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 Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon is world-renowned for its majestic and awe-inspiring scenery and is by far one of Sedona’s most famous and visited scenic areas. Hiking, swimming and fishing are the most popular activities. Many cabins and inns like The Briar Patch, The Junipine Resort and The Canyon Wren offer secluded sanctuary and quiet rooms. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, the National Forest Service maintains several campgrounds in the canyon.
The natural landscape of Oak Creek Canyon has been a timeless inspiration for photographers and artists with stunning red rock cliffs leading down to the lush creek side, swimming holes, hiking trails, campgrounds, picnic grounds, quaint restaurants and more. Oak Creek Canyon is often referred to as “The Little Grand Canyon” because of its dramatic rock outcrops and red rock cliffs recording millions of years of geological history. Countless hiking trails weave throughout Oak Creek Canyon up famous rock formations, down to spectacular creek side settings, alongside dramatic canyon walls and up to the top of the rim where you’ll find the most fantastic views.
There are several state and federally operated parks in Oak Creek Canyon for recreation – These include West Fork Park, Slide Rock State Park and Grasshopper Point. One of the most scenic hiking ares in Oak Creek Canyon is along the lower end of the West Fork of Oak Creek - this stream flows year round through a deep, forested canyon, quite narrow in places, with many pretty eroded rock formations and plentiful wildlife.
Grasshopper Point, operated by the Forest Service, is a great place to splash around in Oak Creek where the most thrill-seeking cliff-divers jump feet first into a deep pool of Oak Creek off high cliffs. Grasshopper Point is also great for a picnics, hiking or fishing most anytime of year. Picnic tables and restrooms are available.
By far, the most popular park in Oak Creek Canyon is Slide Rock State Park, which is home to a thrilling thirty foot long natural red rock water slide. Refreshing swimming holes and red rock cliffs combine to create one of the world’s best and only natural water parks. The park is a historic place and was once home to the many apple orchards that dot the canyon. Millions flock here each year - we recommend arriving early since this popular tourist attraction fills to capacity most days.
Dining options in Oak Creek Canyon are plentiful with several restaurants and general stores spread out along the road. Additionally, a couple of locations along the roadside have become favorite spots to purchase native American art and jewelry from the artists.
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