love most about Red Rock Loop Road is that it feels a little quieter than some of Sedona’s better-known areas. The views are just as spectacular, but there’s more room to slow down. You can pull over for photos, wander a short trail, enjoy a picnic by Oak Creek, or simply admire the red rock scenery without feeling rushed.

Not every trip to Sedona has to revolve around a long hike. Some days I just want to enjoy the scenery, stop wherever a view catches my eye, and spend a few quiet hours exploring. Red Rock Loop is perfect for that.

Just about eight miles long, it is a paved loop off of 89A in Sedona.

How to Get To Red Rock Loop in Sedona

On the Red Rock Loop in Sedona you’ll wind through towering buttes with views of rugged canyons. You can find peaceful picnic spots, and trails that are perfect for stretching your legs without committing to a full-on hike. This is a great day trip from Phoenix or Flagstaff. If you’re not interested in hiking in Sedona, but still want to see the gorgeous views this is a great way to do so.

From Phoenix

If you are driving from Phoenix take I-17 north to the Camp Verde 260 exit and make a left towards Sedona this will take you down State Route 179. At the “Y” roundabout take a left on 89A towards Cottonwood, from here it is about 13 miles on your left to the Red Rock Loop.

From Flagstaff

If you are driving from Flagstaff take I-17 south, exit on 89A and follow this scenic road for about 40 miles. It will wind through Oak Creek Canyon, uptown Sedona and towards west Sedona. Turn left on the Red Rock Loop.

Because it’s a loop, you can start from either end. I usually enter from the upper loop when driving from Phoenix because it fits naturally into the route. If you’re coming from Cottonwood, the lower entrance makes more sense. Either way, you’ll see the same beautiful scenery, so don’t worry about choosing the “right” direction.

Best Time to Visit

One of the reasons I keep coming back is that this drive looks different every season. Spring brings colorful wildflowers. Summer is perfect for cooling off in Oak Creek. In the fall, you can see see the leaves turn hues of gold, orange and red along the creek, and if you’re lucky enough to visit after a winter snowfall, the red rocks dusted in white are unforgettable.

If you can, plan your drive early in the morning or a couple of hours before sunset. That’s when the light really brings the red rocks to life. The play of light on the rocks during sunrise or sunset is especially lovely.

What to See on Red Rock Loop Road

Some days I head to Sedona ready for a long hike. Other days I just want to enjoy the scenery without spending hours on the trail. That’s one of the reasons I love Red Rock Loop Road. Many of the best views and stops are only a short walk from the car, so it’s easy to explore at your own pace.

• Scenic vistas where you can pause and take in panoramic views.
• Hiking trails for all levels, perfect if you’re looking for something casual but still want to explore.
• Crescent Moon Ranch is a beautiful spot with creek access and views of Cathedral Rock.
• Red Rock State Park is a great stop for hikes, views of the mountains and a deeper look at the area’s ecology.

Upper Red Rock Loop Hiking Trailheads

Almost immediately when entering the Red Rock Loop there is a trailhead for Schuerman Mountain Trailhead. This trailhead will merge with the Vista trailhead and the Red Rock Loop trail.

If you want to do some hiking Pyramid Mountain Trailhead is .5 miles from Lover’s Knoll on your right.

This is also where the road branches off to Chavez Branch Road. If you turn down this road it leads you to Crescent Moon Ranch for more hiking trails.

Scenic Vistas

If you take Upper Red Rock Loop road the scenic vistas are easier to turn into. The first scenic overlook is on your left in .5 miles.

An additional .5 miles up the road you’ll find a popular scenic overlook referred to as Lover’s Knoll.

Crescent Moon Ranch

My favorite park in Sedona is Crescent Moon Ranch. To reach the park it’s just a short drive off the main loop. Take Chavez Ranch Road to Red Rock Crossing Road and this will lead you to the park. I started coming here years ago because it is an easy hike to some of the best views of Cathedral Rock. On a hot summer day you can cool off in Oak Creek and if you want to go exploring there are lots of shaded areas by the creek.

Take a blanket and some food. Have a picnic lunch next to Oak Creek and soak in the amazing views.

Read the complete guide → Crescent Moon Ranch

Drive back to the Red Rock Loop and continue on your journey. You’ll wind around the buttes for three miles and then make a left to Red Rock State Park.

How to get to Crescent Moon Ranch

If you’re entering from the Upper Red Rock Loop Road go straight to Chavez Ranch Road and then turn right on Red Rock Crossing Road.

Cathedral Rock Scenic View

You don’t have to hike to get a nice view of Cathedral Rock. You can simply pull over near Jones Lane and Upper Red Rock Road, step out of your car and it’s right there.

Red Rock State Park

We have visited this park a few times. It isn’t crowded and the park is large. There is a nice long paved walking path and don’t forget to stop by the visitor center to see their pollinator garden.

From the visitor center you have an expansive view of Red Rock State Park. You can see the red rock formations from left to right: Cathedral Rock, Seven Warriors, Napolean’s Tomb, and at the end Three Sisters.

The Bunkhouse Trail is the paved circular trail you can view from the visitor center. Several other trails intersect with this main trail. We walked the loop right to left, so the first trail we came to was the Smoke Trail that eventually leads to the Sentinel Trail along Oak Creek.

The State Park is a nature preserve and as such visitors are not allowed to wade or swim in Oak Creek. You can however hike along side it, listen to the sounds of the water and take in the views.

If you want to swim or wade in the water go to the Crescent Moon Picnic Site up the road.

The Sentinel Trail leads to the Kisva Trail. If you turn left at the fork the trail will lead you to the East Gate Trail and the Kingfisher Bridge.

There are 15 trails that interconnect and wind through the park.

Lower Red Rock Loop

From the Red Rock State park if you continue back on Red Rock Loop Road to complete the drive, the next stop would be a just under two miles to the Cliffhanger trailhead.

A little over one mile ahead on your right is a Red Rock Loop hiking trailhead. This trailhead will connect with Schuerman Mountain Trailhead.

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Nearby Attractions

Less than five miles from the Red Rock Loop is the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout or Airport Mesa. This is a very popular overlook to watch the sunset.

Sedona Tours

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• 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