Home base recommendations between Phoenix and Sedona

Question

Early stages of family vacay (two families with teens and grandparents in late 60s) planning for last week of March/first week of April. One family wants to see Sedona again for a variety of reasons, and my family is not as interested in Sedona (been there, done that..). Grandparents don't really have a strong preference of location. We have a son that will be flying into Phoenix from college half way through trip to join, so don't want to be 2+ hours away to pick up/bring back as that is pretty much a day lost on driving. What is a good sort of "middleish spot", that would work for a home base? Saw some rentals in Black Canyon city that looked beautiful and seemed like a good compromise location wise. Other ideas I've come across... Scottsdale, Prescott, Cottonwod, Jerome, Camp Verde.

Both families like outdoors, hiking, exploring, trying new foods. My family is more interested in history and local culture. Neither of our families are big shoppers but of course, if there is some local shops/items, we always try to explore and support. We don't all go to the same things each day and have always agreed that we do what is interesting to the families with some joint adventures along the way.

Answer

For a family vacation in late March/early April with mixed interests — Sedona for some, history and culture for others, plus easy access to Phoenix for a family member arriving mid-trip — choosing a “middleish” base is smart. The region between Phoenix and Sedona has several good options that balance driving time, scenery, and amenities.

1. Location Considerations

You’ll want a home base that:

Is roughly halfway between Phoenix and Sedona to reduce long drives (ideally under 1.5 hours to either).
Offers easy access to highways for day trips.
Has rental homes suitable for multiple families with teens and grandparents.
Allows both hiking/outdoor options and cultural/history exploration.

2. Potential Home Base Locations

Black Canyon City
- Excellent compromise location, ~1 hour north of Phoenix and ~1.5 hours south of Sedona.
- Quieter, less touristy than Sedona or Scottsdale.
- Good access to hiking along the Agua Fria National Monument and surrounding desert areas.
- Some local restaurants, limited shopping, but main focus is outdoor and scenic experiences.
Camp Verde
- About 1 hour south of Sedona, 2 hours north of Phoenix.
- Home to Montezuma Castle and other historical sites, good for culture/history seekers.
- Outdoor activities nearby include hiking, Verde River access, and wine tasting in Verde Valley.
- Has more amenities than Black Canyon City, but still quieter than Sedona.
Cottonwood
- Near Sedona (20–25 minutes south), with a charming Old Town area for history, local shops, and dining.
- Good hiking nearby in Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
- Better for families wanting a Sedona-adjacent location with local culture, but a slightly longer drive to Phoenix (~2.5 hours).
Prescott
- Historic downtown, museums, and outdoor activities.
- About 1.5–2 hours west of Sedona and ~2 hours north of Phoenix — slightly out of the way if Phoenix pickup is crucial.
- Good for those prioritizing culture, history, and a mild mountain climate.
Jerome
- Historic mining town with artsy culture, galleries, and museums.
- Close to Sedona (~45 minutes) but longer to Phoenix (~2.5 hours).
- Charming for short stays or day trips, but may not be ideal for a central home base for both families.
Scottsdale / North Phoenix suburbs
- Easy access to Phoenix airport, modern amenities, restaurants, and urban culture.
- Much farther from Sedona (~2 hours), so daily trips to Sedona would be longer.
- Better if Phoenix airport access or luxury amenities is a top priority.

3. Recommendation

For your situation, Black Canyon City or Camp Verde would likely be the best compromises:

Black Canyon City: central, minimal driving, more secluded and scenic.
Camp Verde: slightly closer to Sedona, better access to historical sites, still reasonable for Phoenix pickup.

Using either of these as a home base allows both families to split activities comfortably — hiking, exploring Sedona, and visiting historical sites. You can plan joint adventures on day trips while also letting each family pursue their interests independently. Rentals in both areas tend to accommodate larger groups and offer outdoor spaces for teens and grandparents to enjoy together.