Traveling from Sedona to Deer Valley covers 98.4 miles through the heart of the Desert Southwest. Expect a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes, making this an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. You will navigate a series of local roads, including State Route 89A, the Prescott–Flagstaff Highway, and the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Budgeting about $20 for fuel should comfortably cover the journey. Since both locations reside within the same region, you won’t experience major climate shifts, but you should prepare for the transition from Sedona's higher elevation to the suburban landscape of Deer Valley.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
49.2 miles from Sedona, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Arizona Veterans Highway
52.9 mi
52m
Black Canyon Freeway
20 mi
21m
Red Rock Scenic Byway
14.4 mi
25m
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
5.8 mi
5m
North Black Canyon Highway
3.3 mi
3m
West Deer Valley Road
1.2 mi
2m
Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
0.2 mi
<1m
AZ 179
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Arizona Veterans Highway
— 52.9 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sedona, AZ and Deer Valley, AZ.
1
Start on AZ 89A
253 ft·4 sec·North State Route 89A
2
Continue on AZ 89A
333 ft·11 sec·North State Route 89A
3
Continue on AZ 89A
0.2 mi·35 sec·Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
4
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
177 ft·2 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
5
Continue on AZ 179
0.3 mi·50 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
6
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
69 ft·0 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
7
Continue on AZ 179
0.5 mi·58 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
8
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
92 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
9
Continue on AZ 179
0.6 mi·1 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
10
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
107 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
11
Continue on AZ 179
1.4 mi·3 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
12
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
80 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
13
Continue on AZ 179
0.4 mi·57 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
14
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
112 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
15
Continue on AZ 179
2.9 mi·6 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
16
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
81 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
17
Continue on AZ 179
0.6 mi·1 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
18
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
94 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
19
Continue on AZ 179
0.2 mi·22 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
20
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
100 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
21
Continue on AZ 179
0.3 mi·36 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
22
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179
108 ft·1 sec·Red Rock Scenic Byway
23
Continue on AZ 179
7.0 mi·9 min·Red Rock Scenic Byway
24
Take the exit onto AZ 179
0.2 mi·21 sec·AZ 179
Exit 298Toward Oak Creek Canyon, SR 179, Sedona
25
Merge onto I 17
53 mi·52 min·Arizona Veterans Highway
26
Continue on I 17
5.8 mi·5 min·Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on I 17
10 mi·10 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Continue on I 17
3.2 mi·3 min·North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
29
Continue on I 17
9.5 mi·10 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 215BToward Deer Valley Road, Rose Garden LaneUse the slight right lane.
31
Turn straight onto North Black Canyon Highway
0.1 mi·14 sec·North Black Canyon Highway
32
Turn right onto West Deer Valley Road
1.2 mi·2 min·West Deer Valley Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Turn right onto North 35th Avenue
37 ft·0 sec·North 35th Avenue
34
Arrive at destination
North 35th Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip under two hours, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. Because the route consists entirely of local roads without dedicated highway segments, traffic volume on these specific thoroughfares can significantly impact your travel time. Plan to keep your gas tank topped off before leaving Sedona, as the $20 fuel estimate assumes a standard vehicle efficiency for this specific distance. If you are prone to motion sickness, take note that the turn-heavy nature of State Route 89A means you may want to pace your drive with a few extra minutes of rest if needed. Staying alert is essential, as the lack of highway stretches means you will be navigating intersections and local traffic for the entire 98.4-mile duration.
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 49.2 miles from Sedona, AZ, or about 1h 1m 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 80 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 49.2 miles or 1h 1m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Deer Valley, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving 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 Sedona, AZ
This is one driving day of about 98.4 miles and 1h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Sedona, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 96.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.3 mi into trip|~0m in|AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
3.7 mi into trip|~7m in|AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
7.4 mi into trip|~15m in|AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway
Enter roundabout onto AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
7
14.7 mi into trip|~26m 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
96.9 mi into trip|~1h 50m in
Take the exit toward Deer Valley Road, Rose Garden Lane
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 215B
Toward Deer Valley Road, Rose Garden Lane
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.58 one way
$39.17 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg34 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.34
$20.68
$41.36
premium
$5.59
$21.64
$43.29
diesel
$5.64
$21.86
$43.72
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 34.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
29.5
0
$10.33
$4.72
Efficient EV
24.6
0
$8.61
$3.94
EV Truck/SUV
39.4
0
$13.78
$6.30
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
12 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
Sedona, AZ
Evening
in Sedona on Saturday
Local time
7:50 PM
MST
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Deer Valley, AZ
Evening
in Deer Valley on Saturday
Local time
7:50 PM
MST
Current temp
88°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
38 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
1h 53m 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.
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...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
$10
near mile 23.7
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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This 98.4-mile journey is defined by a turn-heavy, local-road profile rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. With a 0% highway share, you should prepare for a more hands-on driving experience that demands your full attention behind the wheel. The route relies on a mix of State Route 89A and the Red Rock Scenic Byway, creating a technical environment where you will navigate frequent curves. Because there are no long, straight interstate stretches, the road keeps you engaged as you transition away from the red rock terrain. Expect a consistent, moderate pace that favors careful maneuvering over high-speed driving.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 34 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?
4/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway.
Driving Effort4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 1h 53m drive. You will face about 15 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 3.7 miles (AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 7.4 miles (AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
4,491 ft1,374 ft
Total Climb
401 ft
Total Descent
3,117 ft
Highest Point
4,491 ft
~35.1 mi in
Elevation Range
3,117 ft
Notable High Points
4,491 ft at ~35.1 miles+401 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Sedona, AZ to Deer Valley, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Oak Creek Canyon along the way.
Sedona is a town in Arizona, United States of America, 120 miles north of Phoenix. Known for its beauty and serene setting amidst the beautiful Red Rocks, the town is famous for its vibrant arts community with nearly 100 art galleries and events including the Sedona International Film Festival, Sedona Arts Festival and the Sedona Jazz Festival. It offers excellent outdoor adventures, including mountain biking, hiking and off-roading. Sedona is surprisingly sprawling, with Oak Creek to the south, West Sedona and Uptown Sedona each providing great views, hikes, dining and arts.
The drive from Sedona, AZ to Deer Valley, AZ covers 98.4 miles and takes about 1h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Arizona Veterans Highway, Black Canyon Freeway, Red Rock Scenic Byway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 49.2 miles from Sedona, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.58 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 straightforward 1h 53m drive. You will face about 15 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 3.7 miles (AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 7.4 miles (AZ 179 / Red Rock Scenic Byway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
On the drive from Sedona, AZ to Deer Valley, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Oak Creek Canyon along the way.
