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: Cathedral Rock, near Red Rock Crossing, Sedona)

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.)

Introduction to Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Verde Valley, & Prescott

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.

Sedona also sits at the mouth of verdant and beautiful Oak Creek Canyon. The green, forested canyon with a clear perennial stream provides a strong contrast to the red rocks. In autumn, flaming red foliage provide a spectacular display. A network of trails, from easy to difficult, provides access to wilderness areas. The natural water chutes at Slide Rock State Park have enamored generations of families. The easy walk up the West Fork of Oak Creek is a must-see for anyone.

The area offers all manner of recreational activities including hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, hot-air balloon rides, and especially jeep tours. Many people love to take a dip in Oak Creek during the hot summer months. Slide Rock State Park and Red Rock Crossing (at the Crescent Moon Recreation Area) are popular spots to get in the water. There are ancient Indian ruins to explore, some on remote dirt roads. There are historic sites to visit, such as the old mining town of Jerome, or the historic downtown district of Prescott, once the territorial capitol of Arizona.

(Right: Verde Valley and red rocks from the hillside of Jerome.)

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. Daily wine-tasting is available in the nearby village of Page Springs.

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. Many guides are available, who offer tours of the vortexes and other spiritual assistance.

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