The scenic drive from Sedona to Flagstaff along Highway 89A is an experience that should be at the top of every road trip enthusiast’s bucket list. It’s not just a drive—it’s a journey through some of Arizona’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, winding through red rock formations, towering pine forests, and steep canyons. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or just someone who appreciates a leisurely drive, this route offers something for everyone.
Introduction to Highway 89A
The Route
Highway 89A is a 16.6-mile scenic byway that connects Sedona to Flagstaff, offering spectacular views and diverse landscapes. It starts in Sedona, with its iconic red rock formations and desert climate, and ascends into the Coconino National Forest, culminating in the cool, alpine environment of Flagstaff. The elevation changes from around 4,500 feet in Sedona to over 7,000 feet in Flagstaff, providing an extraordinary shift in climate and scenery.
This route is a favorite for both locals and visitors due to its jaw-dropping views and the unique experience of driving through vastly different ecosystems in such a short distance. Whether you’re driving for leisure or looking to explore the many hiking trails and lookout points along the way, Highway 89A delivers a driving experience that is nothing short of breathtaking.
When to Go
Though Highway 89A is accessible year-round, the best time to drive this road largely depends on what type of weather you enjoy. If you’re looking to escape the summer heat, Flagstaff’s cooler temperatures make this route a popular choice between June and August. For those interested in experiencing Arizona’s stunning fall foliage, the drive is particularly breathtaking in October and November, when the trees in Oak Creek Canyon explode into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow hues.
In the winter, the drive can be a bit more challenging due to snowfall, especially at the higher elevations near Flagstaff, but for those who are prepared, the snow-covered landscape offers an entirely different kind of beauty.
The Start: Sedona
Sedona’s Red Rock Wonderland
The journey begins in Sedona, a town famous for its towering red rock formations, vortex energy sites, and vibrant arts community. Sedona is often referred to as a spiritual mecca due to the energy vortexes that many believe exist in the area. Whether or not you’re into spiritual experiences, there’s no denying the magnetic pull of Sedona’s red rocks. These colossal formations are a perfect backdrop as you prepare to embark on your journey along Highway 89A.
Things to Do in Sedona
Before starting your drive, it’s worth taking some time to explore Sedona. Some must-see attractions include:
- Cathedral Rock: One of Sedona’s most famous landmarks, Cathedral Rock offers incredible hiking and photo opportunities. The trail to the top is steep but short, and the views from the summit are worth the effort.
- Bell Rock: Another iconic red rock formation, Bell Rock offers both easy walking trails and more challenging hiking routes.
- Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village: For those looking for a cultural experience, this outdoor marketplace features art galleries, shops, and restaurants set among Spanish-style architecture.
Whether you’re looking to hike, shop, or simply enjoy the stunning views, Sedona has something to offer everyone. But once you’ve had your fill of this red rock haven, it’s time to hit the road and head toward Flagstaff.
Preparing for the Drive
Before you leave Sedona, make sure you’re prepared for the drive. The route, while stunning, is winding and has steep elevation changes. Some basic tips to keep in mind include:
- Check your vehicle: Make sure your brakes and tires are in good condition, as the road includes several sharp turns and steep grades.
- Fuel up: There are limited opportunities to refuel once you’re on the road, so it’s a good idea to fill up in Sedona.
- Water and snacks: Bring plenty of water and snacks for the journey, especially if you plan to stop and explore some of the hiking trails along the way.
The Journey: Oak Creek Canyon
Entering Oak Creek Canyon
Once you leave Sedona, you’ll quickly enter Oak Creek Canyon, one of the most scenic stretches of road in the country. Often compared to the Grand Canyon for its beauty—though on a smaller scale—Oak Creek Canyon is a deep, narrow gorge filled with pine, juniper, and sycamore trees. As the road snakes its way through the canyon, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of towering red rock cliffs on one side and the cool, bubbling waters of Oak Creek on the other.
The drive through Oak Creek Canyon is a perfect mix of natural beauty and challenging roads, with switchbacks, steep drops, and narrow curves. For those who love a good driving challenge, this stretch of Highway 89A is a thrill. Just be sure to take your time and stop at some of the many lookout points along the way to truly appreciate the landscape.
Midgley Bridge
Just a few minutes into Oak Creek Canyon, you’ll come across Midgley Bridge, one of the most iconic sights along Highway 89A. Spanning Oak Creek, this steel-arch bridge offers breathtaking views of the canyon below and the red rocks beyond. There’s a parking area nearby, making it easy to stop and take in the views, snap some photos, or even start a hike.
Slide Rock State Park
As you continue your drive through Oak Creek Canyon, one of the most popular stops is Slide Rock State Park. This park is famous for its natural water slide, where the creek has carved smooth channels into the red rock, allowing visitors to slide down the rocks and into the refreshing water below. It’s an ideal spot for cooling off in the summer months, but it’s also worth visiting year-round for its scenic beauty.
In addition to the water slide, the park offers several short hiking trails that provide excellent vantage points for viewing the canyon and surrounding landscape. If you have time, this is a great place to take a break, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak in the beauty of Oak Creek Canyon.
Hiking in Oak Creek Canyon
If you’re a fan of hiking, Oak Creek Canyon is filled with trails that range from easy strolls to more challenging climbs. Some popular hikes in the area include:
- West Fork Trail: One of the most beautiful and accessible trails in Oak Creek Canyon, this 6.4-mile round-trip hike follows Oak Creek through a lush forest of pines, cottonwoods, and maples. The trail crosses the creek several times, adding a bit of adventure to the hike, and offers incredible views of the canyon walls above.
- Wilson Mountain Trail: For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Wilson Mountain Trail offers steep switchbacks and a climb of over 2,300 feet, but the panoramic views from the summit are worth the effort.
- Sterling Pass Trail: This trail is not for the faint of heart, but it offers some of the best views in Oak Creek Canyon. The trail climbs steeply up the canyon walls, offering dramatic views of the canyon and the surrounding red rock formations.
No matter which trail you choose, hiking in Oak Creek Canyon is an unforgettable experience, and the views alone make it worth taking a break from your drive.
The Ascent: Climbing Toward Flagstaff
The Scenic Switchbacks
As you leave Oak Creek Canyon and begin to climb toward Flagstaff, you’ll encounter the famous switchbacks of Highway 89A. This stretch of road is not only a marvel of engineering but also one of the most exciting parts of the drive. The road ascends rapidly, with sharp turns and steep grades, offering spectacular views of the canyon below.
For those who love a good driving challenge, the switchbacks are a thrill, but it’s important to take your time and drive carefully, especially if you’re not used to mountain roads. The road is narrow in places, and the drop-offs can be steep, but the payoff is well worth it. As you climb higher, the views become even more expansive, and you’ll get a true sense of the scale and beauty of Oak Creek Canyon.
There are several pullouts along the switchbacks where you can stop and take in the views, and it’s highly recommended that you do so. The perspective from these vantage points is awe-inspiring, with the red rock cliffs of Oak Creek Canyon stretching out below you and the forested hillsides rising up around you.
The Forests of Coconino National Forest
As you climb higher into the mountains, the landscape begins to change dramatically. The red rock formations of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon give way to the towering ponderosa pines and cool alpine air of the Coconino National Forest. The contrast between the desert landscape below and the lush forest above is striking, and it’s one of the things that makes this drive so unique.
The Coconino National Forest is one of the largest national forests in the United States, covering nearly 1.8 million acres of diverse landscapes, from desert scrub to alpine tundra. As you drive through this part of the forest, you’ll be surrounded by dense stands of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and aspen trees, with occasional views of the San Francisco Peaks in the distance.
