This Arizona Town Made McDonald’s Break Its Most Sacred Branding Rule & Go Turquoise

In West Sedona along State Route 98A, there’s a surprise waiting.

McDonald’s in Sedona remains the same as any other—crispy fries, Big Macs, and golden chicken nuggets—but what really stands out are the teal arches.

They’re a far cry from the classic golden ones and make this location pretty iconic compared to the other 14,000+ McDonald’s around the country.

By swapping its golden arches for teal to comply with local laws protecting the desert landscape, not even the world’s biggest fast food chain could make the sacred red rocks take a backseat.

Here’s the backstory.

Why Teal? Sedona’s Strict Rules

Sedona bans bright colors to preserve its red rock scenery.

These rules allow only muted desert tones like rusty reds, sandy browns, and soft blues to blend with nature.

When McDonald’s first arrived, Sedona city’s Department of Community Development rejected the golden arches for being too flashy.

But in 1993, after negotiations came to an end, the compromise was a soft blue, described as turquoise by some, and teal by others.

It was the first logo color change in its history, and it caused a ripple effect.

Today, in Roswell, New Mexico, a UFO-shaped McDonald’s stands out, while in New Hyde Park, NY, a McDonald’s operates inside a 1795 farmhouse with just a modest sign and no arches.

Desert Aesthetics + McD’s Signature Look

The teal arches don’t follow a specific architectural style but align with the Pueblo-revival style of the Safeway shopping center.

This massive change was required to preserve the city’s Kachina purity, so local guidelines prioritize colors that mimic the desert.

The Pueblo-revival, pseudo-Santa Fe-style adobe building’s exterior features a ginger-colored base with embedded wrap-around reflective windows and doors.

How Unique Is It Really?

Sedona’s claim stems from being the first to challenge McDonald’s branding, sparking similar adaptations globally.

According to Josh O’Brien (who worked for the city of Sedona as a city planner), “They wanted something that wasn’t ‘Anywhere USA.’

However, though Sedona’s arches are famous, they’re not the only ones.

Paris uses white arches to match historic buildings, Monterey has black coastal-themed signs, and Rocklin, California, features red accents.

The Never-Ending Color Debate

Locals argue whether the arches are teal, turquoise, or jade.

Some claim the shade mirrors blue-green minerals in nearby cliffs. Even social media buzzes with photos analyzing the hue under different lighting.

But whatever the color, they are certainly a far cry from the traditional ketchup-and-mustard-colored logo the conglomerate sports at its other 37,854 locations worldwide.

What Happened to the Original Arches?

The original Sedona arches were opaque and appeared black at night. They were replaced in 2015 with backlit versions to solve nighttime visibility issues.

The update balanced branding needs with Sedona’s dark-sky policies, ensuring the arches glow subtly after sunset.

When the arches were replaced, owner-operator Derik Cook, who lived near the Sedona Heritage Museum, decided to donate the original arches.

It Shines Bright at Night

In August 2014, Sedona was designated as the world’s eighth International Dark Sky Community.

The 2015 redesign of the McDonald’s arches added soft backlighting, allowing drivers to spot them after dark. Earlier versions nearly disappeared at night which not only frustrated but also misled tourists.

Now the new glow respects Sedona’s dark-sky rules, which protect stargazing. They’ve also installed a sign at the checkout counter about the history of the arches.

There’s Teal Everywhere You Look

Beyond the arches, teal accents appear on trash cans, signs, and building trim.

There is also no special menu with blue-colored burgers, but the drink cups and clamshell burger containers are painted with the location’s bright blue signature.

A small flag with yellow arches near the entrance nods to McDonald’s classic branding—a cheeky compromise between corporate identity and local rules.

Why the Arches Are Shorter

Section 9.6 of the Sedona Land Development Code sets guidelines on how signs should look, their size, and how they’re lit.

This rule helps keep landmarks like Cathedral Rock visible.

As a result, McDonald’s had to shrink its arches because of the city’s 25-foot height limit, including other businesses

Other local establishments like gas stations, also have to follow the same guidelines i.e. to use low-profile signs to keep the views clear.

The Gift Shop Surprise

This location features a rare McDonald’s gift shop selling Sedona-themed souvenirs.

It’s situated near the entrance and has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with Native American-inspired art and local crafts adorning the walls.

For keepsakes, you take home die-cut magnets, tumblers, trucker hats, pin buttons, and more. You’ll also find Sedona-themed apparel like T-shirts, hoodies, and hats with local landmarks.

All designs combine Sedona scenery with either the teal arches or color scheme.

Visiting The Famous Teal Arches in 2025

Address: 2380 W US Hwy 89A, Sedona, AZ

Sedona’s McDonald’s is a prime spot for a meal and soaking in the local charm.

Afterward, take a short drive to Devil’s Bridge for an iconic hike or explore the scenic beauty of Schnebly Hill Road amidst the red rock landscape.

For the best photos, arrive at sunrise when the soft morning light makes the teal arches stand out vividly against the rich red rocks, creating a striking contrast.