In this article, I will let you know list of national parks near Sedona, AZ. I also added a map of national parks near near Sedona, AZ on Google Maps at the end of the article.
List of national parks near Sedona, AZ
- Montezuma Castle National Monument ~20 miles (about 30 minutes by car)
- Tuzigoot National Monument ~25 miles (about 30 minutes by car)
- Walnut Canyon National Monument ~35 miles (about 40 minutes by car)
- Grand Canyon National Park ~110 miles (about 2 hours by car)
- Petrified Forest National Park ~140 miles (about 2 hours 15 minutes by car)
(You can click the image below to see map of national parks near Sedona, Arizona in full size)
1. Montezuma Castle National Monument
Distance: ~20 miles south of Sedona (~30 minutes by car)
Highlights:
- A stunning 5-story, 20-room cliff dwelling built into a limestone cliff by the Sinagua people over 600 years ago.
- The site is remarkably well-preserved, offering a glimpse into ancient desert architecture and culture.
- Nearby Montezuma Well, a natural limestone sinkhole, holds cultural and ecological significance.
Activities:
- Walk the short, paved interpretive trail to view the cliff dwellings.
- Explore exhibits at the Visitor Center.
- Take a short drive to Montezuma Well for nature trails and birdwatching.
2. Tuzigoot National Monument
Distance: ~20 miles southwest of Sedona (~30 minutes by car)
Highlights:
- A 1,000-year-old pueblo ruin located on a ridge overlooking the Verde Valley.
- Constructed by the Sinagua people, the site once had over 100 rooms spread across two stories.
- The surrounding landscape offers panoramic views of the valley.
Activities:
- Walk the paved trail to explore the ancient pueblo.
- Learn about Sinagua culture through interpretive exhibits at the Visitor Center.
- Enjoy birdwatching and picnicking in the area.
3. Walnut Canyon National Monument
Distance: ~35 miles northeast of Sedona (~40 minutes by car)
Highlights:
- Features cliff dwellings nestled in a rugged canyon formed by Walnut Creek.
- The area showcases the ingenuity of the Sinagua people who lived here between 600 and 1400 CE.
- The canyon’s steep walls and scenic overlooks make for breathtaking views.
Activities:
- Hike the Island Trail, a 1-mile loop descending into the canyon to see ancient dwellings up close.
- Take the Rim Trail for views of the canyon and a stroll past Sinagua ruins.
- Enjoy ranger-led programs during the summer months.
4. Grand Canyon National Park
Distance: ~110 miles north of Sedona (~2 hours by car)
Highlights:
- One of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks, known for its immense size and layered red rock formations.
- The South Rim offers easily accessible viewpoints, while the North Rim provides a more remote experience.
- Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Activities:
- Take in panoramic views from iconic lookouts like Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View.
- Hike trails such as the Bright Angel Trail or the South Kaibab Trail.
- Enjoy ranger talks, mule rides, and rafting trips on the Colorado River.
5. Petrified Forest National Park
Distance: ~140 miles northeast of Sedona (~2.5 hours by car)
Highlights:
- Famous for its large deposits of colorful petrified wood, dating back over 200 million years.
- Home to the vibrant Painted Desert, with rolling hills in shades of red, orange, and pink.
- Features petroglyphs and ruins from ancient Puebloan cultures.
Activities:
- Drive the scenic park road for views of petrified logs and desert vistas.
- Walk trails like the Giant Logs Trail or Blue Mesa Trail to see ancient petrified wood up close.
- Visit the historic Painted Desert Inn, now a museum.
- Explore archaeological sites like Puerco Pueblo and Newspaper Rock.
Map of national parks near near Sedona, Arizona
Tag: national parks and monuments near Sedona AZ