A day trip from The Westin Tempe: Sedona red rocks
Yes — Sedona’s red rocks make a feasible day trip from The Westin Tempe: expect about a 2-hour drive north (roughly 124 miles each way). Plan an early departure and a late-afternoon return to see several trails and viewpoints without an overnight stay.
In this guide
Drive time and route basics
Sedona is about 124 miles from The Westin Tempe and the typical drive time is roughly 2 hours each way, depending on traffic and road conditions. Most visitors drive north on I-17 and then west on AZ‑179 into Sedona.
Allow extra time for Phoenix-area traffic when you leave and for slower, scenic sections as you approach Sedona. If you prefer not to drive, organized tours and private transfers operate from the Phoenix/Tempe area (confirm schedules in advance).
- Typical route: I-10 or local roads to I-17 north, then AZ‑179 into Sedona
- Plan for two hours each way under normal conditions
- Bring water and snacks for the trip — services are available en route but can be spaced out
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Drive distance | About 124 miles each way |
| Drive time | About 2 hours each way (varies with traffic) |
| Road types | Interstate and two-lane scenic highway (AZ‑179 into Sedona) |
Best time to go and what to pack
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for hiking and sightseeing in Sedona; winter is mild and summer can be very hot. The Westin Tempe’s home-page notes spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) as comfortable windows for outdoor activities in the region.
Pack layered clothing for temperature swings, sturdy shoes for uneven trails, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. Cell coverage is generally available in town but may be patchy on backcountry trails.
- Clothing: layers, sun hat, lightweight rain layer if a forecast calls for storms
- Footwear: hiking shoes or trail runners
- Essentials: 1–2 liters water, sunscreen, sunglasses, small first-aid kit
| Season | Notes |
|---|---|
| Spring/Fall | Most comfortable for hiking |
| Summer | Hot — plan early/late activities |
| Winter | Mild temps; rare snow at higher elevations |
Suggested day-trip itinerary
Leave The Westin Tempe early (6:00–7:00 AM if you want cool temperatures and fewer crowds) and drive north via I-17 and AZ‑179. Start at a main viewpoint such as Airport Mesa or Bell Rock for classic red-rock panoramas.
Spend the middle of the day on a short hike (1–3 hours) or a scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon. Return to Tempe in late afternoon or early evening; you’ll have time to use on-site amenities at the hotel after your return.
- Early morning: depart The Westin Tempe (grab coffee at Cup of Joe Market Café)
- Mid-morning: stop at Airport Mesa viewpoint or Bell Rock for photos
- Lunch: Sedona restaurant or picnic near a trailhead
- Afternoon: short hike (e.g., Bell Rock Pathway or Cathedral Rock access points) or scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon
- Late afternoon: return to The Westin Tempe; use Skysill Rooftop Lounge or rooftop pool to unwind
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00–7:00 AM | Depart Tempe; coffee at Cup of Joe Market Café |
| 9:00–11:30 AM | Views at Airport Mesa/Bell Rock; short hike |
| 12:00–2:00 PM | Lunch in Sedona or creekside picnic |
Top things to do in Sedona on a short visit
Choose a mix of viewpoints and a single short hike to keep the day manageable. Popular easy-to-moderate trail options feed into some of Sedona’s best views without a long time commitment.
If you prefer scenic driving, Oak Creek Canyon and the Red Rock Scenic Byway (AZ‑179) offer frequent pullouts and photo opportunities.
- Bell Rock Pathway — easy walks and viewpoint
- Airport Mesa — sunset and panoramic vistas (small parking lot can fill)
- Cathedral Rock (trailhead approach) — iconic photos; trail can be steep near the top
- Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive — creekside views and shaded pullouts
- Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village — galleries and shops if you want a short stroll
| Activity | Time needed |
|---|---|
| Short viewpoint stops | 15–45 minutes each |
| Easy hike (Bell Rock) | 1–2 hours |
| Cathedral Rock approach | 1.5–3 hours (depending on pace) |
Practical tips from The Westin Tempe
Start your day at The Westin Tempe with coffee and a quick bite from Cup of Joe Market Café (open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM). The hotel address and front-desk phone are useful if you need local directions: 11 E SEVENTH STREET, Tempe, Arizona, 85281; BookResorts agents (24/7) can be reached at +1 (888) 605-1350.
When you return, Skysill Rooftop Lounge and the 18th-floor rooftop pool are convenient places to relax after a day of driving and hiking — pool and bar hours vary, so check with the front desk on the day of your trip.
- Pack water and snacks from Cup of Joe Market Café before you depart
- Confirm rooftop pool and Skysill hours with the front desk if you plan to use them after your return
- Valet parking at The Westin Tempe is the on-site option; check height restrictions if you have a tall vehicle
| Hotel resource | How it helps your day trip |
|---|---|
| Cup of Joe Market Café | Early coffee and grab-and-go snacks |
| Front desk (24 hours) | Directions, local conditions, rooftop hours |
| Skysill Rooftop Lounge | Post-trip drinks or a late snack (check age/policy for evening hours) |
Safety, permits and environmental reminders
There are no park permits required for the common viewpoint stops and most short hikes around Sedona, but some specific trailheads or jeep routes may require a fee or managed access. Confirm rules at visitor centers or official park pages before you go.
Respect posted signage, stay on designated trails, and carry enough water for the duration of your activity. Sedona’s elevation and desert climate mean sun exposure and dehydration are real risks, especially in summer.
- Check local trail conditions at a Sedona visitor center or official site before departure
- Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out trash and avoid disturbing plants and rock formations
- If you’ll be driving unfamiliar dirt or steep roads, assess your vehicle and comfort level before proceeding
| Issue | What to do |
|---|---|
| Heat | Hike early/late; carry water and sun protection |
| Crowds | Visit popular viewpoints off-peak or choose lesser-known pullouts |
| Trail safety | Stay on marked paths and tell someone your plan |
