Sedona 2 Day Itinerary with some restrictions

Question

Please help plan my 2 day Sedona itinerary (2 adults, 3 kids aged 10-12) with the following conditions:

- Hotel stay at CottonWood (I know....poor planning)

- Cannot leave hotel until 12pm (Work)

- Have to drive to Page, AZ on Day 2.

- Lunch and dinner on the go (don't care for sit-down experiences).

- Pink Jeep Tours all sold out. Did not plan well so maybe next time.

- Want to do one hike but that's it. Definitely want to drive through scenic routes and visit view points.

- Would like to visit places with water but not if the water's too cold (and I think I already know the answer to this)

Here's what I have

Day 1:

1. Set out at 12pm and drive to Uptown Sedona. Give Main Street 1 hour at the most.

2. Drive down 179 with 1st stop Airport Mesa. Take in the panoramic sights.

3. Continue down 179 (Red Rock Scenic Byway). Don't stop at Chapel of the Holy Cross or Red Rock State Park. Instead continue down to Bell Rock/Courthouse Butte.

4. Do the Bell Rock Pathway hike (the only one of interest given potential mobility issues - also I suppose we will be in Red Rock State Park anyway if we do this). Spend some time in the general area.

5. Drive back to Cottonwood

Day 2:

1. Set out at 12pm. Could make it earlier.

2. Spend more time at Red Rock State Park.

3. If time permits do Montezuma National Monument.

4. Drive to Page, AZ. Thinking of leaving by 5pm.

How's this looking?. Also, a safety question. The Sedona to Page drive is through 89 and during dusk. Is this unsafe?

Thanks for reading!

Answer

Your current plan for Sedona with your timing restrictions is quite reasonable, and it balances seeing scenic highlights with a manageable hike and minimal walking for the kids.

Day 1 Suggestions:

The plan to leave at 12pm from Cottonwood is fine. Here’s a few refinements:

Uptown Sedona: One hour is sufficient for a quick stroll, snacks, and photos. Parking can be limited, so keep it brief.
Airport Mesa: This is a great panoramic viewpoint. The short trail from the parking lot gives you spectacular 360° views without too much effort.
Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR-179): Driving this route is a highlight itself. Stopping at Bell Rock/Courthouse Butte is perfect. Bell Rock Pathway is family-friendly and relatively easy for your kids.
Consider stopping briefly at a pullout along the Byway for photos if time allows.
Driving back to Cottonwood: Expect about 45–50 minutes. You’ll have plenty of time to rest for the evening.

Day 2 Suggestions:

Given your late start, here’s how to make it efficient:

Red Rock State Park: Spend about 1–1.5 hours. There are easy trails and interpretive signs, and you’ll get a sense of the area’s geology and wildlife.
Montezuma Castle National Monument: About 20 minutes north of Cottonwood. Short walk to the castle, very kid-friendly. Quick stop is ideal before heading to Page.
Drive to Page: Leaving by 5pm means you’ll be driving through dusk, which is generally safe but keep a few precautions in mind:
- Watch for wildlife, especially deer, which can be active at dusk.
- SR-89 is mostly two-lane. Drive cautiously, especially on curves and near hills where visibility is limited.
- Ensure your headlights are on and your SUV is in good condition (tires, brakes, lights).

Alternative time adjustments:

If possible, leaving Sedona a bit earlier on Day 2 (around 11am) gives more flexibility for a stop at Red Rock State Park or Montezuma Castle without feeling rushed.
For lunch and dinner on the go, plan to pick up sandwiches or snacks in Cottonwood or Sedona before leaving.

Overall, your itinerary is realistic for a 2-day Sedona visit with kids and a drive to Page. Scenic driving, one main hike, and a few short stops will keep everyone engaged without overdoing it.

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