This Phoenix–Sedona–Flagstaff weekend loop covers roughly 230 miles and about 5 hours of total drive time, routing north on I-17 and returning via AZ-89A and AZ-89 through Jerome and Prescott. It’s the most scenically efficient two-day escape from Phoenix in any season — and in mid-August, the elevation gains make it genuinely comfortable. The route climbs from the 1,100-foot Valley of the Sun to Flagstaff’s 7,000-foot plateau, shedding 20–30°F of heat along the way. Red rock country, a ghost town, a ponderosa pine forest, and one of the West’s most underrated mountain towns all fit inside a single weekend.
Quick Facts
- Total distance: ~230 miles (full loop back to Phoenix adds ~115 miles via I-17)
- Total drive time: ~5 hours behind the wheel across both days
- Best season: Year-round; summer is ideal for elevation escape
- Number of stops: 5 major stops
- Starting point: Phoenix, AZ
- Ending point: Flagstaff, AZ (or loop back to Phoenix via I-17)
Who This Route Is For
- Perfect for Phoenix locals wanting a quick summer escape without flying — the elevation drop in temperature is dramatic and fast.
- Good for first-time Southwest visitors who want red rock scenery, history, and food without committing to a week-long trip.
- Not recommended for RVs over 30 ft on AZ-89A between Sedona and Jerome — the switchbacks through Oak Creek Canyon and Mingus Mountain are tight and steep.
- Solid choice for solo drivers or couples who want flexibility; most stops are walkable once you park.
Phoenix, AZ — Start Here
Leave Phoenix early on Saturday morning via I-17 North. Traffic on I-17 through north Phoenix can stack up before 9 a.m. on summer weekends, so a 7:30 a.m. departure is practical. Fill your tank in Phoenix before leaving — there are no full-service stations between the northern suburbs and the Cordes Junction exit (Exit 262) for roughly 50 miles. Temperatures in Phoenix will already be pushing 100°F by mid-morning on August 15; the drive up to Sedona will drop you into the low 80s.
Arcosanti (~1 hour from Phoenix, 65 miles via I-17 N to AZ-69)
Exit I-17 at Cordes Junction (Exit 262) and follow the dirt road 2.5 miles to Arcosanti, the ongoing urban laboratory and architecture experiment started by Paolo Soleri in 1970. Tours run daily and take about 75 minutes. The bronze wind bells cast here make a legitimate souvenir — they’re made on-site. This stop is easy to skip if you’re pressed for time, but it reframes the rest of the drive in an interesting way. Back on I-17, continue north.
Sedona, AZ (~1 hour 15 min from Arcosanti, 55 miles via I-17 N to AZ-179 N)
Exit I-17 at the AZ-179 interchange and head north into Sedona. Plan to arrive by late morning to beat the worst of the afternoon heat on the trails. Red Rock Pass required: day-use parking at most trailheads costs $5–$12; buy it at the Sedona Visitor Center on AZ-89A or through the Red Rock Country website before you go. Cathedral Rock Trail (1.5 miles round-trip, moderate) and Bell Rock Pathway (3.6 miles, easy) are both manageable in summer if you start before 10 a.m. and carry water.
For lunch, Elote Cafe on King’s Ransom Drive is one of the most consistently excellent restaurants in Arizona — the eponymous elote and the red chile short rib are worth the wait. They don’t take reservations for parties under six, so arrive at 11:30 a.m. when they open. Sedona also has a National Forest ranger station at 8375 AZ-179 where you can pick up maps and check for any trail closures due to fire risk, which is real in August.
Summer hazard: Afternoon monsoon storms hit Sedona hard from late July through mid-September. By 2–3 p.m., thunder is common. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and use the afternoon for Oak Creek Canyon.
Jerome, AZ (~45 minutes from Sedona, 25 miles via AZ-89A W)
Head west out of Sedona on AZ-89A — this is the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road, one of the most technically interesting drives in Arizona. The road climbs 2,000 feet in under 10 miles through switchbacks above the canyon floor. Take it slow; the views reward patience and passing is limited. Jerome sits at 5,000 feet on the side of Mingus Mountain. It was a copper mining town that peaked at 15,000 residents and is now home to about 450 people, galleries, and some genuinely good food. The Haunted Hamburger on Clark Street has been feeding travelers since 1994 — the bacon green chile burger is the move. Jerome is a natural afternoon stop once the Sedona heat has built.
Prescott, AZ (~30 minutes from Jerome, 28 miles via AZ-89A S then AZ-89 S)
Drop south from Jerome on AZ-89A to Prescott, Arizona’s former territorial capital. Whiskey Row on Montezuma Street has been a functioning bar district since the 1860s. The Courthouse Plaza in the center of town is walkable and gives you a solid feel for the Victorian-era architecture. Prescott sits at 5,400 feet and stays genuinely comfortable on August evenings. This is a strong overnight option — there are several well-reviewed hotels and a few historic B&Bs within walking distance of the plaza. Fill up gas in Prescott before heading to Flagstaff; the AZ-89 stretch north through Chino Valley is 60+ miles with limited services.
Flagstaff, AZ (~1 hour 15 min from Prescott, 60 miles via AZ-89 N)
AZ-89 north from Prescott runs through Chino Valley and Ash Fork before connecting to I-40 East and the final approach into Flagstaff. Arrive Sunday morning or afternoon. Flagstaff’s historic downtown on Route 66 (Santa Fe Avenue) anchors the visit: Diablo Burger on Leroux Street uses local beef and sources produce from northern Arizona farms — a reliable lunch stop before the return. The Museum of Northern Arizona on Fort Valley Road (US-180) covers the Colorado Plateau’s geology and Indigenous cultures with serious depth; two hours is enough to do it justice. From Flagstaff, I-17 South returns you to Phoenix in about 2.5 hours.
If you’re planning to extend the trip further into canyon country, our Denver to Moab canyon road trip guide covers what to expect once you push into Utah’s red rock corridor.
FAQ
How long does it take to drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff via Sedona?
The direct I-17 route runs about 2 hours and 30 minutes for 150 miles. Routing through Sedona and Jerome via AZ-179 and AZ-89A adds roughly 2.5–3 hours of drive time plus stops, making it a comfortable two-day trip rather than a single-day push.
Is AZ-89A through Oak Creek Canyon safe for regular passenger cars?
Yes, but it demands attention. The switchbacks between Sedona and Jerome gain significant elevation quickly, and the road is two lanes with limited shoulders. Passenger cars and smaller SUVs handle it fine. Avoid it in wet conditions — the road surface becomes slick quickly during monsoon storms, which are common in August afternoons.
Do you need a permit or pass to hike in Sedona in summer?
Most trailhead parking areas in the Red Rock Ranger District require a Red Rock Pass ($5/day, $15/week) or an America the Beautiful annual pass. Passes can be purchased at the Sedona Visitor Center, the Red Rock Ranger District office on AZ-179, or online before your trip. Some in-town trailheads have fee kiosks.
How hot is Sedona in August, and is it still worth visiting?
Sedona averages highs of 97–100°F in mid-August at its 4,350-foot elevation. It’s manageable if you hike before 10 a.m., carry at least 2 liters of water per person, and plan indoor or shaded activities for the afternoon. Jerome and Flagstaff run 15–20°F cooler, so the route naturally sequences from hot to comfortable.
Are there gas stations on AZ-89A between Sedona and Prescott?
Jerome has one small gas station, but pricing runs high and supply isn’t guaranteed. Fill up fully in Sedona before heading west on AZ-89A, and plan your next reliable fill in Prescott. The stretch from Sedona through Jerome to Prescott is about 55 miles with minimal services.
Can you do this loop in one day from Phoenix?
Technically yes — the total drive time is around 5 hours — but one day leaves almost no time at any stop. A single-day itinerary means either skipping Jerome and Prescott or doing a rushed drive-through of Sedona. Two days with an overnight in Prescott or Flagstaff is the practical minimum to get value from every stop.
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