Touring From Scottsdale, AZ to Sedona, AZ – What You Need to Know

Sedona, Arizona is a popular tour destination for those visiting the state, especially given its proximity to Phoenix and Scottsdale – two of Arizona’s main travel hubs. From Scottsdale to Sedona, the distance is 95 total miles (a distance easily achievable in a 2-hour drive). For a more scenic route, you can always head first to Jerome, AZ and then further up to Sedona and back (approximately 3 hours in total). Not only do you get to experience more of the red rock desert ambiance of the Sedona region, you also get to experience Jerome’s thriving artist community.

If you don’t want to travel by car, there are also bus and plane options available. You’ll want to pick the method of travel that provides you with the level of flexibility you need to fully explore Sedona and everything it has to offer.

Visitors to Sedona love it for its breathtaking natural red rock formations and plentiful heritage sites. It’s also become known as a wellness haven, popular amongst those who wish to improve their spiritual wellbeing. As a result, there are numerous spas throughout the community, as well as nature outlooks, picnic areas, and parks where people can relax and embrace the environment around them. For individuals interested in a more active experience, there are tours, hikes, wineries, delicious restaurants, and plenty of shopping to keep the whole family busy.

For the Southwest, Sedona experiences fairly mild temperatures, with winter highs reaching the mid-60-degree range and summer temperatures reaching into the 90s (Fahrenheit). August, or late summer, is also the “rainy season” for Sedona, and is when the city gets most of its annual rainfall. Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit the city, as these tend to be the most temperate seasons of the year.

Creating Your Own Tour of Sedona, AZ

If you’re someone who likes to be in control and fully customize your travel experience, you’ll enjoy putting together your own private tour of Sedona, AZ. There is a wide array of both indoor and outdoor activities to take part in, so no matter how hot the afternoon, or how chilly the winter morning, you have great options at your fingertips.

Keeping It Indoors

Some of the most popular indoor visitor destinations include health spas, art galleries, and shopping.

  • Sedona’s spas are known for promoting both physical and spiritual well-being. You can receive messages, facials, and skin treatments among other luxury spa services. As a spiritual hub, “vortexes” – or so they’ve come to be known – allow you to find peace and balance in your life. Feel free to spa hop, or stay at one particular site and uncover all of its amenities in one single pass.
  • Shopping is also a major benefit for anyone who would like to refresh their wardrobe, purchase hand-made crafts, or buy gifts for friends and family. Find unique, hand-made, and uncommon gifts at one of Sedona’s most popular stops, the Tlaquepaque Arts and Craft Village. With more than 40 shops to explore, you’re sure to find something truly special.
  • Some of Sedona’s best-hidden gems are its numerous art galleries scattered throughout the city. There are dozens of unique galleries displaying works by local and international artists. No matter what sparks your creative interest, there is a little something for everyone.

Outdoor Adventures

Sedona’s natural beauty is truly stunning, and many visitors like to explore the sites up-close and in-person. With so much to do and see outdoors, adventure is calling.

  • Jeep tours are a popular option for those who like to get off the beaten path and really explore nature first-hand. You make stops at some awe-inspiring natural formations while kicking up dust and truly off-roading it. These jeep tours are led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who can give you the history of each place you visit.
  • For fans of culture and the outdoors, heritage site tours are another popular option. Sedona has a number of culturally-significant sites for you to explore, each with its own history and story to uncover. Many of these sites are also believed to be spiritual vortexes with higher levels of mystical properties and are well-loved by individuals seeking spiritual rejuvenation.
  • Given the city’s smaller size and the clear desert skies, Sedona is a great place for stargazing. Pop over to one of the numerous picnic sites throughout the city, lay out a blanket, and see the sky like you’ve never seen it before.

Schedule an Official Tour from Scottsdale, AZ to Sedona, AZ

If you prefer the idea of taking an official, guided tour from Scottsdale to Sedona, there are plenty of options available to you. While some of these can be on the pricier side (cost can vary by tour company), these are more structured – perfect for the individual who would like to sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience.

The first step is deciding what type of tour you want to take. Are you interested in a day tour? Given the close proximity of Scottsville and Sedona, this is a popular option for most people who would like a guided experience of all that Sedona has to offer. A day trip often takes between 7 to 10 hours (with travel time included).

What about a multi-day tour? These tours can range anywhere from two days to five days, and take visitors to some of the most famous natural sites and landmarks in and around Sedona. Depending on the chosen tour, you may see Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Ponderosa Pine Forest, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Oak Creek Canyon, and much more.

If nature tours aren’t really your thing but you would still like to experience the unique culture and atmosphere Sedona offers, there are other tours that might pique your interest, such as Sedona wine tours, exploring Sedona’s famous wine vineyards. Sedona has been making wines since the 19th century, and there is a rich and proud heritage to explore when it comes to the city’s beloved wineries.

What About Cost?

Pricing can vary greatly depending on the tour you’re interested in. For example, if you’re considering a multi-day tour that’s four days long, you can expect to spend around $1,000 per person (for adults). While it ultimately depends on the tour company, this cost is likely to include the tour itself, guide fees (and gratuity), park fees, and light daily refreshments (such as snacks and water). This cost does not typically include the lodging. Most multi-day tours will tell you where and when to book your lodging, but that will be a separate charge to consider.

For single day tours, prices typically range from $125 to $200 per person. Again, this amount varies depending upon the tour company and tour length. Wine tours, which run a similar length in time, will run you slightly higher in terms of cost, averaging around $250 to $300 per adult. This amount does, however, include wine tasting fees, gratuity, and often lunch or a meal of some kind.

Excited about your tour to Sedona? Don’t wait! With so much to do and see, you’ll have a great time exploring all that Sedona has to offer. Whether it’s indoors, outdoors, or via a guided tour through nature, don’t you think it’s time you visit? Plan or book your tour today.

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