Moab, UT → Sedona, AZ

The 369-mile journey from Moab, Utah to Sedona, Arizona is one of the Southwest's most visually stunning drives, taking you through some of North America's most dramatic red rock country. You'll begin by heading south from Moab on US Highway 191, which takes you through the heart of the Colorado Plateau before connecting to Interstate 70 eastbound near Cisco. From there, you'll merge onto I-70 for a brief stretch before transitioning to US Highway 666 (also signed as US 191 South), which carries you deeper into Arizona's high desert landscape. The route then follows a combination of state highways and US 89 as you make your way toward Sedona, descending gradually from the Colorado Plateau into the Sonoran Desert while passing through the towns of Holbrook and Winslow before reaching your final destination.

As you travel south, you'll experience dramatic changes in elevation and landscape that define the entire Southwest corridor. Starting at Moab's 4,000-foot elevation, you'll climb briefly before descending across the Colorado Plateau, where vast mesas and canyon country dominate the scenery. The terrain transitions noticeably around the Holbrook area, where the landscape becomes more open and rolling before you begin the final approach to Sedona, ascending into the pine-dotted mountains surrounding Arizona's jewel destination. Throughout this drive, you'll pass through stretches of genuine high desert and remote terrain, with relatively few services between major towns, so planning fuel and food stops accordingly is essential.

The drive offers several compelling reasons to pause along the way. The Petrified Forest National Park lies just south of Holbrook if you want to add scenic exploration to your journey, while the historic Route 66 town of Winslow provides a nostalgic detour worth considering. You'll be rewarded with increasingly dramatic views of red rocks as you approach Sedona from the north on US 89A, one of Arizona's most scenic highways.

Late spring through early fall offers the best driving conditions for this route, though summer heat in the lower elevations can be intense. Winter travel is feasible but requires caution on higher elevation sections, particularly around the Mogollon Rim where unexpected snow can occur. The drive remains rewarding year-round for those prepared for seasonal conditions,

The 369-mile drive from Moab, Utah to Sedona, Arizona takes approximately 6h 10m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.

Common Weather Hazards on This Route

• Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
• Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
• Extreme heat and dust storms in desert regions
• Flash floods during monsoon season (July through September)

Seasonal Driving Considerations

Mountain passes along this corridor can be treacherous from October through May, with chain requirements, road closures, and whiteout conditions at higher elevations. Summer brings its own challenges — afternoon thunderstorms are common above 7,000 feet, and construction season narrows lanes on key highways. Always check pass conditions before departing, and carry emergency supplies during the colder months.

Best Time to Drive Moab to Sedona

For medium-distance drives like this 369-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.

Driving Strategy

A 369-mile drive from Moab to Sedona takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.

Frequently Asked Questions