4 Spots Along The Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive In Arizona That Everyone Should Stop And Visit
By Melissa Mahoney|Published June 16, 2023
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
When you’re up for a scenic drive in Arizona, you don’t have to go too far. From the Beeline Highway to the Grand Canyon South Rim Scenic Drive, you can wind your way through some jaw-dropping beauty in the state. If you ask me what my favorite scenic drive in Arizona is, I’d say the part of State Route 89A that goes through Oak Creek Canyon. And whenever I’m in Sedona, I always make a point to take a trip along the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive and make a few stops along the way.
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive is part of State Route 89A but sets itself apart with its sheer scenic beauty and jaw-dropping views. It begins in Sedona, runs through Oak Creek Canyon, and then you can continue onto Flagstaff from there if you'd like.
While 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff is approximately 39 miles, the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive portion is about 14 miles long. However, you'll want to set aside enough time to enjoy the scenery and the following must-visit stops.
Midgley Bridge sits at along Oak Creek Canyon and is a gorgeous spot to have a picnic and take in the canyon views as well as the red rocks Sedona is known for. It's also a great beginning to the scenic drive through the canyon if you're starting in Sedona.
Heading into Oak Creek Canyon, a stop at Slide Rock State Park is a must. While its natural waterslide carved through red rocks is a perfect place to spend a summer's day, you can visit this park and take in the scenery any time of the year.
3. Indian Gardens Cafe & Market
Indian Gardens Cafe & Market, 3951 N State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
If you need a bite to eat after visiting Slide Rock State Park, stop at Indian Gardens Cafe & Market. Open for breakfast and lunch, you can grab a sandwich, salad, coffee, bowl, or whatever else you're craving and dine out on the patio surrounded by scenery.
The final miles of this scenic drive will take you along switchbacks which, to some, maybe a little nerve-wracking. However, if you can brave it, your jaw will drop once you see the views. It's absolutely amazing and my favorite part of the drive! On the Flagstaff end of the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, you must stop at Oak Creek Vista to look back at the route you just took. Maybe you'll be in awe, maybe you'll feel a sense of accomplishment. But whatever it is, you'll be happy you did the drive and will most likely want to do it again!
Have you ever driven along the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive? Do you have another favorite scenic drive in Arizona? Let us know! To learn more about the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, head to the USDA Forest Service webpage.
Looking for things to do in Sedona? Go for a hike along Devil’s Kitchen Trail, a scenic hike in Arizona.
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