Sedona | FAQs | Resources

FAQ / Resources

Q: How long should I stay in Sedona?
A: Many people only drive through Sedona however we HIGHLY recommend an extended visit of at least 2-3 nights as there are many activity options to enjoy. Your personal concierge can assist you with your choices and logistically plan your itinerary. Contact our experienced staff at 800-548-1420 for assistance.

Q: When is the best time to visit Sedona?
A: Expect heavy crowds during spring and fall months. You will find fewer crowds in the summer, late fall and winter. You can expect value pricing at local hotels and resorts are in summer and winter (excluding National holidays).

Q: Should we wait to book our tours or hotel reservations once we get to the area?
A: We recommend tour and hotel reservations before you get to the local area. Often times, hotels and tours are completely sold out if you attempt to book them on the same day or within a short period prior to your arrival. Lodging in Sedona becomes completely booked well in advance during peak season especially on the weekends (mid March through Mid June and mid September through early November). Your personal concierge can assist you with your choices and logistically plan your itinerary and lodging options. Contact our experienced concierge staff at 800-548-1420 for assistance and recommendations.

Q: What fun tours and activities can we do during our time at the Grand Canyon?
A: There are plenty of fun and enjoyable options to choose from for travelers of all ages. Hiking, mountain biking, jeep tours, Native American sites, and shopping are a few options. Your personal concierge can assist you with your choices and logistically plan your itinerary. Contact our experienced staff at 800-548-1420 for assistance or visit our Tour and Activities Page on our website.

Q: How far is it from the South Rim to where we are coming from?
A: Flagstaff – 30 miles (50 minutes)
Phoenix – 115 miles (2 hours)
Las Vegas – 280 miles (4.3 hours)
Grand Canyon South Rim – 115 miles (2 hours)
Monument Valley – 200 miles (3.5 hours)
Page (Lake Powell) – 165 miles (3 hours)
Bryce Canyon National Park – 315 miles (5.5 hours)
Zion National Park – 310 miles (6 hours)
Los Angeles – 480 miles (7 hours)
Salt Lake City – 540 miles (9 hours)
Albuquerque – 350 miles (5 hours)

Q: Where should I stay when I visit Sedona?
A: Sedona offers many types of lodging facilities from 4 Diamond Spa and Resorts, moderate hotels, bed and breakfast Inns, and budget hotels/motels. Your personal concierge can assist you with your choices and logistically plan your itinerary. Contact our experienced staff at 800-548-1420 for assistance.

Q: Where do we fly into when visiting Sedona?
A: We recommend flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Sedona is a 2 hour drive from Phoenix.

Q: What time zone is most cities in Arizona in?
A: Sedona, Arizona is on Mountain Standard Time year round and does not observe Daylight Savings. This fact may cause confusion if you travel from a state bordering Arizona. From spring to early autumn, Arizona is on the same time zone as Los Angeles and Las Vegas. During late autumn and winter, Arizona is on the same time as Salt Lake City and Denver. The Navajo Indian Reservation in northeastern Arizona is the exception to this fact as they do observe Daylight Savings Time.

Q: I understand that Arizona is always hot and I am not certain what to pack? What is the weather in Sedona?
A: Sedona is at 4500 feet in elevation (higher than in Phoenix/Scottsdale). During the spring and fall, temperatures are very pleasant with highs in the 70’s and 80’s. Summers can be hot and usually in the high 90’s and the low 100’s (About 10 degrees cooler than Phoenix). Summer evenings always cool off and range in the high 60’s to low 70’s. The winter months can have daytime highs ranging from 30 degrees to 60 degrees. Nights can range from the mid-teens to the 30’s.

Q: How do I get to Sedona?
A: 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 115 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 280 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 480/ 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)

Q: What is a Vortex?
A: In Sedona vortexes are created, not by wind or water, but from spiraling spiritual energy. The vortexes of Sedona are named because they are believed to be spiritual locations where the energy is right to facilitate prayer, mediation and healing. Vortex sites are believed to be locations having energy flow that exists on multiple dimensions. The energy of the vortexes interacts with a person’s inner self. It is not easily explained. Obviously it must be experienced. There are four main vortex sites located in the Sedona area. The term vortex refers to its less common definition: “A place or situation regarded as drawing into its center all that surrounds it.” In other words, a vortex is a site where the energy of an area is concentrated. Because Sedona as a whole is known to be a spiritual power spot, a vortex site in Sedona is a place where one can feel Sedona’s spiritual energy most strongly.

Q: What are the commonly identified vortexes in Sedona?
A: The commonly identified vortex areas are Airport Mesa, closest to the Uptown area of Sedona. It offers panoramic views of Sedona and the surrounding Red Rock area. Bell Rock, adjoining the Village of Oak Creek, has an easily identifiable bell- shape formation and is located south of Uptown Sedona along Highway 179. Boynton Canyon, still a site for annual Native American ceremonies, is off Dry Creek Road in West Sedona and offers the longest hike of the four main vortex sites–up to three hours round trip. Cathedral Rock, located on Lower Red Rock Loop Road, is the most photographed site in Sedona. The cathedral-like structure rises above Oak Creek. Other special places to connect with the sacred energy of Sedona include The Chapel of the Holy Cross, Schnebly Hill, and West Fork (in Oak Creek Canyon).

Q: Do I need a permit to hike or park in the designated parking areas?
A:Yes. A Red Rock pass is required to park at any of the public parking areas in the National Forest Area (this includes just about every hiking trailhead parking area in Sedona). You can obtain a Red Rock pass at many establishments such at the Sedona Visitors Center and many of the quick mart shopping stores.

Q: What other areas in Arizona should we consider visiting during our vacation?
A: Your personal concierge can assist you with your choices and logistically plan your itinerary. Contact our experienced staff at 1-928-649-3090 for assistance. Some of your choices are the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Jerome, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Wupatki National Monument (and other Native American historic sites).