Sedona’s Scenic Drives

It’s been said that God created the Grand Canyon for the world, but Oak Creek Canyon for himself.  Oak Creek Canyon is a picturesque, intimate canyon, carved by the perennially flowing waters of Oak Creek .  A 14.5-mile paved, meandering road through the canyon (89A) links Sedona to Flagstaff , Arizona , and offers memorable views all year long from either direction.  This drive is “must-do” for anyone visiting the area. Travelers pass colorful canyon walls (dusted with snow in winter) and lush greenery, which explodes into brilliant hues in the fall.  Because the canyon has an elevation gain of nearly 2,500 feet from one end to the other, 89A traverses five ecosystems, which add great variety and their own signature beauty. At the top of the canyon, sightseers may want to stop at the scenic overlook, which offers a panoramic view; road amenities, such as restrooms; and a visitor’s center from March through October.

Other notable drives that showcase red rock country’s striking vistas include:

• Red Rock Loop Road on the western outskirts of Sedona: a winding drive with several scenic pull-offs and access to Red Rock Crossing/Crescent Moon Ranch and Red Rock State Park  (Part of the road is gravel.)
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• Boynton Pass Loop: a sweep past electrifying views of Dry Creek Road and Boynton Canyon and the desert grassland landscape of Forest Road 525. The roads, with access points to several trails, are mostly paved, but there are unpaved and bumpy sections.
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• Highway 179 (also known as Red Rock Scenic Byway): One of only 27  roads in the country designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation as “All-American Roads” (“tourist destinations unto themselves”) for their exceptional and unique recreational, natural and scenic qualities.  Highway 179 features scenic pullouts for travelers to enjoy the magnificent views.
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• Page Springs Loop:   a look at the outskirts of Sedona—from Page Springs and Cornville to the Village of Oak Creek.  The paved roads go past a fish hatchery, wineries, red rocks, desert grasslands and trailheads.
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• Schnebly Hill Road:   Eleven miles of bumpy, steep, winding road with unparalleled views and historic interest. The road, which connects to Interstate 17, dates back to 1904; but it is only open part of the year—usually from April through October.  Only the first mile is paved.

Note:  While off-road vehicles are prohibited in Red Rock Country, there are routes that have been cleared for 4 x 4 and ATV travel.  For more information, call the Red Rock Ranger Station at 928-282-4119.