# Red rocks, a copper town and Sinagua ruins: by camper through Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, the Verde Valley and on to Jerome

> From the pine forests near Flagstaff down into Oak Creek Canyon, through the red rock country of Sedona and the green Verde Valley to the ghost town on the…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-102-sedona-verde-valley-jerome/

**At a glance:** 5-day round trip of about 268 km (167 mi) with 10 stops, starting and ending in Flagstaff. About 2 h 58 min of driving in total. From the pine forests near Flagstaff down into Oak Creek Canyon, through the red rock country of Sedona and the green Verde Valley to the ghost town on the slope: a round trip through the middle of Arizona.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 268 km (167 mi) |
| Driving | 2 h 58 min |
| Suggested days | 5 |
| Stops | 10 |
| Route | Flagstaff → Flagstaff |
| States | AZ |
| Updated | September 1, 2026 |

*From the pine forests near Flagstaff down into Oak Creek Canyon, through the red rock country of Sedona and the green Verde Valley to the ghost town on the slope: a round trip through the middle of Arizona.*

## The spirit of the route

Above Flagstaff lie snow and pines, then the road tips over the edge of the Mogollon Rim into Oak Creek Canyon and the ground suddenly turns red. AZ-89A winds down in hairpins, cottonwoods and sycamores line the creek, and the air smells of juniper, sun on stone and wood smoke. In Sedona the red sandstone rocks stand like cathedrals above the town, and at sunset Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock glow. In the Verde Valley it becomes green and wide, old cottonwoods stand along the Verde River, and above the valley Jerome clings to the hillside, a former copper town whose houses dig into Cleopatra Hill. Further south, Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well tell of the Sinagua, who lived here 800 years ago. The route is short in kilometres but full of history, warmth and light, best in autumn and spring, when the campgrounds are not baking.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: Flagstaff to Sedona (Oak Creek Canyon) (approx. 45 km)

- **The drive:** From Flagstaff take US-89A south into Oak Creek Canyon: after Oak Creek Vista Overlook on the canyon rim the road winds down in many switchbacks for about 2,000 ft (about 600 m), narrow, with few passing places and heavy traffic in summer. Driving time is about 1 hour; with stops, half a day. Trailers and long vehicles should check the signs, weather and traffic status (ADOT AZ511); in winter snow or ice can close the road. Fuel stations in Flagstaff and Sedona, none in the canyon.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Oak Creek Vista Overlook (Coconino National Forest): a viewpoint on the rim of the canyon with craft stalls run by Indigenous vendors; still quiet early in the morning.
  - Slide Rock State Park: a natural water slide in the red rock, day visitors; in summer often full early and with access restrictions; check times and entry fee with the park.
  - West Fork Oak Creek Trail: a gorge hike between walls of red rock, chargeable Forest Service car park; rich in foliage in autumn.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Oak Creek Canyon (Coconino National Forest): Pine Flat Campground (according to the Forest Service mid-April to the end of October) and Cave Springs Campground on the road, Manzanita Campground as a basic alternative. The campgrounds have water and toilets, no hook-ups, maximum stay 7 days; the sites are tight and the length limits are low (check with the Forest Service beforehand). Reservations via Recreation.gov, in part also first-come, first-served via the campground host. Larger vehicles are better placed in Flagstaff or in Sedona/Cottonwood.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In the Red Rock Ranger District around Sedona, major camping restrictions apply: outside designated campgrounds, staying overnight is mostly prohibited. Dispersed camping is more likely on the Flagstaff side and on the rim in the Coconino National Forest (usually up to 14 days, check maps).
- **Insider tip for campers:** Many trailheads around Sedona require a Red Rock Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass; the Sedona Shuttle runs to some trailheads and relieves the scarce parking. Early starts, weekdays and autumn avoid traffic jams.

### Stage 2: Sedona to Cottonwood (approx. 55 km)

- **The drive:** A loop from Sedona: on the Red Rock Scenic Byway (AZ-179) to Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, then west on 89A through Red Rock Country to Cottonwood. The road is two to four lanes, with a lot of traffic, and in the centre traffic lights and tailbacks at the Y roundabout (Highway 89A/179). Driving time with stops is around 3 hours. Fuel stations in Sedona, Village of Oak Creek, Cottonwood.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock: famous rocks on AZ-179; trails from several car parks, the car park at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead is often full, use the shuttle.
  - Red Rock State Park and Red Rock Crossing: day-use grounds with trails along Oak Creek; check times and entry fee, camping not allowed.
  - Chapel of the Holy Cross: a chapel in the red rocks; parking and visiting hours are limited, motorhomes have hardly any room.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Dead Horse Ranch State Park (Cottonwood, Arizona State Parks) on the Verde River: a developed campground under cottonwoods, sites in part with electricity and water, dump station, showers; reservations via Arizona State Parks, heavily booked in spring and autumn. Check facilities and length limits before arrival.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Prescott National Forest around Mingus Mountain allows dispersed camping on forest roads, usually up to 14 days; roads are in part steep and unsuitable for motorhomes. Around Sedona itself camping is largely prohibited.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Traffic peaks in Sedona are at midday and in the afternoon; if you start early, you save time. Vehicles over 25 ft have no chance at many parking spaces in town; use a tourist shuttle or bicycle for the town centre.

### Stage 3: Cottonwood to Jerome and Camp Verde (approx. 55 km)

- **The drive:** From Cottonwood on AZ-89A up to Jerome (Clarkdale with Tuzigoot and the Verde Canyon Railroad is a detour next door): the road climbs in tight hairpin bends to the mountain town on Cleopatra Hill; places to stop are scarce. Afterwards continue on 89A and back down into the valley via Cottonwood, then on AZ-260 to Camp Verde. Driving time is about 1.5 hours. Do not drive large motorhomes into the old town of Jerome; the car parks are at the entrance to the town.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Jerome: a former copper town on the slope, steep lanes, crafts and a view into the Verde Valley; Jerome State Historic Park with the Douglas Mansion tells about the mining.
  - Tuzigoot National Monument (Clarkdale): a Sinagua pueblo, about AD 1000–1400, a circular trail with a view of the Verde River.
  - Verde Canyon Railroad from Clarkdale: a train ride through the canyon (private operator), by booking only.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Stay on at Dead Horse Ranch State Park (second night) or Camp Verde with private RV parks; small public alternatives are limited. In high season, reserve beforehand.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Prescott National Forest and Coconino National Forest offer dispersed camping outside the settlements; access roads in part steep and unpaved. In the Verde river lowlands, access and camping bans apply; follow the signs.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The 89A over Mingus Mountain is steep, and for trailers and large motorhomes the drive through Jerome is unpleasant; use engine braking. If you are unsure, park at Clarkdale and go up by shuttle or hire car. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in late summer.

### Stage 4: Camp Verde to Flagstaff (approx. 125 km)

- **The drive:** From Camp Verde to Montezuma Castle (about 5 miles) and Montezuma Well, then north on I-17 to Flagstaff. The interstate climbs in bends onto the Colorado Plateau; watch the gradient on the descent. Driving time is about 2 hours; with stops, until the afternoon. Fuel stations in Camp Verde, the Sedona turn-off and Flagstaff.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Montezuma Castle National Monument: a five-storey Sinagua cliff dwelling from the 12th to 15th century; seen from the circular trail, entering is no longer allowed.
  - Montezuma Well: a limestone sinkhole with warm spring water, Sinagua ruins on the rim, separate parking area (check entry and opening with the NPS).
  - Fort Verde State Historic Park in Camp Verde: a 19th-century military fort.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Fort Tuthill County Park (Coconino County, Flagstaff) with a campground and sites for motorhomes; check hook-ups and reservations with the county. As alternatives, several private RV parks in Flagstaff. Bonito Campground (Coconino NF) at Sunset Crater lies in the burn area; check the status.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Dispersed camping in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff is possible, usually up to 14 days; fire bans are widespread. Near Sedona and the Verde Valley, the same restriction applies as in stage 1.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Both Montezuma sites lie in the Verde Valley; entry is often for both sites together (check the rule with the NPS). Frost is possible at night on the plateau; do not leave water in the tank.

### Stage 5: Flagstaff to Sunset Crater and Wupatki (approx. 115 km)

- **The drive:** From Flagstaff north on US-89 onto the Sunset Crater–Wupatki Loop Road: a paved road through pine forest and over lava fields to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and on into the desert to the pueblos of Wupatki National Monument; back via US-89. Driving time is about 3 hours with stops. Fill up in Flagstaff.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument: a cinder cone about 900 years old; climbing it is not allowed, the Lava Flow Trail leads through solidified lava.
  - Wupatki National Monument: Sinagua pueblos in red desert, Wupatki Pueblo with ballcourt and blowhole.
  - Walnut Canyon National Monument (east of Flagstaff, I-40): cliff dwellings along a canyon loop; check times.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Back to Fort Tuthill County Park (Flagstaff) or to campgrounds in the Coconino NF; Bonito Campground at Sunset Crater only after a status check. Private RV parks in Flagstaff as a reserve.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Along the Loop Road and in the Coconino NF there is dispersed camping on forest roads, but not inside the monuments. Observe the fire stages.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Early starts secure parking and soft light; Wupatki is hot in summer, take water. Check for afternoon thunderstorms and winter snow on the plateau.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- Dispersed camping is generally allowed on National Forest and BLM land in Arizona, usually up to 14 days in the same place; in the Red Rock Ranger District around Sedona, however, far-reaching restrictions apply; check maps and Forest Service advice beforehand.
- Arizona State Trust Land requires a Recreation Permit from the Arizona State Land Department; day visits without a permit are prohibited.
- Fire bans (Stage 1 and 2) are common in early summer and autumn; gas stoves in part allowed, in part not. Wildfire season May to July, monsoon July to September with flash floods in canyons.
- Wildlife: coyotes, javelinas, black bears and rattlesnakes; seal food at night, keep dogs on a lead.
- Apps and maps: iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt; Recreation.gov for federal campgrounds and the Arizona State Parks reservation system for Dead Horse Ranch.

### Waste disposal & supplies

- Fresh water: drinking water in State Parks and at large campgrounds; in Oak Creek Canyon partly only from hydrants.
- Dump stations: Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Flagstaff, Cottonwood and Camp Verde; sanidumps.com helps.
- Fuel: Flagstaff, Sedona, Cottonwood, Camp Verde.
- Propane in Flagstaff, Sedona and Cottonwood; European bottles need an adapter.
- Shopping: supermarkets in Flagstaff, Sedona and Cottonwood; in the canyon only small shops.
- Electricity: Dead Horse Ranch has hook-ups; the Oak Creek campgrounds have none.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits in mph: highways 55–65, interstate 65–75, towns 25–35. Trailers and lorries sometimes lower.
- Fees: Red Rock Pass for many trailheads, the America the Beautiful Pass is accepted; Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot charge an entry fee. For visitors without US residence, higher fees have in some cases applied since 2026; check current amounts at nps.gov.
- Dimensions and lengths: the Oak Creek campgrounds mostly take only short vehicles; the legal maximum height in Arizona is about 13 ft 6 in.
- Reservations: Dead Horse Ranch and Forest Service campgrounds in advance in autumn and spring; Slide Rock with an admission limit when busy, check times with the park.
- Season: spring and autumn are ideal; summer is hot, winter has snow on the plateau and in Oak Creek Canyon.
- Time: Arizona does not switch to daylight saving time.
- Emergency: 911; mobile reception in Oak Creek Canyon is in part patchy.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Light and warm layers: Flagstaff lies at about 2,100 m, Sedona and Cottonwood are much warmer.
- Sturdy hiking boots and a sun hat for red rock trails that are slippery when wet.
- Level 2–3 levelling ramps: campgrounds in Oak Creek Canyon are often sloping.
- Binoculars for birds of prey; condors are rare, but hawks and vultures are common.
- Small water canisters and sun protection: desert sun and altitude add up.
- Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass and reservation confirmations to hand.

_As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Flagstaff** (AZ)
2. **Slide Rock State Park** (Sedona, AZ): A 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.
3. **Sedona** (AZ)
4. **Cottonwood** (AZ)
5. **Jerome** (AZ)
6. **Tuzigoot National Monument** (AZ)
7. **Montezuma Castle** (AZ)
8. **Montezuma Well** (Rimrock, AZ): A 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.
9. **Sunset Crater Volcano** (AZ)
10. **Flagstaff** (AZ)

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June, August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Red rocks, a copper town and Sinagua ruins: by camper through Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, the Verde Valley and on to Jerome?**
5-day round trip of about 268 km (167 mi) with 10 stops, starting and ending in Flagstaff. About 2 h 58 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Red rocks, a copper town and Sinagua ruins: by camper through Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, the Verde Valley and on to Jerome?**
We suggest 5 days: about 2 h 58 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Red rocks, a copper town and Sinagua ruins: by camper through Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, the Verde Valley and on to Jerome start and end?**
It is a round trip that starts and ends in Flagstaff.

**Which states does Red rocks, a copper town and Sinagua ruins: by camper through Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, the Verde Valley and on to Jerome pass through?**
Arizona.

**Where can you camp along Red rocks, a copper town and Sinagua ruins: by camper through Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, the Verde Valley and on to Jerome?**
OpenStreetMap lists 70 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Woody Mountain Campground, KOA Holiday - Flagstaff and Kit Carson RV Park.

**When is the best time for Red rocks, a copper town and Sinagua ruins: by camper through Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, the Verde Valley and on to Jerome?**
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)