Las Vegas to Sedona Road Trip: 10 Stops to Make on the Way
Las Vegas to Sedona is an easy Southwest road trip, but there’s no reason to drive straight through. I’ve mapped the route, the best places to stop along the way and an alternate option if you have more time.
Need ideas for planning a road trip from Las Vegas to Sedona? Let me help you out. I’ve traveled all over the southwest, solo, and with my daughter who lives in Nevada and this is one of my favorite road trip routes.
The scenery is incredible — from the Mojave Desert to higher altitudes and ponderosa pines to the red rocks of Sedona — it’s an almost perfect drive. The best part is it’s less than 5 hours from Las Vegas. Here’s how to do it.
Planning Your Las Vegas to Sedona Road Trip
How Many Days Do You Need?
You can drive from Las Vegas to Sedona in one day and still have time to see some sights along the way without arriving completely worn out. That’s the itinerary outlined below but you can always add more time and more stops to the route.
Two days gives you time to really slow it down — maybe spend the night in Williams and visit Grand Canyon National Park. Three or four days, allows you to add Flagstaff or even Phoenix. Probably not both but one or the other.
Have a week? Then turn this route into a much bigger road trip by going from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, continuing on to Sedona and Phoenix before circling back on the alternate route below to Las Vegas.
If you do decide to breakup your trip, just because, then either Williams or Flagstaff are the most logical stopping points. Williams is a bit closer to Las Vegas and Flagstaff is 32 miles or about an hour from Sedona.
Renting a Vehicle in Las Vegas
Flying into Las Vegas you’ll definitely need a vehicle for your road trip. A rental car is the best option for most people but if you’re planning to spend more time on the road or want to camp then renting an RV is another option. Nevada and Arizona both have loads of public lands to park on.
For cars and SUVs, DiscoverCars.com makes it easy to compare vehicles and prices to find exactly what you need. For RVs and campers, RVshare is a helpful website for renting from local RV owners. Some even offer to bring the rental to you.
Southerner says: It’s best to get the rental at the airport but parking in Las Vegas is expensive. So if you plan on a few days in town before your road trip, you can find rental offices all over the city — even in some hotels. In my experience though, there’s usually a better selection at the airport and it’s more affordable.
Prepping for Your Road Trip
Flying with all your outdoor and camping gear isn’t exactly practical. And the added expense of buying everything you need just to use it for a few days isn’t too savvy either.
The solution? Renting what you need. Not only is it convenient, it’s a more sustainable option than buying cheap gear for one trip and leaving it behind or throwing it away afterward. Basecamp Outdoor Gear, near the Vegas airport, offers gear rental and helps you get what you need for your trip without wasteful spending.
For other supplies or food, drinks and road trip necessities, grocery stores like Walmart, Smith’s and Vons are nearby the airport too so you can stock up before getting on the road. I’ve put those on the Google map below.
The Route
How far is Las Vegas to Sedona? The easiest and most direct route is approximately 280 miles and takes about four and a half hours if you drive it straight through, via Interstate 11, Highway 93, I-40, I-17 and ultimately 89A — a good mix of interstate and secondary roads.
What’s great about this particular route is that even though it’s the most convenient and quickest, there are still plenty of interesting places to stop. If you prefer an even slower route with more off the beaten path sights, then the alternate route through Prescott and Jerome might be what you are looking for. More details on that below.
One more thing to know when planning: Las Vegas and Sedona aren’t always on the same time. Arizona doesn’t observe Daylight Saving Time, while Nevada does, so the time difference depends on when you travel. Set your phone to update automatically and double check any reservations or tour times when you cross the state line.
The map shows all the routes and stops in layers. Click the slider in the top left corner to toggle the layers with different routes on and off. It’s helpful if you want to focus on the stops you care about. You can also save the map to your own Google account by clicking the faint star at the end of the title.
Las Vegas to Sedona Stops
Las Vegas
The thing I also love about starting a road trip from Las Vegas is it can be whatever you need it to be. It’s the ideal hub. If you fly in and want to head straight out, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is close to the interstates and makes it easy.
Arriving late? Then there are plenty of places to stay over and get a good night’s sleep before hitting the road. This Tru by Hilton is right by the airport and the interstate. If you want a true Vegas experience without going to the Strip then the Virgin Hotel is a good option and it’s under two miles from the airport.
Starting and ending your road trip in Las Vegas also gives you a few days to prepare — or recover — take your pick. Wind down at resorts like the Vdara or Park MGM — both chill, low key properties. Find a little more action at The Cosmopolitan or Flamingo. And if you don’t care for the Strip then try one of the “local” casinos like the Durango (love their pool).
Or keep the road trip going and take advantage of being close to so many public lands like Red Rock Canyon or Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. Even a visit to Death Valley is doable and Nevada has an awesome line-up of state parks nearby. Ice Age Fossils State Park and Valley of Fire are two I recommend.
Hoover Dam
37 miles from Las Vegas
Heading out of town the first stop from Las Vegas to Sedona is the Hoover Dam. If you’ve only ever seen the dam in a movie then you have to stop to see it in person. Photos and on-screen do not prepare you for how impressive it is.
Constructed in the 1930s during the Great Depression, the dam is one of the most significant engineering projects in American history. Built primarily to harness the power of the Colorado River and provide water and electricity to growing desert cities, the dam continues to play a crucial role in managing the river’s water and supplying power to the Southwest.
Located within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the Bureau of Reclamation oversees the dam and offers three tour options. I highly recommend the tour that includes the dam’s turbine room and access to the visitor center and historic exhibit room. A morning tour should still get you to Sedona by early evening.
Getting to the Hoover Dam From Las Vegas
You’ve got three ways to get to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas. My favorite is the scenic drive through Lake Mead National Recreation Area (there’s an entrance fee, but the views are rewarding). If you’d rather skip the fee, take I-11 to Boulder City and grab breakfast before continuing on Highway 93 to the dam.
In a hurry? Just stay on I-11 straight to the dam — but be sure to stop at the Robert L. Mendenhall Scenic Overlook for one of the best views of Lake Mead. See the Google Map for more details about that.
Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Bridge
37 miles from Las Vegas
If you’re in a hurry to get to Sedona and don’t have time for a full proper visit to Hoover Dam, at least stop and walk across the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
This bridge opened in 2010 and replaced the old two-lane highway across the dam. The best part? A pedestrian walkway added along side the car lanes giving you a bird’s-eye views of Hoover Dam, the Colorado River and Lake Mead. This is the view of the dam.
Just follow signs to the bridge viewing area on the Hoover Dam Access Rd. Parking is free and it’s an easy accessible walk. Go out about halfway for the best views and on your way back don’t forget to snap a photo of the Nevada state sign.
Just so you know: there is a security checkpoint for the dam and the bridge. Pro tip: on your way out stop by the Lake Mead Lakeview Overlook for a terrific view of Lake Mead.
Colorado River Overlook
51 miles from Las Vegas
Just south of Hoover Dam and still within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the next stop is listed on Google Maps as Willow Beach Scenic Overlook. It’s one of the few places along Highway 93 where you can get a good look at the Colorado River.
There’s a overlook on both sides of the highway but the northbound is higher so I think it’s a little better. Heading to Sedona you’ll have to make a U-turn to get there. But the payoff at the right time of day — morning up until about 2 pm — is you’ll get some pretty awesome views of Black Canyon and the river.
Boulder City
28 miles from Las Vegas
Boulder City is one of my favorite small towns in the United States. I love it so much I spent last winter there. The town started as a place to house the workers building the dam. And many of the original homes and buildings are still standing.
The vibe is a close-knit, hometown feel. The downtown is adorable and easy to explore on foot. Reminders of its Hoover Dam heritage are everywhere. You’ll see old turbines, public art and mural scattered around town.
Interestingly enough, for a town this size, the restaurant scene is surprisingly good. The Coffee Cup is the perfect place to grab breakfast or lunch before continuing on to Sedona. Or pickup Mexican food from Habaneros drive-thru or coffee from Boulder Dam Roast House.
If you have time, learn more about the history of Boulder City and its role in the Hoover Dam construction at the museum in the Boulder Dam Hotel. Have lunch, or spend the night, and join a huge group of celebrities who’ve stayed at the hotel over the years.
If you’re looking for only one thing to do in town then try and catch a glimpse of the bighorn sheep that gather at Hemenway Park.
Kingman, Arizona
107 miles from Las Vegas
Kingman is a convenient place to break up the drive between Las Vegas and Sedona. While most people stop for gas or lunch, it’s worth spending a little time exploring the historic downtown, where the town’s railroad roots and Route 66 heritage are still on display.
Founded in 1882, Kingman began as a railroad town after the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad established a stop here. Decades later, its location along historic Route 66 made it one of the highway’s most important stops, and today both chapters of its history still have a presence downtown.
If you’re interested in Route 66, don’t miss the Arizona Route 66 Museum and make sure you snap a photo at the famous Route 66 shield. Railroad enthusiasts should stop by the Kingman Railroad Museum, housed inside the historic Santa Fe Depot. It’s volunteer-run, so check the hours before you go.
Before getting back on I-40, look for Route 66 murals and stop for a meal at Floyd & Co. Real Pit BBQ or Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner, a Kingman institution known for its homemade root beer and thick milkshakes.
Seligman, Arizona
180 miles from Las Vegas
Next up is Seligman — yet another Route 66 town along this Las Vegas to Sedona route. It’s just a couple of miles off I-40, making it an easy detour if you want to see one of the more famous stretches of the Mother Road.
Full of kitschy gift shops, vintage eateries and drive-in-style places, Seligman is a throwback to another time. To be blunt, it’s kind of a junkpile but that’s part of the appeal. If you’re a road tripper doing this route for the first time, I’d make the detour just to say you’ve been there. Some people absolutely love Seligman, and if old cars, Americana and kitschy roadside attractions are your thing, you might be one of them.
One word of warning: Don’t count on everything being open when you visit. I’ve been to Seligman twice and found many of the shops and businesses closed both times — most recently I went on a Saturday. If there’s something specific you want to see or visit, check the hours before making the detour.
Coming from Las Vegas, take Exit 121 to see the “World’s Largest Route 66 Sign” painted on the side of a building. From there you’ll pass through the historic part of Seligman before leaving via Exit 123 and the official Welcome to Seligman sign.
Williams, Arizona
220 miles from Las Vegas
Williams is different from the other Route 66 towns on this drive — less kitsch and more wild west frontier town. It’s also the closest base (of the places on this list) to Grand Canyon National Park — just fifty-five miles from the south entrance and a logical place to stay over. You can even ditch the car and take the Grand Canyon Railway into the park.
A couple of things I really enjoyed in Williams was Bearizona — a drive-through wildlife park that I liked way more than I expected and the World Famous Sultana Bar has been open since 1912 — which makes it older than Route 66 itself. I also had country-fried steak and homemade pie at Pine Country Restaurant and pancakes at Goldie’s Route 66 Diner.
Staying overnight in Williams? The three places I suggest are The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel, The Ellisworth Hotel and Trailborn Grand Canyon.
Flagstaff, Arizona
253 miles from Las Vegas
More than just a stop, Flagstaff is a place you could spend a month and still find plenty of things to do. At 7,000 feet elevation, surrounded by the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, it’s the opposite of what people picture when they think of Arizona. Stop, smell the pines, feel the cooler temps and wonder why you didn’t plan to stay here.
If you have time for one thing on your Las Vegas to Sedona road trip, then don’t miss the San Francisco Peaks and Humphrey’s Peak — the highest mountain in Arizona. Weather permitting, the scenic loop is a fun way to see the area. Or explore one or two of the nearby national monuments, including Sunset Crater, Walnut Canyon or Wupatki.
Flagstaff’s downtown — also on Route 66 — has a wonderful cafe and coffee culture. I have a couple of favorite spots here, including Matador Coffee Roasting for a coffee break and Eat n’ Run Route 66 Cafe when I’m ready for a bite.
Oak Creek Vista
263 miles from Las Vegas
Just 17 minutes south of Flagstaff, you’ll come to one of prettiest views of this entire drive. Oak Creek Vista looks out over Oak Creek Canyon — a 12 mile long gorge carved from time and shifting tectonic plates. If it hasn’t already happened, this is where you’ll fall in love with the Coconino National Forest.
The Forest Service manages an overlook and small visitor center here. You’ll find paved and unpaved walking trails that crisscross through the trees and in the summer, wildflowers galore. For those of us who are always searching for the best picnic table, there are several scattered through the trees.
One of the things I enjoy most about this stop is the small Native American Artisan Market featuring handmade arts and crafts — turquoise jewelry, ornaments, pottery and sculptures. Weather permitting, the market is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm in the summer and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the winter months. Go for the views and leave with a souvenir.
Slide Rock State Park
272 miles from Las Vegas
The closer you get to Sedona, the more the landscape changes from forest to the red sandstone cliffs this area is so famous for. You’ll pass several Forest Service waysides, picnic areas and campgrounds along Oak Creek, a perennial stream that winds through the Coconino National Forest and Oak Creek Canyon.
Oak Creek forms a variety of swimming holes and places to cool off in the summer heat. Slide Rock State Park is one of the most popular spots to get in the water. Once a privately owned apple orchard, the park is now public land. You can still visit the historic orchard and learn more about the property’s history at the visitor center, which also highlights other activities in the park.
If you want to swim or spend some time exploring Slide Rock, plan to arrive early. The park closes at 6 p.m. in summer, and it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. If you’re driving from Las Vegas to Sedona in one day, this is one stop where you’ll need to watch the clock.
Sedona, Arizona
280 miles from Las Vegas
Sedona is hard to describe until you see it for yourself. The red rocks seem to rise straight out of the desert, and the way the light hits them changes throughout the day. Evening is one of my favorite times and you can’t stop looking because it just doesn’t seem real.
One thing to know is you don’t have to hike to enjoy Sedona. In fact, you don’t have to do much of anything. Drive through Oak Creek Canyon, find a place to sit and watch the light change, have dinner, browse the shops or simply take in the scenery. There’s plenty to experience without ever putting on a pair of hiking boots.
Plenty of tour companies make it simple to see Sedona. In busy times, it’s better to go with someone who knows how to get around. Choose from vortex tours, jeep tours and even wine tastings. The ultimate tour is this private full-day to all the best spots.
An Alternate Route From Las Vegas to Sedona
If you’ve driven the more direct route to Sedona from Las Vegas or just want to slow things down and see a different part of the state, take I-40 to Ash Fork, then head south toward Prescott on Highway 93. This route adds about an hour of driving but takes you through several historic Arizona towns before reaching Sedona.
Prescott is worthy of a stop for its Victorian architecture, courthouse plaza and historic Whiskey Row. I’ve stayed overnight here and think it deserves more than a quick pass-through.
Jerome is a former copper mining town perched on the side of Mingus Mountain and now an artists’ community. It’s cute and very scenic but parking can be a nightmare. Facture that into your plans and that it could take more time than you think. Even if you don’t stop, the drive through the area is something else.
Just below Jerome, Clarkdale is home to Tuzigoot National Monument and one of the most popular tours in the area, the Verde Canyon Railroad. Ride in a vintage train car, or open-air viewing car, along the Verde River into a remote canyon. Along the way are cliff dwellings, old mining sites and hopefully some wildlife.
Check the schedule and book your tour in advance and don’t be like me. I missed going twice because it doesn’t run every day and I planned poorly.
I had one of the best meals in Old Cottonwood. This easygoing town is a good stop with shops and restaurants along Main Street and even a few wineries. I like it more than Jerome and think it’s the better place to linger before the final stretch into Sedona through the Verde Valley. Or stay in Sedona and come back. It’s that close
If you add this alternate route to the main route, it forms a natural circle, starting and ending in Las Vegas, so you could drive it roundtrip and experience both routes without backtracking.
When is the Best Time to Visit Sedona?
In my opinion, there’s not a bad time to visit Sedona. I’ve been in September, December and January and enjoyed them all. Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) are the most popular overall, so parking, trailheads and getting around can be frustrating. Go in knowing you may have to work a little harder to find the experience you’re looking for.
Spring is beautiful based on the photos I’ve seen, though I haven’t visited myself during this season yet. Blooming desert flowers and mild temperatures make it one of the most popular windows to visit, so expect crowds at the main trailheads and viewpoints.
Summer is decent because Sedona sits at 4,400 feet, so, it’s more bearable than Phoenix but midday temperatures still climb. The advantage is fewer people and the monsoon season in July and August brings dramatic afternoon storms.
Winter is supposed to be the quiet season in Sedona but I went right after New Year’s and there were so many people I didn’t stay very long. That said, Sedona in December and January can be quieter and more affordable than spring and fall and occasionally dusted with snow on the red rocks, which would be something to see. Aim for mid-January through February after the holiday crowd clears. Be aware that Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon can get icy so check road conditions.
Fall is probably my favorite time to visit Sedona. Temperatures are close to perfect for hiking, days are warm without being brutal and nights cool off enough for a jacket. Wildflowers are still hanging on, the summer monsoon dust has settled and the light hits the red rocks in a way that makes for some of the best photos of the year.
Where to Stay in Sedona
Sedona is divided into several distinct areas and your location is important. The town is small but traffic and parking can be a pain, so staying close to where you want to spend most of your time makes a difference.
Uptown Sedona
Uptown Sedona — the most touristy area — is full of restaurants and shopping and is home to the Sedona Heritage Museum and the Sedona Arts Center. If you want to park the car and walk this is the neighborhood. For a lux stay in this area, the Amara Resort & Spa is super popular but my pick is the Arroyo Roble Resort with a high-end western desert feel. For something more affordable check out the adorable Historic Star Motel.
West Sedona
West Sedona, west of Uptown, offers more of a local feel with a commercial area and plenty of hiking trails nearby. This is convenient for the Verde Canyon train or visiting Jerome from Sedona. Sky Ranch Lodge is one of the top resorts in Sedona and just a stone’s throw from Airport Mesa — one of the most popular overlooks. Sedona Springs Resorts is another good option and a little further from town.
Village of Oak Creek
South of town, lies the Village of Oak Creek. Stay here if you want to be away from all the hubbub and save a bit of money. I really enjoyed the Element Sedona. In my opinion, the Element brand is one of the best in the Marriott lineup. And even though it is a chain they hit the local vibe hard. This particular property has a really gorgeous pool and fire pits. The Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock is also really nice. For a non-resort in this area, the smaller Desert Quail Inn might be your thing.
FAQ
How long is the drive from Las Vegas to Sedona?
Driving straight through, Las Vegas to Sedona is approximately 279 miles and takes about four and a half hours without stopping. With stops along the way plan for a full day.
Is Las Vegas to Sedona a good road trip?
One of the best. The landscape changes dramatically from the Mojave Desert through the ponderosa pine forests around Flagstaff and down into the red rocks of Sedona. It’s one of my favorite drives in the southwest.
What is the best time of year to drive from Las Vegas to Sedona?
Spring and fall are the most popular for good reason — comfortable temperatures and the best light on the red rocks. Summer is hot but doable. Winter can mean icy roads on Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon so check road conditions before you go.
Las Vegas to Sedona Tips
- I love real maps and a Sedona area map is helpful to have on hand. This one includes details about the nearby national forests and hiking trails.
- Guidebooks are also useful. Moon Phoenix, Scottsdale & Sedona Guide provides advice from a local with tips and tricks about visiting Sedona.
- Sedona has a lot of visitors and this puts pressure on the trails and fragile desert environment. Remember to stay on designated trails, pack out what you bring in and follow posted parking and access rules. The landscape is the reason people come here in the first place, so protecting it has to be part of visiting Sedona.
- Even on a road trip, travel insurance is important. Medical emergencies away from home can mean out-of-network costs that add up fast. Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com or Insuremytrip.com before you go. (I usually check both).
The Road Doesn’t End in Sedona
This route has way more to offer than one day can hold — and that’s exactly the point. Consider this your menu, not your itinerary. Pick one stop or pick a few and then save the rest for next time because there will be a next time.
Before you go, grab my free road trip packing checklist so you don’t forget anything important. And if you want even more road trip planning, these will help:
- How to Plan a Road Trip: A Step by Step Guide
- 17 Road Trip Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
- How to Road Trip Responsibly
One last thing: I plan trips for a living so if you’d rather have someone else put the pieces together for Sedona, I’m just an email away.
See you on the road!
Author: Lori Blalock
A girl raised in the south, Lori is the founder of Southerner Says and is a travel advisor who’s road tripped all 50 states, visited half the states in Mexico and has been to more than a handful of Caribbean islands and Central American countries. Passionate about small towns, national parks, brunch and barbeque, she writes about and helps others plan adventures in North America and beyond. Georgia is home — but she’s rarely there.
