Let me tell you here, the Red Rock Scenic Byway is proof that the best drives aren’t always the longest. At just 7.5 miles, this short stretch of Arizona State Route 179 between the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona packs more visual drama per mile than roads ten times its length. The numbers back it up with over 1.7 million Instagram mentions and a 4.8-star average across thousands of reviews, it consistently ranks as the number one scenic drive in America.
The reason is simple: red sandstone. Towering formations with names like Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Cathedral Rock rise hundreds of feet from the desert floor on both sides of the road, glowing in shades of crimson, orange, and gold that shift with every change in light. At sunrise and sunset, the formations appear to catch fire.
What makes this drive special
Unlike many scenic byways where the views unfold gradually, Red Rock Scenic Byway hits you immediately and doesn’t let up. The moment you turn onto Highway 179, the formations are right there — massive, ancient, impossibly colorful. There’s no buildup, no long approach drive. You’re in the middle of it from mile one.
The road itself is modern and well-maintained — smooth asphalt, clear lane markings, and multiple pullouts with parking areas at the major viewpoints. This makes it accessible to every type of vehicle and driver, from RVs to rental cars to motorcycles. You can drive the full 7.5 miles in about 20 minutes if you don’t stop, but you’ll want to stop. Plan at least two hours, and a full half-day if you want to hike.
Key stops along the Byway
Bell Rock Vista: The most recognizable formation on the Byway — a massive red sandstone butte shaped like a bell. The Bell Rock Pathway is a flat, easy 3.6-mile out-and-back trail that circles the base and offers views from every angle. You can scramble partway up the rock itself for elevated panoramas.
Courthouse Butte: Adjacent to Bell Rock, this equally impressive formation has a more angular, fortress-like shape. A 4-mile loop trail circles both Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte and is one of the best moderate hikes in Sedona.
Cathedral Rock: Visible from the Byway but accessed from a separate trailhead, Cathedral Rock is Sedona’s most photographed formation. The hike to the saddle between the spires is short (1.2 miles round trip) but steep and requires some scrambling over slickrock. The payoff is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Arizona.
Chapel of the Holy Cross: Built directly into the red rock cliff face, this small Catholic chapel (completed 1956) is an architectural marvel that appears to grow from the stone itself. It’s a functioning church, so visits are brief and respectful, but the view from the approach road is stunning regardless of your faith.
Best time to visit
The Byway is beautiful year-round, but the quality of light transforms the experience dramatically. Early morning (just after sunrise) and late afternoon (the hour before sunset) produce the most vivid colors as low-angle sunlight fires up the iron oxide in the sandstone. Midday sun washes out the colors and creates harsh shadows.
October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures and clearest skies. Summer (June–August) brings temperatures above 100°F, making hiking uncomfortable though the drive itself is fine with air conditioning. Winter occasionally brings light snow that dusts the red rock formations — a rare and extraordinary sight.
Photography tip: The best light for photographing Red Rock Scenic Byway is in the last 30 minutes before sunset. Position yourself at the Bell Rock Vista pullout facing north for warm, side-lit formations with long shadows. Cathedral Rock is best photographed from Red Rock Crossing (accessed separately) with Oak Creek reflecting the formation.
Practical information
Parking: The Red Rock Pass is required for parking at trailheads and day-use areas ($5 daily or $15 weekly). The Byway pullouts themselves are free. An America the Beautiful annual parks pass also works.
Getting there: The Byway is Highway 179 between Exit 298 on I-17 (Village of Oak Creek) and the junction with Highway 89A in Sedona. It’s about 115 miles north of Phoenix, roughly a two-hour drive.
Crowds: The Byway is popular, especially on weekends from October through April. Arrive before 9 AM for the best parking at trailheads. The road itself rarely has traffic delays, but trailhead parking fills up by mid-morning.
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