Sunrise to Sunset: A Phoenix → Sedona Day Cruise (No-Stress Game Plan)

Two hours each way, big views the whole time. Roll out before dawn, watch the desert wake up on I-17, dip into creek country by lunch, and wrap the day with a golden-hour panorama above town. This guide gives you the exact flow—stops, where to park, and when to pivot—so the day feels easy whether you’re in a classic, a truck, or a rental.

Why this route works

From Phoenix, Sedona is a straight shot: roughly 115 miles via I-17 North, then either SR-179 (best first-timer reveal of Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte) or SR-89A (creekside curves through Oak Creek Canyon). Leaving early dodges traffic, catches cooler temps, and frees you to linger where it’s pretty.

TL;DR: Coffee → I-17 sunrise → viewpoint stretch → optional history stop → Chapel & lunch → creek time → sunset from the overlook → glide home.

When to go (and how to time the light)

Outbound: Aim to be north of Loop 101 before sunrise so you’re rolling as the sky lifts over the Bradshaws. On weekends and holidays, that hour head start can save 30–60 minutes on I-17.

In Sedona: Midday is for lunch + mellow exploring; late afternoon for trail time or a shuttle-served viewpoint. Plan to reach the Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook 45–60 minutes before sunset to park without stress.

The day plan

1) North Phoenix launch: grab-and-go coffee

Stage your start on the north side so you’re not backtracking for caffeine. Any reliable spot near I-17/Carefree Hwy works—get coffee, snacks, and water squared away so the next stop is pure scenery.

2) Sunrise stretch at Sunset Point

About 40 miles up I-17, Sunset Point Rest Area (MP 251–252) serves both directions and sits right on a ridge with wide Bradshaw views—perfect for a leg stretch and a quick photo.

3) Classic pie stop (optional & fun): Rock Springs

Backtrack five minutes into Black Canyon City for Rock Springs Cafe—old-school pies, coffee, and road-trip vibes. Great if your crew skipped breakfast. (Check hours if you’re very early.)

4) History detour: Montezuma Castle National Monument (optional)

Break up the drive at Montezuma Castle near Camp Verde: an easy paved loop to a Sinagua cliff dwelling and a small museum. Plan ~45–75 minutes. Note: During federal shutdowns or special circumstances, NPS sites can close—always check the park’s website for current status before you go.

5) Roll into Sedona late morning: the reveal and lunch

SR-179 entrance: For the most dramatic first look, exit I-17 onto SR-179 and glide past Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. If parking is tight, pivot to lunch first, then revisit viewpoints later in the day.

Two easy lunch picks with views: The Hudson (west side, great patio) or Hideaway House (near Tlaquepaque, multiple terraces). Both take walk-ins but can get busy—consider a quick reservation on peak weekends.

6) Midday choices: chapel, creek, or an easy wander

Chapel of the Holy Cross: Quick, inspiring stop with skyline views. Check current hours and lot status before you go.
Red Rock State Park: Mellow trails, creek access, and ranger programs—ideal for families and casual walkers. See park info.
Crescent Moon Picnic Site: Low-effort Cathedral Rock photos across Oak Creek; shady spots and an iconic reflection view. Details via the USFS page.

7) Golden hour & sunset: Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook

Drive the short climb to the Airport Scenic Overlook above town for a wrap-up view across red rock country. Arrive early, bring a light layer, and stay through the color shift. It’s the easiest “wow” with minimal walking.

8) Optional add-ons if you’ve got time

Slide Rock State Park: Quick hop up Oak Creek Canyon for history, orchard views, and (in warm weather) a splashy creek. Check day-use info before committing—crowds and capacity vary.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village: Galleries, courtyards, and treats in a walkable complex; see visitor info for events and hours.

Passes, parking & stress-saving tips

Red Rock Pass 101: Many Sedona-area Forest Service sites require a Red Rock Pass. It covers Coconino National Forest day-use parking, but it’s not valid at Arizona State Parks or concession-managed sites that charge their own fees.
Shuttle-first trailheads: When in doubt, park at a Sedona Shuttle lot. It’s free, frequent on peak days, and removes the parking lottery.
Traffic sanity: Check AZ 511 before and during the drive for live incidents and cameras along I-17.

Addresses & simple nav

Sunset Point Rest Area: I-17 MP 251–252
Rock Springs Cafe: 35900 S Old Black Canyon Hwy, Black Canyon City
Montezuma Castle National Monument: 2800 N Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde
Chapel of the Holy Cross: 780 Chapel Rd, Sedona
Red Rock State Park: 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona
Crescent Moon Picnic Site: end of Red Rock Crossing Rd, Sedona
Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook: 538 Airport Rd, Sedona
Slide Rock State Park: 6871 AZ-89A, Sedona

Open the whole route in Google Maps

What to pack (quick)

Water, snacks, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and a light layer for sunset.
Comfortable shoes—even “easy” stops involve short walks on uneven ground.
Parking payment options (card/cash) for day-use areas and overlooks.

Sunrise to Sunset: Phoenix to Sedona Day Cruise