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driving from Petrified Forest to Phoenix after Christmas

We will be driving from Petrified Forest on 12/28 to a flight leaving late 12/29 and am debating where to sleep. How difficult would it be to drive through Flagstaff, sleep in Sedona, do a hike during the day, then drive to Phoenix? Will there be lots of snow on the road? Will it be too snowy/rainy in Sedona to hike? Should we go to Scottsdale and hike around there?

Driving from the Petrified Forest to Phoenix over the Christmas period can be a beautiful trip, but winter conditions in northern Arizona should be carefully considered, especially if you want to include stops in Flagstaff and Sedona.

Route Considerations: The drive from Petrified Forest to Flagstaff is about 3 hours under normal conditions. From Flagstaff to Sedona is another 45 minutes to 1 hour via I-17 south. Sedona to Phoenix is approximately 2 hours, again depending on traffic.

Weather & Road Conditions:

  • Flagstaff is at high elevation and can have significant snow in late December. Snow or icy conditions on I-17 and surrounding roads can slow travel and make driving more challenging.
  • Sedona is lower in elevation than Flagstaff, generally around 4,500 feet, so heavy snow is less common but still possible. Some trails may be icy or muddy depending on recent weather.
  • Scottsdale and the Phoenix area are in the low desert, so you will almost certainly have dry, warm conditions and hiking is very reliable.

Options:

  • Sleep in Sedona and hike there: Feasible if you monitor the weather closely. Trails like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, or Devil’s Bridge are moderate and often accessible in winter, but icy patches can exist. Staying in Sedona gives you a scenic, relaxing stop rather than rushing straight to Phoenix.
  • Skip Sedona and stay closer to Phoenix/Scottsdale: Safer if you want guaranteed hiking in dry conditions. There are many excellent trails in the Phoenix area, such as Camelback Mountain, Pinnacle Peak, or South Mountain, and temperatures are mild in late December.
  • Drive straight through Flagstaff to Phoenix: You could stop in Sedona briefly for a short walk or photo stop, reducing your risk of winter driving delays while still experiencing the scenery.

Recommendations: If you are comfortable driving in potentially snowy conditions, spending a night in Sedona can be rewarding. However, if you prefer minimal risk, staying near Phoenix or Scottsdale will guarantee dry, safe hiking and shorter winter driving distances. Always check the latest road conditions for I-17 and Flagstaff/Sedona before departing.

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