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441 Forest Rd, 86336 SedonaView map
Sedona nestles at the foot of the Colorado Plateau, at more than 1,300 m of altitude, between red sandstone cliffs and the Oak Creek forest. The bends here are at altitude rather than in the desert: you ride under the pines, cross passes and drop back to warmer valleys. EagleRider, our partner, rents motorcycles from five brands here: Harley-Davidson, BMW, Indian, Triumph and Yamaha.
The branch is at 441 Forest Rd, a stone's throw from the centre. Route 89A heads to Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon, Route 179 to Interstate 17, and the Coconino forest tracks begin at the edge of town. Phoenix is 161 km away as the crow flies, an asset for anyone wanting to avoid the valley.
Our partners
Where to pick up your vehicle to Sedona?
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Sedona
1 Oak Creek Canyon, Flagstaff volcanoes and the Grand Canyon
- Sedona
- Oak Creek Canyon
- Flagstaff
- Sunset Crater
- Cameron
- Desert View
- Grand Canyon Village
- Williams
- Sedona
Ride up Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon, narrow and wooded, to Flagstaff. The Sunset Crater and Wupatki loop, north of the city, crosses a black lava field and the ruins of an ancient village. Cameron then opens Desert View Drive, which follows the Grand Canyon's South Rim to the village.
Return via Williams, then Interstate 40 and 89A in reverse. The road has snow and ice in winter, so it is better done between April and October.
- Distance
- about 450 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Touring bike (Street Glide, BMW RT) or Triumph Tiger 660 for the canyon switchbacks
2 Jerome and Mingus Mountain
- Sedona
- Cottonwood
- Jerome
- Mingus Mountain
- Prescott
- I-17
- Sedona
Go down the Verde Valley to Cottonwood, then climb on 89A to Jerome, a former copper town clinging to the slope of Cleopatra Hill. The hairpins of the Mingus Mountain road offer views over the valley and, in the distance, the red cliffs of Sedona.
Prescott, a cowboy town, serves as a stop before returning via Route 69 and Interstate 17, then Route 179, which meets the red rocks again. It is a one-day outing, the most winding of the three.
- Distance
- about 230 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Roadster or Indian Scout, light in the hairpins
3 Red Rock Scenic Byway and the Verde Valley
- Sedona
- Bell Rock
- Village of Oak Creek
- Camp Verde
- Montezuma Castle
- Cottonwood
- Sedona
Take Route 179 south: Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte and Cathedral Rock follow one another within a few kilometres, the most photographed stretch in the region. At the Village of Oak Creek, continue toward Camp Verde and Montezuma Castle, a cliff dwelling.
Come back via Cottonwood and Tuzigoot, a last prehistoric village, then along Route 89A. Half a day is enough, and you can time the outing for sunset, when the rock glows.
- Distance
- about 130 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Cruiser or light touring bike, at an easy pace
Weather and seasons
When to go to Sedona?
Best time
April, May, September and October
April to May, September to October
highs 22.1 to 29.5 °C, lows 7 to 15.9 °C
The best conditions in Sedona: an average high of 22.1 °C in April, 26.2 °C in May, 29.5 °C in September and 23.4 °C in October. April and May get only 13 and 12 mm of rain. The sky is clear, the canyons are not yet scorching and the passes stay open.
High season
June to August
June to August
highs 32.5 to 34 °C, lows 17.7 to 20.5 °C
Altitude keeps Sedona more bearable than Phoenix: 33 °C in June and 34 °C in July. July and August bring monsoon storms, with 30 mm of rain in July and 6.1 rainy days in August. Ride in the morning and be back before the afternoon storm.
Winter
December to February
December to February
highs 10.3 to 12.8 °C, lows -0.9 to 1 °C
Winter is cold: a high of 10.3 °C in January, -0.9 °C at night, and 60 mm of precipitation that month over 6.3 days. Snow and ice can close 89A in Oak Creek Canyon. Many riders then head down to the Phoenix desert.
March and November
March, November
highs 15.8 to 17 °C, lows 2.8 to 4.4 °C
These transition months are cool and variable: 15.8 °C in March with 59 mm of rain over 7.9 days, 17 °C in November with 36 mm. Short days and the shade of the canyons mean dressing warmly. A dry day makes for fine outings.
Climate to Sedona, month by month
Most pleasant months: April to May, September to November.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 10 °C | -1 °C | 60 mm | 8 h/day |
| Feb | 13 °C | 0 °C | 54 mm | 10 h/day |
| Mar | 16 °C | 3 °C | 59 mm | 10 h/day |
| Apr | 22 °C | 7 °C | 13 mm | 12 h/day |
| May | 26 °C | 11 °C | 12 mm | 13 h/day |
| Jun | 33 °C | 18 °C | 7 mm | 14 h/day |
| Jul | 34 °C | 21 °C | 30 mm | 12 h/day |
| Aug | 33 °C | 19 °C | 29 mm | 12 h/day |
| Sep | 30 °C | 16 °C | 26 mm | 11 h/day |
| Oct | 23 °C | 10 °C | 33 mm | 11 h/day |
| Nov | 17 °C | 4 °C | 36 mm | 9 h/day |
| Dec | 12 °C | 1 °C | 43 mm | 8 h/day |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
Helmet and warm clothing
In Arizona, only minors are required to wear a helmet, but in Sedona it also protects against the cold. Warm gloves and a liner are useful from November to March, when the morning temperature approaches zero.
Ice in Oak Creek Canyon
In the shaded part of the canyon, the road stays wet or frozen long after sunrise. Take the bends gently and avoid braking in corners. On 89A, cars stop without warning at the overlooks.
Traffic in the centre
At busy times, 89A and 179 are congested, with closely spaced roundabouts. Avoid mid-morning departures and set off early. At weekends, queues stretch back from Uptown.
Passes for natural sites
In Coconino National Forest, parking at many trailheads requires a pass. A motorcycle takes little space, but check the signs to avoid a fine. Do not ride onto tracks without permission.
Altitude and fuel
Between Sedona, Jerome and Flagstaff, the altitude varies by more than 700 m. The engine and the weather change just as fast. Fill up at Cottonwood or Flagstaff before heading to the Grand Canyon.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip to Sedona
Where do I pick up my motorcycle in Sedona?
At the EagleRider branch at 441 Forest Rd, in central Sedona. Your confirmation gives the pick-up time. Phoenix, 161 km away as the crow flies, is the nearest major airport.
Which motorcycle for Oak Creek Canyon and Jerome?
For winding roads, a manoeuvrable motorcycle such as the Triumph Bonneville, the Indian Scout or a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail. For two days at the Grand Canyon, a BMW R 1250 RT or a Road Glide. The EagleRider fleet includes them, subject to availability.
How many days for Sedona by motorcycle?
Two days for Sedona, Jerome and the Verde Valley. Allow three days if you add Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.
Can I return the motorcycle in Phoenix?
Depending on the current offer, yes, when the rental company allows it. EagleRider is present in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa, around 140 to 160 km away as the crow flies: the search shows the returns offered for your dates.
Are the roads open all year?
Most are, but snow and ice can close sections at altitude during winter. Check the weather and road conditions before heading toward Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Motorcycle rental in Sedona
What licence do I need to rent a motorcycle in Sedona?
A valid motorcycle licence is required (category A in Europe). The rental company may also require an international permit. It states the age and seniority required for each model.
Can I ride two-up?
Yes, it is possible on most touring and adventure bikes. The passenger will appreciate the backrest on big outings, and the cold wind at altitude: pack a warm layer for them too.
Can I filter through traffic on a motorcycle?
No. Only riding between stationary cars is tolerated, under conditions, in Arizona. In Sedona's traffic jams, stay in your lane and keep your distance.
Do I have to pay to enter the Grand Canyon?
Yes, park entry is charged per vehicle, motorcycles included. Check the current fee, sometimes higher for foreign visitors. An annual pass can help if you visit several national parks.
When should I book my motorcycle in Sedona?
April, May, September and October are the most in demand: book early. A search with your dates shows the free motorcycles.
About us
Why ride out of Sedona by motorcycle
Sedona lets you leave the desert for the mountains in a few minutes. The red cliffs, the pine forest and the canyons cascade one after another, and each road has its own scenery: Oak Creek toward Flagstaff, Mingus Mountain toward Jerome, 179 toward the rocks photographed all over the world. No long transfer from Phoenix is needed to be on site.
The branch in the centre of town puts you straight onto the right roads. Spring and autumn offer the best conditions, with gentle warmth, while winter calls for proper kit. Whatever the season, a good pair of gloves and a warm jacket find a place in the saddlebags.
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