About Oak Creek
This clear canyon stream may be one of the most scenic fishing and swimming holes in the world. Oak Creek flows through Oak Creek Canyon, a narrow gorge it has cut along a fault line in the same rock strata that form the Grand Canyon. But this smaller cousin of the world's most prestigious chasm, is much more accessible than its more famous relative. A road leads right down the middle of it. And if you'd really like to get to know these crimson cliffs and crystal pools up close and personal, there are plenty of overlooks and picnic areas, hiking trails and creekside paths to help you do it.In Oak Creek Canyon, be sure to stop by the Oak Creek Visitor Center at Indian Gardens when it opens for the season, or visit the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center near the Village of Oak Creek year-round.There is a catch and release section along Oak Creek from Call of the Canyon downstream to Junipine Resort. Refer to Arizona Game and Fish fishing regulations for details.CampgroundsCampgrounds usually fill early. The best opportunities for getting a campsite are weekday mornings between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., or make reservations where available.Cave SpringsManzanitaPine FlatPicnic AreasBanjo BillBootleggerCall of the CanyonCrescent MoonEncinosoGrasshopper PointHalfwayMidgely BridgeSlide Rock State ParkAdditional InformationCoconino National Forest: Red Rock District - Forest recreation information for the Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, and the Verde Valley areas.Slide Rock State Park (glass containers are prohibited)Red Rock State ParkRecreation Alternatives to Oak Creek Canyon
How to Get There
Location: The top of Oak Creek is 14 miles south of Flagstaff on paved roads. Elevation is around 5,000 feet, dropping as Oak Creek flows down the canyon and through the Sedona area.Access: Drive south from Flagstaff on Hwy. 89A. 14 miles down the road it drops nearly a thousand feet down a series of switchbacks to the canyon floor and continues for 13 more miles alongside Oak Creek in Oak Creek Canyon. The creek exits the canyon into Sedona, passing by Cathedral Rock and Red Rock Crossing on its meandering way southwest to its confluence with the Verde River southeast of Cottonwood. Click map thumbnail for a larger view.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Oak Creek
Heading to Oak Creek? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Oak Creek?
No central reservation system listed for Oak Creek. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/264793) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Oak Creek?
Location: The top of Oak Creek is 14 miles south of Flagstaff on paved roads. Elevation is around 5,000 feet, dropping as Oak Creek flows down the canyon and through the Sedona area.Access: Drive south from Flagstaff on Hwy. 89A. 14 miles down the road it drops nearly a thousand feet down a series of switchbacks to the canyon floor and continues for 13 more miles alongside Oak Creek in Oak Creek C…
References & Official Resources
