Getting Around Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a small desert city boasting over 200 trails, hillside wineries, and a plethora of galleries spread out over 19 square miles. Although there is a public transportation system in place, accessing all that Sedona has to offer is best done by using a vehicle. Car and motorcycle rentals are readily available at the Sedona Airport and throughout West Sedona, which also provides off-road vehicle rentals. Rates generally start at approximately $60 per day for compact cars, with gas prices in Arizona typically lower than in other states.
If driving isn’t your preference, public transit connects visitors to Sedona’s main neighborhoods and a few scenic sites. However, it’s worth noting that the bus schedules feature long intervals. Taxis and ride-share services are inconsistently available, so planning for ahead is important. Some neighborhoods in Sedona offer walkable options, with amenities clustered around hotels.
Traveling by Car
Opting for a car or motorcycle allows you to explore Sedona at your own pace, whether you wish to hike an extinct volcano at sunrise or enjoy stargazing at night, as Sedona is an international dark sky community. The city stretches alongside Interstate 17 and state routes 89A and 179, making navigation effortless amidst ancient mountains and mesas. For accessing remote areas, like the cliff dwellings at Palatki Heritage Site, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is advised. To explore more of Sedona’s vast backcountry, an off-road vehicle rental is also a great choice.
Driving Off-Road
In Arizona, properly licensed and registered off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are street legal, allowing you to drive ATVs, sand rails, and dune buggies on city streets and highways to reach backcountry trails.
Public Transportation
Can navigating Sedona be done without a car? Certainly! The Verde Shuttle is an efficient and affordable option, with fares within Sedona costing just $1. Visitors should plan accordingly, as buses operate seven days a week on two separate schedules. Depending on the day, bus intervals can range from 45 to 90 minutes. Nevertheless, the routes conveniently cover Sedona’s Oak Creek Village, Uptown, and West Sedona neighborhoods along main thoroughfares like SR 89A, with the added benefit of accommodating up to three bikes per bus.
Exploring on a Bicycle
With an impressive network of over 400 miles of trails that wind through stunning canyons adorned with cacti and ponderosa pines, Sedona’s multi-use system attracts mountain bikers of all experience levels. Riders can choose from easy routes like the Bell Rock Pathway or tackle the challenging Slim Shady trail’s twisty single-track terrain. For convenience, seven mountain biking trails include free bike-repair stations equipped with necessary tools.
Sedona is also a popular destination for road cycling, featuring a paved bike lane on SR 179 that connects to various red rock trails and vortex sites. While cycling between neighborhoods is possible, it may require crossing highways or intersections. Generally, speed limits in the area are only 35 miles per hour, promoting a safer cycling environment.
Not keen on biking through the city? The Verde Shuttle buses can transport your bike to the trailhead, accommodating up to three bikes each. This option is advantageous as parking at trailheads tends to fill up quickly, particularly on weekends.
Walking in Sedona
Although initiatives like Walk Sedona aim to encourage exploration on foot, relying solely on walking may not be feasible unless you remain in a single neighborhood like Uptown or the Village of Oak Creek (VOC). Walk Sedona offers an interactive map that assists in planning self-guided routes that cover local restaurants, art studios, and museums.
Accessible Transportation in Sedona
The Verde Shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts, providing accessible travel options via public transportation in Sedona. Additionally, individuals with disabilities who cannot utilize this fixed-route bus service can take advantage of the Cottonwood Area Transit (CAT) system’s CAT Paratransit shuttle. This service picks up individuals within three-quarters of a mile from a fixed-route bus stop. As this service operates on-demand, advanced planning is essential; reservations must be made by 5:00 p.m. the prior day (call 928-634-2287). One-way fares are $2.25.
