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A Six-Day Red Rock Road Trip Through Sedona

This source-faithful plan follows the creator's six-day Arizona route, using Sedona as the main base and Phoenix as the arrival and departure gateway. A rental car is essential for this itinerary; the source used a Jeep…

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Travel inspiration behind this plan

Phoenix & Sedona 6-Day Itinerary Travel Vlog: Hot Air Balloon, Antelope Canyon, Hotels, + More! 🇺🇸🌵 Watch on YouTube

Plan notes

Useful context before you go

This source-faithful plan follows the creator's six-day Arizona route, using Sedona as the main base and Phoenix as the arrival and departure gateway. A rental car is essential for this itinerary; the source used a Jeep Wrangler from Alamo for five days at $786.84 including insurance. Commercial flights serve Phoenix, Prescott, or Flagstaff rather than Sedona itself. Expect very early starts for the hot-air balloon, Antelope Canyon, and Grand Canyon days. In summer, carry water, sun protection, and an umbrella, and use the free golf-cart service at Chapel of the Holy Cross rather than walking the hot uphill approach. The source itinerary included prices such as $93 per person for the Antelope Canyon tour, $10 parking at Horseshoe Bend, $10 per person at Red Rock State Park, and meals and tastings at the venues listed below.

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Itinerary highlights

What is in this plan

Day 1 — Phoenix arrival and overnight

Arrive in Phoenix, collect the rental car, and keep the first evening light before the itinerary's early mornings. The source stayed downtown and chose a brunch restaurant without reservations.

  1. Phoenix Sky Harbor International AirportPhoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix, Arizona

    Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport; commercial flights to Sedona are not available. The source flew from Newark with United.

  2. Phoenix Sky Train Rental Car CenterPhoenix Sky Train Rental Car Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States

    Follow the airport signs to the Sky Train and take it to the rental car center.

  3. Alamo Rent A Car - Phoenix AirportAlamo Rent A Car, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix, Arizona, United States

    The source rented a Jeep Wrangler from Alamo with insurance for five days and was allowed to choose from the available Jeeps.

  4. Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix DowntownCourtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown, Phoenix, Arizona, United States

    The source stayed one night in a double-queen room. Parking was reported as $45 for the night.

  5. Sophia's Brunch CounterSophia's Brunch Counter, Phoenix, Arizona, United States

    This brunch counter does not take reservations; the source waited about an hour. The breakfast burrito without beef chorizo and tater tots with spicy mayo cost $16.

  6. Oak Street Alley MuralsOak Street Alley Murals, Phoenix, Arizona, United States

    Use this free mural stop as a brief Phoenix culture walk or drive-by before leaving town. The street is narrow; parking nearby allows a closer look on foot.

Day 2 — Phoenix balloon morning and Sedona transfer

Begin before dawn for the balloon ride, then make the long transfer to Sedona. The source specifically cautioned that State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon can feel intimidating because of sharp curves, steep sections, limited guardrails, and oncoming traffic; choose another route if that driving environment concerns you.

  1. Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon RideRainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride, Phoenix, Arizona, United States

    The source checked in at 4:15 a.m.; the launch site was about a 25-minute drive away. The flight lasted approximately 45 minutes and included balloon-flame lighting, a toast, and snacks afterward.

  2. Fair Trade CafeFair Trade Cafe, Phoenix, Arizona, United States

    A convenient post-flight breakfast stop with fresh made-to-order food. The source ordered avocado toast with an egg for $7 and a three-flavor matcha flight for $18.

  3. Phoenix to Sedona DrivePhoenix to Sedona Drive, Arizona, United States

    The source drove approximately two and a half hours from Phoenix to Sedona before checking in.

  4. State Route 89A through Oak Creek CanyonState Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Arizona, United States

    This is the source's specifically described scenic but intimidating route between Sedona and Flagstaff. Consider avoiding it if sharp curves, steep drop-offs, narrow sections, and missing guardrails would make you uncomfortable.

  5. Hilton Vacation Club Sedona SummitHilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit, Sedona, Arizona, United States

    The source booked a studio with one queen bed, a sofa bed, kitchenette, patio, and bathroom for five days. Reported amenities included laundry rooms, multiple pools, a jacuzzi, fitness center, EV charging, free Wi-Fi, and concierge service.

  6. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping VillageTlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Sedona, Arizona, United States

    This Mexican-village-style shopping destination is filled with courtyards, art, local shops, restaurants, and a warm neighborhood atmosphere. It is also the location of Secret Garden Cafe.

Day 3 — Page excursion: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

This is a high-density excursion from Sedona, with approximately three hours of driving each way. Antelope Canyon requires an authorized tour guide, while Horseshoe Bend can be visited independently when driving. Start early and carry water for the heat.

  1. Antelope CanyonAntelope Canyon, Page, Arizona, USA

    The source drove approximately three hours from Sedona to Page for this canyon visit. Entry is only possible with an authorized tour guide, and the source paid $93 per person.

  2. Odyssey Fit CafeOdyssey Fit Cafe, Page, Arizona, United States

    A practical quick-stop cafe inside a gym, useful for a smoothie or bite near the canyon. The source ordered a chicken wrap with chips for $14.

  3. Horseshoe BendHorseshoe Bend, Page, Arizona, United States

    The source described this as approximately 15 minutes from the canyon. Parking cost $10, and the overlook is about a 15-minute walk from the parking area.

  4. Horseshoe Bend OverlookHorseshoe Bend Overlook, Page, Arizona, United States

    Several viewpoints lack guardrails, so stay well back from edges. The source recommended an umbrella for summer visits and said a separate tour is unnecessary when driving yourself.

  5. Zen Foot SpaZen Foot Spa, Sedona, Arizona, United States

    Allow recovery time after the long, hot Page excursion. The source returned to Sedona and booked an approximately $60 foot massage.

  6. Phoenix to Sedona DrivePhoenix to Sedona Drive, Arizona, United States

    Use the return to the Sedona base after the Page excursion as the day's final logistical stage; the source chose to drive back rather than overnight in Page.

Day 4 — Grand Canyon sunrise-style departure

Leave Sedona before dawn for the approximately two-hour drive to Grand Canyon National Park. The source left around 5:00 a.m., arrived around 7:00 a.m., spent half the day using park shuttles and viewpoints, ate lunch at the park food court, and returned to Sedona for dinner.

  1. Grand Canyon National ParkGrand Canyon National Park, Arizona

    The source described the park as approximately two hours from Sedona and left around 5:00 a.m. to arrive early.

  2. Grand Canyon South RimGrand Canyon South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA

    Use the park shuttle system to connect the viewpoints, as the source did during a half-day visit.

  3. Grand Canyon ViewpointsGrand Canyon Viewpoints, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, United States

    The source stopped at multiple viewpoints to admire the canyon. The exact viewpoint names were not specified in the supplied transcript, so this item preserves the source at the park-wide viewpoint level.

  4. Grand Canyon South RimGrand Canyon South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA

    Stop at the food court within the park for lunch before beginning the drive back to Sedona.

  5. Brix Restaurant & Wine BarBrix Restaurant & Wine Bar, Sedona, Arizona, United States

    This restaurant was chosen for its outdoor patio and scenic red-rock surroundings. The source ordered Chilean sea bass in Spanish fennel broth with focaccia for $50 and fries for $9.

  6. McDonald's SedonaMcDonald's, 238 N State Route 89A, Sedona, Arizona, United States

    A brief novelty stop at the world's only blue-sign McDonald's, according to the source. The blue sign reflects Sedona design guidelines intended to blend commercial buildings with the red-rock landscape.

Day 5 — Tlaquepaque, Uptown, and red-rock culture

This is the main Sedona exploration day. Group the nearby shopping, food, tea, chapel, and mural stops together, and use the property's pool or hot tub afterward to recover from the summer heat.

  1. The Chai SpotThe Chai Spot, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Sedona, Arizona, United States

    Return to Tlaquepaque for this Pakistani-inspired cafe. The source highlighted the decor, textiles, garments, books, and the social mission: 50% of profits support initiatives for women and children in Pakistan. Traditional cardamom chai was about $8; the honey and rose chai was the favorite.

  2. SedonaSedona, Arizona, USA

    Explore Sedona's main tourist and shopping district, with shops, restaurants, galleries, tour offerings, and souvenir opportunities.

  3. Sagua PlazaSagua Plaza, Sedona, Arizona, United States

    Walk through this plaza within Uptown and use it as the stop for tea and spice shopping.

  4. The Spice & Tea Exchange of SedonaThe Spice & Tea Exchange of Sedona, Sagua Plaza, Sedona, Arizona, United States

    Shop for spices, salts, teas, tea accessories, and matcha. The tea bar prepares selections fresh; the source bought two tea bags for $32 total.

  5. Chapel of the Holy CrossChapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, Arizona, United States

    This Roman Catholic chapel is built directly into the red rocks and is free to visit. Use the free golf-cart rides to and from the entrance, especially in summer; the source considered the views and photography opportunities among the best in Sedona.

  6. 89Agave Cantina89Agave Cantina, Sedona, Arizona, United States

    A casual Mexican restaurant with sports-bar seating, a full bar, and televisions. The source split tacos and chicken wings for about $30 per person.

  7. Appaloosa Trading Co.Appaloosa Trading Co., Sedona, Arizona, United States

    The source stopped for a photograph of the colorful mural at this boutique hotel while driving around Sedona.

  8. Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit PoolHilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit Pool, Sedona, Arizona, United States

    Finish the busy day with one of the resort pools, the red-rock views, and the hot tub. A resort day pass is another option for poolside access, food, drinks, and scenery without an overnight booking.

Day 6 — Red Rock State Park, winery, and departure

Use the final morning for a short mapped trail outing, then have breakfast and wine before driving back to Phoenix for the rental-car return and flight home. The source reported Red Rock State Park as only 10 minutes from the accommodation.

  1. Red Rock State ParkRed Rock State Park, Sedona, Arizona, United States

    The source paid $10 per person and described approximately five miles of trails. Stop at the visitor center first for the color-coded trail map.

  2. Wildflower Bread CompanyWildflower Bread Company, Sedona, Arizona, United States

    Have a casual breakfast before departure. The source ordered an egg and cheese bagel for $10.99; the menu also includes sandwiches, salads, soups, baked goods, and coffee drinks.

  3. Page Springs CellarsPage Springs Cellars, Cornville, Arizona, United States

    This casual winery has a tasting room, patio, and vineyard deck. The source ordered a white-wine flight for $16.

  4. Page Springs Cellars Tasting RoomPage Springs Cellars Tasting Room, Cornville, Arizona, United States

    Share the winery's charcuterie board, reported at $39, as a relaxed lunch or snack alongside the tasting.

  5. Page Springs Cellars Vineyard DeckPage Springs Cellars Vineyard Deck, Cornville, Arizona, United States

    The source also shared a pizza for $24 and recommended the vineyard deck as an outdoor place to enjoy the wine.

  6. Phoenix Sky Train Rental Car CenterPhoenix Sky Train Rental Car Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States

    Drive back to Phoenix after the winery, return the rental car, and depart on the evening flight. The source described this as the final logistical stage of the six-day itinerary.