27 mi
Distance
~40 min
Drive Time
AZ-89A
Route (north)
4–5 hrs
Time in Town
The Drive — AZ-89A Through the Verde Valley
From Sedona, take AZ-89A north. The road runs through uptown Sedona, past Tlaquepaque, and descends into the Verde Valley toward Cottonwood. The descent from Sedona is dramatic — you drop from the red rock canyon country into the broader valley floor, with the Black Hills rising ahead.
After Cottonwood (about 18 miles, 25 minutes), continue north on AZ-89A toward Clarkdale and Jerome. The last 5 miles are the switchback climb up Cleopatra Hill — 27 switchbacks in total, gaining 1,400 feet in elevation. Take them at the posted speed limit: 15–20 mph on the tightest curves. RVs and large trailers should approach this section with caution.
At the top, Jerome (5,000–5,400 ft elevation) materializes on the hillside. Main Street parking fills by 10:30 AM on peak weekends — see the parking section below.
Navigation note: use AZ-89A north from Sedona — do NOT head south on AZ-179 (that goes toward Phoenix). From uptown Sedona, AZ-89A heads northwest past the Jordan Road intersection. Google Maps works reliably on this route.
Parking in Jerome — What You Need to Know
Jerome has limited and challenging parking. Main Street and Clark Street parking fills by 10–10:30 AM on peak weekends. The best strategy: arrive before 10 AM and use the AZ-89A pullouts on the lower switchbacks if the Main Street lot is full. The walk up is 5–7 minutes.
Best Option: Main Street Lot (Early)
The Main Street parking area near the Jerome Visitors Center. Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to get a space. Free, with no time limit for most spots.
Backup: AZ-89A Switchback Pullouts
On the switchbacks below town there are graded gravel pullouts. Legal parking, 5–7 minute walk up to Main Street. Most visitors don't know about them — they're rarely full even on busy weekends.
RV and Large Vehicle Warning
Vehicles over 30 feet struggle with Jerome's parking. The switchbacks are manageable for most RVs, but turning around in Jerome's Main Street area is difficult. Large vehicles should park at the lower switchback pullouts.
Full-Day Itinerary — Sedona to Jerome and Back
Depart Sedona
Head north on AZ-89A. Stop at the Sedona Red Rock View pullout on AZ-89A near Dry Creek Road for a last look back at the formation — it's the best angle for the Cathedral Rock complex from the road.
Arrive Jerome — Jerome State Historic Park
Park early, start at the Douglas Mansion (Jerome State Historic Park, ~$7). The 3D mine model explains the copper mining operation better than any walking tour. Wed–Sun 8 AM–5 PM.
Main Street Walk — Galleries and Haunted Sites
Walk Main Street from the Jerome Grand Hotel downward. The Grand Hotel exterior is worth seeing even if you're not staying. Stop at the Spirit Room bar (Connor Hotel, 1898) for history context. Browse the art galleries — the Co-op and Sky Fire Gallery are the strongest.
Lunch — Haunted Hamburger
The Haunted Hamburger at 410 Clark St. Arrive at 11:45 AM to beat the peak lunch wave. Green chile cheeseburger, sweet potato fries, upper deck Verde Valley view. Request upper deck seating.
Caduceus Cellars Tasting (Optional)
Caduceus Cellars (Maynard James Keenan of Tool) is on Main Street in Jerome. Tasting: $15–20, small pours of the Nagual del Judith and Primer Paso. Worth it if you're a wine drinker. Usually open 1–5 PM; verify before visiting.
Gold King Mine & Sliding Jail (Optional)
Gold King Mine (~$12) has vintage vehicles, farm animals, and the open-air mine museum. The Sliding Jail viewpoint (free) shows the concrete jailhouse that slid 225 feet due to underground mine blasting — no admission required.
Verde Valley Wine Trail — Cottonwood Stop
On the way back, exit AZ-89A in Cottonwood for the Old Town Cottonwood tasting rooms. Merkin Vineyards (Keenan), Pillsbury Wine Company, and Stronghold Vineyards are walkable from each other. Plan 60–90 minutes.
Return to Sedona
Back in Sedona in time for dinner. The full day works out to about 8 hours including drive time. If you want to stay in Jerome: Jerome hotels are excellent — the Grand Hotel and Connor Hotel are on Main Street.
The Full Jerome Guide
Everything about Jerome: all restaurants, hotels, haunted history, wine, travel planning, and audio tours. The most complete guide to Arizona's most haunted town.
Full Jerome Guide →Jerome Main Street Audio Tour
GPS-guided walking tour of Jerome's historic Main Street. 10 stops, covers the Grand Hotel, copper mining history, IWW Deportation of 1917, and the artist colony origin. $3.99.
See Jerome Audio Tours →