Sedona to Williams, AZ: A Scenic Road Trip from Red Rocks to Route 66

The distance from Sedona, AZ, to Williams, AZ, is approximately 60 miles when traveling through Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff.

As a general guide:

• Distance from Sedona to Williams: Approximately 60 miles
• Driving time from Sedona to Williams: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes without stops
• Best scenic route: State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon, followed by Interstate 40 west
• Main town along the route: Flagstaff
• Road conditions: Mountainous and winding along parts of State Route 89A

Traffic, weather, construction, and the number of stops you make can all affect the total travel time. Allowing at least two to three hours gives you more time to enjoy the scenery without watching the clock.

The best route from Sedona to Williams follows State Route 89A north through Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff. From Flagstaff, join Interstate 40 west and continue directly into Williams.

The route is straightforward:

1. Leave Sedona on State Route 89A north.
2. Follow the road through Oak Creek Canyon.
3. Continue up the switchbacks toward Flagstaff.
4. Join Interstate 40 west.
5. Follow I-40 for approximately 30 miles to Williams.
6. Exit toward historic Route 66 and downtown Williams.

State Route 89A is the most scenic part of the journey. The highway climbs approximately 2,500 feet between Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff, transitioning from Sedona’s red rocks and desert vegetation into a landscape of deep canyon walls and tall ponderosa pines.

The road includes narrow sections, curves, and switchbacks, so take your time and use designated pullouts when you want to stop for photographs.

You can drive directly from Sedona to Williams, but several stops along the route make the journey much more memorable.

1. Midgley Bridge

Just north of Uptown Sedona, Midgley Bridge crosses Wilson Canyon and offers an early look at the scenery ahead. The bridge is surrounded by red rock walls and marks the transition from Sedona into the landscapes of Oak Creek Canyon.

A small parking area provides access to viewpoints and nearby trails. Parking can fill quickly, particularly on weekends, so an early start is helpful if you want to stop.

2. Slide Rock State Park

Continue north on State Route 89A to reach Slide Rock State Park, one of Oak Creek Canyon’s best-known recreation areas. The park is built around a historic apple farm and a natural rock channel where Oak Creek flows across smooth sandstone.

Although its natural waterslide is especially popular during warmer months, the park is also worth visiting for its canyon views, walking areas, and historic homestead. Slide Rock sits around 18 miles south of Flagstaff, making it a convenient stop before the highway begins its steeper climb.

Check current park hours, parking availability, water conditions, and entry information before visiting.

3. Oak Creek Vista

Near the top of the Oak Creek Canyon switchbacks, Oak Creek Vista provides one of the drive’s best panoramic views. From the overlook, you can look back across the canyon and see how dramatically the road has climbed from the valley below.

The overlook also frequently hosts Native American artisans selling locally made jewelry, pottery, rugs, and other artwork. It is a good place to stretch your legs before continuing into Flagstaff.

4. Downtown Flagstaff

Flagstaff sits roughly halfway between Sedona and Williams, making it the most convenient place to stop for lunch, coffee, or a longer walk.

Historic downtown Flagstaff combines old railroad architecture with independent stores, cafés, breweries, and restaurants. Route 66 also passes through the city, offering an early introduction to the road-trip history that becomes even more prominent when you reach Williams.

If you only have time for a short stop, walk around Heritage Square and the surrounding downtown blocks before returning to Interstate 40.

5. Bearizona Wildlife Park

Bearizona Wildlife Park is located in Williams, close to the end of the drive. The park combines a drive-through experience with a walk-through wildlife area, making it a particularly easy addition to a family road trip.

Visitors may see black bears, bison, wolves, and other North American animals from inside their vehicle before exploring the park on foot. Because a visit requires more time than a roadside overlook, it works best as an afternoon activity after arriving in Williams or as part of a full day in town.

Set among the ponderosa pines near Bill Williams Mountain, Williams offers a complete change of scenery from Sedona. The red rocks are replaced by mountain landscapes, railroad history, and one of Arizona’s best-preserved stretches of Route 66.

Williams was the last Route 66 community to be bypassed by Interstate 40 in 1984. Instead of losing its connection to the Mother Road, the town embraced it. Today, historic downtown is lined with vintage signs, classic storefronts, souvenir shops, restaurants, and reminders of the golden age of American road trips.

The center of Williams is compact and easy to explore, making it ideal for a day trip. Park the car, walk along Route 66, browse the stores, and allow time for dinner before returning to Sedona.

Reaching Williams does not have to mark the end of your road trip. The town works well as a base for exploring Route 66, the surrounding forests, and Grand Canyon National Park.

Explore Historic Route 66

Williams offers one of Arizona’s most recognizable stretches of Route 66. Walk through downtown to find retro signs, souvenir stores, classic cars, restaurants, and buildings that reflect the town’s railroad and highway history.

You can discover more stops and attractions in our guide to the best things to do in Williams, AZ.

Ride the Grand Canyon Railway

The Grand Canyon Railway departs from the historic Williams Depot and travels 65 miles north to the South Rim. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes each way and includes scenery that changes from pine forest to open prairie.

Traveling by rail also means you can leave the car in Williams and arrive directly in Grand Canyon Village. Check the current Grand Canyon Railway schedule and reserve tickets in advance, especially during busier travel periods.

Visit the Grand Canyon South Rim

Williams is approximately 60 miles from the South Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. The drive generally takes about an hour via Arizona State Route 64.

This makes it possible to spend the night in Williams, start early the following morning, and enjoy a full day at the South Rim. Alternatively, stay for several nights and balance a Grand Canyon visit with Route 66 attractions and time around Williams.

End Your Day at Miss Kitty’s Steakhouse

After exploring Williams, finish your day trip with dinner at Miss Kitty’s Steakhouse & Bar, located at Trailborn Grand Canyon on historic Route 66.

Miss Kitty’s is a Southwestern steakhouse with a relaxed atmosphere that fits naturally into a Route 66 road trip. The menu features choice steaks, fried chicken, burgers, seafood, Southwestern dishes, and lighter options such as BBQ cauliflower tacos and veggie tortilla soup.

The bar emphasizes agave-based spirits, imaginative cocktails, and regional beers from Williams and Flagstaff. It makes Miss Kitty’s an easy place to settle in after the drive, whether you want a full dinner, drinks at the bar, or a final taste of Williams before returning to Sedona.

The restaurant welcomes hotel guests, local residents, and day visitors. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends and during busy travel periods.

Reserve a Table at Miss Kitty’s

Yes. The same route works equally well when traveling from Williams, Arizona, to Sedona.

From Williams, take Interstate 40 east to Flagstaff before joining State Route 89A south. Approaching Oak Creek Canyon from this direction gives you an elevated view before the road descends through the switchbacks toward Sedona.

Sedona can be visited as a day trip from Williams, but leave early if you want time for a hike, lunch, shopping, and scenic viewpoints. You should also account for the return drive, particularly during winter or after dark.

If you are traveling south, Oak Creek Vista is located near the beginning of the canyon descent and makes a natural first stop.

The Sedona-to-Williams drive is scenic throughout the year, but each season creates a different experience.

Spring

Spring brings comfortable temperatures to Sedona, although Williams and Flagstaff remain noticeably cooler due to their higher elevations. Pack layers and check conditions if traveling early in the season.

Summer

Summer is popular for road trips, swimming at Slide Rock, and spending time outdoors in Williams. Start early to avoid heavier traffic around Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.

Fall

Fall is one of the most beautiful times to travel State Route 89A. Changing leaves bring gold and orange color to Oak Creek Canyon, contrasting with Sedona’s red rock walls and the evergreen forests closer to Flagstaff.

Winter

Snow and ice are possible around Flagstaff, Williams, and the higher sections of State Route 89A. Check the Arizona Department of Transportation for current road conditions and closures before setting out. Carry suitable winter gear and allow additional travel time.