Updated on 2026-02-01

You might think the Red Rock Scenic Byway is just a pretty drive — but the landscape tells a deeper geological and cultural story. You’ll move through towering sandstone walls, planned pullouts, and trailheads that invite exploration, and you’ll want to time your shots for golden hour. Keep going to learn where to stop, what to pack, and how to stay safe so your visit matches the scenery.

Overview of the Red Rock Scenic Byway

Stretching about 7.5 miles, the Red Rock Scenic Byway follows SR 179 through Sedona’s Red Rock Country and is named an All-American Road. The route begins just north of I-17 (exit 298) and climbs toward the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona. It’s quick to drive (about 20 minutes without stops), but the best way to experience it is slowly: pull over, step out, and let light and scale do their work. Pullouts are planned—use them to study rock layers, trace erosion lines, and capture clean compositions without crowding. Info signs at some stops explain the geology and help you name what you’re seeing. If you have time, add a short walk from a trailhead to change your angle and find quieter frames.

Key takeaways

• For the richest color, drive at sunrise or golden hour; mid-day is better for texture and detail.
• Many viewpoints and trailheads along SR 179 require a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful pass.
• Parking fills early—arrive before 8 a.m. in busy seasons, and use designated pullouts only.
• Heat and slickrock are the main risks: carry plenty of water, wear traction shoes, and turn back early.

Best Times to Drive and Photograph the Red Rocks

After you’ve parked at a pullout and let the formations settle into frame, timing becomes your most powerful tool for shaping the scene. You’ll chase the best lighting: golden hour warms the red stone, blue hour gives cool contrast, midday isolates textures, and storm light adds drama. Respect seasonal variations — summer monsoon season can bring dynamic skies, while winter often clears the air and softens colors.

After parking and framing the rocks, use light — golden, blue, midday or storm — and seasons to shape your shot.

1. Sunrise: soft warmth, fewer people, more room to compose.
2. Golden hour: richest hues, long shadows, intentional framing.
3. Blue hour: moody silhouettes, quiet reflection, slow exposures.
4. Storms/winter: punchy contrast, unexpected moods, bold palettes.

Plan drives around these windows, stay flexible, and let timing free your vision.

Major Scenic Pullouts and Overlooks

When you stop at the Red Rock Scenic Byway’s pullouts, you’re stepping into curated viewpoints that frame the corridor’s drama so you can shoot, sketch, or simply absorb it without guessing where to park. A few of the most popular, easy-access stops on or just off SR 179 include:

• Bell Rock Pathway/Vista: quick access to Bell Rock’s base and a wide network of trails.
• Courthouse Vista: broad views of Courthouse Butte and easy walking options.
• Yavapai Vista: a short walk to benches with classic sunrise/sunset framing of Bell Rock and Courthouse.
• Cathedral Rock Trailhead: steep, iconic scrambling and wide views (arrive early for parking).

Use simple photography tips: shoot golden-hour side light, bracket exposures for contrasty scenes, and include a person (safely) to show scale. Respect signage and stay on durable surfaces to protect fragile desert soil.

Popular Trailheads and Hikes Along the Byway

You’ll find trailheads that suit every pace, from the steep scramble up Cathedral Rock to the family-friendly loops around Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Devil’s Bridge is also a common Sedona bucket-list hike, but it’s accessed from West Sedona trailheads (not directly on SR 179). Plan for changing light and slick rock underfoot so you’ll stay safe and get the best views.

Cathedral Rock Trailhead

Although it climbs steeply, the Cathedral Rock Trail rewards you quickly with iconic red sandstone fins and wide views. The route is short but demanding; hands-on scrambling leads to saddle viewpoints where effort feels earned.

1. Choose sturdy shoes — traction matters.
2. Pace deliberately — short bursts, steady breath.
3. Carry water and sun protection — desert sun is direct.
4. Stay on trail and rock — protect fragile soil and soil crust.

Bell Rock Pathways

From the airy exposure of Cathedral Rock, head north toward Bell Rock and you’ll find a gentler set of pathways that invite hikers, bikers, and casual walkers. You’ll choose routes that match your pace: easy loops around the base, steeper scrambles toward ledges, and singletrack for mountain bikes. Pack water, wear sun protection, and move with intention.

Devil’s Bridge Hike (nearby)

One iconic red-rock arch rises above a short but steep trail—Devil’s Bridge delivers a dramatic payoff for a modest effort, and you can expect narrow steps, exposed ledges, and a crowd near the natural span. This hike is in West Sedona; plan extra drive time and parking.

1. Start early to avoid crowds and claim the moment.
2. Carry water, sun protection, and a headlamp if you’re starting before daylight.
3. Respect ledges: prioritize trail safety over photos.
4. Leave no trace: stay on trail and pack out trash.

Parking, Permits, and Entry Fees

When you plan your visit, get familiar with parking zones and pass requirements so you won’t waste time once you arrive. Many viewpoints and trailheads along SR 179 are on Coconino National Forest land and require a day-use pass if you leave your vehicle while recreating.

• Red Rock Pass: Daily $5, Weekly $15, Annual $20 (valid at Coconino National Forest fee sites in the Sedona area).
• America the Beautiful pass: accepted at many of the same sites in lieu of the Red Rock Pass.
• Coconino Pass sites: a small number of vendor-run day-use areas have separate fees and do not accept the Red Rock Pass.
• State parks: Red Rock Passes are not valid at Arizona State Parks (for example, Red Rock State Park and Slide Rock State Park have their own entrance fees).

You can buy Red Rock Passes at on-site kiosks, local vendors, or online by license plate through the Red Rock & Coconino Passes Program page. Carry proof of payment, display passes where required, and plan to arrive early during peak seasons.

For group trips, workshops, or commercial shoots, confirm whether your activity needs a special-use permit before you arrive.

Safety Tips and Desert Driving Advice

Plan for desert heat—carry more water than you think you’ll need and drink before you feel thirsty. Check your vehicle’s fluids and tires, and bring a charger and basic emergency kit. Watch for changing road conditions and wildlife at dawn and dusk, and slow down if visibility drops.

Heat and Hydration

Because desert heat can turn pleasant hikes into dangerous situations fast, build a simple plan: start early, take shade breaks, and scale your hike to the forecast. For many desert day hikes, plan on several liters of water per person (and more in hot or exposed conditions), plus electrolytes.

1. Use sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and breathable layers.
2. Rest in shade often; avoid your hardest climb at mid-day.
3. Watch for heat illness signs like dizziness, confusion, heavy sweating, or nausea — cool down and hydrate immediately.
4. Turn around early if you’re burning through water.

Vehicle Preparation

Heat awareness doesn’t stop at your water bottle — it begins with the vehicle that’ll carry you through the desert. Check coolant, belts, and hoses; inspect tires (including the spare); and keep extra water, basic tools, and a sunshade in the car. Keep a paper map or offline maps in case service drops.

Road and Wildlife Awareness

When you drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway, stay alert to shifting road conditions and wildlife that can appear without warning; scan the shoulder, reduce speed at dusk and dawn, and use high beams wisely on open stretches.

1. Scan: watch shoulders, rockfall, and silhouettes at dawn/dusk.
2. Slow: reduce speed in curves and where visibility drops.
3. Yield: give wildlife space; don’t swerve wildly to avoid an animal.
4. Prepare: keep fuel, water, phone charged; emergency kit ready.

Wildlife, Plants, and Geology to Watch For

As you drive or hike the Red Rock Scenic Byway, watch for vivid layers of life carved into the landscape: desert scrub and piñon-juniper woodlands cling to sandstone ribs, mule deer and coyotes traverse hidden washes, and raptors circle above cliffs. Read rock layers like a map: red sandstone, limestone, and shale record ancient deserts and seas. Move freely but leave no trace; respect fragile life.

Nearby Towns, Dining, and Overnight Options

Though the byway feels wild, towns lie close enough to serve as practical bases for food, fuel, and sleep. Use Sedona for restaurants, galleries, and quick trail access; Cottonwood for more budget-friendly lodging and grocery runs; and Camp Verde for historic sites and RV-friendly options.

Though the byway feels remote, nearby Sedona, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, and Village of Oak Creek offer dining, lodging, and attractions.

1. Sedona: art, restaurants, canyon views.
2. Cottonwood: groceries, affordable stays, Old Town charm.
3. Camp Verde: historic sites, RV parks, easy freeway access.
4. Village of Oak Creek: quieter stays, quick access to SR 179 trailheads.

Practical Packing List and Helpful Apps

A few smart choices will keep you comfortable, safe, and ready for anything on the Red Rock Scenic Byway: pack layered clothing for temperature swings, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection (wide-brim hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, polarized sunglasses), and a lightweight wind- or rain-shell. Add a refillable water bottle, compact first-aid kit, headlamp, map or offline GPS, salty snacks, and a small multitool.

For navigation and discovery, use apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS for route planning, PeakFinder for identifying landmarks, and offline maps for connectivity gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are drones allowed near the Red Rock Scenic Byway?

Sometimes — it depends on where you launch/land and what rules apply to that exact spot. Much of the area is on Coconino National Forest land, where drones can be legal in many places, but you must follow FAA rules and any Forest Service restrictions (including extra limits in designated Wilderness areas). For baseline rules and required steps for recreational flyers, start with the FAA recreational drone rules (including TRUST). Then check for local restrictions (including Wilderness boundaries) and any posted closures before you fly. Keep clear of people and wildlife, don’t interfere with traffic, and respect privacy.

Are there accessible restrooms at every major pullout?

No — you won’t find restrooms at every pullout. Facilities are more common at larger trailheads and visitor hubs, so plan ahead and treat bathrooms as a bonus, not a guarantee.

Can I bring my pet snake or other unusual pet on trails?

On the Coconino National Forest, dogs are generally allowed when leashed (and you’re responsible for waste and control). Some locations have stricter rules—for example, pets aren’t allowed at certain heritage sites such as Palatki, Honanki, and Grasshopper Point. For unusual pets, check the rules for your exact destination before you go and prioritize the animal’s safety in heat and crowds.

Are there any overnight camping spots directly on the byway?

No — there are no designated overnight camping spots on the byway itself. For legal overnight options, use established campgrounds, RV parks, or dispersed camping areas that allow it, and follow posted restrictions and fire rules.

Is there cell service along the entire route for emergency calls?

No — cell coverage can be unreliable in parts of red rock country. Download offline maps, share your plan with someone, and consider a satellite messenger for remote hikes.

Conclusion

You’ll arrive thirsty for wide-open silence yet leave full of shared stories; the drive asks for quiet attention and gives loud color back. Take the pullouts, follow the trails, and balance curiosity with caution—carry water, shade, and respect. Dawn’s cool hush and dusk’s fiery glow are both lessons: slow down, frame the light, and protect the fragile desert.