Loop 101 is a multi-laned high speed loop around the PHOENIX to the north. Coming in on !10 from the West I would definitely take LOOP 101 and connect to I17 in North Phoenix.
Coming into Phoenix from I10 from Tucson I would follow I10 to I17 then head North using I17 to Sedona...
Most major street/avenue roads in the Phoenix are multilaned and high speed. Most of the Phoenix roads are layed East/West and North/South which really plays heck on you at Sundown. Going west bound there is little escape with direct sun in your eyes at Sundown. Great time for pulling off if you can for a 30-min happy hour haha...
Enjoy your stay in the Sedona area and take in all of the RED ROCK views. Blows us away everytime we visit... We need to re-visit the SEDONA area as it has been several years now for us...
Roy ken