There are some towns you can pass through at 45 miles an hour and not blink an eye. And then there’s Sedona, a place where you slow down and roll down the window to see things you may have never seen before, like 20 square miles of powerful, sculptural red cliffs that create one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

One could argue that every road in Sedona is a scenic drive, as red rocks dominate the landscape at just about every turn. But for a sustained, scenic adventure on the open road, there are three drives worth taking for the spectacular vistas and points of interest along the way.

The place to rendez-vous and share your tales from the road is Ambiente, a landscape hotel.  Located in the heart of Sedona on 89A, this is a convenient and elegant stop on your journey. Stay for a night or two and immerse yourself in the landscape, capturing IMAX-type views from your guest atrium and rooftop. Or, stop in to enjoy lunch or a celebratory dinner after an epic road trip through red rock country at their signature restaurant, Forty1.

When the open road beckons, take a Sedona scenic drive on one of these routes, and don’t miss the roadside attractions.

Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179)

Known as the gateway to Sedona, this 7.5 drive begins just off Interstate 17 and winds through Red Rock Country, from the Village of Oak Creek to Sedona and continues on through the Coconino National Forest. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of some of the major red rock formations like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Courthouse Butte.

Named a National Scenic Byway by the U.S. Department of Transportation, this iconic route also received its highest designation, “All-American Road,” as one of the top scenic routes in the country.

Begin this Sedona drive by taking exit 298 off Interstate 17 onto SR 179. The red rock scenery begins almost immediately, and there are pull-offs where you can stop and take pictures. If you need maps or help planning hikes, stop at the Red Rock Scenic Byway Visitor Center in the Village of Oak Creek.

Next stop is Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s vortexes. If you’re up for an easy hike of under 4 miles, take the Bell Rock Pathway for great views of neighboring Courthouse Butte, another major red rock formation.

Drive on and take a right on Chapel Road (off SR 179) to visit Chapel of the Holy Cross, an architecturally beautiful chapel built into the red rock buttes. Visitors are welcome at this peaceful sanctuary with spectacular views.

Farther down the road is Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village on the banks of Oak Creek. Park and stroll through lovely courtyards with fountains fashioned after a traditional Mexican village and visit art galleries and boutiques.

If you’re heading back to Ambiente for dinner, drive up the road to Airport Mesa, another one of Sedona’s vortexes. This panoramic view of Sedona is especially beautiful at the golden hour just before sunset. 

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive (SR 89A) 

Another National Scenic Byway, this 14-mile scenic route parallels Oak Creek and gains elevation approaching Flagstaff. It’s not for the faint-of-heart, as there are multiple hairpin turns and switchbacks, but the vistas of towering red rock cliffs and forests are breathtaking. If you’re the driver, you can focus on the views at the end point, Oak Creek Vista overlook.

From Ambiente, drive north on 89A through Uptown Sedona. As you leave the town behind, you’ll soon reach the 200-foot Midgley Bridge spanning Oak Creek. Park here to take in views of the bridge, beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, and the creek below. 

Back on the road, drive till you reach Slide Rock State Park, a must-visit for the natural rock water slides in Oak Creek. During warmer months, the swimming hole is a great spot to cool off with canyon views. If you want an easy hike, follow the scenic Pendley Homestead Trail amidst old apple orchards and a former apple packing barn.

If you want to hike deeper in the canyon, just a little farther up the road is the trailhead for WestFork Trail. This 6.5 mile out-and-back trail is moderately challenging and leads you down to the creek where you have a different view, looking up at soaring canyon walls. It’s cool in the summer, and in the fall the changing leaves put on a colorful show. 

The 89A road begins to climb from this point on, with switchbacks and amazing views of the canyon cliffs as the canopy of oak trees gives way to tall Ponderosa pines.

Stop at Indian Gardens Café & Market for sandwiches, salads, and coffee in a peaceful garden setting. Indian Gardens was the homesite of Jim Thompson, who was the first European settler in the canyon around 1870.

The final stop brings you to the top of Oak Creek Canyon for a panoramic view at Oak Creek Vista Overlook. Take some time to admire the view, and browse the jewelry and art for sale from Native American vendors before heading back to Sedona. There’s visitor information and restrooms located here as well.

Boynton Pass Road (Dry Creek Road & Boynton Canyon)

This drive, about 8 miles one-way, takes you into Red Rock backcountry with a choice of hiking trails, another vortex, and peaceful spots to soak in the scenery. If you don’t want to hike, there are plenty of gorgeous views without getting out of the car.

Begin at the intersection of Dry Creek Road and SR 89A in West Sedona. As you drive along Dry Creek Road, you’ll see the red rock formations of  Capitol Butte (Thunder Mountain) and Chimney Rock on your right.

For a photo stop, look for the Secret Slickrock Trail, a lesser-known, 0.6-mile roundtrip trail with one of the best views of Cathedral Rock.

Hikers will want to stop at Devil’s Bridge Trailhead. This is one of Sedona’s most famous hikes, leading to the only natural sandstone arch in the area. The hike is four miles roundtrip with incredible views of red rock formations from the arch.  

Drive on to Boynton Pass Vortex & Trail and find a place to park. It’s a short walk from the trailhead to Kachina Woman, a tall, distinctive rock spire resembling a woman watching over the canyon. The central part of Boynton Canyon vortex is thought to be in this area, balancing both masculine and feminine energies. Take some time for quiet contemplation and enjoy the peaceful setting.

Drive back to Sedona on Dry Creek Road, enjoying the changing colors of Sedona’s red rock formations in the late afternoon light.

When you next want to get lost in the beauty of the journey, head to Sedona. Slow down, take the scenic route, and enjoy the ride. As Jack Kerouac wrote in On the Road, “There is nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.”

And that is a great feeling.