Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon: Phoenix to Flagstaff

Route description

Leave Phoenix north on I-17, which climbs from saguaro desert onto the high chaparral of the Verde Valley. After about 145 km, take exit 289 for Montezuma Castle, a five-story cliff dwelling seen from a short, flat, paved loop with plenty of RV parking. Montezuma Well, a detached part of the same monument, is 17 km further north near Rimrock. Here a spring fills a limestone sinkhole ringed by small cliff rooms.

From I-17 exit 298, take AZ-179 north toward Sedona through the Village of Oak Creek, past Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Just before town, turn off for the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built into the red rock. RVs should park in the pullouts below the chapel and walk up. A Red Rock Pass is needed to park at most trailheads around Sedona.

For the view of Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek, drive west on AZ-89A and follow Upper Red Rock Loop Road to the Crescent Moon picnic site, which charges its own fee. Sedona itself is busy, and parking fills fast in spring and autumn. Use the free shuttle to trailheads such as Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass, which have very small lots.

From uptown Sedona, AZ-89A follows Oak Creek north through a narrow canyon of red and white cliffs. Slide Rock State Park fills by late morning in summer, so arrive early. The road then climbs the rim in tight switchbacks, where long vehicles have been restricted during roadworks; long RVs and trailers are better on I-17. At the top, Oak Creek Vista has a paved path to the edge and Native American craft stalls. Flagstaff is 25 km further on.