Getting to Sedona, Arizona
No Commercial Airport in Sedona -- Fly into Phoenix (PHX)
Sedona Airport (SDX) is general aviation only. All visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), 120 miles south, and drive 2 hours north via I-17 and SR-89A through Oak Creek Canyon. Alternative: Flagstaff (FLG, served by American Eagle from PHX) is just 30 miles north of Sedona. The price cards below show fares to Phoenix (PHX) -- your Sedona gateway.
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Flights to Phoenix (PHX) -- Your Sedona Gateway
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Why Visit Sedona?
280-million-year-old red sandstone, the vortex phenomenon, Tlaquepaque's art scene, and 200+ trails in one spectacular canyon landscape
Sedona's Red Rock Formations -- Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the Geology That Built the Southwest's Most Photographed Landscape
Permian and Triassic Sandstone 280-225 Million Years Old -- Why Sedona's Rocks Are Red and Shaped Like CathedralsSedona's iconic landscape is defined by its red sandstone formations -- Cathedral Rock (4,967 feet), Bell Rock (4,919 feet), Courthouse Butte, Chimney Rock, and dozens of other named formations that rise from the Verde Valley floor and Oak Creek Canyon walls. The formations are composed primarily of Schnebly Hill Formation sandstone (Permian, 280-270 million years old) and Coconino sandstone (Permian, 270-265 million years old), with overlying layers of Moenkopi and Chinle Formation mudstones (Triassic, 245-225 million years old). The formations are red due to iron oxide (hematite) coating the sand grains -- the same chemistry that makes Navajo sandstone red throughout the Colorado Plateau. Sedona's particular landscape (narrow canyon + broad valley with isolated buttes) results from differential erosion: the harder Coconino sandstone cap rock erodes slower than the softer mudstones below, producing the flat-topped mesas and sheer-walled buttes characteristic of the area.
How Cathedral Rock Became the Most Photographed Spot in Arizona -- The Geometry of Reflection Pool Photography
Cathedral Rock (4,967 feet) photographed from the reflection pool at Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon Picnic Area, 2 miles west of downtown Sedona) is one of the most reproduced landscape photographs in Arizona's tourism history. The specific photographic appeal: the red sandstone double-spire formation reflects in Oak Creek's still pools at sunrise and sunset, creating a symmetrical image of equal sky and rock balanced by water reflection. The formation's name (Cathedral Rock) derives from its resemblance to a Gothic cathedral's twin towers when seen from the southeast -- the specific angle from the reflection pool. Arizona Highways magazine used Cathedral Rock on its cover dozens of times from the 1940s through the 1990s, establishing the image as Arizona's visual signature internationally. The Crescent Moon picnic area requires a Red Rock Pass ($7/day, valid at multiple Sedona sites) or America the Beautiful pass.
Sedona's Energy Vortexes -- The New Age Capital of North America and the Geography of Spiritual Tourism
4 Primary Vortex Sites, $400 Million Annual Tourism Economy, and Why Sedona Became America's New Age MeccaSedona is the most prominent New Age spiritual tourism destination in North America, drawing an estimated 3 million visitors annually who come specifically or partly for the area's purported 'energy vortexes' (the plural 'vortexes' is the locally preferred form, rather than 'vortices'). The four primary vortex sites recognized by the Sedona New Age community: Airport Mesa (a 'balanced' vortex on the flat mesa above the Sedona Airport, known for the twisted juniper trees that supposedly indicate vortex energy -- the twisted growth is actually the result of prevailing wind patterns), Bell Rock (an 'upflow' vortex, the most visited), Cathedral Rock (a 'feminine/magnetic' vortex), and Boynton Canyon (a 'masculine/electric' vortex). The vortex concept was popularized by psychic Page Bryant in 1980 and was widely distributed through New Age publications in the 1980s-1990s. Regardless of the metaphysics, the vortex sites coincide with Sedona's most spectacular geological formations.
The Science of the Twisted Junipers -- What Actually Causes the Spiral Tree Growth at Sedona's Vortex Sites
The twisted-trunk junipers at Airport Mesa and other Sedona vortex sites are genuinely unusual -- their trunks spiral rather than growing straight, and this growth pattern is real and observable. The New Age explanation (electromagnetic or spiritual energy from the vortex twists the trees) is not supported by scientific evidence. The scientific explanation involves a combination of factors: (1) Arizona cypress and alligator juniper in Sedona's sandstone mesa environments grow in soils with highly variable moisture and mineral content; the twisted growth (technically fasciiation or spiral grain) is a genetically driven growth anomaly common in these species under specific stress conditions; (2) prevailing wind patterns on exposed mesa tops (particularly at Airport Mesa) stress growing tips differentially by season, producing the characteristic clockwise spiral; (3) the sandstone substrate's iron oxide content may have very minor effects on the magnetic environment, though nothing at levels shown to affect plant growth. The junipers are genuinely beautiful and unusual regardless of cause.
Devil's Bridge Trail and Sedona's Hiking Network -- 200+ Trails Through One of America's Most Scenic Desert Landscapes
The Most Instagrammed Natural Arch in Arizona -- and the 200+ Miles of Red Rock Trail That Surround ItSedona has one of the most comprehensive desert hiking networks in the United States -- over 200 named trails covering 400+ miles through red rock formations, canyon slots, oak creek riparian areas, and Coconino National Forest ponderosa pine. Devil's Bridge Trail (4.2 miles round trip, 400 ft elevation gain) leads to a natural sandstone arch (54 feet span, 25 feet wide) that has become the most-photographed natural arch in Arizona after Delicate Arch in Utah -- primarily because of the Instagram-iconic image of people standing at the arch's center with red rocks visible below. The West Fork Trail (6.8 miles out-and-back) follows the West Fork of Oak Creek through a narrow slot canyon with 100-200 foot walls -- possibly the finest creek hike in the Southwest. Cathedral Rock Trail (1.2 miles, 600 ft elevation gain -- steep) provides the classic approach to Cathedral Rock's saddle. Red Rock State Park (5 miles west of Sedona) has 5 miles of riparian trails and is one of the best birding sites in Arizona.
The Coconino National Forest Red Rock Pass -- Why Sedona's Most Beautiful Parking Areas Require a Day Pass
The Coconino National Forest administers most of Sedona's red rock trail system. In 1996, faced with rapidly increasing visitation (Sedona had grown from a population of 2,000 in 1970 to 10,000+ by the mid-1990s, with annual visitors increasing proportionally), the Forest Service implemented the Red Rock Pass ($7/day, $15/week, $20/year) for parking at designated recreation sites. The pass does not restrict trail use -- hiking is free -- it covers only the cost of parking at managed lots. Revenue from the pass funds trail maintenance, restroom construction, and ranger staffing at Sedona's most visited sites, which receive 3+ million visitors annually. This is an unusual arrangement (most national forests do not charge for individual recreational parking) driven by Sedona's status as one of the most visited non-park federal lands in the US. The America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass ($80, covers entry to all national parks and federal recreational lands) is accepted at Red Rock Pass sites.
Tlaquepaque Arts Village and Sedona's Cultural Scene -- The Best Arts Village in the Southwest
A Mexican Colonial Architecture Arts Marketplace With 40+ Galleries and Studios in a Sycamore-Shaded EnclaveTlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village (pronounced t-la-KAY-pa-KAY, named for the artisan suburb of Guadalajara, Mexico) is a collection of 40+ art galleries, studios, and restaurants in a designed Mexican colonial architecture village in downtown Sedona, built in the 1970s by artist/developer Abe Miller. The architecture -- hand-plastered adobe walls, Saltillo tile, iron-grated windows, fountains, courtyards, sycamore canopy -- creates an environment unlike anything else in Arizona and has been recognized as one of the finest examples of planned arts village design in the US. The galleries carry fine art painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and glass in styles ranging from Southwest traditional to contemporary fine art. Tlaquepaque hosts the Art Walk (Fridays, seasonal) and several major annual festivals (Summer Festival, Celebration of Spring, Día de los Muertos). Adjacent to Tlaquepaque is the Hozho Center (another galleries complex) and the Sedona Arts Center (established 1958 -- one of the oldest arts organizations in Arizona).
Why Sedona Became an Art Colony -- The 1940s Bohemian Migration and the Phoenix Artists Who Drove 2 Hours to Paint Red Rocks
Sedona's art colony began in 1945 when a group of Phoenix artists (including Nassan Gobran, Lon Megargee, and Max Ernst's circle) began coming to Sedona to paint the red rock formations -- drawn by the extraordinary light (Sedona sits at 4,350 feet elevation in a basin that catches golden sunset and sunrise light on the sandstone with unusual intensity) and the visual drama of the landscape. The community that formed around this group attracted more artists through the late 1940s and 1950s. By 1958, the Sedona Arts Center had been established; by the 1970s, Tlaquepaque had been built to provide commercial infrastructure. Sedona's art colony status and its New Age movement (1980s) are interrelated: both represent the migration of creative, spiritually seeking individuals drawn to a landscape that felt profoundly unlike mainstream American environments. The 1990s Internet boom brought wealthy retirees and second-home buyers who could afford Sedona's prices and wanted proximity to the art/wellness community -- driving the current real estate market (median home price $900,000+).
Travel Planning for Sedona
Fly Into Phoenix (PHX) -- 2-Hour Scenic Drive North to Sedona via I-17 and SR-89A
Sedona Airport (SDX) is a general aviation strip with no scheduled commercial service. All visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX, 120 miles south) and drive north on I-17 to the SR-179 exit (Verde Valley), then north on SR-89A through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. The drive takes approximately 2 hours. Alternative: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG, 30 miles north of Sedona) has American Eagle service from PHX -- the FLG-to-Sedona drive (30 min via SR-89A through Oak Creek Canyon, the most scenic road in Arizona) is significantly shorter.
Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) Are Peak Seasons -- Book Early or Visit in Winter
Sedona's most popular and expensive periods are spring (March-May, wildflowers, comfortable 70-80°F/21-27°C) and fall (September-November, slightly cooler, brilliant desert colors). Hotels in Sedona proper average $300-600+/night in peak periods. Budget travelers: book PHX flights instead, rent a car, and stay in Cottonwood (15 miles west) or Camp Verde (25 miles south) for significantly lower accommodation costs. Winter (December-February) brings cold nights (30-45°F/-1-7°C) but warm sunny days (55-65°F/13-18°C) -- the best time for hiking without crowds or heat.
Devil's Bridge and Slide Rock Require Shuttle or Early Arrival -- No Parking at Trailhead After 9 AM
Devil's Bridge trailhead parking fills completely by 8-9 AM on weekends and holidays. After the lot fills, you must take the Red Rock Ranger District shuttle (seasonal, Dry Creek Vista parking area). Slide Rock State Park (6 miles north on SR-89A, natural sandstone creek swimming) also reaches capacity by 9-10 AM on summer days. Arrive at popular Sedona sites by 7:30-8 AM or accept the shuttle system.
Jeep Tours and Vortex Guides Are Major Sedona Activities -- Book in Advance
Pink Jeep Tours (founded 1960, Sedona's oldest jeep tour operator) and numerous competitors offer guided off-road tours of formations and backcountry trails inaccessible to standard vehicles. Popular tours book 1-2 weeks ahead in spring and fall. Vortex meditation tours, sound healing sessions, and spiritual guidance services are a significant part of Sedona's economy -- over 200 licensed practitioners offer these services. New Age Sedona services range from evidence-based (guided meditation, yoga, therapeutic massage) to more esoteric (crystal healing, past-life regression).
Airlines Flying to Phoenix (PHX) -- Your Sedona Gateway
American Airlines
Phoenix Is American's Largest Hub -- The Most Flights and Lowest Fares to PHX from Across the USAmerican Airlines operates Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) as one of its largest hubs, with more nonstop flights to PHX from more US cities than any other carrier. For Sedona visitors, American's PHX hub means the greatest number of one-stop (or nonstop for western cities) options from virtually every major US market. American's PHX hub also serves as the connection point for American Eagle regional jets serving Flagstaff (FLG, 30 miles north of Sedona) -- a secondary gateway option that reduces the drive.
Key Routes
LAX to PHX (1h 10m nonstop; DFW to PHX (2h 30m nonstop; ORD to PHX (3h 30m nonstop; JFK to PHX (4h 30m nonstop; also FLG service from PHX (45m nonstop -- closer to Sedona
Southwest Airlines
Budget Fares to Phoenix -- Southwest's PHX Service for Leisure Sedona VisitorsSouthwest Airlines operates extensive service into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) with nonstop flights from Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Houston (HOU), Orlando (MCO), and dozens of additional cities. Southwest's PHX fares are frequently the lowest available -- especially from DEN and LAS. Remember to check southwest.com directly, as Southwest fares do not appear on third-party aggregators. Southwest's Midway (MDW) flights from Chicago provide a budget alternative to O'Hare.
Key Routes
DEN to PHX (1h 45m nonstop; LAS to PHX (1h nonstop; DAL to PHX (2h 15m nonstop; MCO to PHX (3h 30m nonstop; MDW to PHX (3h 15m nonstop
Alaska Airlines
West Coast Nonstops to Phoenix -- Alaska's Seattle and San Francisco PHX ServiceAlaska Airlines provides nonstop service from Seattle (SEA), San Francisco (SFO), Portland (PDX), and Los Angeles (LAX) to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). For West Coast travelers, Alaska's PHX nonstops are a primary option -- the SEA-PHX route is particularly well-served with multiple daily departures. Alaska's Mileage Plan miles can be earned and redeemed on PHX routes, making Alaska a strong value choice for frequent flyers.
Key Routes
SEA to PHX (2h 40m nonstop; SFO to PHX (2h 10m nonstop; PDX to PHX (2h 25m nonstop; LAX to PHX (1h 15m nonstop
Delta Air Lines
Atlanta and Salt Lake City Hub Connections to Phoenix -- Delta's PHX Service for East Coast and Mountain TravelersDelta Air Lines connects Phoenix from Atlanta (ATL), Salt Lake City (SLC), Detroit (DTW), and Minneapolis (MSP) with nonstop service. The ATL-PHX route is Delta's primary Arizona service, providing connections from the Southeast and East Coast on Delta's network. The SLC-PHX connection serves Mountain West travelers and provides a connection option for international arrivals via SLC.
Key Routes
ATL to PHX (3h 45m nonstop; SLC to PHX (1h 30m nonstop; DTW to PHX (3h 45m nonstop; MSP to PHX (3h nonstop
Things to Do in Sedona
Essential Info for Your Sedona Trip
State
Arizona
Gateway Airport
PHX (Phoenix Sky Harbor, 120 miles south -- 2hr drive via I-17 and SR-89A)
Alternative Airport
FLG (Flagstaff Pulliam, 30 miles north -- American Eagle from PHX; 30 min drive via Oak Creek Canyon)
Time Zone
MST (UTC-7) -- Arizona does NOT observe daylight saving time
Red Rock Pass
$7/day, $15/week, $20/year. Required to park at most Sedona trailheads. America the Beautiful pass accepted.
Best Trails
Devil's Bridge (4.2mi), West Fork Canyon (6.8mi), Cathedral Rock (1.2mi steep), Bell Rock (1.5mi easy)
Vortex Sites
Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon. Free to visit; guided tours available from downtown.
Emergency Number
911
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Flights to Sedona
Everything you need to know about booking flights to Sedona, Arizona via Phoenix (PHX)
What airport do you fly into for Sedona, Arizona?
There is no commercial airport in Sedona. Sedona Airport (SDX) is a general aviation strip only. All visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), 120 miles south of Sedona, and drive approximately 2 hours north on I-17 and SR-89A through Oak Creek Canyon. An alternative is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG, 30 miles north of Sedona) -- served by American Eagle from Phoenix -- which reduces the drive to 30 minutes through the scenic Oak Creek Canyon descent on SR-89A.
What is Sedona, Arizona known for?
Sedona is known for: (1) its red sandstone rock formations (Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Devil's Bridge) -- among the most dramatic landscapes in North America; (2) New Age spiritual tourism (energy vortexes, healing practitioners -- Sedona is considered North America's New Age capital); (3) a thriving arts scene (40+ galleries at Tlaquepaque Arts Village, the Sedona Arts Center); and (4) exceptional hiking (200+ trails through Coconino National Forest, including Devil's Bridge and West Fork Canyon).
When is the best time to visit Sedona?
Best overall: October-November (fall, 65-80°F/18-27°C days, smaller crowds than spring, red rock colors stunning against blue sky) and March-April (spring wildflowers, comfortable temperatures before summer heat). Summer (June-August): hot (95-105°F/35-41°C), but early morning hikes are manageable; afternoon monsoon storms (July-September) create dramatic cloud and rainbow photography opportunities. Winter (December-February): cold nights (30-45°F/-1-7°C), warm sunny days (55-65°F/13-18°C), minimal crowds, significantly cheaper accommodation.
Is Sedona a good road trip from Phoenix?
Yes -- the Phoenix-to-Sedona drive (120 miles, 2 hours via I-17 north to Exit 298, then SR-179 north) is one of Arizona's best drives, with the dramatic approach through the Verde Valley and the final section through Oak Creek Canyon (SR-89A). The return drive via Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff (30 miles further) and then south on I-17 makes an excellent loop. Flagstaff (elevation 7,000 feet) is 30 miles north of Sedona and offers additional dining, the Museum of Northern Arizona, and access to the San Francisco Peaks hiking area.
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