Sedona Arizona Attractions

Outdoor Recreation Offers some of the Best Attractions in Sedona Arizona

Below are some of the must-see Sedona Arizona attractions.

Sedona Arizona Attractions: Drives, Parks & Hikes

Red Rock Visitor Contact Center
If you're coming from the south to Sedona, you can't miss this stop.

Located on State Route 179, just south of the Village of Oak Creek, this U.S. Forest Service visitor center is the place to go for info on all things outdoors.

There are good exhibits on the area's natural history and native cultures plus you can pick up hiking trail brochures, maps, and get tips on what to see.

Besides recommending hiking trails, the helpful center staff can also answer your questions about other Sedona Arizona attractions, lodging, restaurants, and the surrounding area.

Pick up your Red Rock Pass here, which you'll need for recreating on most National Forest lands within red rock country.

See our Sedona Arizona vortex page for additional info on the Red Rock Pass information.

Even if you don't have any questions, we still think this is one of the Sedona Arizona attractions worth stopping for because the parking lot has a wonderful, expansive view of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte to the north.

Walk along the north end of the parking lot to see a lovely stretch of Beaver Creek. Keep an eye out for birds and other critters.

The Red Rock Visitor Contact Center is open daily, including most holidays.

Management: U.S. Forest Service
Physical Address: 8375 State Route 179, Sedona AZ 86341
Phone: 928-203-7500
Location: On Highway 179 just south of the Village of Oak Creek.

Red Rock Ranger District - Coconino National Forest
The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest is the best of the Sedona Arizona Attractions.

This stunning land stretches all around the borders of Sedona to the north, south, east and west.

Within its boundaries are the area's famous red rocks, beautiful conifer forests, mixed scrub and grasslands dotted with cactus, agave and yucca, and famous Oak Creek.

The opportunities for sightseeing, outdoor recreation, and adventure are almost endless.

Short on time? You can do one of the popular Sedona Arizona attractions - take a drive up Oak Creek Canyon or south on Highway 179 to enjoy the incredible red rock views.

Hard to believe that these uniquely eroded buttes and mesas, which can look every shade of red, ivory and tan, are the remains of ancient wetlands carved by the forces of water, wind and ice.

For those who really like to get out into nature, you can camp at one of several campgrounds among the pines or along Oak Creek. Or head to one of the many trails to hike, mountain bike, horseback ride or backpack.

There's also great spots for picnics and famous petroglyph sites (see below).

Management: U.S. Forest Service
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 20429, Sedona, AZ 86341-0429
Visitor Info Phone: 928-203-2900

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive
Not only is this one of the most popular of the Sedona Arizona attractions, it's also one of the best scenic drives in the state.

Highway 89A is a two-lane road that follows Oak Creek north out of Sedona to Flagstaff.

This view-filled route is about 25-miles long, one way, from the "Y" in the center of Sedona's red rock country to Flagstaff's ponderosa pine-covered mountains.

Midgley Bridg is the first major landmark you'll see just north of town. A very small parking lot at the north end of the bridge offers views, hiking trails, and photo opportunities.

Farther north are Grasshopper Point and Slide Rock State Park, famous Sedona Arizona attractions for swimming (find out more below).

There's also picnic areas, campgrounds, bed & breakfasts, and a few, small restaurants.

Highway 89A becomes more winding and narrow as it rises in elevation and progresses up the canyon through a series of switchbacks. The temperatures are noticeably cooler as you head north and rise in elevation toward Flagstaff.

About 13 miles north of Sedona is the Oak Creek Canyon Vista. This is a good place to get out of your car and stretch your legs.

The views from up here, looking south over Oak Creek Canyon, are wonderful. Near the viewing area, local Native Americans sell hand-made jewelry and other crafts.

The drive ends at the I-17 connection near the Flagstaff airport.

You may want to consider returning to Sedona via Interstate 17. It's about 40 miles south from Flagstaff to the AZ 179-Sedona exit. Then proceed west on AZ 179 about 11 miles back to Sedona. The distance is longer, but I-17 is a large, major freeway and the driving is easier and faster.

What To Know Before You Go:

• We do not recommend driving through Oak Creek Canyon on weekends. If you do, try to go as early in the day as possible. Otherwise, expect lots of traffic and traffic jams.
• It is not recommended to drive Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon when the road conditions are icy or if it is snowing.
• Note that Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon may be not be snow-plowed in winter due to budgetary constraints.

Management: Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest
Phone: 928-282-4119
Location: Highway 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff

Red Rock State Park
This is one of our favorite Sedona Arizona attractions for wildlife watching, hiking, and learning more about Sedona's natural history.

The beautiful property that was once Jack and Helen's Fry's historic Smoke Trail Ranch is forever preserved as one of the most scenic Arizona state parks.

Its 286 acres are both a nature preserve and a place for environmental education. It's also a great spot for exploring the verdant Oak Creek riparian habitat, which you can see from some of the 10 hiking trails in the park.

This is also a good place for a picnic with a view.

For more details and to see photos, click here to visit our Red Rock State Park Sedona page.

Sedona Hiking Trails
Of all the Sedona Arizona attractions, Sedona hiking is our favorite.

We love to get out on the trail and into the wild.

There are numerous trails in the area, offering everything from scenic views to solitude-filled escapes into the forest.

Some good ones are:

• Boynton Canyon Trail for its beautiful route into the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness area and great views of Kachina Woman, a famous, eroded rock spire.
• West Fork of Oak Creek Trail, which follows along and even crosses over Oak Creek.
• Brins Mesa Trail for its stunning red rock scenery and good view of The Mitten formation.
• Bell Rock-Courthouse Butte Loop. There's nothing like getting up close to this famous vortex site and being able to walk around these impressive buttes.

For trail beta and maps, stop in at the Red Rock Visitor Contact Center (address and phone above).

Sedona Arizona Attractions: Swimming Holes

Crescent Moon Picnic Area - Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing
Not only is this one of the most photographed locations in Arizona, its one of the most famous Sedona Arizona attractions.

The view of Cathedral Rock here, mirrored in the waters of Oak Creek, has been in countless calendars, magazines, and ads.

While many vacationers visit for the view, many Arizonans come to swim in Oak Creek.

Besides swimming, this Sedona attraction is perfect for a picnic in a bucolic setting.

To get to the swimming areas, follow the walking paths past the picnic area. The paths follow along both sides of a large meadow, past an old mill wheel and building. Then a single dirt path winds along Oak Creek.

There are several points where you can get in the water. Be careful though as the creek edge can be precarious and slippery.

If you want to take your own photos of the famous red rock view, the afternoon light is the best time.

This park is one of the favorite Sedona Arizona attractions on summer weekends. Avoid the crowds, by visiting in the morning or early in the week.

What To Know Before You Go:

• Camping is not allowed.
• Visitors should wear shoes with good traction because wet rocks are very slippery. The water may be very cold. Jumping and diving into the water is not safe.

Admission Fee: Yes
Amenities: picnic areas with ramadas, cooking grills, drinking fountain, and vault toilets. The group ramada may be reserved.
Management: U.S. Forest Service, Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest
Phone: 928-282-4119
Location: 7 miles southwest of Sedona off of Highway 89A on paved Forest Road 216 (Upper Red Rock Loop Road). Follow signs to park.

Grasshopper Point
Swimming in Oak Creek is one of the most popular Sedona Arizona attractions for out-of-town visitors. During summer, people drive up from the hot Valley of the Sun just to cool off in the creek.

Grasshopper Point is the first official swimming hole you'll encounter when driving north on Highway 89A out of town.

This site features a large natural swimming pool at the bottom of Oak Creek Canyon.

From the parking lot there are a number of trails to the swim area. This is a particularly wide section of Oak Creek. Here and there, large boulders dot the waters.

Even though Grasshopper Point is popular, it's not as busy as nearby Slide Rock State Park.

What To Know Before You Go:

• Note that the creek is not right next to the parking lot. You will have to step over river rocks to get down to the creekside. Watch your step.
• Visitors should wear shoes with good traction because wet rocks are very slippery.
• The water may be very cold. Jumping and diving into the water is not safe.
• If you want to avoid crowds during the busy summer season, visit during weekdays and in the morning.

Restrictions: no camping, no campfires, no pets, no glass containers.
Amenities: picnic tables and vault toilets by the parking lot. You must bring your own drinking water.
Admission Fee: Yes
Management: U.S. Forest Service, Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest
Phone: 928-282-4119
Location: About 2 miles north of Sedona on the east side of Highway 89A.

Slide Rock State Park
Frank L. Pendley's historic 43-acre apple farm is now the site of Slide Rock State Park.

Slide Rock is one of the busiest Sedona Arizona attractions in summer as well as one of the favorite swimming holes in the state.

The park's name gives you a clue as to why it's so popular. This area of Oak Creek has a long section of smooth red sandstone that forms natural water slides.

Both young and old delight in sliding through this lovely section of the waters.

It's a very scenic park, too, with broad, grassy meadows and dramatic red and tan cliffs that soar above the creek.

From the parking lot, there is a short hike to the water slide area. Along the way, you'll pass by old farm buildings, farm implements, and an old and new apple orchard.

During several of our summer visits, it seemed like everyone in Arizona was there. This famous Sedona attraction gets so crowded that the park has to regulate the number of visitors.

When the parking lot is full, cars are stopped at the front gate. There may be a line of cars waiting to enter and you may have to wait a long time for earlier visitors to leave and make room for more cars to enter the park.

During the busy summer season, we recommend visiting on a weekday and arriving early in the day.

What To Know Before You Go:

• Wear shoes with good traction because wet rocks are very slippery.
• The water may be very cold. Jumping and diving into the water is not safe.
• Restrictions include: no glass bottles in the swim area, pets are not permitted in the swim area, pets are not allowed to be left in vehicles, no camping or cooking fires.

Management: State of Arizona
Admission Fee: Yes, the fee to enter is more expensive than most local parks.
Amenities: picnic tables near the parking area, ramadas available for a reservation fee, restrooms, and drinking fountain. The Slide Rock Market sells food, drinks and souvenirs. Many people bring their own food and water to have a picnic.
Address: 6871 N. Highway 89A, Sedona AZ 86336
Phone: 928-282-3034
Location: Slide Rock State Park is about 7 miles north from Sedona on the west side of Highway 89A in Oak Creek Canyon.

Sedona Arizona Attractions: Ancient Petroglyph Sites

Palatki Heritage Site
Scenic Palatki is both an ancient Native American cliff dwelling and a rock art site.

Archaeologist Dr. Jesse Walter Fewkes was the first to document the early Native American presence here.

From the visitor center, there are two trails at Palatki. Each is a ½-mile round trip.

One heads uphill to a rock art site painted with symbols known as pictographs. There are a wide variety of pictographs, painted over the centuries, which seem to represent the sun, water, and animals as well as harder to interpret symbols.

A helpful volunteer is at the site, ready to answer questions and discuss what is known about the pictographs.

The other trail leads to Sinagua cliff dwellings.

Unfortunately, in July 2010, a crack was discovered in the arch over the cliff dwelling. As a result, the public cannot get close to the cliff dwelling at this time.

During our visit, we were able to walk to a viewing area set up some distance away. It was difficult to see the cliff dwellings from this spot, so we suggest bringing binoculars.

Even though we could not get close to the cliff dwellings, we still think this is one of the Sedona Arizona attractions worth visiting.

The pictographs are beautiful and fascinating and the site, set along a creek bed and close to canyon walls, is lovely.

What To Know Before You Go:

• The parking lot and facilities at Palatki are small, so visitors are asked to call ahead to make a reservation so that the U.S. Forest Service can manage the number of people at this site.
• It is also a good idea to ask about road conditions when you call. It is possible for Palatki to close if the road becomes impassable due to rain or snow. We were able to drive this road when it was dry in our small car, albeit slowly. However, past rain water had carved ditches into the road that we had to drive around. Larger vehicles with higher clearance would be able to negotiate this road better.
• The trails are not wheelchair accessible.
• Do not disturb, touch or remove any artifacts or structures.
• Please remain on the trails.
• Vault toilets are located by the parking lot.
• We recommend bringing your own water with you.
• Pets are not allowed beyond the parking lot.

Admission Fee: Yes. A Red Rock Pass or equivalent is required on all vehicles parked at Palatki. You can purchase a pass at the visitor center.
Hours: Palatki Heritage Site is a day use site open to the public daily during limited hours. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Phone: 928-282-3854. Please call to make a reservation and for directions.
Location: Far western Sedona northwest of Highway 89A.

V-Bar-V Heritage Site
Although this is one of the Sedona Arizona attractions that is well outside of town, we recommend visiting because it's the best preserved and largest known petroglyph site in the Verde Valley.

Located on the remains of the former V-Bar-V Ranch, the petroglyphs are at the end of a flat, half-mile dirt trail.

They are thought to have been created by the Sinagua people between 1150 and 1400 A.D.

There are an astonishing variety of petroglyphs on several rock wall sections, which we could get quite close to.

There are also large stones wedged into a crack high on the rock walls, placed there for the purpose of creating a solar calendar.

The site lies along lovely Wet Beaver Creek, lined with giant cottonwood trees, and is a great spot for bird watching. The Beaver Creek Campground and picnic area is nearby.

What To Know Before You Go:

• Restrictions include: no pets and no smoking due to high fire danger.
• There is no public water fountain, so bring your own drinking water. Or purchase bottled water from the visitor center.
• Do not disturb, touch or remove any artifacts or structures.

Amenities: Visitor center and bookstore. Restrooms are at the visitor center and there is a vault toilet near the petroglyph site.
Admission Fee: A Red Rock Pass or equivalent is required on all vehicles parked at V-Bar-V. You can buy a pass at the visitor center.
Hours: V-Bar-V Heritage Site is open to the public limited days of the week during limited hours. Call before you go. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Phone: 928-282-3854
Location: Southeast of the Village of Oak Creek , 2.8 miles east of the Highway 179 – Interstate 17 exit on Forest Road 618. Watch for the entrance on your right less than one-half mile past the Beaver Creek Campground.

Looking for Sedona attractions around town? Check out our list of favorite Sedona Things To Do in town.

Note: This Sedona Arizona attractions information was accurate at the time of our visit. All hours, contact information, availability, access, directions, fees, and prices should be confirmed directly with each of these Sedona Arizona attractions before visiting or making reservations and/or travel plans.

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