Oak Creek Canyon

About

Oak Creek Canyon stretches about 16 miles between Sedona and Flagstaff along Highway 89A, carving through some of the most dramatic scenery in Arizona. Often called the smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon, this canyon trades sheer enormity for intimate beauty - towering red and white sandstone walls, dense forests of pine and oak, and the gentle sounds of Oak Creek winding along the canyon floor.

The drive through the canyon is an experience in itself. Highway 89A follows the creek through a series of switchbacks, with pulloffs and overlooks along the way. The views shift constantly as you descend from the ponderosa pine forests near Flagstaff into the red rock country around Sedona. Many visitors make the drive just for the scenery, and it is worth every mile.

Several recreation areas dot the canyon. Slide Rock State Park is the most famous, known for its natural rock waterslide and swimming holes. Grasshopper Point and Call of the Canyon (West Fork) are also popular stops. Each area offers something a little different, from wading in the creek to hiking forested trails to simply sitting creekside with a picnic lunch.

Fall brings spectacular foliage as the oak and maple trees turn gold, orange, and red against the canyon walls. Spring and early summer are ideal for wading in the creek. Even winter has its charm, with occasional dustings of snow on the red rocks.

The canyon sits within Coconino National Forest, so a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required for parking at most recreation areas. Arrive early on weekends during peak season, as parking fills up fast. The town of Sedona at the southern end offers plenty of dining, lodging, and supply options for day trips into the canyon.

Accessibility

Accessibility in Oak Creek Canyon varies by location. The main scenic drive along Highway 89A is fully accessible by vehicle, with several pulloffs and overlooks that allow visitors to enjoy canyon views without leaving their car.

At Slide Rock State Park, there is a wheelchair accessible restroom and a large picnic area with both shaded and non-shaded tables. The park sits along Oak Creek with paved areas near the picnic grounds. However, much of the terrain at Slide Rock involves natural rock surfaces that may be uneven, wet, and difficult to navigate with mobility devices.

The Oak Creek Vista overlook near the top of the canyon offers a paved viewing area with canyon panoramas, and it is one of the more accessible stops along the drive.

Trail accessibility in the canyon is limited. Most hiking trails, including the popular West Fork Trail, involve uneven natural surfaces, creek crossings, or steep grades that present significant challenges for wheelchair users and those with mobility limitations.

Accessible parking spaces are available at the larger recreation areas. Visitors with an Access Pass (the free lifetime pass for people with permanent disabilities) receive fee waivers or discounts at federal recreation sites within Coconino National Forest.

Conditions can change seasonally due to weather, flooding, and trail maintenance. Contact the Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District at (928) 203-2900 for current accessibility details at specific sites within the canyon.

More accessible places in Arizona

• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Tucson)
• Children's Museum of Phoenix (Phoenix)
• Heard Museum (Phoenix)
• Musical Instrument Museum (Phoenix)
• Slide Rock State Park (Sedona)
• Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff)