The drive from West Sedona, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ covers 124.3 miles and takes about 2h 25m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Arizona Veterans Highway, Pima Freeway, Black Canyon Freeway for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is mixed drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 52.9 miles on Arizona Veterans Highway.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $24.76 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
62.2 miles from West Sedona, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 16m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 25m. Total distance: 124.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (36%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
The drive from West Sedona, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ covers 124.3 miles and takes about 2h 25m, using a mix of highways and local roads.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 38 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Arizona Veterans Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 52.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.8 miles in near AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 124.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.8 miles (AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 17.1 miles (AZ 179): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
2.8 mi into trip|~6m in|AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
7
17.1 mi into trip|~31m in|AZ 179
Take the exit onto AZ 179 toward Oak Creek Canyon, SR 179, Sedona
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 298
Toward Oak Creek Canyon, SR 179, Sedona
8
100 mi into trip|~1h 56m in
Take the exit toward AZ 101 Loop West, AZ 101 Loop East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 214C
Toward AZ 101 Loop West, AZ 101 Loop East
7
100.4 mi into trip|~1h 56m in
Keep slight left at fork toward AZ 101 Loop East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward AZ 101 Loop East
7
123.3 mi into trip|~2h 23m in
Take the exit toward Chaparral Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 46
Toward Chaparral Road
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between West Sedona, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ, road signs point toward Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona.
Oak Creek Canyon
17.1 mi in|~31m|via AZ 179
Sedona
17.1 mi in|~31m|via AZ 179
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Arizona Veterans Highway
52.9 mi
52m
Pima Freeway
21.8 mi
25m
Black Canyon Freeway
20.7 mi
22m
Red Rock Scenic Byway
14.3 mi
25m
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
5.8 mi
5m
North Black Canyon Highway
3.2 mi
3m
State Route 89A
2.3 mi
4m
East Chaparral Road
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Arizona Veterans Highway
— 52.9 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Sedona, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ.
1
Start on Andante Drive
0.3 mi·1 min·Andante Drive
2
Turn left onto AZ 89A
2.3 mi·4 min·State Route 89A
3
Continue on AZ 89A
0.1 mi·9 sec·Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
4
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89A
89 ft·1 sec·Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
5
Continue on AZ 89A
323 ft·4 sec·Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
6
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
11 ft·0 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
7
Continue on AZ 179
0.3 mi·50 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
8
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
69 ft·0 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
9
Continue on AZ 179
0.5 mi·58 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
10
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
92 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
11
Continue on AZ 179
0.6 mi·1 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
12
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
107 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
13
Continue on AZ 179
1.4 mi·3 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
14
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
80 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
15
Continue on AZ 179
0.4 mi·57 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
16
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
112 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
17
Continue on AZ 179
2.9 mi·6 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
18
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
81 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
19
Continue on AZ 179
0.6 mi·1 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
20
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
94 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
21
Continue on AZ 179
0.2 mi·22 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
22
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
100 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
23
Continue on AZ 179
0.3 mi·36 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
24
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
108 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
25
Continue on AZ 179
7.0 mi·9 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
26
Take the exit onto AZ 179
0.2 mi·21 sec·AZ 179
Exit 298Toward Oak Creek Canyon, SR 179, Sedona
27
Merge onto I 17
53 mi·52 min·Arizona Veterans Highway
28
Continue on I 17
5.8 mi·5 min·Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on I 17
10 mi·10 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Continue on I 17
3.2 mi·3 min·North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
31
Continue on I 17
10 mi·11 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.4 mi·41 sec
Exit 214CToward AZ 101 Loop West, AZ 101 Loop EastUse the slight right lane.
33
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward AZ 101 Loop EastUse the slight left lane.
34
Merge onto AZ 101 Loop
22 mi·25 min·Pima Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 46Toward Chaparral RoadUse the slight right lane.
36
Turn right onto East Chaparral Road
0.6 mi·1 min·East Chaparral Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
37
Turn left
64 ft·4 sec
38
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 62.2 miles from West Sedona, AZ, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.9 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 27 miles or 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 62.2 miles or 1h 16m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Scottsdale, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving West Sedona, AZ so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from West Sedona, AZ
This is one driving day of about 124.3 miles and 2h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from West Sedona, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Arizona Veterans Highway for about 52.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 62.2 mi from West Sedona, AZ
· 1h 16m into the drive
The midpoint is around 62.2 miles from West Sedona, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Scottsdale, AZ
The final approach into Scottsdale, AZ usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Scottsdale, AZ.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
National Monument
Established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff...
Water flows under and through this landscape, feeding the growth of people and towns. The Verde Valley is watered by snowmelt, summer monsoons, and springs that well up from the ancient sedimentary ro...
Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived and traveled throughout Walnut Canyon’s dynamic landscape. Vibrant communities built their homes in the cliffs and farmed along the canyon’s rim. T...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.76 one way
$49.52 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg44 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$26.21
$52.41
premium
$5.59
$27.36
$54.72
diesel
$5.61
$27.44
$54.89
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 43.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
37.3
0
$13.05
$5.97
Efficient EV
31.1
0
$10.88
$4.97
EV Truck/SUV
49.7
0
$17.40
$7.96
Gas CO2
43 kg
EV CO2
15 kg (65% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
West Sedona, AZ
Afternoon
in West Sedona on Friday
Local time
4:22 PM
MST
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Scottsdale, AZ
Afternoon
in Scottsdale on Friday
Local time
4:22 PM
MST
Current temp
92°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
45 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 25m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from West Sedona, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ covers 124.3 miles and takes about 2h 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Arizona Veterans Highway, Pima Freeway, Black Canyon Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 62.2 miles from West Sedona, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.76 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 124.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.8 miles (AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 17.1 miles (AZ 179): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between West Sedona, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ, road signs point toward Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Montezuma Castle National Monument, Tuzigoot National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
