State Route 179 Scenic Byway, officially designated as the Red Rock Scenic Byway, is one of the most beautiful and iconic drives in Arizona. Stretching through the heart of Sedona’s world-famous Red Rock Country, this nationally recognized scenic roadway offers travelers breathtaking views of towering sandstone formations, dramatic desert landscapes, and some of the most photographed scenery in the American Southwest.

Often referred to as a “museum without walls,” the Red Rock Scenic Byway provides an immersive journey through a landscape unlike any other. As visitors travel along the route, they are surrounded by massive red rock monoliths, unique spires, sculpted canyon walls, rolling desert terrain, and panoramic vistas that showcase Sedona’s extraordinary natural beauty. Every mile reveals new perspectives of the region’s iconic geological formations, making the drive a favorite among photographers, sightseers, and road-trip enthusiasts.

The byway serves as a gateway to many of Sedona’s most popular attractions, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation areas. Along the route, travelers encounter some of the area's most recognizable landmarks, while enjoying access to viewpoints that offer spectacular sunrise, sunset, and golden-hour photography opportunities.

Beyond its scenic appeal, State Route 179 is also closely connected to Sedona’s reputation as a center for wellness, spirituality, and outdoor adventure. The roadway passes through landscapes that many visitors consider inspiring, restorative, and deeply memorable, creating an experience that extends beyond simple sightseeing.

Whether exploring Sedona for the first time or returning to experience its beauty once again, the Red Rock Scenic Byway remains one of Arizona’s premier scenic drives and a must-see destination for anyone visiting northern Arizona.

Unlike Sedona’s natural landmarks, State Route 179 is a modern transportation corridor developed to connect communities and provide access to the region’s spectacular landscapes. While the surrounding red rocks were formed by nature over hundreds of millions of years, the roadway itself emerged through decades of infrastructure planning and regional growth.

The landscape surrounding SR 179 began forming approximately 250 to 300 million years ago, when ancient deserts, rivers, and inland seas deposited layers of sand, mud, and sediment across northern Arizona. Over time, these deposits hardened into sandstone and were later uplifted as part of the Colorado Plateau. Millions of years of erosion sculpted the cliffs, buttes, mesas, and canyon walls that define Sedona today.

Long before roads existed, Indigenous peoples including the Sinagua, Yavapai, and Apache traveled through the region, establishing deep cultural and historical connections to the land.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, early settlers and ranchers relied on primitive wagon routes and dirt roads to move between communities in the Verde Valley. As tourism and population growth increased, Arizona transportation planners recognized the need for a modern roadway connecting Sedona to Interstate 17 and surrounding communities.

State Route 179 was gradually improved and expanded throughout the mid-20th century, becoming one of the primary gateways into Sedona. Its scenic qualities gained national recognition, and in 1998, the route was officially designated as the Red Rock Scenic Byway, one of America’s celebrated scenic roads.

Today, the roadway is maintained by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and serves as both a transportation corridor and a world-class scenic attraction. The byway continues to provide millions of visitors each year with access to Sedona’s remarkable landscapes while helping preserve the area's natural and cultural heritage.

• One of Arizona’s most scenic drives 
• Nationally designated Red Rock Scenic Byway 
• Spectacular views of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations 
• Access to scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and attractions 
• Incredible sunrise and sunset photography opportunities 
• Gateway to Sedona’s outdoor recreation and wellness experiences 
• Easy access for sightseeing and road trips 
• Stunning desert landscapes and panoramic vistas 
• A must-do experience for first-time Sedona visitors 

Best Scenic Driving Tours to State Route 179 Scenic Byway

• Three Hour: Slickrock Scenic Byway
• Three Hour: Sedona Scenic Vortex Tour
• Three Hour: Red Rock Custom Driving Tour

Best Sedona Hiking Tours Near Route 179 Scenic Byway

• Two Hour: Cathedral Towers
• Two Hour: Grand Monolith Loop
• Three Hour: Creekside of Cathedral
• Three Hour: Monuments Loop
• Three Hour: Castle Rock Catwalk
• Three Hour: Desert Spire Loop

Best Sedona MTB Tours Near Route 179 Scenic Byway

• Two Hour: Frequent Flyer Lollipop Loop
• Two Hour: Scenic Cruise Loop
• Three Hour: MTB Heaven Traverse