We will be in Phoenix for 5 days the first week of Oct. We would like to go to either Sedona for the day or we're also considering going on the Verde Canyon railroad. Has anyone been on the train and is it worth the price? What are the best scenic routes (driving) in Sedona area? We are seeing the last 3 games of the diamondbacks so we will only have one day to enjoy another area and want to go to the best one. Thanks!

I think it depends on how much you like looking at scenery.
We took the train last summer. We had a group of more than 20 so we reserved and entire car. Most of the kids thought it was the best part of our week in Sedona, but that may have been mostly because of the company. The "dads" liked it a lot because they could relax and enjoy the view, which they couldn't do while they were driving. If you gave the "moms" a choice between the train ride and a day in Sedona, we all would pick Sedona because we loved the shopping and the art galleries and were surrounded by the scenery the entire time.

Go to Sedona and take a Pink Jeep Broken Arrow tour. Maybe a combination tour. Then spend some time in the little shops in Uptown. You'll be glad you did.

IMO, the best regular car driving routes in Sedona area are easy ones to do in your time period (there aren't that many major roads really):
1) the absolutely awesome scenery on the drive into Sedona, coming from HWY 17 (I believe it is Hwy 183 that comes off of 17 into Sedona- I have done it so many times that I know the road by heart and don't know the number to that one for sure anymore). The first time you do it, it is just awesome. I do not want to spoil it for you, so will not tell you more. Let's just say the scenery changes dramatically so everyone should be awake and have their eyes open.
2) Take either a right or a left at the "Y" junction where that road hits Hwy 89. Basically you have to turn left or right. To the left you will drive out several miles towrds Boynton canyon. You will see many famous rock formations on your right (some of the named ones) and on your left will be the airport road (across the street from the Safeway I believe. Take a left at that road. It is preferable to do this drive just before sunset. Park at the airport parking lot (we are talking tiny airport, small lot) and walk across the street, put something onthe ground, and sit down to watch a sunset over the red rocks.
You can continue driving out 89A (of course, not after dark, although that is interesting in itself- as the next road I will tell you about is kind of out there, and there are coyotes, deer, javelinas, etc. on the road at night, but it is much better for scenery during the day). Take a right on Boynton Canyon Road. Drive several miles and you will start to enter Boynton canyon area. Some of the best hikes are in that area in my opinion- some short (1 hr) some longer (up to 5-6 hours). Some of the great short ones are Devil's Bridge (mile to moderate hike, kids can do it, might be hard for someone w/bad knees though, requires some mild pulling of oneself up on "Steps" in a mildly steep hillside) which leads to a nice bridge rock formation that is big enough to walk out on, and Fay Arch (don't have my book here, but it starts w/Fay and it's an arch)- that one is a bit steeper at the end and has a bit of loose skree, but is considered mild until that section that leads right to the arch. Even if you do not hike, you might want to do that road first and then go back to the aiport for sunset. ALso, there are two small nice sets of Indian ruins in that area out 89A- I think one is Pulatki or something siliar and can't recallthe name of the other one now, but they are easily accessible and have park rangers onsite to give you some background. VEry cool. These are further out 89A than the Boynton Canyon Rd.- they are also a right turn off of 89A. There is a tourist office close by out there right off of 89A if you get lost fidning it, or just ask a local.
But I am saving the very best for last. The absolute best drive is to take a right at the "Y" at 89A, and drive up into Oak Creek Canyon and then back down again. You start out in the red rocks, pass through several elevation changes and pass through several riparian zones (from scrub to evergreens and pines) and it will blow your socks off. At some points you can see and hear Oak Creek on the side of the road. I like to drive up to the scenic overlook about 2/3 of the way up the canyon towards Flagstaff (35 min or so)- the scenic overlook is on the right as you are heading up the canyon from Sedona. INdians sell jewlery up there at the overlook at reasonable prices- from trinkets to very nice. I have gotten Zuni pieces that are exquisite up there, w/lapis, tourquoise, coral,malachite, etc. Then turn aroudn and drive back down the canyon. THe drive in that direction is different perspective- driving into the red rocks again on the slope into Sedona is just amazing.
I love driving these roads. Some of the best scenery in the country that I have seen so far.

I'll double check that road number coming into Sedona tomorrow, unless someone else can correct me before then if it's wrong.

It is Hwy 179 that goes form Hwy 17 into Sedona. I don't want to spoil you 1st drive, but you will be seeing Bell Rock (called that for obvious reasons, although my son calls it "cow chip") on the right when you drive in on 179, and Cathedral Rock on the left (huge, w/three "spires").
Also, one more drive to make is to take a right off of 179 onto the road that goes up to the little tiny church (is that Shnelby Hill Road, I have to check that out too). Park in the lot of the little church (it is famous and wonderful) and you'll have a great view. There are many smaller rock formations there in the rocks around the church- the Madonna and child, the turtle, the bald eagle, etc. You will start to see your own after looking for a few mminutes.

emd: Wow!Thanks. We'll be there next Wednesday. Never been in Sedona before and your trip seems fantastic!