Slow Down, Take The Scenic Route
Driving from Sedona to Flagstaff on 89A might be one of our favorite scenic routes yet.
Sedona
Sedona is known for its breathtaking landscapes, scenic hiking trails, and arts community. The city’s red rocks including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte create a backdrop that makes Sedona one of Arizona’s most recognizable destinations.
Surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, the area offers countless opportunities for outdoor adventure from hiking and mountain biking to scenic drives and off-road excursions.
Sedona is also famous for its vortex sites, which some believe are centers of spiritual energy attracting visitors. It has a blend of art, culture, and Southwestern charm. The city is home to numerous art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants like in Uptown Sedona and the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
One of its most recognizable landmarks is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a striking architectural landmark built into the surrounding red rocks.
Sedona also has the Oak Creek Canyon, where scenic Highway 89A winds north toward Flagstaff.
Hit The Road
88A starts in Sedona and stretches about 30 miles north into Flagstaff. The elevation starts at around 4,500 feet and reaches 6,900 feet. You start in the Red Rocks and end up in a Ponderosa Pine Forest. Without stopping, the drive will take about an hour — but we recommend you pull over frequently to hike and snap a few photos.
Oak Creek Canyon
The road cuts through the steep red canyon that was carved over time by the Oak Creek.
As you travel, your first stop will be the Midgley Bridge, a historic steel arch bridge completed in 1939.
Second, you’ll come across Slide Rock Park.
Why do they call it Slide Rock you wonder? It’s due to the natural sandstone waterslide. This makes it a popular summer swimming hole! Pack your swim suit!
Next is the West Fork Trail.
The whole trail is 6.7 miles with 347 feet of elevation, making it a nice long walk.
Finally, near the top of the canyon is the Oak Creek Vista. This overlook provides a panoramic view of the forested slopes and highway below.
Leaving Oak Creek Canyon
As you start to leave the canyon, you’ll drive through dramatic switchbacks of hairpin turns. This is where the highway gains elevation quickly proving views of the canyon from above.
Now you’ll start to notice the red rock slowly turning into the forest.
Flagstaff
Located at approximately 7,000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff offers a dramatic change of scenery from Sedona.
Surrounded by ponderosa pines and the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff showcases a completely different side of Arizona. Unlike the desert landscapes, this mountain town experiences all four seasons, including colorful autumn foliage and significant winter snowfall.
Just north of town is Humphreys Peak, Arizona’s highest mountain at 12,633 feet. Flagstaff also serves as a gateway to the Grand Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, and Wupatki National Monument.
Flagstaff is rich in history. Its historic downtown reflects its roots as a railroad and lumber town, with local restaurants, breweries, and shops. The city is also a stop along historic Route 66.
Flagstaff became the world’s first International Dark Sky Community in 2001 and is also home to Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered in 1930.
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