Hotels in Sedona

Sedona: Red Rock Country in Arizona's High Desert

Sedona sits in Yavapai County, Arizona, at 4,350 feet elevation, roughly 120 miles north of Phoenix and 30 miles south of Flagstaff. The city is defined by its red sandstone formations — Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte — sculpted over 300 million years of geological layering. The surrounding Coconino National Forest covers more than 1.8 million acres and contains over 200 trails, drawing hikers and mountain bikers year-round.

Where to Stay in Sedona

Most hotels cluster along SR-89A through Uptown Sedona and in the Village of Oak Creek, 6 miles south near Bell Rock. Uptown properties put guests within walking distance of Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and the Sedona Heritage Museum (founded 1990). The Village of Oak Creek suits travelers who prefer quieter surroundings with direct trail access. A third corridor, West Sedona, holds a mix of mid-range motels and spa resorts closer to the Airport Mesa vortex site.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the closest major hub; the drive north on I-17 then SR-179 takes roughly two hours.
• Best seasons: March–May and September–November offer temperatures between 60–80°F; summer highs regularly exceed 100°F in the canyon floors.
• Trail permits: The Red Rock Pass ($5/day) is required for parking at most trailheads; purchase at automated kiosks or online.
• Elevation note: Pack a light layer for evenings — temperatures drop sharply after sunset at this elevation.