Sedona Arizona & Oak Creek Canyon Travel Guide

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 2, 2026.

Oak Creek Canyon, Red Rock Scenery & Things To Do

Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon combine some of northern Arizona's most recognizable red rock scenery with hiking, scenic drives, creekside recreation, art, resorts and year-round sightseeing. Visitors can explore landmarks such as Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, drive State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon, enjoy trails and overlooks, or use Sedona as a base for discovering the surrounding Verde Valley. This guide covers the best things to do, when to visit, outdoor activities, lodging and practical trip-planning information.

• Why Visit Sedona
• Things To Do
• Red Rock Landmarks
• Oak Creek Canyon
• Best Time To Visit
• History & Culture
• Where To Stay
• Visitor Tips
• FAQ

Sedona is surrounded by dramatic sandstone formations, high-desert vegetation and the wooded corridor of Oak Creek. Red rock buttes rise around the community while Oak Creek provides a greener contrast of water, trees and canyon scenery. Visitors can choose from resorts, hotels, cabins and other accommodations ranging from central Sedona to quieter settings along Oak Creek Canyon.

Why Visit Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon?

Visitors come to Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon for a combination of outdoor recreation, striking scenery and relaxing vacation experiences. Hiking trails and backcountry tours provide access to red rock landscapes, while Oak Creek offers picnic areas, swimming opportunities and shaded canyon settings. Sedona also has art galleries, restaurants, shops, spas and resorts, making the area suitable for couples, families, photographers, hikers and travelers simply looking for a scenic Arizona getaway.

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive

The drive through Oak Creek Canyon on State Route 89A connects Sedona with the Flagstaff area through a winding corridor of red rock cliffs, forests and creekside scenery. Along the route are trailheads, overlooks, picnic areas, lodging and opportunities to enjoy Oak Creek. The canyon provides a cooler, greener contrast to Sedona's open red rock landscape and is one of the area's most popular scenic drives.

Best Things To Do In Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon

• Hiking Red Rock Trails: Explore popular trails near Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil's Bridge and other scenic formations.
• Scenic Drives: Travel State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon or explore scenic roads around Sedona's red rock country.
• Jeep & Off-Road Tours: Join guided tours into rugged backcountry areas and elevated viewpoints surrounding Sedona.
• Swimming & Creekside Recreation: Enjoy Oak Creek at designated recreation areas, including popular swimming and picnic locations.
• Photography & Sightseeing: Photograph Sedona's red rocks at sunrise, sunset and scenic overlooks throughout the area.
• Art Galleries & Shopping: Explore galleries, studios, specialty shops and Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
• Spa & Wellness Experiences: Relax at one of Sedona's resorts, spas or wellness retreats.
• Stargazing: Enjoy views of the night sky away from the brighter lights of larger Arizona cities.

Sedona Red Rock Landmarks & Attractions

Sedona's landscape is defined by distinctive sandstone formations that have become recognizable landmarks throughout Arizona. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are among the best known, while Chapel of the Holy Cross, Airport Mesa and numerous canyon overlooks provide additional sightseeing opportunities. Many landmarks can be viewed from scenic roads and overlooks, while others are reached by hiking trails of varying difficulty.

Best Time To Visit Sedona

• Spring: One of the most popular seasons for hiking, photography, wildflowers, scenic drives and comfortable red rock sightseeing.
• Summer: Warm afternoons favor early-morning hiking, creekside recreation, swimming areas and evening sightseeing.
• Fall: Comfortable temperatures and changing foliage in Oak Creek Canyon make fall especially appealing for outdoor activities and scenic drives.
• Winter: Cooler temperatures, generally lighter visitation and occasional snow on the red rocks can create dramatic scenery.

Sedona Area History & Ancient Cultural Sites

The greater Sedona and Verde Valley region contains important archaeological sites associated with Indigenous peoples who lived in central and northern Arizona long before modern settlement. Visitors interested in regional history can explore preserved cultural sites and museums throughout the Verde Valley, including nearby cliff dwellings, pueblos and rock-art locations. Respect posted restrictions and avoid touching, climbing on or removing anything from archaeological sites.

Guided Jeep and off-road tours are another popular way to see Sedona's backcountry. Tour routes vary from relatively gentle scenic outings to rugged trails that climb onto plateaus and viewpoints above the surrounding valleys. Visitors should choose a tour suited to their comfort level, mobility and tolerance for rough roads, and should confirm current routes and conditions with individual operators.

Sedona is also widely associated with modern spiritual and wellness tourism. Some visitors and practitioners describe particular locations around Sedona as "vortex" sites and believe these places have distinctive spiritual or meditative qualities. These beliefs are an important part of Sedona's contemporary tourism culture, although claims of measurable healing or electromagnetic effects should not be treated as established scientific fact.

Where To Stay In Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon

Sedona offers resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, cabins, bed-and-breakfast accommodations and other lodging for a wide range of travel styles. Visitors who want convenient access to restaurants, galleries and shops may prefer central Sedona, while travelers seeking a quieter setting can consider accommodations along Oak Creek Canyon or in nearby communities. Reserve well ahead for popular spring and fall travel periods.

Sedona works well as either a stand-alone vacation destination or a base for exploring northern Arizona. Hiking, red rock sightseeing, Oak Creek Canyon, dining, galleries, wellness experiences and nearby Verde Valley attractions provide enough variety for anything from a weekend getaway to a longer Arizona vacation.

Sedona Visitor Tips & Responsible Travel

• Start hikes early: Morning temperatures are often more comfortable, especially during warmer months.
• Carry plenty of water: Sedona's dry climate can increase dehydration risk even when temperatures feel moderate.
• Check trail and road conditions: Weather, construction and seasonal conditions can temporarily affect access.
• Use designated parking: Popular trailheads and attractions can fill quickly during busy travel periods.
• Protect archaeological sites: Do not climb on ruins, disturb artifacts or enter closed areas.
• Respect Oak Creek: Pack out trash and avoid leaving food, plastics or other waste near the water.
• Stay on established trails: This helps protect fragile desert soils, vegetation and cultural resources.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles: Help preserve Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon so future visitors can enjoy the same landscape.

Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon FAQ

What Is Sedona Arizona Known For?

Sedona is known for dramatic red rock scenery, hiking trails, Oak Creek Canyon, scenic drives, Jeep tours, art galleries, resorts, wellness experiences and outdoor recreation.

Where Is Sedona Located?

Sedona is in north-central Arizona between Phoenix and Flagstaff, near Oak Creek Canyon and the Verde Valley.

What Are The Best Things To Do In Sedona?

Popular activities include hiking, scenic drives, Jeep tours, photography, sightseeing, visiting galleries, shopping, relaxing along Oak Creek and exploring nearby red rock landmarks.

Is Oak Creek Canyon Near Sedona?

Yes. Oak Creek Canyon begins immediately north of the Sedona area and State Route 89A connects Sedona with Flagstaff through the canyon.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Sedona?

Spring and fall are especially popular because temperatures are generally comfortable for hiking and sightseeing. Summer favors early-morning activities and creek recreation, while winter offers cooler conditions and occasional snow on the red rocks.

What Are The Most Famous Red Rock Formations In Sedona?

Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are among Sedona's best-known formations, along with numerous mesas, cliffs and canyon viewpoints throughout the surrounding landscape.

Can You Swim In Oak Creek?

Swimming is popular at designated recreation areas along Oak Creek when conditions permit. Water levels, temperatures and currents can change, so visitors should observe posted warnings and local conditions.

Are There Easy Scenic Drives Around Sedona?

Yes. Visitors can enjoy red rock views from several paved roads, including State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon and routes around Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek.

How Many Days Should You Spend In Sedona?

Two or three days allows time for several major sights and activities, while a longer stay provides more time for hiking, Oak Creek Canyon, nearby Verde Valley attractions and relaxed sightseeing.

Does Sedona Get Snow?

Yes. Sedona occasionally receives winter snow, and snowfall on the red rock formations can create especially striking scenery. Conditions vary considerably from year to year.

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Dream Sedona,
Sedona website offers an in-depth look into Sedona, Arizona. Find informative articles, scenic attractions, historical landmarks, places to hike, a Sedona photo gallery and a Sedona Vacation Business Directory.

More Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon Information

Sedona Area Map & Directions
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive
West Fork Oak Creek Trail
Slide Rock State Park
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Sedona Aerial Photos
Sedona Weather & Climate
Sedona Cabins & Lodges

The Wonder Of Sedona & Oak Creek