Route map
Start / endStopsOvernight
LA to Sedona: the drive
The drive from Los Angeles to Sedona covers 478 miles (769 km) and takes about 7 hr 30 min without stops, mostly on I-10, I-17 and AZ-303 Loop.
That's a lot of time behind the wheel for one day, so we suggest splitting it into 2 days with an overnight in Quartzsite, AZ. That keeps each day to about 3 hr 45 min of driving.
We found 4 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Cabazon Dinosaurs, General Patton Memorial Museum, Jerome and Montezuma Castle National Monument.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| I-10 | 331 |
| I-17 | 76 |
| AZ-303 Loop | 34 |
Best time to go: March to May and September to November.
Suggested 2-day itinerary
- Day 1: Los Angeles → Quartzsite, AZ (239 mi). Stops: Cabazon Dinosaurs and General Patton Memorial Museum.
- Day 2: Quartzsite, AZ → Sedona (239 mi). Stops: Jerome and Montezuma Castle National Monument.
Best stops between LA and Sedona
- 1
Cabazon Dinosaurs
Giant roadside dinosaurs off I-10 near Palm Springs, built in the 1960s and made famous by Pee-wee's Big Adventure.
Photo: CityMorgue · CC BY-SA 4.0 - 2
General Patton Memorial Museum
A WWII desert training center museum at Chiriaco Summit on I-10, with tanks parked outside. A good leg-stretch on the long desert run.
- ☾
Overnight in Quartzsite, AZ
End of day 1: about 3 hr 45 min and 239 miles from LA.
See hotels in Quartzsite →
Near Sedona
- 3
Jerome
A former copper boomtown clinging to Cleopatra Hill, now full of galleries and tasting rooms, with sweeping views of the Verde Valley.
Photo: Seasider53 · CC BY 4.0 - 4
Montezuma Castle National Monument
A five-story cliff dwelling set high in a limestone wall, viewed from a short, flat loop trail just off I-17.
Photo: Beyond My Ken · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay overnight on the way
Hotels and rentals around Quartzsite, AZ, the natural end of day one:
Map not loading? See places to stay near Quartzsite →
Where to stay in Sedona
Red-rock buttes, vortex hikes and some of the best scenic driving in Arizona on SR-89A.
Map not loading? See places to stay near Sedona →
Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and pick up a car there. Booking a round trip from the same airport is usually much cheaper than a one-way rental. A mid-size car is fine for all paved roads on this route. You only need an SUV for the optional dirt-road detours.
Need a car?
Rental cars at LAX
Compare prices from major and local agencies at Los Angeles International Airport in one search.
Compare rental cars →Free cancellation on most bookings.
Trip cost calculator
Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from LA to Sedona:
LA to Sedona road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Los Angeles to Sedona?
About 7 hr 30 min without stops for 478 miles via I-10, I-17 and AZ-303 Loop. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 9 hr 15 min.
What is the halfway point between LA and Sedona?
Quartzsite, AZ is about halfway, roughly 239 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Where should I stop overnight between LA and Sedona?
To keep each day under about 4 hours of driving, stay overnight in Quartzsite, AZ. Book ahead in summer and on holiday weekends.
What are the best stops between LA and Sedona?
Top stops include Cabazon Dinosaurs, General Patton Memorial Museum, Jerome and Montezuma Castle National Monument. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from LA to Sedona?
About $61 one way in a car that gets 28 mpg with gas at $3.60 a gallon. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own car and prices.
When is the best time to visit Sedona?
March to May and September to November.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
