Best Route to Sedona (Prescott, Prescott Valley: construction, shops, park)

[Stumblina]

I'll be staying at The Boulders in Carefree and driving up to Sedona for a couple of days. I know I take 17 north, but off of 17, which route is better - 279/260 to 89 or 179 to 89? Which is more scenic? Which is less scary? Or are they both about the same? I do have a slight fear of driving off cliffs!

[joemomma]

179 is much more direct AND scenic. If you are returning on a Sunday evening expect heavy traffic. Best to leave early or late.

[Magnum Mike]

What I would suggest is going to Sedona on SR-74 from Carefree, west to US 60, to Wickenberg and from there, get on 89/89A, which takes you through Yarnell, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Mingus Mountain, Jerome and Cottonwood. It's very scenic, but it might add another hour to your drive. On the way back, take 179 to I-17 south.

89 also does have some short stretches that have some winding curves, before you get into Prescott, and before Jerome on Mingus Mountain, but it's not too scary.

[TonyT]

Stumblina:

Personally, I would avoid 179. The amount of construction on that road is ridiculous. And depending on the time of day, you can get stuck sitting in one spot on that road for upwards of 30 minutes.

Easiest and fastest way to go would be north on I-17 and then take 260 to Cottonwood. Once you are in Cottonwood you can link back up with 89A and be in Sedona in about 20 minutes. Miles wise it is longer than taking 179 but time wise it is about equal.

With all due respect to Magnum Mike, the route he suggested is quite scenic in many places but will really challenge your driving skills especially when you get into the mountainous areas. And it is certainly not one that you would wish to take if you will be driving after dark.

[Stumblina]

TonyT - Thanks for warning about taking 60. I really do want to avoid taking any kind of "scary" route.

[rambrush]

Magnum Mike made a great route suggestion. But you sound like you don't like "Scary" sections. Yarnel hill is fairly steep but you get to see the frog painted on the rock in Congress.
Then you get to come into prescott the backway and around the courthouse and whiskey row.
Coming down the hill into Jerome could be "Scary" for you very narrow twisty roads but again the view is great.
Leave early and take your time and enjoy the views take Magnummikes suggested route maybe even the skull valley loop up through Kirkland junction.
You are staying at a great resort they have pretty good shops and such there.
So your best bet to make it less "scary" is to come out of the resort and get on carefree rd and head west to I-17 and North.
Be aware that once you head very far at all up oak creek canyon there will be postings advising you must have a permit from the forest service to park. Very annoying in my opinion.

[Stumblina]

Rambush - I'm not sure what you mean by needing a "permit to park". Could you please explain? Thanks!

[mdz]

you need a "red rock pass" to park at the trailheads in the forest or off the side of the road on 89a. they're sold at the visitor center in uptown sedona and from machines at some of the more popular hiking trailheads.

[rambrush]

Originally Posted by mdz

you need a "red rock pass" to park at the trailheads in the forest or off the side of the road on 89a. they're sold at the visitor center in uptown sedona and from machines at some of the more popular hiking trailheads.

i was going to suggest going to redrockcountry.org for more info this subject. that will fill ya in

[Stumblina]

Muchas gracias, rambrush and mdz.