A practical day trip from Sheraton Phoenix Downtown: Sedona red rocks
Sedona's red rock country is a feasible, practical day trip from Sheraton Phoenix Downtown: expect about a 2-hour drive each way via I-17 (roughly 116–117 miles). Leave early to maximize daylight for scenic viewpoints and short walks, and return to downtown Phoenix in the evening.
In this guide
Getting there from Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Plan for roughly a 2-hour drive each way to Sedona via Interstate 17; sources list the distance at about 116–117 miles from Phoenix. Traffic and stops will change your total time, so allow extra time if you need to return for an evening event in downtown Phoenix.
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown’s address is 340 N 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004. If you need assistance arranging transportation off-site, BookResorts agents are available 24/7 at +1 (888) 605-1350.
- Leave by 7:00 a.m. to avoid heavier mid-morning traffic and to have more daylight in Sedona.
- Pack water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes for short walks; Sedona can be much cooler or warmer than Phoenix depending on season.
- Check road and weather conditions before you go; spring and fall have the most pleasant daytime temperatures for outdoor time.
| Drive segment | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Sheraton Phoenix Downtown → Sedona (via I-17) | About 2 hours |
| Sedona → Sheraton Phoenix Downtown | About 2 hours |
| Total round trip (driving only) | About 4 hours |
How to structure a practical day
For a comfortable day trip, aim for a 6–9 hour visit on-site in Sedona so driving doesn’t dominate your day. That lets you visit a couple of viewpoints, enjoy a short walk or scenic drive, and have lunch without rushing.
If you prefer less driving stress, consider hiring a local Sedona guide or shuttle for a half-day tour; otherwise, self-driving gives the most flexibility to stop at overlooks.
- 05:30–07:00 — Depart Sheraton Phoenix Downtown after quick coffee at &More by Sheraton.
- 09:00–12:00 — Scenic viewpoints and short walks in Sedona.
- 12:00–13:30 — Lunch in Sedona town or at a lookout picnic spot.
- 13:30–16:00 — Scenic drive, galleries, or a second short walk.
- 16:00–18:30 — Drive back and relax at the hotel (pool or Carcara for dinner).
| What to do | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Early departure | Avoids heavier traffic and gives more daylight |
| Pick 2 activities | Keeps the day realistic and relaxed |
| Return before late night | Allows use of hotel amenities like Breeze Bar or Carcara |
What to see and do in Sedona (practical choices)
Sedona is known for dramatic red rock formations and scenic drives. With limited time, prioritize one or two viewpoints or short, well-maintained trails rather than attempting long hikes.
Parking can fill up at popular overlooks in peak season; arrive early at the busiest spots. If you want trail recommendations suited to your fitness and time, seek local park maps or visitor-center advice on arrival.
- Choose one iconic outlook (e.g., a red-rock viewpoint) and one short walk or scenic drive.
- Bring water and sun protection — desert sun can be intense even outside summer.
- Confirm parking availability at trailheads/overlooks before you park, and carry a printed map or offline GPS.
| Focus | Example |
|---|---|
| Quick viewpoints | Scenic overlooks along main roads |
| Short walks | Well-marked, under 2 hours round-trip |
| Scenic drive | Drive the main red-rock corridors and stop at pullouts |
Food, breaks and where to refuel
Start with coffee or breakfast at &More by Sheraton before you depart; the lobby venue serves specialty coffees and pastries from early morning. Carcara offers a fuller menu should you prefer a sit-down breakfast or dinner back at the hotel.
In Sedona, many restaurants and cafés serve lunch and early dinner; plan a booking if you want a specific table at peak times, or bring a picnic to eat at a scenic pullout.
- &More by Sheraton — coffee, pastries, grab-and-go options (opens early).
- Carcara — full-service Sonoran-inspired restaurant at the hotel for pre- or post-trip meals.
- Breeze Bar — rooftop poolside grill fare if you return and want a casual late-afternoon meal.
| Hotel dining spot | Best for |
|---|---|
| &More by Sheraton | Grab-and-go breakfast, coffee |
| Carcara | Sit-down breakfast or dinner |
| Breeze Bar | Poolside cocktails and grill fare after your return |
Practical packing and safety notes
Sedona’s weather and trail conditions change with season. The research dossier notes spring and fall are the most pleasant for outdoor activities; summer can be very hot, and monsoon storms occur in July–August.
Carry water, sun protection, a layered jacket for cooler mornings/evenings, and a basic first-aid kit. Tell someone your plan if you take any unmarked or less-traveled paths.
- Water (at least one liter per person for short walks).
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Layered clothing for temperature swings between morning and evening.
- Phone with a charged battery and offline maps if cell coverage is spotty.
| Season | Note |
|---|---|
| Spring / Fall | Most pleasant daytime temperatures |
| Summer | High heat and monsoon storms; plan early starts |
| Winter | Milder days but cooler mornings/evenings |
Returning and after-trip options at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
After a full day, return to the hotel to use on-site amenities: the rooftop lap pool (fourth floor) and Breeze Bar are convenient for cooling down and a drink. The property’s welcome phone number for BookResorts agents is +1 (888) 605-1350 if you need help arranging anything before you leave.
If you need a quiet room to rest, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown offers room types ranging from a Traditional Room to suites such as the Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom, City View. Check-in time is listed as 4:00 pm and check-out is 11:00 am if you plan to stay overnight after your trip.
- Rooftop pool: fourth-floor heated lap pool and Breeze Bar (complimentary for guests).
- Dining: Carcara for a full meal; &More by Sheraton for coffee and small plates.
- Rooms: consider a Club Room or Suite if you want more living space after a long day.
| Need | Hotel option |
|---|---|
| Quick coffee on departure | &More by Sheraton |
| Post-trip dinner | Carcara or Breeze Bar |
| Rest with space | Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom, City View or Club Suite |
