On our last Arizona road trip in March 2025, we stopped in Sedona to experience its stunning red rock vistas. We travelled roughly 30 miles south from Flagstaff to Sedona on the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, stopping frequently to admire views.
Capitol Butte, also known as Thunder Mountain dominates Sedona’s skyline. Finding the perfect vantage point to capture the scene was a bit of a challenge. Finding a vantage point with available parking can be exceptionally difficult in Sedona.
I chose the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout and arrived before dawn, soon followed by a steady stream of dedicated photographers.
As the sun crested the horizon, the red rocks lit up like fire, and this photograph was my lasting reward: Capitol Butte glowing in morning light, Sedona waking beneath it.
After breakfast, I returned to the overlook to explore and photograph the scene in daylight. A hiking trail down to the Airport Mesa, offers panoramic views in every direction.