Arizona, famed for the majestic Grand Canyon, holds countless other wonders waiting to be discovered. From roads winding through fiery red deserts to mountain passes meandering through lush pine forests, Arizona is a paradise for those passionate about driving and exploring unspoiled natural beauty. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to discover the most beautiful drives in Arizona, where you can fully enjoy the unique beauty of this land.
Sedona: The Red Jewel in the Arizona Desert
Sedona, a city situated over 4,500 feet above sea level, about 115 miles from Phoenix, is a must-visit destination on your Arizona journey. To fully enjoy the beauty of Sedona and the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is the ideal base for your stay. From Flagstaff, it’s only about a 45-minute drive to Sedona and about 1.5 hours to the Grand Canyon. This choice saves you significant travel time compared to traveling to and from Phoenix.
Sedona is known as a romantic tourist city, famous for its stunning red sandstone rock formations and vast green pine forests. Beyond its breathtaking natural scenery, Sedona is also a cultural and artistic hub with numerous art galleries showcasing paintings, ceramics, and sculptures. Annually, Sedona hosts film festivals and art exhibitions, attracting visitors and artists from around the world. It has also served as the backdrop for many famous films, including “The Strawberry Roan” (1947) starring Gene Autry.
Aerial view of Sedona's distinctive red sandstone formations
Discovering Sedona: A Map to Guide Your Beauty Exploration
To explore Sedona most effectively, you should visit the Sedona Visitor Information Center (@ Sedona Chamber of Commerce). Here, you’ll find a wealth of brochures and leaflets introducing Sedona and surrounding areas, along with information on tours, restaurants, cafes, hotels, attractions, and art galleries.
Sedona Visitor Information Center with diverse travel brochures
In particular, don’t forget to grab a map guiding you through scenic routes designed to help you discover the most famous spots in Sedona in the shortest amount of time. This map will lead you deep into the small roads at the foot of the red sandstone mountains, where you can admire the majestic and stunning mountain scenery. Thanks to this map, you won’t just stick to attractions near the center but will also have the chance to explore “Scenic Roads” with incredible landscapes.
Sedona scenic route map highlighting famous viewpoints
Stunning Scenic Roads in Sedona
Highway 89A: This highway runs through the heart of Sedona, offering you the chance to admire the most famous red sandstone mountains. Although there are few designated viewpoints, if you are short on time, this is the ideal road to see many beautiful sights.
Highway 179: If asked which road is the most beautiful in Sedona, many would unhesitatingly answer that it’s Highway 89A from Flagstaff to Sedona. This route includes a winding, serpentine section with cliffs on one side and deep ravines on the other, reminiscent of Ngoan Muc Pass in Vietnam. The scenery along the way is picturesque, with rolling red sandstone mountains, vast pine forests covered in white snow, babbling brooks running alongside the road, and charming little wooden houses.
Magnificent scenery on Highway 89A with rolling red rock mountains
In particular, don’t forget to visit beautiful Oak Creek, a famous resort area with a range of luxurious resorts.
Unique Dining and Experiences in Sedona
After exploring the stunning roads, take time to enjoy local cuisine and unique experiences in Sedona. Downtown Sedona has many souvenir and art shops for you to explore. If you’re looking for a cafe with a beautiful view, try to find places with “back doors” opening onto large balconies where you can admire panoramic views of the vibrant red sandstone mountains.
Cafe with a balcony overlooking stunning red sandstone mountains
If you want to enjoy a hearty American breakfast, visit HP Breakfast and try the “Simply Complete Meal” for about $12.5. This meal is both delicious and filling, providing enough energy for you to climb the red rocks.
Nutritious American breakfast at HP Breakfast
Conclusion
Arizona is not just about the Grand Canyon; it also has Sedona, a red jewel in the desert with breathtakingly beautiful driving roads. Plan your trip and explore these stunning routes, where you will witness the majestic beauty of nature and experience the unique charm of Arizona. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture memorable moments on your journey!