N
Common Ground News

Is it better to stay in Sedona or Flagstaff?

Author

Christopher Snyder

Updated on February 22, 2026

Is it better to stay in Sedona or Flagstaff?

Sedona is the preferred vacation spot with access to all of Northern Arizona tours and attractions within a couple hours drive, at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Compared to Flagstaff, Arizona with an elevation of 7,000 feet, Sedona has the most favorable year round weather conditions.

Considering this, whats in between Sedona and Flagstaff?

The top cities between Flagstaff and Sedona are Williams, Cottonwood, and Jerome. Williams is the most popular city on the route — it's less than an hour from Flagstaff and 1 hour from Sedona.

Secondly, how far is Sedona from Flagstaff in minutes? Driving directions from Flagstaff to Sedona

There is a 32 miles distance between Flagstaff and Sedona. You will need around 51 minutes to drive there.

Also question is, do you go through Sedona to get to Flagstaff?

Take I-17 north to Flagstaff about 41 miles. This route takes about an hour from Sedona to Flagstaff.

Is Flagstaff prettier than Sedona?

Sedona is, without a doubt, stunning and full of natural beauty. Flagstaff is also very beautiful, but in a very different way. It's amazing that two places so different from each other can be so close.

Is Flagstaff cheaper than Sedona?

Flagstaff is 12.9% less expensive than Sedona. Flagstaff housing costs are 24.0% less expensive than Sedona housing costs. Health related expenses are 3.4% less in Flagstaff.

What is the best time of year to visit Sedona AZ?

The best time to visit Sedona is from March to May when the temperatures are warm – but not scorching – and the area is in full bloom. Hikers love this season, as desert flowers add a pop of color to the rust-colored trails.

How many days should I spend in Sedona?

Don't make the mistake of taking a trip to Sedona for a night or two, three to five days is the time needed to see Sedona, the Grand Canyon and beyond. Red Rock Country has numerous things to do for pet owners that can be enjoyed any time of year.

Is Santa Fe or Sedona better?

Santa Fe is quite a bit larger than Sedona, and offers many more museums, historic sites, restaurants, etc. than the latter, although Sedona is a great place to visit also.

Is it expensive to live in Sedona Arizona?

Sedona's housing expenses are 103% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 3% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 2% higher than the national average. Sedona has grocery prices that are 15% higher than the national average.

Is the drive from Sedona to Flagstaff scary?

From that 89A address to Oak Creek Village and Bell Rock, you will have a nice un-scary drive. There are no cliffs or scary sections like you would coming into Sedona from the "top" of the 89A on the way from Flagstaff.

Can you see Grand Canyon from Flagstaff?

Because Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon South Rim is just 90 minutes, seeing the sunrise over the Grand Canyon is doable and absolutely recommended. Not only is it a wonder to see, but you'll also arrive in the National Park and have easy access to parking and a full day to explore.

What part of Flagstaff is closest to Sedona?

Sedona is about 30 miles south of Flagstaff. AZ 89A begins in the southern part of Flagstaff. Alternately, AZ 89A can be accessed from I-17 at exit 337.

What is the scenic route from Sedona to Flagstaff?

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive is about a 14 mile drive along Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona. Oak Creek Canyon is a breathtaking stretch of beauty on a winding road that climbs 4,500 feet from Sedona to the top of the Mogollon Rim. Passengers have the viewing advantage.

Is the petrified forest worth visiting?

Visiting Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is definitely worth it. When we spent a day there we were amazed how much there is to see and do for families. Don't miss for example the Painted Desert, Puerco Pueblo or hiking the Blue Mesa. And all this is right by famous Route 66.

How far is Sedona from Flagstaff Airport?

There are several flights throughout the day now making it easier than ever to get to northern AZ directly. Or, fly a private/charter aircraft into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. 25.3 miles; 40 minutes drive from Flagstaff to Sedona.

How far is Flagstaff Arizona from the Grand Canyon?

Grand Canyon National Park's SOUTH RIM (open all year) is located 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona (via route 64 from Interstate 40) and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff (via route 180). The Grand Canyon lies entirely within the state of Arizona.

What highway goes through Sedona?

State Route 89A (SR 89A) is an 83.85-mile (134.94 km) state highway that runs from Prescott north to Flagstaff in the U.S. state of Arizona.

Arizona State Route 89A.

State Route 89A
Maintained by ADOT, City of Sedona
Length83.85 mi (134.94 km)
Existed1993–present

Is Sedona or Flagstaff closer to Grand Canyon?

Sedona, AZ to Grand Canyon

Located a half hour south of Flagstaff, Sedona is known for its beautiful red rock formations, art, hiking, mountain biking and up-scale resorts.

Does Flagstaff have an airport?

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport provides air service to Phoenix and Dallas/Fort Worth via American Airlines. There are four daily flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

What exit is Sedona?

Take Highway 93 south to I-40. Take I-40 east to Flagstaff. Take I-17 south from Flagstaff to either A) the exit 337 through to Sedona via Oak Creek Canyon or B) to Highway 179 to Sedona (see directions from Flagstaff).

Does Sedona have an airport?

There is no major airport in Sedona. It is instead served by Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. Because Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is known for being very small, most Flagstaff visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and take a connecting flight to reach their final destination.

Is Sedona close to Scottsdale?

Located about two hours north of Scottsdale, Sedona is known for its fiery red rock formations and eclectic New Age personality. Just for fun, we're going to make a stop in the historic mining town of Jerome on our way to Sedona.

Is Antelope Canyon close to Sedona?

If you are looking for a simple trip from Sedona, Upper Antelope Canyon is a great choice. This enchanting location near Page, Arizona, is less than a three hours' drive from Sedona, making a visit there a low-stress adventure for all kinds of travelers.

What is between Phoenix and Flagstaff?

The top cities between Flagstaff and Phoenix are Sedona, Scottsdale, Prescott, Jerome, Glendale, and Cottonwood. Sedona is the most popular city on the route — it's less than an hour from Flagstaff and 2 hours from Phoenix.

What is there to see between Las Vegas and Sedona?

Best stops along Sedona to Las Vegas drive
  • Walnut Canyon National Monument. On +3 other lists.
  • AZ-179. On 1 list.
  • Bell Rock. On 3 lists.
  • Chapel of the Holy Cross. On 14 lists.
  • Cathedral Rock. On 6 lists.
  • Lowell Observatory. On 13 lists.
  • West Fork Oak Creek. RiverNature & ParksHiking Trails.
  • Arizona Snowbowl. On 1 list.

Is Sedona near Phoenix?

Sedona is a breathtaking desert town and is one of the best day trips from Phoenix. Located right in the middle between Phoenix and Grand Canyon South Rim, it's also a perfect place to spend your day when driving from Phoenix to Flagstaff, Tusayan, or to Grand Canyon Village. Welcome to Sedona!

Where should I stop between Phoenix and Sedona?

5 Can't-Miss Stops on the Phoenix to Sedona Drive
  • Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona. The first stop, Camelback Mountain, is located just outside of the city of Phoenix.
  • Tonto Natural Bridge in Pine, Arizona.
  • Arcosanti in Mayer, Arizona.
  • Montezuma Castle in Camp Verde, Arizona.
  • The town of Jerome, Arizona.

How far is Grand Canyon from Phoenix?

Distance from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon

The distance on the drive from Phoenix to Grand Canyon is 229 miles (369 kilometres) and takes approximately 4 hours by car if driving non-stop in a car without traffic.