Love Sedona but itching to explore just a little farther? From the red rock beauty of Sedona, I set off on day trips to ancient ruins, hidden swimming holes, and scenic high desert towns—each one adding a new layer to Arizona’s stunning and spiritual landscape. "These day trips from Sedona, Arizona take you to scenic canyons, ancient ruins, and quirky towns—all just a short, beautiful drive away."
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Unique Day Trips from Sedona:
1. Antelope Canyon
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Location:
Page, AZHighlights:
If you're heading to northern Arizona and want to see something jaw-dropping, Antelope Canyon is a must. Just trust us—it’s like walking through a dream made of sandstone and sunlight.Recommended For:
Nature lovers, photographers, adventurers, and anyone visiting northern Arizona who wants a one-of-a-kind geological experience.What I Love: ♥
The surreal beauty of narrow sandstone walls glowing with filtered sunlight, the ease of access to Upper Antelope Canyon, and the cultural significance of this sacred Navajo site.- Explore two distinct sections: Upper Antelope Canyon (“The Crack”) with easy, flat access, and Lower Antelope Canyon (“The Corkscrew”) with stairs and ladders for a more adventurous feel.
- Marvel at how flash floods sculpted this stunning slot canyon from Navajo sandstone over thousands of years.
- Visit year-round through guided tours operated by Navajo Tribal Park—advance booking is essential.
- Photograph breathtaking light beams and swirling rock textures—perfect for pros and hobbyists alike.
Distance from Sedona:
Plan for a drive of about 3 hours and 15 minutes (approximately 160 miles).How to Get to Antelope Canyon:
From Sedona, take US-89A North to Flagstaff, then continue on US-89 North toward Page. Follow signs to Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park—tours typically begin from nearby staging areas in Page.2. The Apache Trail
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Location:
Superstition Mountains, AZHighlights:
Want a road trip that feels like an epic time machine ride through Arizona’s Wild West? The Apache Trail delivers jaw-dropping desert scenery, dramatic curves, and a whole lot of history packed into 40 unforgettable miles.Recommended For:
Road trippers, history buffs, nature photographers, and anyone who loves off-the-beaten-path desert adventures.What I Love: ♥
The combination of rugged terrain, historic ghost towns, scenic lakes, and the unpaved thrill ride between Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Dam.- Drive the route of an original stagecoach trail named after the Apache tribe—now mapped as Arizona State Route 88.
- Experience both paved and unpaved sections, including the heart-pounding cliff-hugging road between Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Dam.
- View sweeping desert panoramas of Apache Lake, Canyon Lake, and Theodore Roosevelt Lake within the Tonto National Forest.
- Explore historic sites like the Lost Dutchman State Park, Goldfield Ghost Town, and old mining communities such as Globe.
Distance from Sedona:
About 2 hours and 15 minutes by car (roughly 115 miles to the start near Apache Junction).How to Get to the Apache Trail:
From Sedona, take AZ-179 South to I-17 South. Merge onto US-60 East near Phoenix, then take AZ-88 East from Apache Junction. The trail officially begins near Lost Dutchman State Park.3. Bear Wallow Wilderness
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Location:
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, AZHighlights:
If you’re craving a soul-refreshing hike far from crowds, Bear Wallow Wilderness is your kind of quiet. Towering pines, hidden creeks, and miles of trails make it the perfect unplugged Arizona escape.Recommended For:
Hikers, nature lovers, wildlife watchers, solitude seekers, and backpackers looking to explore Arizona’s high-elevation wilderness.What I Love: ♥
Untouched ponderosa pine forests, remote hiking trails like the Reno Trail, and the chance to see black bears and elk in their natural habitat.- Wander through one of the Southwest’s largest virgin pine forests, with spruce, fir, aspen, and conifers stretching as far as the eye can see.
- Explore five scenic trails, including the Reno Trail, which follows the canyon of Bear Wallow Creek—a serene spot perfect for backcountry adventure.
- Discover a haven protected by the National Wilderness Preservation System, ensuring the survival of rare flora and native wildlife.
- Spot black bears, elk, deer, and native reptiles in their natural ecosystem.
Distance from Sedona:
Around 4 hours and 30 minutes by car (approximately 215 miles).How to Get to Bear Wallow Wilderness:
From Sedona, take AZ-179 South to I-17 South. Exit onto AZ-260 East toward Payson, then follow AZ-373 and local forest roads into the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Trailheads can be accessed via Forest Road 25.4. Canyon Lake
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Location:
Apache Junction, AZHighlights:
If you're craving a sunny lake day in the desert, Canyon Lake is a gem—easy to reach and packed with adventure. It’s the kind of place you go once and immediately start planning your return trip.Recommended For:
Boaters, jet skiers, anglers, weekend campers, and anyone looking to cool off or play along the Apache Trail.What I Love: ♥
The deep blue waters framed by rocky canyon walls, the variety of water sports, and the laid-back marina campgrounds perfect for an overnight under the stars.- Play in Arizona’s smallest Salt River reservoir, built with the Mormon Flat Dam in 1925.
- Enjoy year-round recreation including hiking, boating, jet skiing, and even scuba diving.
- Fish for rainbow trout, channel catfish, yellow bass, walleye, and bluegill.
- Relax at designated swimming coves, scenic picnic areas, and boat launches.
- Camp at nearby Tortilla Flat or Canyon Lake Marina, both offering overnight options and marina access.
Distance from Sedona:
Around 2 hours and 15 minutes by car (approximately 120 miles).How to Get to Canyon Lake:
From Sedona, take AZ-179 to I-17 South, then follow US-60 East toward Apache Junction. From there, take AZ-88 East (Apache Trail) to Canyon Lake—watch for signs just past Tortilla Flat.5. Flagstaff
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Location:
Flagstaff, AZHighlights:
Need a break from the desert heat? Flagstaff is a cool mountain town where you can hike volcanoes, catch a symphony, and hit the ski slopes—all in one weekend.Recommended For:
Outdoor adventurers, festival-goers, culture lovers, and anyone craving fresh mountain air and a mix of natural and artistic attractions.What I Love: ♥
The San Francisco Peaks backdrop, vibrant arts scene, snowy winters at Arizona Snowbowl, and easy access to the Grand Canyon and ancient Indigenous sites.- Explore iconic landscapes like Humphreys Peak and nearby Grand Canyon National Park.
- Ski & Snowboard in winter at Arizona Snowbowl, perched at 9,200 feet elevation.
- Attend cultural events year-round at the Clifford E. White Theater, Studio Theater, and Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra.
- Celebrate local culture at annual favorites like Pickin’ in the Pines, Flagstaff Music Festival, and the Mountain Film & Book Festivals.
- Step back in time at Wupatki and Walnut Canyon National Monuments to see Indigenous Pueblo history up close.
Distance from Sedona:
Just about 50 minutes by car (approximately 30 miles north).How to Get to Flagstaff:
From Sedona, take AZ-89A North through scenic Oak Creek Canyon. It’s a short and beautiful drive into downtown Flagstaff.Romantic Day Trips from Sedona:
6. Grand Canyon National Park
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Location:
Grand Canyon Village, AZHighlights:
It’s hard to overhype the Grand Canyon—it really is that awe-inspiring. If you haven’t been yet, it’s time to check this natural wonder off your list.Recommended For:
First-time visitors, families, geology buffs, hikers, and anyone craving epic views and a true sense of wonder.What I Love: ♥
The sheer immensity of the canyon, the timeless beauty of its rock layers, and the variety of experiences on both the South and North Rims—from museums and lodges to remote overlooks and quiet trails.- Marvel at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, protected since 1919 and spanning over 1.2 million acres.
- Stand at iconic viewpoints like Mather Point and take in the vast canyon carved over millions of years by the Colorado River.
- Stay at South Rim lodges with easy access to family-friendly sites like the Grand Canyon IMAX Theatre and Yavapai Geology Museum.
- Escape the crowds at the quieter North Rim, where you'll find scenic lodges, peaceful campgrounds, and stunning lookouts.
- Explore the canyon's geologic past with interpretive exhibits and ranger-led programs that bring its ancient layers to life.
Distance from Sedona:
About 2 hours and 15 minutes by car to the South Rim (approximately 110 miles).How to Get to Grand Canyon National Park:
From Sedona, take AZ-89A North to Flagstaff, then follow US-180 West to Grand Canyon Village. Alternatively, take AZ-64 North from Williams if you're coming via I-40.7. First Mesa
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Location:
Hopi Reservation, AZHighlights:
If you’re curious about the roots of Native American culture in Arizona, First Mesa offers a rare and powerful glimpse into living history. This is one of those places that feels sacred the moment you step into it.Recommended For:
History lovers, cultural travelers, art collectors, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Indigenous traditions in the Southwest.What I Love: ♥
The cliff-perched village of Walpi that still functions without electricity or running water, the immersive guided tours, and the stunning handmade art found just down the road at the Hopi Cultural Center on Second Mesa.- Visit three historic Hopi and Tewa villages—Walpi, Sitsmovi, and Hano—perched atop a panoramic mesa in northeastern Arizona.
- Step back in time over 1,000 years as you explore traditional ways of life still practiced today in Walpi Village.
- Join a guided walking tour organized by the First Mesa Consolidated Village Office to respectfully engage with this living culture.
- Explore nearby Second Mesa and shop for hand-carved katsina dolls, polychrome pottery, and other authentic Hopi art at the Hopi Cultural Center.
Distance from Sedona:
Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes by car (about 190 miles).How to Get to First Mesa:
From Sedona, take I-17 North to Flagstaff, then US-89 North. Follow AZ-264 East into Hopi Reservation lands. First Mesa is located near Polacca and clearly signed along the route.8. Jerome
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Location:
Jerome, AZHighlights:
If you love quirky mountain towns with a haunted past and an artsy present, you’re going to adore Jerome. It’s part history lesson, part creative escape, and all charm.Recommended For:
History lovers, art enthusiasts, antique hunters, and anyone who enjoys unique small towns with a story to tell.What I Love: ♥
The ghost-town-turned-artist-colony vibe, the stunning views from the hillside streets, and the way Jerome has transformed its mining past into a vibrant, creative community.- Explore Jerome State Historic Park and the 1916 Douglas Mansion, now a living history museum that tells the town’s copper-mining story.
- Peer down a 1,900-foot-deep mine shaft at Audrey Headframe Park through a glass platform—it’s both eerie and fascinating.
- Stroll downtown to browse art galleries, antique stores, and boutique shops housed in restored historic buildings.
- Dine in charming local restaurants, many with patios offering sweeping views of the Verde Valley.
- Visit nearby Tuzigoot National Monument to explore a preserved Indigenous pueblo set high on a scenic ridge.
Distance from Sedona:
Just about 40 minutes by car (roughly 27 miles southwest).How to Get to Jerome:
Take AZ-89A South from Sedona through the gorgeous switchbacks of the Black Hills. The drive is short but scenic—perfect for a half-day trip or full-day adventure.Family Day Trips from Sedona:
9. Kartchner Caverns
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Location:
Benson, AZHighlights:
Looking to beat the heat *and* see something completely unforgettable? Head underground at Kartchner Caverns for an otherworldly adventure full of glowing formations, living geology, and bat-filled wonders.Recommended For:
Cave lovers, families, geology fans, photographers, and anyone craving a cool, magical detour in southern Arizona.What I Love: ♥
The massive Kubla Khan column, delicate soda straw stalactites, and how these caves stayed a secret for so long—plus, the hiking trails above ground aren’t too shabby either!- Tour 2.4 miles of underground passageways on guided tours that highlight stunning formations and vibrant geological features.
- Marvel at the Throne Room's record-breaking soda straw stalactite and the towering Kubla Khan column.
- Discover unique zones like the Mud Flats, Strawberry Room, and Cul-de-Sac Passage—each with distinct textures and colors.
- Spot endangered Myotis velifer bats nesting during the summer months in this carefully preserved habitat.
- Hike above ground on scenic trails like the 4.2-mile Guindani Trail with sweeping desert views.
Distance from Sedona:
Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes by car (around 200 miles southeast).How to Get to Kartchner Caverns:
Take I-17 South from Sedona to I-10 East through Tucson. Exit at AZ-90 South and follow signs for Kartchner Caverns State Park near Benson. The visitor center is located at 2980 Arizona 90, Benson, AZ 85602.10. McDowell Mountain Regional Park
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Location:
Fountain Hills, AZHighlights:
If you’re looking for wide-open desert skies, quiet campsites, and miles of scenic trails, McDowell Mountain Regional Park is an easy win. It’s close enough for a quick getaway—but remote enough to truly disconnect.Recommended For:
Hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, campers, and wildlife watchers seeking a peaceful desert escape with modern amenities.What I Love: ♥
The vast trail system with something for every skill level, stunning views from the 3,000-foot ridgelines, and the chance to spot javelina and deer right from your tent or RV site.- Explore over 50 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through beautiful Sonoran Desert terrain.
- Ride one of three dedicated mountain biking loops that challenge both beginners and seasoned cyclists.
- Camp at scenic RV or tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and showers—perfect for stargazing after a long day on the trails.
- Watch for local wildlife, including coyotes, javelina, and deer as you wander the park’s quiet corners.
- Enjoy wide-open spaces at 3,000 feet above sea level, nestled at the edge of the McDowell Mountains near northern Fountain Hills.
Distance from Sedona:
About 2 hours and 15 minutes by car (roughly 115 miles south).How to Get to McDowell Mountain Regional Park:
From Sedona, take AZ-179 South to I-17 South. Merge onto Loop 101 East in Phoenix, then exit on Shea Blvd and follow signs through Fountain Hills to McDowell Mountain Park Drive. Address: 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr, MMRP, AZ 85268.📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What is Sedona known for?
- Sedona is a picturesque town in Arizona, famous for its mild year-round climate, New Age shops and spas, and breathtaking red rock buttes and canyons.
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Where is Sedona located?
- Sedona is situated near the city of Flagstaff, making it a convenient destination for exploring Northern Arizona.
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What natural attractions can be visited from Sedona?
- Sedona serves as a great jumping-off point for visiting some of Arizona’s most famous natural wonders, including the Grand Canyon, the steep Mogollon Rim, and the towering San Francisco Peaks.
Best Time for Day Trips from Sedona, Arizona:
- March to May – Spring offers blooming cacti, red rock views, and perfect hiking weather for canyons, ruins, and scenic drives.
- June to August – Warm summer days are great for early morning adventures to higher elevations, swimming holes, and pine forests.
- September to October – Cooler temps and golden light make fall ideal for wineries, vortex sites, and small historic towns.
- November – Peaceful trails, fewer tourists, and mild weather make this a great time for cultural and nature outings.
- December to February – Winter brings occasional snow-dusted red rocks, cozy cafés, and serene desert landscapes perfect for reflection and exploration.
Plan Your Trip