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Red Rock Scenic Byway: AZ-179, Sedona, Arizona
Photo: Aranyaparva · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Arizona Sedona, Prescott and Flagstaff

Red Rock Scenic Byway: AZ-179

Sedona, Arizona · I-17 → Sedona

Sweeping13.3 mi25 min1,100 ft climbHigh point ≈ 4,400 ftOne way
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The drive

AZ 179 runs north from I-17 exit 298 through the Village of Oak Creek to Sedona. It passes Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, with red rock on every side. The pace is easy: a string of roundabouts keeps speeds low and traffic moving.

The drive ends at the Y roundabout in Sedona, where AZ 179 meets 89A, and where the Oak Creek Canyon drive begins. It's here for the scenery rather than the corners.

Along the way

  1. I-17 (exit 298)
  2. Bell Rock
  3. Sedona (the Y)
Elevation
1,100 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 4,400 ft
I-17Sedona
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
I-17Sedona
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Parking at national forest trailheads along the road, such as Courthouse Vista, needs a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful pass.
  • Expect heavy traffic and slow roundabouts, especially on weekends.
  • Expect heavy traffic through the roundabouts.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Arizona 511 (ADOT).

Questions about this drive

How long does the Red Rock Scenic Byway take?

AZ 179 from I-17 to the Y in Sedona is 13.3 miles and takes about 25 minutes without stops.

Do I need a pass to park along AZ 179?

At national forest trailheads like Courthouse Vista you need a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful pass. Driving the road needs no pass.

Where is Bell Rock on AZ 179?

Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are beside AZ 179 south of Sedona. The Courthouse Vista trailhead is near milepost 308.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Red Rock Scenic Byway: AZ-179, from I-17 to Sedona