A cousin who traveled in a motorhome had raved to me about the spectacular red rocks at Sedona, Arizona. Other travelers also exclaimed about their beauty and tried to describe their magnificence. So while camped in Surprise, Arizona, my husband, Paul, and I visited this unique area using a friend’s tow car.
Mouths gaping at the red-rock scenery, we drove on the winding Oak Creek Canyon Drive into Sedona and its mile-long main street. Since the red rocks are not all clustered in one place, nor can they all be seen from one location, tourists can fan out from Sedona on their own tour or can take guided tours of all kinds. A woman at the tourist center recommended that we see the rocks from the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which was off of Route 179 on Chapel Road. Situated on a hilltop, it has a breathtaking view of huge mounds of soft, rouge-like stone.
Here are more details. Sedona, Arizona, lays among red buttes and monoliths of Oak Creek Canyon in north-central Arizona, 120 miles north of Phoenix and 30 miles south of Flagstaff. Its elevation is 4,500 feet above sea level. From I-17 near Flagstaff, take Exit 337 to a stop sign, turn left and follow signs to Route 89A. Turn left again to Sedona on Route 89A South or Oak Creek Canyon Drive. Oak Creek Canyon Drive is a paved, two-lane road with switchbacks that descends into Sedona, 23 miles ahead. You can also enter Sedona from I-17 at Exit 330 on Route 179.
The Forest Service operates six campgrounds (total of 173 sites) in Oak Creek Canyon. Most are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day on a first-come, first-served basis. They do not have electrical hookups or shower facilities. Check your campground directory for private campgrounds in the area. One listed in our campground directory is the Rancho Sedona RV Park, 135 Bear Wallow Lane, 888-641-4261. If offers spacious sites, e-mail access, and full hookups.
Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce
Corner of Forest Road and Route 89A
P.O. Box 478
Sedona, AZ 86339
520-282-7722 or 800-288-7336
www.SedonaChamber.com or www.VisitSedona.com
Enjoy your RVing!
Bernice