Oak Creek Canyon

The Basics

A scenic drive through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon is well worth the effort whether or not you actually need to travel north from Sedona. Grand Canyon day trips from Sedona pass through the gorge, as do small-group tours of the Sedona area (along with visits to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Airport Mesa) and multi-day itineraries through Arizona.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Oak Creek Canyon is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and photographers.

• Plan ahead: The drive is lovely but there aren’t many places to pull off and enjoy the scenery.

• Be sure to bring along sun protection and plenty of drinking water, as it’s easy to get dehydrated in the arid climate.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces if you plan to get out of the car and explore.

How to Get There

Arizona State Route 89A runs through Oak Creek Canyon from Sedona to just outside Flagstaff. Driving allows for the chance to stop at your leisure to take in the natural beauty, while a guided day tour around Sedona or to the Grand Canyon eliminates the hassle of having to rent a car.

When to Get There

Oak Creek Canyon is stunning year-round, so deciding when to visit is largely a matter of preference. Hikers come to enjoy the desert wildflowers from March to May, while summer brings temperatures warm enough for swimming at Slide Rock State Park or Grasshopper Point. The canyon is particularly impressive in autumn when the oaks amid the evergreen forest display their fall foliage.

Hiking in Oak Creek Canyon

This area of Sedona has hiking trails for just about every ability level. The most popular route is the 6-mile (10-kilometer) round trip along the West Fork of Oak Creek, where the canyon walls rise up more than 200 feet on either side at points.

What is Oak Creek Canyon famous for?

The scenery keeps visitors returning to Oak Creek Canyon near Flagstaff, Arizona. Switchbacks take you into the canyon, which is around 12 miles (19 kilometers) long. Hikers love the trails, and fishermen are drawn to the creek’s brown or rainbow trout, largemouth bass, catfish, and more.

Are there bears in Oak Creek Canyon?

Yes, it is possible to find black bears in Oak Creek Canyon, so keep that in mind. However, you’ll find a whole host of wildlife here, so don’t just fixate on the bears. Keep your eyes peeled for whitetail deer, javelina, coyote, birds, reptiles, and smaller critters on the trails.

How do I get to Oak Creek Canyon?

You can rent a car from Sedona and drive along Arizona State Route 89A, and then you can take your time stopping off at scenic spots along the way. Alternatively, book a tour with a driver so that you can spend more time checking out the scenery than navigating the roads.

How are the hiking routes in Oak Creek Canyon?

There’s a trail for all abilities in Oak Creek Canyon. There’s a short in and out route that lasts around 30 minutes, to much longer ones that take multiple hours to complete. Some trails are more accessible than others, so do a little research to see which hike is best for your group.

What kind of tours go to Oak Creek Canyon?

Group or private tours run to Oak Creek Canyon, often combining the canyon with other Sedona highlights, like Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and even the Grand Canyon. Tours run from Flagstaff and Sedona, making logistics easy for you. Guided tours are nice, so you don’t need to drive yourself.

Is Oak Creek Canyon worth it?

Yes, Oak Creek Canyon is worth it. The scenery is unlike most you’ll encounter in the world, and its proximity to other natural spots makes it a perfect destination for a multi-adventure day out. Ensure your cameras are charged for gorgeous light, rock formations, and more.

Ways to explore

Driving through Oak Creek Canyon is worthwhile whether or not you actually need to travel to or from Sedona. Pull off at Slide Rock State Park for a ride down the creek’s natural water slide, West Fork Trail for a red-rock hike, or one of several picnic areas for lunch with a view of the canyon.

If you don’t have a car, guided day trips from Sedona to the Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon typically pass through the gorge, as do small-group tours of Sedona’s highlights, which also include the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Rock, and Airport Mesa.

Accessibility

Travelers with limited mobility can enjoy Oak Creek Canyon while on a scenic drive, but trails and fishing areas may not always be wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Bottled water, sunscreen, swimsuit and water shoes for water activities

What to wear

Wear a hat, sturdy walking shoes, and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor activities.

Not allowed

For safety reasons, don’t stop in the middle of the road when driving on State Route 89A, and note that pets aren’t allowed in the water at Slide Rock State Park.

Amenities

Campgrounds, public restrooms, picnic areas, visitor center

Address 

Oak Creek Canyon is between Sedona and Flagstaff, with Arizona State Route 89A running through its center. Driving allows you to stop and take in the natural beauty at your leisure, while a guided day tour with transportation around Sedona or to the Grand Canyon frees you from the hassle of navigating.

Driving

From Sedona, head north on State Route 89A. The stretch of road that runs through Oak Creek Canyon is about 13 miles (21 kilometers) long and takes about 20 minutes to drive—just note the several switchbacks as you approach Flagstaff.

Public transportation

There is no public transportation to Oak Creek Canyon, but rideshare apps are available in the Sedona area, as are private tours with transportation to the attractions of your choice.

Best times to visit

Arrive in the morning to maximize your time—you could easily spend a half or full day fishing for trout or hitting the trails in Oak Creek Canyon.

Best days to visit

Every day is a good day to visit Oak Creek Canyon. Keep in mind that popular trails and attractions, such as Slide Rock State Park, get especially busy on weekends.

Best months to visit

Each season has its perks in Oak Creek Canyon. Spring sees wildflowers in bloom, summer is the best time for swimming in the creek, and fall offers dramatic yellow foliage.