From Phoenix to Sedona

Spotting the sights along the way

If you are heading to Sedona from out of state, you’ll most likely be driving up from Phoenix. The roughly two-hour drive can be a dull stretch of highway, but it doesn’t have to be. Make a day of the ride and explore some of the more intriguing stops along the way.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the subtly changing landscape. From the flat Sonoran desert you’ll slowly climb into more vegetative friendly surroundings. The second thing you might notice (or will now that we’ve told you) is some of the wacky place names along the way. Take Bloody Basin Road, for example. There are two explanations for this gory exit: one is that it’s named for the Indian battles that took place here, the second is that sheep were plunged to their death in the basin below when the bridge they were crossing collapsed.

One of the first stops that should be made is Montezuma Castle National Monument off Exit 285. One of the major sites along this stretch of the state, the ruins are a former “high-rise” built by the Sinagua. About 1,000 years old, this 20-room apartment is nestled into limestone cliffs and is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings on the continent. Don’t forget to gaze over Montezuma’s Well, located here too. The well is actually a collapsed underground limestone cavern filled with water. Interestingly, Montezuma, the Aztec emperor, has nothing to do with this Arizona landmark. Early settlers in the area mistakenly thought the impressive dwelling had to be owned by Montezuma, hence the name which has stuck.

Another Sinagua ruin can be found a bit further along, at Exit 287. Tuzigoot National Monument is a 12th century pueblo crowning a desert hilltop. The original village consisted of more than 100 rooms stretching over three levels.

Back on the road and it should be close to lunch time, or a refueling stop. Pop off at Cordes Junction (Exit 262) for a quick bite. Don’t get right back on the road however. Discover Paolo Soleri’s vision of a future city by visiting Arosanti. The project is a working laboratory, intended to present an alternative to urban sprawl.
You’re getting closer to your final destination. Back on I-17, you are going to take Arizona 179 heading towards Sedona. Here you’ll start to spot the famed red rocks. If you just can’t wait for an official introduction to the scenery, stop off at Red Rock State Park. Here you can take the fairly easy Eagle’s Nest Trail and spot the biggies of the geological formations in the area: Cathedral Rock, Mitten Ridge and Twin Buttes.

Alternatively, if you’ve had enough fresh air for the day, go shopping. There are tons of specialty shops in Sedona, or for a one-stop shop-a-thon, head for Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village off Arizona 89A.

If you aren’t staying in Sedona, you can easily continue heading north to Flagstaff. The straightest route is to head back to I-17 and continue north. Alternatively, you can take the slower, more picturesque route and follow Arizona 89A north. If you have the time, I’d recommend taking this route. It’s a lovely climb out of the canyon with lots of stopping points for photo ops of the gorgeous scenery.

Jacy Meyer is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, and spent about an equal amount of time in class and out hiking.