Sedona to Redlands Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Tips

This route from Sedona, AZ to Redlands, CA covers approximately 415 miles, mostly along Interstate 17, Interstate 10, and Interstate 15. The drive typically takes 6.5 to 8 hours without stops, but the journey offers remarkable geological transitions from the Colorado Plateau to the Mojave Desert.

A little-known fact: this route crosses the San Andreas Fault near the town of Landers, California, a reminder of the tectonic forces shaping the region.

For those wondering how long to drive Sedona, AZ to Redlands, CA, plan a full day with stops to appreciate the landscapes. This guide answers is it worth driving Sedona, AZ to Redlands, CA and highlights things to do between Sedona, AZ and Redlands, CA.

Road quality is good, but segments near Phoenix have heavy traffic during rush hours (7-9am and 4-6pm). The stretch from Blythe to Desert Center is remote with minimal services; ensure a full tank. Summer temperatures exceed 110°F (43°C) in the low desert. Winter is mild but can be rainy in Redlands.

Pet-friendly framework: Most rest stops have designated pet areas. Hotels in Sedona and Redlands are generally pet-friendly, but always call ahead. PetSmart and vet clinics are available in major towns.

• Family stops: Phoenix... Children's Museum of Phoenix and OdySea Aquarium. Near Redlands, the San Bernardino County Museum is educational.
• Fatigue management: The Blythe Rest Stop (I-10 eastbound) has a clean facility. Chiriaco Summit Rest Stop near Indio offers a WWII General Patton Museum.
• Hidden off-route spots: Salton Sea (45-min detour south of I-10 near Niland) – an eccentric, shrinking lake with birdlife and abandoned structures. Joshua Tree National Park entrance near Twentynine Palms (60-min detour).

Infrastructure safety: Cell coverage is spotty between Quartzsite and Desert Center. Download offline maps. Emergency call boxes are spaced every 2 miles on I-10. The safest times to drive are early morning (5-9am) to avoid heat and traffic.

The primary route uses I-17 south from Sedona to Phoenix, then I-10 west to I-15 north near Ontario, then short local roads to Redlands. Paved roads throughout, mostly smooth asphalt.

• Fuel stops: Frequent in Phoenix area, then sparse between Buckeye, AZ and Blythe, CA. Gas stations at Indio exit (I-10) before climbing into Redlands.
• Electric vehicle charging: Superchargers available in Sedona, Phoenix, Quartzsite, and Redlands. Plan for 1-2 stops.
• Tolls: None on this route.
• Rest areas: Welcome centers near Salome, AZ and at Cactus City, CA. Also multiple rest stops along I-15.

Use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to discover off-highway treasures.

The scenery shifts dramatically: from Sedona's red rock formations to the Sonoran Desert saguaros near Phoenix, then to the stark Colorado Desert around Blythe, and finally the chaparral-covered foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains approaching Redlands.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: While none directly on this route, a notable nearby site is the Mountain Meadows Massacre (not a UNESCO site) but the Grand Canyon (2.5 hours north of Sedona) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those with time, a detour to see the petroglyphs at the Painted Rock Petroglyph Site near Gila Bend, AZ is worthwhile.

Local commerce: In Sedona, visit local art galleries and crystal shops. In Redlands, explore the historic downtown with antique stores and the Redlands Bicycle Classic (annual event). Stop at Hadley Fruit Orchards in Cabazon for fresh dates and nut samples.

• Sedona: Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
• Quartzsite: Rock and mineral shows in winter months
• Blythe: I-10 casino fuel stops
• Redlands: Citrus groves and Victorian architecture