7-Day Sedona Flagstaff Family Road Trip - Travel Itinerary
π Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona
Budget Overview
Daily Itinerary
Depart Los Angeles, Drive East to Sedona
Begin your road trip by heading east on I-10 E, then connecting to I-17 N. Plan for a few stops for gas, snacks, and restroom breaks. Pack a breakfast or grab something quick on the road.
View on MapsScenic Drive & Arrival in Sedona
Continue the scenic drive into Arizona. Stop for lunch along the way (e.g., in Quartzsite or near Phoenix). Arrive in Sedona, check into your accommodation. Allow for ~8-9 hours total driving time, including stops.
View on MapsRelax and Explore Sedona (First Impressions)
Settle into your hotel. Enjoy an early, relaxed dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in West Sedona or Uptown Sedona. Take a gentle evening stroll to soak in the red rock views as the sun sets.
View on MapsEasy Hike at Bell Rock Pathway or Airport Mesa
Choose an easy, scenic hike suitable for a 4-year-old. The Bell Rock Pathway offers wide, relatively flat trails with stunning views. Alternatively, Airport Mesa has a paved loop and short trails to a vortex site, with panoramic vistas. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection.
View on MapsCreek Play & Red Rock Views (Oak Creek Canyon Area)
Enjoy lunch in town. Head to Oak Creek Canyon for a more relaxed afternoon. Visit Grasshopper Point or Crescent Moon Ranch (which offers iconic views of Cathedral Rock and creek access) for some creek play and rock skipping. Slide Rock State Park is another option but can be very crowded.
View on MapsTlaquepaque Exploration & Family Dinner
Wander through Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, an outdoor market designed like a traditional Mexican village. It's beautiful to explore even for a short time. Enjoy dinner at a casual, family-friendly restaurant in Sedona.
View on MapsAncient History at Montezuma Castle National Monument
Drive south to Montezuma Castle National Monument (approx. 30 minutes). This site features well-preserved cliff dwellings and an easy, paved loop path perfect for viewing the ancient 'castle' from below. Great for teaching a 4-year-old about history.
View on MapsWildlife Adventure at Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Have lunch in Camp Verde. Spend the afternoon at Out of Africa Wildlife Park (approx. 15 minutes from Montezuma Castle). This unique park offers a drive-through safari, tram tours, and shows, allowing for close encounters with exotic animals u2013 a huge hit with young children.
View on MapsSedona Dinner & Stargazing
Return to Sedona for dinner. If the sky is clear and your child isn't too tired, Sedona is a Dark Sky Community, offering fantastic stargazing opportunities right from your hotel or a nearby scenic pull-out.
View on MapsScenic Drive through Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff
Enjoy breakfast in Sedona, then check out. Drive the incredibly scenic AZ-89A north from Sedona to Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon. Stop at various overlooks (like Midgley Bridge or Oak Creek Canyon Vista) for photos and short stretches. This is a winding road, so take it easy.
View on MapsScience & Exploration at Lowell Observatory
Arrive in Flagstaff, check into your hotel, and have lunch. Visit Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered! It offers engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and often programs suitable for younger children, providing a wonderful science education experience.
View on MapsDowntown Flagstaff & Historic Route 66
Explore historic downtown Flagstaff. Stroll along the vibrant Route 66 section, browse unique shops, and enjoy dinner at one of the many diverse restaurants in the area. Flagstaff has a lively atmosphere, especially in the evening.
View on MapsGrand Canyon National Park (South Rim)
Get an early start for the ~1.5-hour drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Enter the park and head to Mather Point or Yavapai Point for your first awe-inspiring views. These points have paved, fenced viewing areas, safe for children. Walk a short, paved section of the Rim Trail.
View on MapsGrand Canyon Views & Junior Ranger Program
Enjoy a picnic lunch with a view or grab food at Grand Canyon Village. Utilize the free shuttle bus system to explore other viewpoints like Bright Angel Lodge/Hermit's Rest Road (when open to shuttles). Visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for your child (fun activities to earn a badge!). Head back to Flagstaff.
View on MapsRelaxed Evening in Flagstaff
After a day of epic views and driving, enjoy a casual dinner in Flagstaff. Your 4-year-old will likely be tired, so an early night is probably in order.
View on MapsRoute 66 in Williams & Bearizona Wildlife Park
Check out from your Flagstaff hotel. Drive to Williams, AZ (approx. 30 minutes west), a charming Route 66 town. Explore the historic downtown with its vintage diners and shops. Then, head to Bearizona Wildlife Park, just west of Williams.
View on MapsBearizona & Drive to Kingman
Spend time at Bearizona, a drive-through and walk-through wildlife park focusing on North American animals. It's fantastic for kids! Enjoy lunch at Bearizona or in Williams. Continue your drive west on I-40 towards Kingman, AZ (approx. 1.5-2 hours from Williams), another historic Route 66 hub. Check into your hotel.
View on MapsKingman Dinner & Route 66 Museum (Optional)
Have dinner in Kingman. If time and energy allow, visit the Arizona Route 66 Museum for a quick glimpse into the history of the Mother Road, showcasing vintage cars and memorabilia.
View on MapsDepart Kingman & Drive West
Enjoy breakfast and check out from your Kingman hotel. Begin the final leg of your journey back to Los Angeles. Drive west on I-40 W, eventually connecting to I-15 S. Plan for stops along the way for gas and refreshments.
View on MapsLunch Stop & Return to Los Angeles
Stop for lunch in a town like Barstow or Victorville. Be prepared for potential traffic as you approach the greater Los Angeles area. Reflect on the amazing memories made during your Arizona adventure. Arrive back home in Los Angeles.
View on MapsUnpack and Relax at Home
Unpack, unwind, and enjoy a relaxed evening at home after your incredible road trip.
View on MapsBest Places to Visit
Sedona Red Rock Country (Bell Rock & Airport Mesa)
Iconic red rock formations offering easy hiking trails and powerful 'vortex' sites. Bell Rock Pathway is wide and flat, while Airport Mesa provides panoramic views perfect for sunsets. Great for easy exploration and photography.
Oak Creek Canyon (between Sedona & Flagstaff)
A stunning, scenic drive along AZ-89A with lush forests, clear creeks, and dramatic canyon walls. Offers opportunities for creek play and short, easy walks. Ideal for a refreshing break from the desert landscape.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
A remarkably preserved ancient cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient history. An easy, paved path makes it accessible for all ages to view the 'castle' from below.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park (Camp Verde)
A unique wildlife park featuring a drive-through safari, tram rides, and engaging shows with a variety of animals, focusing on conservation. A fun and educational experience for children to see exotic wildlife up close.
Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff)
Where Pluto was discovered! This historic observatory offers engaging exhibits, stargazing opportunities, and educational programs suitable for families, blending science with wonder.
Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The South Rim offers accessible viewpoints (Mather Point, Yavapai Point) with paved, fenced areas ideal for families. Short, easy sections of the Rim Trail provide breathtaking views.
Route 66 in Williams, AZ
A charming, historic Route 66 town known as the 'Gateway to the Grand Canyon'. Explore its retro diners, classic car displays, and unique souvenir shops.
Bearizona Wildlife Park (Williams)
A drive-through wildlife park where you can see North American animals like bears, wolves, and bison in natural habitats, plus a walk-through area with smaller animals and raptor shows. A highlight for kids!
Best Time to Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Original Request
los angels to sedona, flagstaff and back in car. don\'t want to travel anywhere in Los angeles, it\'s home base. want a mix of nature, adventure, easy hikes, vista points, creeks, red rocks, animals/wildlife, ancient history, science, outdoors, roadtrips, route 66, national parks, safe and sound and doable with a 4 year old