Phoenix to Sedona
If you’re driving up from Phoenix to Sedona or back, you’ll be glad to hear that there are lots of interesting stops along the way. Optionally, if you’re going all the way to the Grand Canyon, we’ve written an article of best stops along the way there too.
Here are some of our best ideas for stops along the way from Phoenix to Sedona:
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Rock Springs Cafe
Rock Springs Cafe is a historical stop along the way to Sedona because of how long they’ve been operating and for the delicious pies and baked goods they serve.
Although some people may say the pies won’t blow you away, I found the banana cream pie and pecan pie to be pretty good!
There is also a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner - the shredded pork sandwich would be my choice here.
Sunset Point
A great rest stop with a wonderful scenic overlook, clean bathrooms, vending snack machines, and picnic tables.
Sometimes there are food trucks and ice cream vendors as well.
Overall a great and well maintained rest stop to stretch your legs!
Acrosanti
This retro-futuristic city was imagined and built by Italian architect Palo Soleri in 1970, with construction still going on to this day.
When visiting you’ll see amazing architecture - most of the buildings are in interesting geometric shapes and made to coexist with the surrounding environment.
There are about 100 people who live on site - you might catch some of them working on ceramics and other artistic endeavors while visiting.
It’s free to visit but you can pay $15 for a guided tour.
There’s also a hotel that you can stay overnight in if you’d like.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
One of best preserved cliff dwellings in the US Southwest, this five story, 20 room structure is a spectacular architectural example of the Sinagua People. They were believed to have lived in the area for about 400 years and then vanished without a trace.
To see it, park at the visitor center and then start on the paved 1/3 mile loop. You won’t be able to enter the structure, but you can see it easily from the trail.
There is a $10 entrance fee that is good for both Montezuma and Tuzigoot National Monument. If you have the American the Beautiful National Park Pass, it would be free to enter.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Built by the same Sinagua people who made the Montezuma Castle, the Tuzigoot ruins are the remains of a 3 story Pueblo complex that you can walk around in.
It’s estimated the pueblo was built between 1125 and 1400 with large parts of it in ruins due to its age.
If you bought a pass for Montezuma, it’ll work at Tuzigoot as well.
Jerome
The mining ghost town of Jerome is a must see if you’re into historical towns! It’s been kept in good shape by a collection of volunteers, residents, and business owners and is full of gold rush goodness.
If you have the time, make sure to take a ghost tour!
Otherwise, check out the mine museum, sliding jail, world’s largest kaleidoscope store, Gold King Mine, and just walk around town to soak in the history.