Best route to sedona

Question

Hi..traveling to wedding in Sedona. Not a fan of heights or funky roads. Is drive from Phoenix or flagstaff better?

Answer

When deciding the best route to Sedona while avoiding heights and winding roads, the choice between driving from Phoenix or Flagstaff depends on your tolerance for curves, elevation changes, and scenic roads.

Driving from Phoenix:

Distance: Approximately 115 miles, about a 2-hour drive.
Route: Typically via I-17 north to AZ-179 through Oak Creek Canyon. This route is scenic but includes some winding sections, particularly through Oak Creek Canyon. There are no extreme heights, but there are curves and cliffs along parts of the canyon road.
Traffic: Can be heavier on weekends, especially during tourist season, but generally manageable.
Comfort level: If you are sensitive to winding roads, this may be moderately challenging but the elevation changes are gradual and manageable.

Driving from Flagstaff:

Distance: About 30 miles, roughly a 45-minute drive.
Route: Mostly via US-89A south to Sedona. This road has more curves than the I-17 straight section but is generally higher up in elevation. Some switchbacks exist, particularly descending into Sedona from the north, which can be uncomfortable if you dislike heights or sharp turns.
Traffic: Usually lighter than the Phoenix route, especially outside peak tourist hours.
Comfort level: If you dislike heights, some portions of US-89A may feel intimidating because of drop-offs and hairpin turns.

Recommendation:

If avoiding heights and winding roads is your priority, driving from Phoenix via I-17 and AZ-179 may be the better option. While Oak Creek Canyon is curvy, it is lower and less steep compared to some sections coming from Flagstaff.
From Flagstaff, the road is shorter but includes more elevation changes and sharper switchbacks, which may be uncomfortable for those sensitive to heights.

Additional tips:

Drive during daylight hours to better see the road and surroundings, which can help ease anxiety.
Take breaks if needed; both routes have scenic pullouts to stop and stretch.
If still nervous, consider rideshare or shuttle options from Phoenix, which allows you to enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving.

In summary, the Phoenix route is longer but generally more comfortable for those not fond of heights or very winding roads, while the Flagstaff route is shorter but includes sharper curves and higher elevation drop-offs.

Best route to sedona

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