Oak Creek Canyon

The 2,000 foot deep Oak Creek Canyon stretches for over 12-miles along a fault line. This drop in elevation is fully explored on this scenic drive which leaves the lush forests of Flagstaff and delves into the glorious red-rock deserts, unique rock formations, and rainbow colored sandstone-cliffs that make Sedona such a romantic getaway.

Oak Creek Canyon view on the way to Sedona

Leave the San Francisco Peaks behind in Flagstaff and travel to Sedona via the US-89A. To get to the US-89A, take exit 195 from US-40 for I-17 North, then turn left on W Forest Meadows Street, and then left onto South Beulah Boulevard which becomes the US-89A shortly after going under the I-40.

Driving south on US-89A, you enter the Coconino National Forest. Take advantage of some of the picnic areas, such as the Lindbergh Spring Roadside Park (H1), where you can lunch by one of the world’s largest ponderosa pine forests.

In a few miles, you arrive at the Oak Creek Canyon Overlook (V1) where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Mogollon Rim (the southern border of the Colorado Plateau), the magnificent shades of reds and whites that color the canyon, and the vast firs that populate the surrounding forests. For a better view, a short loop trail leads to where the canyon just drops down some 2,000 feet. From here, it’s easy to observe the geology and witness the climate change as towards to south, you begin to see the dry, cactus-filled deserts.

The road continues down a series of switchbacks until you arrive at the Pumphouse Wash Bridge. Sandstone cliffs, reflective pools and small cascades await. All parked vehicles along the highway need to display a USFS Red Rock Pass. Shortly afterward, one the area’s most popular hikes leaves from the Cave Springs Campground’s Call of the Canyons Day Use Area. The 3-mile West Fork Trail (H2) passes wildflower meadows frequented by hummingbirds and butterflies as it winds deep into the maze of canyons. Portions of the hike require you to walk through ankle-deep streams, so be prepared. Many other hikes leave from this area.

The road continues along Oak Creek with many pullouts for picnics and views. One recommended stop is Slide Rock State Park (W1). A popular escape from Arizona’s summer heat, slide down the slippery algae-covered sandstone chute that leads to the cool, Oak Creek. Listed as one of America’s ten best swimming holes, arrive early if you want a parking spot and bring clothing to smooth the sometimes bumpy, rough ride.

Consider a side trip to the Palatki Ruins, a designated World Heritage Site. Visit cliff dwellings, pictographs and petroglyphs created by the Southern Sinagua people. Reservations are required to visit: (928) 282-4119. Take the unpaved Forest Road 525 heading north to get there.

Grasshopper Point Swimming Hole (W2) is another great spot without the crowds of Slide Rock Park. After a slight trek from the parking lot, stunning scenery, amazing rock formations and several pools of Oak Creek’s refreshingly cool water await. The brave can scale the cliffs and take the 25 foot jump into the deep waters.

Stop on the north side of the Midgely Bridge, for an amazing view of Sedona and the Wilson Canyon. The Wilson Mountain Trail (H4) leaves from here and explores the Red Rocks-Secret Mountain Wilderness through a strenuous 5.6-mile trail with high-elevation gain, but the views are well worth it.

The scenic drive comes to an end about two miles after the bridge when you arrive in Sedona. From here, continue onto Schnebly Hill Road (T1) to wind through Bear Wallow Canyon, Red Rock Scenic Byway, continue down US-89A until Prescott, or to the Grand Canyon.