Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT WEBSITES WILL HELP ME PLAN MY VISIT TO SEDONA?

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SEDONA QUICK FACTS

Population: 11,000
Elevation: 4,500 feet
Square Mileage: 19 sq. mi.
Counties: Coconino and Yavapai
Founded: 1902
Incorporated: Yes - 1988
Highways: Interstate Hwy 17, St. Hwy 179, and St. Hwy 89A
Distance to Phoenix: 119 miles
Distance to Tucson: 230 miles
Distance to the Grand Canyon: 114 miles

HOW DO I GET TO SEDONA?

State Route 179 is designated as an All American Road by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) based on its natural, recreational and scenic qualities. The National Scenic Byways Program recognizes, preserves and enhances selected roads throughout the United States.

State Route 179 is currently undergoing road improvements. Visitors may experience minor traffic delays. For updates on road conditions, visit www.scenic179.com or call 800-529-2876. Also when in the vicinity tune into Highway Advisory Radio on AM 1630.

From Phoenix: Total Distance 119 miles/Estimated Time 2 hours

Option A: Take I-17 north towards Flagstaff (98 miles), Exit at State Route 179 (exit 298), Turn left (west) onto State Route 179, Proceed on State Route 179 to Sedona (14 miles)

Option B: Take I-17 north towards Flagstaff (98 miles), Exit at AZ 260 (exit 289), Turn left onto AZ 260, Proceed west toward Hwy 89A (16 miles), Turn right on Hwy 89A and continue to Sedona (19 miles)

From Las Vegas: Total Distance 275 miles/Estimated Time 5 hours

Take I-515/ US-93 towards Hoover Dam/ Arizona (20 miles), Continue on US-93 towards Kingman, AZ (6 miles), Turn left onto US-93/I-40 (78 miles), Proceed east on I-40 towards Flagstaff, AZ (145 miles), Take I-17 south (exit 195) (3 miles), Take Hwy 89A (exit 337), Proceed south on Hwy-89A to Sedona (23 miles)

From Los Angeles: Total Distance 482/ Estimated Time 7 hours 30 minutes

Option A: Take I-10 east to Hwy-101 north, Take Hwy 101 north to I-17 north, Follow option A or B from Phoenix

Option B: Take I-40 east towards Flagstaff, Take I-17 south (exit 195) (3 miles), Take Hwy 89A (exit 337), Proceed south on Hwy-89A to Sedona (23 miles)

IF I HAVE JUST ONE DAY TO SPEND IN SEDONA, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

In one day, you will get a taste of Sedona, and want to come back. In one day, you can see the beauty of the Red Rocks by stopping at Chapel of the Holy Cross or Airport Mesa via Airport Road. A Sedona Trolley Ride or a hike in Red Rock Country will show you the beauty of our vibrant city. In addition, there are numerous galleries, attractions and restaurants that you will want to see while you're in town. The Seven Red Rock Canyons off Dry Creek Road, Red Rock Crossing and the scenic drives of 89A through Oak Creek Canyon and Highway 179 to I-17 are sure to be pleasing. Please visit www.VisitSedona.com to learn more.

WHAT IS S-HUB?

S-HUB refers to Sedona (S) as the center of your travels to the east, west, north and south. Excursions can easily be planned from Sedona to Montezuma Castle, Indian Ruins , the ghost town of Jerome, the Grand Canyon, the Parks of the Navajo Nation, Canyon de Chelley and other interesting spots in Arizona and beyond.

DO I NEED A PASS TO PARK IN SEDONA TO VISIT THE SHOPS, GALLERIES AND RESTAURANTS?

No, you do not need a pass. However, if you want to hike in Red Rock Country you will need a RedRock Pass. It is not necessary to have the Red Rock Pass to stop and take a picture as long as you do not leave your car.

WE WOULD LIKE TO GO HIKING IN SEDONA, WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND?

There are numerous hikes in Sedona. Three low intensity hikes with beautiful views include the Bell Rock Pathway, Mystic Hills Trail, and Herkenham/Centenial Trail in West Sedona. Stop by the Sedona Visitor Center for additional hiking information. The Mund's Wagon Trail, Wilson Mountain Trail, Bear Mountain Trail, Brin's Mesa Trail and Long Canyon Trail prove to be long and/or difficult trails.

WHAT/WHERE ARE THE VORTEXES?

In the early 1970s Page Bryant wrote a book identifying centers of energy in Sedona. Each has its own attributes and collectively they began to attract the attention of the global New Age community after the 1986 Harmonic Convergence. The vortexes are located at Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon.

WHY ARE THE RED ROCKS RED?

Iron oxide resulting from a post-glacial age ocean that filled all of the Verde Valley.

WHERE CAN I FISH IN OAK CREEK CANYON?

Fishing is catch and release above Junipine Resort; catch and keep south of Junipine Resort--but be mindful of those areas marked "Private Property" and please do not trespass!

WHERE CAN I FIND THE MONGOLLAN RIM?

The Mongollan Rim starts at Showlow and runs to the top of Oak Creek Canyon.

WHAT IS THE CLOSEST COMMERCIAL AIRPORT?

Phoenix Sky Harbor International airport is 2 hours away from Sedona.

HOW FAR IS IT TO THE GRAND CANYON?

Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours depending upon traffic.

WHERE CAN I GO APPLE PICKING?

Oak Creek Valley, Garland's and Slide Rock State Park offer apple picking September-October.

ARE THERE ANY LOCAL COLLEGES?

Northern Arizona University, Yavapai Community College and Coconino Community College are all in the area.

WHAT IN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT IS SEDONA?

District 3, Coconino: 800-793-6181 and Yavapai 928-639-5807

WHERE IS THE CLOSEST RV DUMP?

Cottonwood Giant Gas Station, 634-8459, 999 S Main St.; Camp Verde Shell Food Mart & Subway, 567-3886 and Pine Grove Camp Ground just south of Upper Lake Mary all provide RV Dumps.

WHERE AND WHEN ARE SEDONA'S FARMERS MARKETS?

The Farmers Markets are on top of Airport Mesa (Friday mornings and Sundays), and at the Bell Rock Inn & Suites in the Village of Oak Creek, 928-203-8989, 9am-6pm, 7 days a week.

DOES SEDONA OFFER ANY HIKING GROUPS?

The Sedona Westerners, www.sedonawesterners.org, Trail Boss 928-203-0219 or the Wagon Boss at 928-203-4401.

WHERE CAN I FIND INTERNET ACCESS?

While in uptown Sedona, Mago Café provides internet access. The Ravenheart of Sedona and the community library in West Sedona provide access. The Worm Book Store in the Village of Oak Creek also has internet access.

WHERE CAN I GET A MONEY WIRE?

Safeway, Barsha's or Circle K

WHAT TIME ZONE IS SEDONA IN?

Sedona is in the mountain time throughout fall and the Pacific time in the Spring.