Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon: Phoenix to Flagstaff
Sinagua cliff dwellings, a chapel in the red rocks, the classic view of Cathedral Rock and the switchbacks of Oak Creek Canyon.
- Distance
- approx. 250 km (155 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 46 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 9
- States
- AZ
- Best time to go
- April–May and September–October
- Tolls and vignettes
- None expected
- Updated
- July 9, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 250 km (155 mi) with 9 stops, from Phoenix to Flagstaff. About 2 h 46 min of driving in total. Best time to go: April–May and September–October. No toll roads expected for a car.
More road trips in Arizona · More road trips from Phoenix
Photos along the route
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.
Which stops are on Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Phoenix
AZ - 2157 km
Montezuma Castle National Monument
HistoryCamp Verde, AZA five-story Sinagua cliff dwelling set high in a limestone cliff above Beaver Creek, seen from a short paved loop trail. Just off I-17 exit 289; plenty of RV parking.
- 310 km
Montezuma Well
NatureRimrock, AZA limestone sinkhole fed by a constant spring, ringed by small cliff dwellings and a Sinagua irrigation ditch. Free; part of Montezuma Castle National Monument, 17 km away.
- 425 km
Chapel of the Holy Cross
HistorySedona, AZA 1956 modernist chapel built into red rock buttes south of Sedona. Entry is free; parking at the top is very limited, so larger vehicles should use the pullouts below.
- 54 km
Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon)
ViewsSedona, AZA classic view of Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek, with shaded picnic lawns. The Crescent Moon picnic site charges a day-use fee; arrive early on weekends.
- 67 km
Sedona
AZ - 710 km
Slide Rock State Park
NatureSedona, AZA natural 25 m water slide worn into the sandstone of Oak Creek, on an old apple farm. Very busy in summer; the lot fills by late morning and swimming closes if bacteria levels are high.
- 88 km
Oak Creek Canyon Vista
ViewsFlagstaff, AZA rim-top overlook at the top of the AZ-89A switchbacks, looking down Oak Creek Canyon. Native American artisans sell jewelry here, and a short paved path leads to the edge.
- 928 km
Flagstaff
AZ
How do you drive Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon in 3 days?
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Phoenix → Montezuma Castle National Monument · 98 mi · 1 h 45 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camp Avalon (14 mi); Verde Ranch RV Resort (3 mi).
- Day 2: Montezuma Castle National Monument → Montezuma Well · 6 mi · 0 h 07 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camp Avalon (12 mi); FR 120A Dispersed (7 mi).
- Day 3: Montezuma Well → Flagstaff · 51 mi · 0 h 55 minOn the way: Chapel of the Holy Cross, Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon), Sedona, Slide Rock State Park, Oak Creek Canyon Vista.Overnight nearby, for example: Woody Mountain Campground (2 mi); KOA Holiday - Flagstaff (5 mi).
When is the best time for Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
More routes for the best months
Practical guides for this route
Photo by Malivez on UnsplashDriving in the US: The Rules European Visitors Most Often Get Wrong at the Wheel
Photo by Aleksandr Dalakian on UnsplashFuel, Tolls and Distances: Practical US Driving Math for Motorhome and Camper Travelers
Photo by Tracy Zhang on UnsplashUS national parks: entry fees, passes and reservations in plain terms
Themes
Plan this route for your vehicle
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FAQs
How long is Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon: Phoenix to Flagstaff?
3-day road trip of about 250 km (155 mi) with 9 stops, from Phoenix to Flagstaff. About 2 h 46 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon: Phoenix to Flagstaff?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 46 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon: Phoenix to Flagstaff start and end?
It starts in Phoenix and ends in Flagstaff.
Which states does Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon: Phoenix to Flagstaff pass through?
Arizona.
Where can you camp along Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon: Phoenix to Flagstaff?
OpenStreetMap lists 78 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Woody Mountain Campground, KOA Holiday - Flagstaff and Camp Avalon.
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