Even if you only have a short amount of time, at least do the drive by tour. The sights are worth seeing. The red rocks and canyons are breathless. If you have time take a pink Jeep tour and actually go into the canyons and red rocks. They have to be even more amazing close up.
For the drive-by version, I would recommend coming from the North and taking Hwy 89A out Flagstaff as long as you aren't pulling a camper or trailer. Vehicles over 50 feet are not allowed on Hwy 89A. You are actually driving through the Coconino National Forest as you are coming out of the mountains.
Because I was hoping for a National Forest stamp in my passport, we stopped at the Oak Canyon Vista since there was a ranger station which was closed. However, it was worth the stop. The views of Oak Canyon are amazing and you actually get to see the switchback road you will be traveling down to get into Sedona.
After leaving the vista, you start the slow descend into Sedona on crazy switchbacks with minimal guardrails. The only thing that would have made this drive even better would have been doing it in a BMW.
Once we got to the bottom of the canyon, the red rock formations began to appear. I was there were more overlooks and pull outs to actually get some really good pictures. I have to admit nearly getting ran over when darting across the road to trying to get a few pictures was probably not a highlight of the trip. For the most part the pictures don't do the area justice.
One day I will get back to Sedona and do it right. Until then the drive by version is good enough. Trust me the scenery is amazing both ways but I think actually taking time to explore is way cooler. If you are ever in Arizona do the drive by version at the very least.
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