Sedona Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: Explore Majestic Red Rocks

Embark on a self-guided audio driving tour of Sedona’s majestic red rocks. Discover famous highlights, hidden gems, vortexes, and stunning viewpoints. No time limits or expiry, free updates.

Duration: 1 day
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Sedona - As the audio guides play commentary based on your GPS location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route to match your interests and schedule.

Or you can use our trip planners for our suggestions on half, full or multi-day itineraries.

Some of the many highlights are listed below;

  • Airport Mesa - Fantastic views across Sedona and the surrounding landscape await you. A 3.5-mile hike allows you to enjoy the full 360-degree views, but it is not required to do the entire hike, and the viewpoint is very impressive on its own.

This is the location of one of Sedona’s renowned Vortexes. It’s very worthwhile to return to this location as one of Sedona’s premier sunset locations. Your parking ticket is valid for the full day, so you can return at no extra cost.

  • Boynton Canyon Trail - One of the most popular hikes in the Sedona area, Boynton Canyon offers a little of everything, a Vortex, an impressive spire, a large cave-like formation and even Ancestral Puebloan ruins - not to mention the generally awesome views along the way.

The shortest version of the hike is just 1 mile but those looking for a more strenuous effort can extend the hike to a total of 6 miles to see more features.

Enthusiastic hikers will want to add this to their list, but if doing just 1 mile sounds good to you, then it’s very worthwhile too.

  • Cathedral Rock - Cathedral Rock is startling and we will catch views of this formation from many different places around Sedona. To get up close and even scale up the slickrock as far as you feel comfortable to go, access parking and the trailhead on the Back O’ Beyond Road.
  • Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park - Contemplate the sacred at this Tibetan Buddhist shrine and peace park, located at the base of Thunder Mountain. Included inside this particular Stupa are mandalas, nearly one billion prayers for peace, and soil and medicine from around the world.

Everyone is welcome to visit the Stupa, but please be respectful of those who have come for prayer and meditation.

  • Bell Rock - The Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock formations dominate the view as we drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway just north of Oak Creek Village.

There are 2 places where trails depart from if you want to get closer to inspect the rock, and also to experience another of Sedona’s Vortexes.

Superb views and photos can be enjoyed right from the car park on the south side of the formations.

  • Devil’s Bridge Trail - Unlike other regions in the southwest, Sedona does not have all that many rock arches - but the Devil’s Bridge is an impressive one! The arch is stable enough that the brave can walk across it.

A half-mile, easy hike is required to get to the Devil’s Bridge, but you should expect to share this location with others. Be patient as you may have to wait for your turn on the arch and to catch that photo.

  • Chapel of the Holy Cross - First inspired by the Empire State Building, Chapel of the Holy Cross was the product of 20 years of search and determination. The chapel is literally a part of the rock landscape.

Take fantastic photos from the parking area below the Chapel, and then walk up and visit inside this impressive structure.

  • Oak Creek Vista Overlook - Perched next to 5 switchbacks that climb the canyon wall, this is a quality viewpoint that looks back into the canyon we climb out of, or are about to descend into. You’ll appreciate the striking difference between this forested scene compared to the far more arid conditions around Sedona.

A small Native American craft market is a bonus and can be a great place to find a souvenir from your journey.

  • Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) - There are 3 places of interest on this 7-mile loop drive at the very western end of our Sedona exploration.

Red Rock State Park is a local favorite, complete with a visitor center and displays. This can be a lucky place to spot wildlife including javelinas, fox, and deer. Sightings are not guaranteed but nice to explore and you never know what you may spot.

Further along the loop is the popular Crescent Moon Picnic Site, a location where you can snap one of Sedona’s best views of Cathedral Rocks. Just around the corner is the Secret Slickrock Trail - it’s not that much of a secret anymore, but it is definitely a less-crowded place for more inspiring views of Cathedral Rock requiring an easy 1/2 mile trail hike.

  • Slide Rock State Park - On a hot summer’s day, it’s hard to think of a better place to be to cool off.

This is a unique swimming hole and creek that features a totally natural 80-foot-long waterslide. It can be a little bumpy but is a ton of fun for all ages. There are also some hikes and preserved heritage buildings to explore on site.

  • Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village - The vision of a local businessman came to life to recreate a Mexican-style plaza complete with fountains, wrought iron, archways, and even a chapel, making this a calming and peaceful place to explore many quality art galleries, stores, and cafes.

Definitely a great place to visit if looking for an enjoyable shelter and break from outdoor activities.

  • Main Street - When it comes to strolling the stores, searching for a souvenir, cafes, and restaurants, Central Sedona, aka Uptown Sedona, is the area that enjoys the most selection and variety. Add to that the sublime views of the rock formations that surround the town, and it’s a very enjoyable place to do a little meandering.

The uptown area runs for a few blocks starting 1 block north from the traffic circle that is the junction of 89A and 179. Street parking can be difficult to find, so try using the free public lots on Jordan Rd, behind the main street.

  • West Fork Oak Creek Trail - Sedona is a place that enjoys many hundreds of miles of hiking trails, so you know it’s going to have to be a really top-quality hike to make it into the Highlights of the tour. West Fork of Oak Creek is well-deserving of its popularity.

Most hikers will venture on the 3-mile each way, out-and-back trail, enjoying creek and canyon views and stopping for many photos along the way. You’ll find yourself doing a little rock and log hopping, and even getting your feet wet at times, if you choose.

With more time and energy, you can push on a little further upstream.

  • Midgley Bridge - A really great photo to snap is the steel arch of the Midgley Bridge, taken from below road level. The bridge was the last structure built to complete the new highway route between Sedona and Flagstaff in 1939.
What's Included
  • Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
  • Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
  • Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
  • Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
  • One-Time Purchase: No time or date use limit or expiry
  • GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 115+ Points
  • Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
What's Not Included
  • Park Entrance Fees (depends on how many people, ages, how many days you, seniors, veterans etc)
Additional Information

Ensure not a single sight is skipped with the GuideAlong audio tour guiding you on an extraordinary journey through the awe-inspiring red rock landscapes of Sedona.

As you traverse the area, you’ll be directed to both widely popular spots and lesser-known marvels, including famed vortexes, a natural water slide, and various vantage points of one of Arizona’s most frequently photographed locations.

This self-guided audio tour enriches your road trip experience with captivating stories from behind the scenes, insider recommendations and navigational instructions that auto-play as you drive along.

Take pleasure in the liberty to roam independently at your own speed, allocating more time to sites you find intriguing, and forgoing any that don’t engage your interest.

Narratives, suggestions and directions auto-play contingent on your position
Journey at your personal tempo
Tour autonomously using GPS, precluding the necessity for mobile coverage or WiFi
Recommended itineraries for half, full or multi-day usage available
No constraints on duration or expiry, complimentary updates
It’s akin to having a personal tour guide accompany you on the drive

Location
Flagstaff
Start at one of the official tour introduction points (I17 Exit 337 from Flagstaff or Exit 298 from Phoenix) or join anywhere along the route and pick up the commentary at the next audio point. Open the GuideAlong app to preview the tour route and browse the suggested itineraries and trip planner.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(63 Ratings)
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Kathryn_s
Jul 13, 2024
Good time driving. - It was great to go at our own pace. It was middle of summer so it was too hot to hike. A car you're was best choice.
Review provided by Viator
Jwilcoxrn
May 18, 2024
Very Helpful - Very easy to follow directions with added commentary. Able to preview route/stops ahead of time so we knew what we wanted to stop at prior to arriving.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brennan_m
May 13, 2024
Well done - Once the tour is loaded and tied to the navigation through appropriate pairing, it was great to have the guide pipe up at just the right times during travel, regardless of direction on the path. Background commentary was informative and well-delivered. I'd be happy to take another guided tour like this one.
Review provided by Viator
Navigator64290831495
May 12, 2024
Works great without having to join a large group tour - We were amazed how well this audio worked for us and was automatically tuned in to any location that we were at. In fact, it gave us more precise directions than our cars GPS as far as location. It was very informative and worked well for those of us who are a little bit more independent in our travels without having to join a large group tour. And was certainly cost efficient.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William_b
Apr 30, 2024
Like Having a Local along as You Drive - I was a bit skeptical about this audio tour, but took a chance since it was not very expensive. It was a good decision — as soon as we drove into the tour area, the audio began. I would compare it to having a local person who has lived in the area for a long time sitting beside you as you drive. You are presented with options on where to stop, which places offer the best views combined with a little background and history. Having the audio tour added tremendously to our enjoyment of seeing Sedona.
Review provided by Viator
J6822lacynthiat
Apr 16, 2024
Sedona - Great audio to see the beautiful land in Phoenix and Sedona. Very interesting information/ history included. Definitely worth the low price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barbara
Apr 11, 2024
Great tour - Even tor two people who aren’t very tech savvy, this tour was wonderful. Easy to manage. Good directions and suggestions from the guide. Would do it again in another spot.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aimee_b
Mar 31, 2024
Great guided road trip - Nice stories of the past and very up to date guidance, including parking. We drove from Flagstaff to Sedona and enjoyed the commentary and directions.
Review provided by Viator
Ra_m
Mar 29, 2024
Sedona tour - It was like the guide was in the back seat giving directions. Got to see more in good time. Good tips on places in Sedona. Well worth the money. 👍🏼
Review provided by Viator
Rick_n
Jul 25, 2024
Well worth the money! - Loved the narration along the drive. The information was very informative and directions were super helpful.
Review provided by Viator
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