Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, AZ

Although Oak Creek Canyon is between Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizona it is considered part of Sedona. The canyon is in the Coconino National Forest and features a beautiful serene place to enjoy many outdoor activities. The views are what draw visitors to the area; however, they can hike, picnic, fish, camp and play at the "Slide Rock'' swimming area.

The road through the canyon is called the Oak Creek Canyon Road and it takes visitors through red rocks canyons and lush foliage. The canyon has the distinction of being voted one of the Top Five Scenic Drives in America from Rand McNally.

Oak Creek flows through the canyon everyday of the year. Because of this that area stays green in the spring and summer. The trees turn into bright colors in the fall. The canyon is approximately fourteen miles long. Oak Creek carved the canyon into the views visitors can see as they drive through.

The Oak Creek Canyon itself is only about a mile across from rim to rim. Visitors only have to go around a mile from the top of the rim to find the deepest part of the canyon.

Strata in the rocks of the canyon come in various colors and the walls are very steep. The water of Oak Creek is quite gentle.

Visitors wishing to drive through Oak Creek Canyon will begin the trail north of Sedona. This will take visitors toward Flagstaff on Highway 89A. The view from both directions takes the tourists through beautiful forests, whether they are ascending or descending.

The trees that inhabit the canyon are oaks and pines interspersed with the red rocks and cliffs. There are switchbacks and some hairpin turns on the road through the canyon. Several turn outs along the canyon road allow for parking and photography.

If visitors come through the canyon after a rain they may be able to see blue waterfalls over the cliffs. Native American Indians have vendors along the road set up with Indian crafts and jewelry for sale. One of these vendors is near the Oak Creek Canyon vista.

The area has cabins, cottages, and bed and breakfasts so that visitors to Oak Creek Canyon can stay close to the scenery.

Guests staying in the area can sign up for the Silver Spurs Tour, "Magical Day in Sedona''. The tour will pick up guests at their hotel then take them on a tour of Oak Creek Canyon, then go to the Sedona Red Rocks and take in the Montezuma Castle Indian Ruins. Guests on the tour get a picnic lunch and wine tasting. There is room for eight people per tour and they travel in a Mercedes touring van.

Hikes in Oak Creek Canyon include the West Fork area where that body of water joins with Oak Creek. There are Native American ruins called the Palatki Ruins and many petroglyphs from pre-Columbian tribes along those trails. Visitors can stop in Slide Rock Park and enjoy the Slide Rock Swim area. This area is at the mouth of the canyon. Visitors can cool off by sliding down the natural rock water slide.