Updated: March 10, 2026
Sedona’s iconic red rocks set a stunning scene for your spring getaway. In this article, you’ll read about local wineries, scenic byways, and thrilling helicopter tours. Between riding the rails or visiting Bearizona’s wildlife, there is plenty of excitement before you head back to a cozy vacation rental each night.
Fresh mountain air and temperate spring weather, with highs in the 70s and 80s, make Sedona and its beautiful red rock scenery a must for your next spring road trip. Enjoy the scents and feel of a location in a pine forest like no other surrounded by red rock beauty. We want to help you create a Spring Road Trip to Sedona that’s uniquely yours with plenty of things to do and see that will keep everyone happy and busy throughout your stay.
Contents
- Winery Tour
- Red Rock Scenic Byway
- Verde Canyon Railroad
- Helicopter Tour
- A Sedona Trip to Bearizona
- Off-Road Tours
- Horseback Riding
- Contact Us to Plan Your Dream Spring Road Trip to Sedona
Winery Tour
Steal some adults-only time during your road trip. Sedona’s unique climate – desert heat during the day and the low temperatures of northern Arizona at night – make it a great environment for winemaking. These conditions mean more than 25 wineries call the nearby Verde Valley home. Take a guided tour of the many wineries along the Verde Valley Wine Trail or choose to create your own path. Whichever you choose, make sure you have safe transportation between venues.
Red Rock Scenic Byway
Even if you’ve traveled from afar on your road trip to get here, you won’t want to miss these ten miles. Gather your group and pack up the car and head out for some sightseeing. The Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR-179) takes you on a short trip that can last hours. Only ten miles long, the byway itself is a short drive, but you can spend hours at the many scenic pull-off points along the way. Gaze out over the towering red rocks of Red Rock Country.
Go during the day for a spectacular view from every angle or take a sunset cruise. While you’re out, stop by the Coconino National Forest visitor’s center for maps of hiking and biking trails you’ll want to check out.
Verde Canyon Railroad
Head to nearby Clarkdale, just 25 minutes from Sedona, and let someone else do the driving. We find the Verde Canyon Railroad is a fun way to sightsee in the area, and it is available any time of year. The train helps you stay out of the heat and takes you through areas you won’t be able experience in your car. Stick to your seat for the duration of the trip or head to an open-air viewing platform car for a better view of the red rock and pine forest scenery.
If you enjoyed the ride, come back another time for one of their themed rides, including the “Chocolate Lovers’ Festival” in February, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and more.
Helicopter Tour
Bring your camera and take to the skies for sightseeing from a different view. See the colorful landscape of Sedona and the surrounding area from a bird’s eye view on a helicopter tour of the area. Your pilot will point out popular landmarks like the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Three Nuns Rock, Snoopy Rock, Steamboat Rock, and others. Packages vary by tour company, with rides as short as 15 minutes all the way up to 55 minutes of airtime. Ask about transportation to and from your accommodations.
A Day Trip to Bearizona in Williams
Take a 60-mile drive west to Williams for a wilder tour on your spring road trip. Drive your own vehicle through the park’s three-mile track at your own pace. You’ll see more than just bears – javelina, prairie dogs, North American river otters, wolves, and more also call the park home. Keep in mind that all vehicles must be completely enclosed (no ATVs, convertibles, or open-top jeeps) and have operational windows.
Off-Road Tours
Let someone else do the driving off the beaten path. Take an off-road tour that mixes a scenic drive through the mountains with the adventure of hiking or biking through the terrain your car can’t likely reach and offers an unforgettable experience. Jeep® tours take you through parts of Sedona you wouldn’t want to access any other way. See the red rock formations, breathtaking views, and learn about the region’s ecology, geology, and history along the way.
Horseback Riding
Leave the wheels and the road behind. Many companies offer horseback riding tours in the fashion of the “Old West” heritage of Arizona. Take a guided tour and learn about the area’s flora and fauna, the mountains, and the history of the land. Bring your camera and capture the wonder of panoramic views and thrilling terrain like the Verde Valley, Sedona Red Rocks, and more. You can even go as far as the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff.
Contact Us to Plan Your Dream Spring Road Trip to Sedona
To create a stay as unique as yourself and your group, make sure the first thing on your spring road trip planning list is booking a vacation rental with Sedona.org. Prepare your own home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Relax in a private bedroom or comfy couch and watch a movie or TV show or play a game.
Choose a one-bedroom unit with kitchenette for a solo or small group experience or plan a family road trip reunion and book a unit as large as six bedrooms! Choose a premium unit for upgrades like stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, flat screen TVs and more!
If you love the mountains but also crave the coast, consider Ocracoke Island Realty for your next escape. Transition from red rocks to rolling waves and sandy shores with their premier island rentals and enjoy a peaceful change of scenery.
