Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive: Sedona To Flagstaff

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 23, 2026.

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive follows Arizona State Route 89A between Sedona and the high country south of Flagstaff, winding through one of northern Arizona's most distinctive canyon landscapes. The officially designated scenic-road section is approximately 15 miles long and passes red and pale sandstone cliffs, forested slopes, Oak Creek and several popular recreation areas.

Travelers can stop at Slide Rock State Park, West Fork of Oak Creek, Grasshopper Point and Oak Creek Vista while experiencing a dramatic change in elevation and vegetation between Sedona's red-rock country and the ponderosa-pine forests of the upper canyon. Tight curves and switchbacks make the drive scenic but require the driver's full attention.

• Scenic Drive Quick Facts
• Best Stops Along The Drive
• Driving The Highway 89A Switchbacks
• Slide Rock State Park
• West Fork Trail
• Oak Creek Vista
• Best Time To Drive
• Driving Tips
• Current Road Conditions
• Oak Creek Canyon Photos
• FAQ

West Fork Trail Oak Creek Canyon. © Silver Spur Tours

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive Quick Facts

• Official scenic-road length: Approximately 15 miles
• Highway: Arizona State Route 89A
• Route: Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon toward Flagstaff
• Driving time without stops: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic
• Best-known stops: Slide Rock State Park, West Fork Trail, Grasshopper Point and Oak Creek Vista
• Road character: Two-lane paved highway with curves, grades and upper-canyon switchbacks
• Scenery: Oak Creek, sandstone cliffs, riparian vegetation and ponderosa-pine forest
• Best fall color: Usually found around West Fork and other creekside areas
• Winter driving: Snow and ice are possible in the upper canyon and near Flagstaff
• Current conditions: Check AZ511 before traveling

The route can be driven in either direction. Northbound travelers climb from Sedona through increasingly forested canyon scenery before reaching the tight switchbacks below Oak Creek Vista. Southbound travelers descend from the Flagstaff high country toward Sedona, with the landscape gradually changing from ponderosa pine to creekside vegetation and red-rock canyon walls.

Best Stops Along Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive

• Slide Rock State Park: Famous for Oak Creek's natural sandstone water slide, pools and historic orchard.
• West Fork Of Oak Creek: Shaded canyon hiking, repeated creek crossings and outstanding fall foliage.
• Oak Creek Vista: Panoramic overlook at the top of the Highway 89A switchbacks with a Native American artisan market.
• Grasshopper Point: Creekside day-use area popular for picnicking and water recreation when conditions are safe.
• Bootlegger & Encinoso: Developed picnic areas providing additional opportunities to stop along Oak Creek.

Driving The Oak Creek Canyon Switchbacks

The upper section of State Route 89A includes tight curves, steep grades and a series of switchbacks below Oak Creek Vista. Drivers should keep their attention on the roadway and use designated pullouts when stopping for photographs or canyon views.

Rockfall, winter storms, wildfire activity and road maintenance can occasionally affect the highway. Travelers should avoid stopping along narrow shoulders or outside established parking and pullout areas.

Oak Creek flows year-round through the canyon, supporting lush riparian vegetation that contrasts with surrounding sandstone cliffs and forest. Spring brings fresh greenery, summer offers shady creekside recreation, fall produces colorful foliage and winter can bring snow to the higher portions of the canyon.

Why Oak Creek Canyon Is Worth The Drive

Oak Creek Canyon combines scenic driving with hiking, swimming, fishing, picnicking, camping and photography in a landscape that changes dramatically over a short distance. Red-rock walls, flowing water, riparian vegetation and high-elevation forests make the route distinctly different from Arizona's lower desert scenery.

Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is one of Oak Creek Canyon's best-known recreation stops. The park preserves a historic apple orchard and a section of Oak Creek where smooth sandstone forms a natural water slide and swimming pools. Separate state-park admission applies, and the park can become extremely busy during warm-weather weekends and holidays.

West Fork Of Oak Creek Trail

West Fork Trail begins at the Call of the Canyon recreation area and follows a shaded side canyon through forest, sandstone walls and repeated creek crossings. The trail is especially popular during fall when maples and other deciduous trees produce some of Oak Creek Canyon's best autumn color.

Oak Creek Canyon Vista Overlook

Oak Creek Vista sits near the top of the State Route 89A switchbacks and provides broad views into the upper canyon. A Native American artisan market operates at the overlook through a longstanding partnership between Native Americans for Community Action and Coconino National Forest.

The artisan program began in 1988 and currently provides space for up to 16 Native American artists and vendors selling handmade jewelry, pottery, artwork and other crafts.

Oak Creek Canyon Photos By Mike Koopsen

View The Complete Mike Koopsen Oak Creek Canyon Photo Gallery