How to Visit Sedona On Points and Miles

Sedona is a bucket-list destination known for its stunning red rock formations, vortex sites, and charming artsy town vibe. To visit on a budget, use points and miles. Stay at the Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Pinon Point. You can get there using Southwest Rapid Rewards points. Here’s how to make it happen!

Flying (or Driving) into Phoenix and Heading to Sedona

The easiest way to get to Sedona is by flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Southwest Airlines serves this airport. If you have a Southwest Companion Pass, a companion can fly with you for free. You will still need to pay taxes and fees on every flight you take!

Flight Times to Phoenix from Major Cities in the Southwest Airlines Footprint

If you’re flying on Southwest Airlines, here are estimated non-stop flight times to Phoenix from major cities:

• Las Vegas, NV (LAS) – 1 hour
• Los Angeles, CA (LAX) – 1.5 hours
• San Diego, CA (SAN) – 1.5 hours
• Denver, CO (DEN) – 2 hours
• Dallas, TX (DAL) – 2.5 hours
• Houston, TX (HOU) – 3 hours
• Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) – 1.5 hours

Typical Southwest Points Needed for a Round-Trip Flight

The number of Rapid Rewards points required for a round-trip flight to Phoenix varies based on demand and time of booking, but here are some general estimates:

• Short-haul flights (e.g., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Albuquerque): 6,000 – 12,000 points round-trip
• Medium-distance flights (e.g., Denver, Dallas, Houston): 12,000 – 20,000 points round-trip
• Longer domestic flights (e.g., Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis): 20,000 – 30,000 points round-trip

Booking early and using the Low Fare Calendar on Southwest’s website can help you find the best redemption rates.

How to Get to Sedona, Arizona Using Southwest Points

✈️ Fly Free with Southwest Rapid Rewards
The easiest way to reach Sedona is by flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)—a major airport served by Southwest Airlines. From there, it’s about a 2-hour scenic drive to Sedona. If you’ve got Rapid Rewards points, you can often find one-way fares to Phoenix for under 10,000 points. Have the Southwest Companion Pass? Your travel buddy flies free (just pay taxes and fees).

🏆 Easy Shortcut to Earning the Southwest Companion Pass
The quickest strategy: open one Southwest personal credit card and one Southwest business credit card, and earn the sign-up bonuses when a high welcome bonus is available. This combo can help you hit the 135,000-point requirement quickly—and once earned, the Companion Pass is valid for the rest of the year and all of the next.

Drive Time to Sedona from Major Cities

Once you land in Phoenix, you’ll need a rental car to drive to Sedona. It is about 2 hours (115 miles) north. The drive is absolutely breathtaking, as you’ll transition from the Sonoran Desert’s towering saguaros to Sedona’s red rock landscapes.

If you’re driving from another southwestern city, here’s what you can expect:

• Las Vegas, NV – 4.5 hours (280 miles)
• Los Angeles, CA – 7 hours (450 miles)
• San Diego, CA – 6.5 hours (400 miles)
• Tucson, AZ – 3.5 hours (210 miles)
• Albuquerque, NM – 5.5 hours (340 miles)

The Stunning Drive from Phoenix to Sedona

Once you leave Phoenix, you’ll take I-17 North, a scenic highway that gradually climbs into higher elevations. Some highlights along the way include:

• Sunset Point Rest Area – A great stop with panoramic desert views.
• Montezuma Castle National Monument – A well-preserved cliff dwelling worth a quick visit.
• Mundy Point Overlook – As you approach Sedona, the landscape becomes even more dramatic. Red rocks loom in the distance.

Staying at Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Pinon Point

The Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Pinon Point is one of the best points redemption options in Sedona. As a Category 4 property in the World of Hyatt program, free nights have varying costs. They typically cost 12,000 points (off-peak), 15,000 points (standard), or 18,000 points (peak) per night. This depends on peak pricing.

How to Book with Points:

• Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio to book your stay.
• If you have a Hyatt credit card, you can use points plus cash or free night certificates for extra savings.
• Plan ahead! Award nights at this property can go quickly, especially in peak seasons.

Mini-Review of Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Pinon Point

Hyatt Pinon Point offers a fantastic location right in the heart of Sedona. This makes it easy to walk to restaurants and shops. Visitors can also easily reach some of the area’s most stunning viewpoints. The resort itself has a charming Southwestern aesthetic. It features well-appointed studios. These include one- or two-bedroom suites with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and private balconies.

Pros:

• Unbeatable location with breathtaking red rock views.
• Spacious and comfortable rooms with home-like amenities.
• Beautiful outdoor pool and hot tub with scenic vistas.
• Walking distance to Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.

Cons:

• No full-service restaurant on-site (but plenty of dining options nearby).
• Can be difficult to book with points due to high demand.
• Limited housekeeping services since it’s a residence club property.

If you can snag an award night here, it’s a fantastic place to stay. It’s ideal if you want a relaxing home base. It offers all the comforts of an apartment-style stay.

How to Earn Hyatt Points

Hyatt points are some of the most valuable in the game. Here’s how to rack them up:

💳 Hyatt Credit Card

• World of Hyatt® Credit Card – 4X at Hyatt, 2X on dining/transportation/flights/gyms, and 1 free night (Category 1–4) each year.
• World of Hyatt® Business Credit Card – 2X on your top 3 spending categories, plus up to $100 in Hyatt credits/year.

🔁 Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® to Hyatt

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® – 2X on travel/dining. Redeem at 1.25x or transfer 1:1 to Hyatt.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® 
• Chase Ink Business Preferred® – 3X on travel, shipping, and internet.

🏨 Other Ways

• 5X points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels
• Elite members earn up to 30% point bonuses
• Use Hyatt promos and book experiences to earn more

Top Attractions in Sedona

Once you arrive, there’s no shortage of things to do. Some must-see spots include:

• Cathedral Rock – One of the most iconic hiking and photography spots in Sedona.
• Devil’s Bridge – A natural rock bridge with incredible views.
• Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte – Scenic hikes for all levels.
• Chapel of the Holy Cross – A stunning church built into the red rocks.
• Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village – A charming area with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
• Sedona’s Vortex Sites – Known for their supposed energy fields, great for meditation and exploration.
• Jeep Tours – A fun way to experience off-road trails and get up close to the red rocks.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Sedona doesn’t have to break the bank when you use points and miles! Book the Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Pinon Point with Hyatt points. Fly Southwest Airlines using Rapid Rewards points. If you have a Companion Pass, use that too. You can make your dream trip much more affordable. Pair it with the scenic drive from Phoenix. You’ll have an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful places in the Southwest!