Red Rock Scenic Byway 179: A Complete Sedona Driving Guide

State Route 179 is one of the easiest ways to see Sedona's most photographed formations from your car. Here is a stop-by-stop look at the route.

By The Lowdown Guide Editorial Team · Last verified on the ground: 2026-07-23

Last updated: 2026-07-23

1. Route Overview: What the Byway Covers

State Route 179 runs roughly seven to eight miles from the Village of Oak Creek in the south up to the Y intersection in Sedona, where it meets AZ-89A. The designated Red Rock Scenic Byway follows this stretch of road, passing close to several of the formations Sedona is best known for.

Driving it straight through takes about 20 minutes without stopping, but the route rewards a slower pace. Plan for roughly two to three hours if you want to stop at pullouts, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and Tlaquepaque along the way.

Key fact: The byway covers roughly seven to eight miles between the Village of Oak Creek and the Y intersection in Sedona.

2. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte

Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte sit near the southern end of the byway close to the Village of Oak Creek, and both are visible directly from the road without any hiking required. A pullout parking area near Bell Rock lets you stop for photos or a short walk toward the base of the formation.

If you want a closer look, Bell Rock Pathway is a relatively flat trail that approaches both formations and remains accessible to most fitness levels. See our best hikes in Sedona guide for more on this and other nearby trails.

Photo tip: The pullout near Bell Rock offers one of the most reliable roadside photo spots on the entire byway.

3. Chapel of the Holy Cross

A short detour off the byway leads up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built directly into a red rock formation with views back across the valley. Entry is free, though donations are welcomed, and the site includes a small gift shop.

The chapel sees heavy midday traffic, so an early morning or late afternoon visit generally means easier parking. Hours can shift for religious observances, so check the chapel website if timing matters for your visit.

Timing note: Visit before 9 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the busiest parking windows at the chapel.

4. Tlaquepaque and the Village of Oak Creek

Near the northern end of the byway, Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village offers a walkable stop with galleries, restaurants, and courtyards designed in a traditional Mexican village style. It sits just off the byway near the Y intersection and makes a good midday break from driving.

At the southern end, the Village of Oak Creek has additional dining and shopping options along with some of the more reliably available parking on the corridor. Both areas work well as bookends to a byway drive.

Planning note: Tlaquepaque and the Village of Oak Creek anchor the north and south ends of the byway, respectively.

5. Pullouts and Photo Spots Along the Way

Beyond the named stops, the byway has several designated pullouts where you can safely leave the road to take photos or simply take in the view. Most of these are free to use, though signage at each individual pullout should confirm any restrictions.

Late afternoon light, roughly the two hours before sunset, generally brings out the strongest color on the red rock formations visible from these pullouts. Check sunset time for your travel dates, since it shifts noticeably by season.

Light tip: Late afternoon generally produces the most vivid color on the sandstone formations along the byway.

6. Traffic, Timing, and Practical Driving Tips

Traffic on State Route 179 can slow considerably during midday hours and on peak-season weekends, particularly near the Y intersection and around Tlaquepaque. Leaving before mid-morning or after the late afternoon rush generally means a smoother drive.

Pullouts fill quickly on weekends, so have a backup stop in mind if your first choice is full. For a broader look at how to sequence a byway drive with other Sedona stops, see our one-day Sedona itinerary.

Traffic tip: The stretch near the Y intersection and Tlaquepaque is the most congestion-prone part of the byway.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Red Rock Scenic Byway start and end? +
State Route 179 runs roughly from the Village of Oak Creek in the south up through the Y intersection in Sedona where it meets AZ-89A. The full stretch covers roughly seven to eight miles and passes most of the iconic red rock formations visible from the road, including Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Check current signage, since construction or realignment projects can shift exact mile markers over time.
How long does it take to drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway? +
Driving straight through without stopping typically takes about 20 minutes, but almost nobody drives it that way. With stops at a handful of pullouts, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and Tlaquepaque, plan for roughly two to three hours to do the route justice. Traffic through the corridor can slow considerably during midday and peak season, so add extra time on busy weekends.
Is there a fee to drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway? +
Driving State Route 179 itself is free, and most roadside pullouts do not charge a separate fee. Some specific stops along or near the route, including certain trailheads and nearby state parks, do charge parking or entrance fees. Check signage at each individual stop, since fee requirements are not uniform along the whole corridor.
What is the best time of day to drive the byway for photos? +
Late afternoon, roughly the two hours before sunset, generally produces the strongest light on the red rock formations along the byway, since the low angle brings out warm tones on the sandstone. Morning light works well for formations on the east side of the road. Check sunset time for your travel dates, since it shifts significantly by season.
Can I see Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte from the road without hiking? +
Yes, both Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are visible directly from State Route 179 and from the adjacent pullout parking area, so no hike is required to see them. If you want a closer look, the Bell Rock Pathway is a relatively flat trail that approaches both formations and remains accessible to most fitness levels.