Sedona Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Visiting Sedona? This guide provides tips for first-time visitors. I will share information on parking, getting around town, reservations, trailhead information, water, weather and other practical things you may want to know to make your trip worry free.
Sedona has a population of around 10,000 residents, however on average the town sees almost as many visitors each day.
How to Get Around Sedona
You can get around by car, bicycle, by foot. You can park and ride the Sedona Shuttle to some popular hiking trails. Download the Shuttle map here. You can also leave the driving to someone else and take a tour on a Sedona Trolley or an offroad jeep tour.
Welcome to Red Rock Country – “Y” intersection
“Y” Intersection: The “Y” intersection is referenced a lot in Sedona to give directions. It simply is referring to where 179 meets 89A. The road, before the roundabout was put in, would come to a “Y” at this section.
Oak Creek is south of the “Y.” If you drove from Phoenix you drove through Oak Creek. The Sedona airport is west of the “Y” and uptown and Flagstaff is east of the “Y.”
If it is your first time visiting we highly recommend stopping at the Red Rock Ranger Visitor Center. The friendly staff here can provide maps and help you plan your visit. You can also purchase your Red Rock passes here.
Sedona Traffic Tips
If you love the outdoors it is hard not to love Sedona. The secret is out though and a lot of people love Sedona. The most frustrating part of visiting is dealing with all the visitors.
Sedona’s popularity has increased traffic drastically over the last decade. For a little town it can have some serious traffic jams. It tends to back up at the “Y” intersection. During holidays and peak season expect to sit in traffic. It can be backed up for miles from the airport through uptown.
Parking in Sedona
Parking is hard to find in a lot of the popular areas in Sedona and lately that seems like everywhere. If you have your heart set on seeing a particular spot get there early and/or have a couple other places in mind if you can’t find parking for your top choice.
Many of the hiking trailhead parking lots are small. Even if there is a large parking lot if it is a popular area parking can be difficult. For example, in the summer it is not uncommon for Slide Rock Park’s parking lot to be full within 30 minutes of opening.
If you’re looking to explore uptown there are some metered spots on the main street and several free parking lots a couple blocks from the main drag.
⏱ Travel Tip
Leave Early. If I plan on visiting a particular hiking trail or popular site like Slide Rock I will leave Phoenix no later than 6:00 am.
You’ll avoid a lot of the traffic on the interstate and you’ll have a better chance of getting one of those coveted parking spots.Sedona’s Red Rock Pass: What You Need to Know
What is a Red Rock Pass and Do I Need One?
A Red Rock Pass is a Sedona parking pass. Yes, if you’re visiting Sedona it is very likely you may need one.
Where is a Red Rock Pass Required
There are 18 recreational fee sites in the area that require a Red Rock pass. An America the Beautiful pass can be used in lieu of a Red Rock pass for sites that require a Red Rock pass.
In addition there are concessionaire sites and state parks where your Red Rock pass can’t be used. These sites will require a fee to visit.
Can I Use a Red Rock Pass for all Sedona Sites?
No, a Red Rock Pass cannot be used at any state parks, such as Slide Rock State Park or Red Rock State Park. The following sites also require a fee: Call of the Canyon, Grasshopper Point, and Crescent Moon.
Where Can You Purchase a Red Rock Pass?
You can purchase a daily, weekly, and annual Red Rock passes to include all 18 recreational fee sites. Even if you purchase a Red Rock pass or American the Beautiful pass, you will have an
You can purchase Red Rock Passes at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce or Oak Creek visitor center. Alternatively you can purchase a pass online or at a kiosk at some of the trailheads (credit cards only).
How Much Does the Pass Cost?
As of 2026, a daily pass is $5.00, a weekly pass is $15, and an annual pass is $50.00
Trailhead Information
Some trails are so popular the city has free shuttles to mitigate traffic. These trails include: Devil’s Bridge, Seven Sacred Pools, Cathedral Rock.
Water
Due to the dry air and high temperatures, dehydration is a real concern in Sedona. If you’re visiting Sedona don’t forget to drink lots of water. There isn’t water on the trail, you will need to pack your own.
Reservations
Popular restaurants, such as in Sedona require a reservation. Campgrounds require reservations 6 months in advance in popular areas.
Sedona Weather
Sedona Guides
Adventurer At Heart
Hello, my name is Amber! I'm an Arizona-based traveler obsessed with nature and history.
