Sedona Oak Creek Canyon
Sedona's Oak Creek Canyon changes with the seasons presenting an awesome display 365 days a year. Winter brings the red rock cliffs into stark perspective and every dent and crease seem close enough to touch.
Spring creeps slowly up the canyon as the oaks take on a pale green hue and apple trees at Slide Rock blossom out in pink and white. Summer is shady green with Oak Creek in full flow, a profusion of wild flowers and bird song. Fall turns the oaks into a ribbon of gold cascading down the canyon.
Heading north out of Uptown Sedona you cross scenic Midgley Bridge (good place to stop for photos or hiking). About 3.2 miles from town Rainbow Trout Farm is on the right.
Soon you come to Indian Gardens on the left where there is plenty of parking, a deli and grocery store and the famous Garland’s Trading Post. There is a small Visitor Center where you can purchase a fishing license and Red Rock Pass and also rent a fishing pole. If the Center is closed you can obtain a Red Rock Pass from an automated machine. There is a nice close-up view of Oak Creek directly across the road.
Next stop, about 4.3 miles from Uptown Sedona, offers Native American craft tables and a Dairy Queen. We enjoy a cup of coffee or a soft-serve cone as we ogle the jewelry and chat with the artisans (a good stop when there are children aboard).
Slide Rock State Park, 7 miles north of Sedona, is a "must see" in Oak Creek Canyon. The Park is popular all year round but especially in the summer when folks like to cool off with a dip in Oak Creek. There is plenty of parking, a picnic area and a small grocery store. It is a fine place for a leisurely stroll past the original apple orchard and a good place to hook up to other trails. Fee is charged to enter the Park. The park is handicap friendly offering a paved walk that travels through an apple orchard and gets close to historic buildings.
Watch for Call of the Canyon/West Fork Trailhead on the left 10.2 miles from Uptown Sedona. Novelist Zane Grey wrote his famous Call of the Canyon after a visit to this area. Walking/hiking in West Fork is enjoyed by locals as well as visitors and is considered an Oak Creek treasure. You can hip hop across the creek or hike up the canyon which goes a further 12 miles. Fee is charged.
Next comes the fun part- several miles of switch-backs as you climb out of the canyon (on hot days turn off the A/C so the car doesn’t overheat). It really isn’t that bad and there is a reward - Oak Creek Vista at the top of the canyon presents a spectacular panorama that curves around the overlook with the canyon spread out before you. The vertical drop to the bottom of the canyon is amazing. There is a Forest Service Information Center (open March-October) at the overlook and also restrooms. The Center is tiny but offers a wonderful selection of books and maps on the Southwest. An added bonus at this stop is the Native American craft tables that are set up year-round weather permitting. There is a wonderful selection of jewelry, pottery, dream catchers and knives. The gate to the overlook opens at 8am and is closed at 5:30pm. If you wish to continue north on Hwy 89 A, Flagstaff is 12 miles away (on a nice straight road).
Tip: The drive from Uptown Sedona on 89A north to Oak Creek Vista Overlook takes about 40 minutes. If there are two people who can drive we suggest having one drive up and the other drive back so you can take in all of the beautiful scenery. It can be hard to ooh and aah over the towering red rock cliffs and meandering creek while driving a two-lane road.
Tip: Oak Creek Canyon is full of recreational and sightseeing opportunities. If you plan to hike or stop at viewpoints we suggest looking at a map ahead of time so as not to miss a turnoff. Stop by the Uptown Gateway Visitor Center (Sedona-Oak Creek Chamber of Commerce) on Hwy 89A in Uptown Sedona for a full selection of free maps/brochures plus knowledgeable folks to answer questions.
A Red Rock Pass is required for parking on the National Forest and some areas charge additional fees. Other information centers are located at Indian Gardens in Oak Creek Canyon and at Oak Creek Vista.
 Sedona Oak Creek Canyon Overlook
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Fall Color in Oak Creek Canyon