🇺🇸 Explore Sedona’s Red Rock Secrets Like a Local (Part 2) 🚗

Just a 2-hour drive from Phoenix, and you’ll arrive in magical Sedona! This itinerary is perfect for a relaxed, easy-going trip. For hiking enthusiasts, stay tuned for the next post—I’ll share epic trail recommendations from locals! 🥾 1️⃣ Montezuma Castle On your way from Phoenix to Sedona, make a stop at this ancient Indigenous cliff dwelling. Tickets are $10 per person. Though it looks modest from below, the site contains 25 rooms carved into the limestone cliffs over 800 years ago. A must-see for history lovers! 🏞️🧡 2️⃣ Scenic Drive along AZ-179 Unlike the Grand Canyon route, the drive from Phoenix is lush and green—but once you turn onto Highway AZ-179, the landscape transforms dramatically. Towering red rock formations rise all around you. It’s a breathtaking sight! 🚙❤️ 3️⃣ Devil’s Bridge Navigate to Mescal Trailhead for parking. There’s a paid lot, but if you arrive early, you can park for free along the right side of the road. The hike takes 2–3 hours round-trip and is mostly easy—only one short section is a bit challenging. We started at 6 AM when the weather was cool and comfortable. By the time we reached the top, it was still quiet. 👀 FYI: During peak season, waiting for a photo on the bridge can take up to an hour—plan wisely! On our way down, we were lucky to hear a Native American musician playing the flute 🎵—the melody echoing through the canyon made our day. 4️⃣ Chapel of the Holy Cross This stunning glass chapel nestled in the red rocks is small but incredibly beautiful and serene. ⛪️ Entry is free, and there’s plenty of parking up to the top. Visit duration: ~15 mins. 5️⃣ Jeep Tour We booked a private Red Rock Sunset Tour with Sedona Off-road Adventures. Our guide was handsome, friendly, and dressed like he walked straight out of Westworld! 🤠 He showed us hidden spots and shared great stories. The ride is bumpy (hang on!), but it’s a unique and totally worth-it experience. 2 hours of fun and views! 🌅 This two-day plan looks like: Day 1: Drive from Phoenix → Sedona Day 2: Morning hike at Devil’s Bridge → late breakfast/brunch → visit the Chapel → escape the afternoon heat with shopping at Tlaquepaque Arts Village and a stop at the blue McDonald’s 🍟 → wrap up with an epic Jeep tour at sunset! Perfect vibes only 😎💫 #Arizona #RoadTripUSA #Sedona #TravelGuide