OAK CREEK CANYON
Oak Creek Canyon
Sedona, AZ
Oak Creek is a constantly flowing stream that winds through a romantic red rock canyon. Drive past all the tourist shops in uptown Sedona and you are soon on a curving road that takes you through the trees, with the creek meandering along the side. This is indeed a piece of heaven. Pull off at any of the dirt parking areas to the side of the road and explore the creek, or drive all the way up to the overlook on the rim for stunning vistas.
SWIMMING
There are no designated swimming holes, but chances are likely if you see parked cars, you can follow some trail or some of the local folks down to the creek and find a special spot. During the summer the water is cool and pleasant. At all other times of the year it can be extremely chilly!
After you pass Midgley Bridge (the big metal bridge shortly after you pass town, and after you pass the Grasshopper Point turnoff (to the right) you will see several dirt pull offs. Most of these have rough trails down to the creek where you will find a number of beautiful places to enjoy a picnic lunch or spend a lazy afternoon.
The only time you won’t even want to consider getting in the water is during the late winter or spring runoff when the gently flowing creek turns into a raging river fueled by snow melt on the mountains up north.
SCENIC DRIVE
Don’t be in a hurry as you drive up Oak Creek Canyon. You’ll want to pull over for pictures, open the windows and breathe in the fresh air redolent with pine, sycamore, and the occasional skunk!
Stop at Indian Gardens for a gourmet picnic lunch, lattes, hot cocoa in the winter, Red Rock parking passes, or the most delicious fresh pressed apple cider you may ever taste in the Fall. There are quaint Inns and a few more restaurants along the way or you can bring a picnic lunch.
Beautiful in any season, Oak Creek offers new delights each time you visit. The canyon is bursting with fresh green and wildflowers in the Spring, shaded by canopies of elder trees in the Summer and a blazing palette of Fall color in October. Winter can be simply peaceful, or dangerously icy, so check road conditions ahead of time. Bring your favorite inspirational music, and enjoy a feast for the senses!
You can stop in numerous places and turn around or you can keep driving and head up towards the rim. Fill up your water bottles at a stone pump station that provides natural spring water by Pine Flats Campgrounds, and then go further until you wind up a steep segment of road along the cliffside to the overlook on the Mogollon Rim.
Breathtaking views await, as well as clean restrooms and a variety of Native American’s selling jewelry, home decor and various seasonal merchandise. Walk past the vendors for incredible views and photo spots. It can be windy up here so bring a jacket if the weather is chilly.
Details…
Directions:
From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Hwy 179 (exit 298). Turn left onto 179 and follow it past the Village of Oak Creek to the Sedona (Burger King) “Y”. Turn right at the “Y” onto North 89A. Drive through uptown, past all the tourist shops, and then you are on a wonderful winding road along the creek. Pull off anywhere as long as you don’t see “no parking” signs. You can’t lose!
Difficulty:
Easy
Things to bring:
Comfy shoes, a swimsuit if you want to get wet, sunscreen, and a towel. I always have a book, a camera, and a journal as well as snacks & water in case I find a tempting spot where I want to kick back and spend some time.
Fees:
Check with the US Forest Service for pass and fee information before your trip. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking in most locations.
SEDONA QUICK LINKS:
• HIKING
• SUNSETS
• SWIMMING
• ATTRACTIONS
• SCENIC DRIVES
• BODY & SOUL
• VISITOR INFO
• HISTORY
• DISCLAIMER
SEDONA QUICK LINKS:
• HIKES
• SUNSETS
• SWIMMING
• ATTRACTIONS
• SCENIC DRIVES
• DINING
• LODGING
• SHOPPING
• ADVENTURE
• MUSIC
• BODY & SOUL
• VISITOR INFO
• HISTORY
• DISCLAIMER
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