Oak Creek Canyon Road Trip
Image Credit:Â www.tripadvisor.com
Oak Creek Canyon is one of Arizona's most popular hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation areas thanks to its incredible views. However, many are unaware that the road to the canyon is frequently named as a top scenic drive from Phoenix and has been named one of the top five scenic drives in the nation by Rand McNally. In just a few hours, you can experience our state's natural beauty on this National Scenic Byway, State Route 89A, from Sedona to Oak Creek Vista. This winding road has a peak elevation of 4,500 feet at the top of the Mogollon Rim.
How To Get To Oak Creek Canyon AZ
Start your Oak Creek Canyon road trip by taking the two-hour drive from Phoenix to Sedona. This is a straight jaunt on I-17 North for about 99 miles. Take exit 298 to Arizona State Route 179 North. Follow this road to State Route 89A, where the scenic portion of your drive begins.
Oak Creek Road Trip Landmarks
Sedona's red rocks are a must-see. These iconic towering buttes are an awesome way to start your road trip. As you begin your drive, remember to look for some of the most distinctive rock structures, including Bell Rock, Steam Boat Rock, and Courthouse Butte.
You'll follow the crystal clear waters of Oak Creek for about two miles before you hit your first scenic overlook at the Midgley Bridge. This historic 200-foot-long structure was built in 1939. A nearby parking area offers spectacular vistas of both the bridge and the canyon.
As you continue, you'll enjoy tranquil shade thanks to the many namesake oaks that line the road. Plan your drive for the fall if you want to enjoy vibrant autumn leaves. History buffs should plan to stop again to grab a bite at Mile 4, where you'll find Indian Gardens Oak Creek Market. The site of the cafe was once home to the area's first European settler. Today, it's a general store that offers craft beer, wine, coffee and seasonal sandwiches, soups, salads, and appetizers.
Stop for some outdoor adventures at Slide Rock State Park, distinguished by the sight of ponderosa pines, junipers, and a variety of cacti and desert flora around Mile 7. Slide Rock is named as one of the best swimming holes in the United States, featuring clear blue water with the staggering rock walls above along with a natural waterslide.
This is also where the drive starts to get a bit steep, particularly as you approach Mile 10 and Mile 11. At Mile 14, prepare yourself for the drive's iconic switchbacks after you cross Pumphouse Wash, a narrow canyon with access to rugged rock hiking. You'll continue to climb to the apex of the drive, a scenic overlook at Mile 16. Enjoy the amenities at the visitor's center, including restrooms and vendors, as you take in a picture postcard view of Arizona below. You'll find artisans selling Native American jewelry and wares.
When you're ready to leave, you can either go back the way you came to enjoy the views one more time or take I-17 to Flagstaff to make a loop. Drivers with vehicles suitable for off-roading can enjoy the views from Schnebly Hill Road to I-17, which is unpaved but offers an alternate perspective from which to take in the canyon.
Enjoying Oak Creek Canyon Sedona
Parking is free at the vista, so why not stay awhile to experience the wonders of Oak Creek Canyon? Coconino Forest, where the canyon is located, offers miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Depending on the time of year for your visit, you can also enjoy winter activities and water sports like swimming.
If you plan to enjoy the park on foot, the West Fork Oak Creek Trail is one of the most popular in the state for a reason. The six-mile round trip hike provides access to wildflowers, native songbirds, beautiful vegetation, mystical water holes, and the glorious oranges and reds of the canyon walls.
Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the most photographed sites in Arizona and offers a moderate hiking experience for those who aren't necessarily ready to scale a slippery rock face. The 1.5-mile out-and-back trail reaches an elevation of 744 feet.
Those who like to rough it can make reservations at one of Oak Creek Canyon's three campgrounds: Cave Springs, Pine Flats, and Manzanita. Cars, tent camping, RVs, trailers, and motorhomes are all permitted. Most sites have a fire ring, picnic table, and cooking grill along with access to drinking water, restrooms, and coin-operated showers.
Your Oak Creek Canyon AZ adventure will be even better with a new vehicle from Valley Chevy. Whether you're shopping for a sporty small sedan or a four-wheel-drive truck with all the bells and whistles, visit a Valley Chevy dealership near you to find the perfect ride for your next road trip.
