Phoenix to Sedona EV Road Trip

Escape the desert heat and climb into Sedona's stunning red rock country. A short but scenic EV road trip with elevation gains to plan for.

115 miles
Distance
1
Charging Stops
2 hours
Drive Time
Moderate
Difficulty

Route Overview

Phoenix to Sedona is a short drive that takes you from the Sonoran Desert (1,000 ft elevation) up into the red rock formations of Sedona (4,350 ft). The distance is only 115 miles, but the elevation gain and desert heat make a charging stop smart.

Why This Route Is Moderate

Two factors make this route more than "easy":

  1. Elevation gain: You climb 3,350 feet from Phoenix to Sedona. This increases energy consumption significantly.
  2. Desert heat: Phoenix regularly exceeds 110°F in summer. Your battery thermal management and AC work overtime.

The combination means you use more energy than the 115-mile distance suggests. Most EVs handle it fine, but plan a top-up in the Black Canyon City/Camp Verde area.

Key Highlights

  • Black Canyon City — First mountain community north of Phoenix. Good charging stop.
  • Montezuma Castle — A cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people around 1100 AD. Quick detour off I-17.
  • Camp Verde — Agricultural community with Fort Verde State Historic Park
  • Sedona — Red rock formations, hiking trails, art galleries, and some of Arizona's best dining

What to Do in Sedona

  • Red Rock Scenic Byway (89A) — One of the most scenic drives in America
  • Cathedral Rock — Iconic hike with stunning views. Moderate difficulty.
  • Devil's Bridge — The largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona. Popular trail.
  • Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village — Unique shopping in a Mexican-style village
  • Jeep tours — Multiple operators offer off-road tours through the red rocks
  • Slide Rock State Park — Natural water slide in Oak Creek Canyon (summer)

The Return Trip Bonus

Coming back to Phoenix, you're descending 3,350 feet. Your EV's regenerative braking will recover a significant amount of energy. You may arrive in Phoenix with more range than you expect.

Seasonal Tips

  • Summer: Phoenix is brutally hot, but Sedona is 15-20°F cooler. Great escape. Bring extra water, and precondition your EV before leaving.
  • Spring/Fall: Best time to visit. Perfect temperatures for hiking.
  • Winter: Sedona can get chilly and occasionally see light snow. Beautiful and uncrowded.

Sedona Hotel Recommendations

  • Enchantment Resort — Luxury resort in Boynton Canyon with EV charging
  • L'Auberge de Sedona — Creekside luxury. Tesla Destination charger.
  • Hilton Sedona Resort — Red rock views and Level 2 charging
  • Airbnbs — Many in the Village of Oak Creek area. Ask about charging options.

Recommended Charging Stops

1

Black Canyon City / Camp Verde Charger

Black Canyon City or Camp Verde, AZ (I-17)

Tesla Supercharger / ChargePoint

Top up on the climb from Phoenix before the final push to Sedona. The Camp Verde area has Tesla Superchargers. If you started with a full charge in Phoenix, you can skip this — but it's good insurance in summer heat.

Need a Place to Stay?

Find EV-friendly hotels along this route with charging on-site.

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