Why are you nuts for driving from Palm Desert to Sedona? It is not like driving through Death Valley, you know? And you are talking about March, not in the heat of summer.
Anyway, rush-hour traffic is bad on Phoenix freeways, though not as bad as in LA. You can bypass Phoenix as some suggested. We used to take out-of-town visitors to Sedona on day trips, and they all liked it. The Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff drive is worthwhile, like FinanceDude suggested. I don't know how much time you plan to stay in Sedona, but you can also find small lodges in Oak Creek, which is only 10 or 15 miles from Sedona town center.
It is possible to do a day trip to Flagstaff via Oak Creek Canyon Road. In March, there is usually still snow on the ground in Flagstaff. You can drive up to SnowBowl (4 wheel drive may be required), then take the ski lift to get to a peak for a view of the area. Or spend the time to visit Walnut Canyon and its historic Indian ruins.
And by the way, while in Palm Desert, take the Palm Spring Aerial Tram for sight seeing.