Sedona & Oak Creek Travel Guide

The Sedona-Oak Creek Travel Guide is a resource for those planning to tour the famed red rock country of northern Arizona. This guide includes coverage of Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Prescott, and the Verde Valley including the historic town of Jerome. The area features diverse outdoor recreation, spectacular sightseeing, shopping and culture, Indian ruins, historic sites, even wine tasting.

(Right: Midgely Bridge into Sedona from Oak Creek Canyon)

Using the Interactive Map

Place your mouse pointer on any purple KEY item or place name on the map. A brief description will appear. Click on the box for a link to detailed information. For easiest use, scroll map to top. Detailed Sedona, Oak Creek, & Verde Valley Map in separate window. (Index at bottom of this page.)

Sedona, Arizona - Outdoor Attractions

The city of Sedona is the center of activities in one of America's most scenic areas, the red rock country of Arizona. Indeed the city was voted Most Beautiful Place in America by a popular Sunday magazine. The picturesque city is surrounded by red-rock monoliths whose hues change with the time of day and even with passing clouds. Bright blue skies provide a spectacular contrast. The vista of Cathedral Rock from Red Rock Crossing is considered the quintessential representation of the American Southwest.

The area offers all manner of recreational activities including hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, hot-air balloon rides, and especially jeep tours. Besides the beautiful outdoor scenery, Sedona is a noted cultural center. The outstanding arts and crafts galleries, unusual shops, bounty of fine restaurants, and luxurious resorts offer a fascinating contrast to this outstanding natural area. The arts and crafts shopping center of Tlaquepaque is renowned. Modeled after a Mexican village, it shouldn't be missed. The nearby Verde Valley also has a fledging wine industry. Sedona is also a center of spiritualism and new age medicine. There are supposed to be several "vortexes" in the red rock area. Vortexes are said to emanate spiritual energy which heal and inspire.

This section cover attractions, resources, and things to do in and around Sedona. Oak Creek Canyon is covered in a separate page.

Visitor Services  |   Outdoor Attractions  |   Cultural Attractions/Shopping  |  
Guided Recreational Activities  |   Oak Creek Canyon

Outdoor Attractions

• Bell Rock Pathway. Spectacular red-rock scenery on trail at base of Bell Rock. One way is 3.7 miles, moderate to easy effort. Easy access from Bell Rock Pathway Kiosk on AZ-179 in Village of Oak Creek. Connects to 2nd trailhead on AZ-179. Bikes allowed. Horses prohibited.
• Courthouse Butte Loop and Big Park Trails. Spectacular red-rock scenery on trail which loops around Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. Loop up to 5 miles, moderate effort. Easy access from Bell Rock Pathway Kiosk (above).
• More area trails.
• Trails recommended for equestrian use. Based on the trails, trailheads, and available parking.
• Trails recommended for mountain biking. Note: biking not permitted in wilderness areas.
• Boating and Fishing Areas.
• Munds Mountain Wilderness. Located within the Coconino National Forest's Red Rock District east of AZ-179 roughly from the Village of Oak Creek north to uptown Sedona.
• Red Rock Scenic Byway. Description of AZ-179 (U.S. Department of Transportation).
• Red Rock State Park. Park features a diverse, riparian habitat along the banks of Oak Creek. Well-marked family oriented trail system features red rock vistas as well as greenery of Oak Creek. Self-guided and ranger led interpretive walks. West on AZ-89a, then south on Lower Red Rock Loop Road.
• Crescent Moon Recreation Area - Red Rock Crossing. Exceptionally beautiful area with opportunities for light hiking, picnicking, swimming/wading in Oak Creek, and definitely photography. This is the site of the famous vista of Cathedral Rock towering above and reflecting in Oak Creek. Red Rock Crossing is where the narrow access road reaches Oak Creek. To access the vista site, enter the recreation area and access the creek close to the road - roughly parallel to the entrance station. It is popularly photographed at sunset.
• Schnebly Hill Road. The Schnebly Hill Road (photo, right) is one of the most well-known and scenic routes in the Sedona area. The rocky dirt road climbs Schnebly Hill from AZ-179 just south of AZ-89a and reaches ponderosa forests at Interstate-17. The spectacular Schnebly Hill Vista is six miles from Sedona and 1,800 feet above. A high clearance vehicle is strongly advised. Local jeep tours also go up the hill. Best time for photography would be early in the morning.
• Red Rocks/Sycamore Canyon Loop. Scenic loop goes into the heart of Red Rock country for spectacular vistas. Spurs lead to Devil's Bridge and Vultee Arch, a vortex, Robber's Roost, access to Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, and connector to Palatki and Honanki sites (below). West from Sedona on AZ-89a, then north on Dry Creek Road which becomes FR152c. The route loops into FR525 which returns to AZ-89a a few miles west. Total length is 23 miles but can take all day if you take each spur road. Unpaved sections may become muddy after storms. Spur roads are rougher than main route. Check for jeep tours on this route.

Cliff Dwelling and Rock Art Sites

• Palatki Heritage Site. Palatki features a Sinaguan cliff dwelling dating from about 1300AD and much more ancient rock art panels. Access is by two short trails. Parking is limited so reservations are required - call 928-282-3854 before going out. West from Sedona on AZ-89a, then north on FR525, then FR795, about eight miles from highway. Suitable for passenger cars when dry. Check for jeep tours on this route.
• Honanki Heritage Site. Honanki also features a Sinaguan cliff dwelling dating from about 1300AD and much more ancient rock art panels. West from Sedona on AZ-89a, then north on FR525, about ten miles from highway. Suitable for passenger cars when dry. Check for jeep tours on this route.

Visitor Services  |   Outdoor Attractions  |   Cultural Attractions/Shopping  |  
Guided Recreational Activities  |   Oak Creek Canyon

Sedona & Oak Creek Travel Guide Index

• Introduction & Index to Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Verde Valley, Prescott
• Sedona, Arizona
  • Visitor Services
  • Outdoor Attractions
  • Cultural Attractions/Shopping
  • Guided Recreational Activities
• Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona
• Verde Valley & Jerome, Arizona
  • Visitor Services
  • Attractions
  • Indian Ruins / Cultural Sites
• Prescott, Arizona
• Camping in Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Verde Valley, & Prescott
• Lodging & Travel Services in Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Verde Valley, & Prescott
• Northern Arizona Travel Guide
• Grand Canyon Area Travel Guide
• Las Vegas Travel Guide