of Transportation awarded SR 179 its highest designation within the National Scenic Byways Program: the All-American Road designation, due to the red rock and . America's Most Scenic Drives - Driving the Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR-179) from I-17 to Uptown Sedona. Red Rock Canyon features a one-way 13-mile scenic drive, a Visitor Center offering information and interpretation about recreation opportunities, hiking and trails, wildlife, vegetation, geology, cultural resources and much more. Named in 2005, Red Rock Scenic Byway was chosen by the U.S. Department of Transportation to be Arizona's first All-American Road. Address: 8375 State Route 179. A breathtaking scenic drive into the heart of Sedona Red Rock Country where the Forest Roads hug the majestic cliffs. It was opened in 1956 after 18 months of digging and building. The 2,000-foot deep Oak Creek Canyon stretches for over 12-miles along a fault line. You don't SEE the red rocks of Sedona- You EXPERIENCE them deep in your soul. 3 Red Rock Scenic Byway. Mini vanlife vlog. As such, the Red Rock Scenic Byway is celebrated as a national "destination unto itself." It is a designated All-American Road and the state's first one. There are beautiful views every direction you turn. Red Rock Scenic Byway is Arizona's First All-American Road! 4.3 Slide Rock State Park. 1 Sedona Scenic Drives. The Red Rock Loop is exactly what is sounds like. Element Sedona Hotel is steps away from the breathtaking red rock mountains, famous restaurants and premium shopping near Sedona's Oak Creek Canyon. Turn south off of AZ State Route 89A and on to Red Rock Loop Rd., then continue south for a few short miles to the park. Along its path lie many interesting sites, scenic stops, trails and much more. Chat with the Information Desk about hike recommendations, participate in a program, and pick up something at the Elements shop to remember your trip. Red Rock Scenic Byway State: Arizona Length: 7.5 miles / 12.0 km Time to Allow: This byway can be driven in less than one hour. You can visit the church and check out some really incredible views. The Bell Rock Pathway is a must-see when undertaking this scenic route. Take 20 minutes to drive, but allow several hours to include all activities along the byway. Michael Vi/Shutterstock.com. The Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center is an informational hub for visitors filled with indoor and outdoor exhibits, plant specimens from throughout the canyon, and live Desert Tortoise habitats. This is a popular trail for birding, road biking, and scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. RED ROCK CANYON SCENIC DRIVE Hours change throughout the fall months*: September: The Scenic Drive is open daily . Shereth/Wikimedia. Trails throughout the park wind through manzanita and juniper to reach the rich banks of Oak Creek. Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179): Stunning drive - See 4,264 traveler reviews, 1,430 candid photos, and great deals for Sedona, AZ, at Tripadvisor. One of the best ways to explore the desert landscapes and red rock scenery is to drive the 4WD roads in Sedona. From here, many iconic photos of the view from Red Rock Crossing to Cathedral Rock have been taken . I'm pretty sure you're going to love it too. You will drive on a 3.5-mile trail that connects the towns of Oak Creek and Sedona. This Catholic church was built into the red rock formations and sits high above Sedona. Check out this 14.3-mile point-to-point trail near Sedona, Arizona. taking visitors on a quick, but scenic drive. The route spans around 115 miles, starting with the I-17 in Phoenix and reaching Sedona via the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Just over twelve miles long, it is a paved loop just off of 89A in Sedona. . 4.2 Pine Flat Campground. For something a little bit different, you can take the I-40 - it has its share of notable landmarks, and the Flagstaff-Sedona portion of the drive is quite rich in landmarks and activities. The Ranger Station has stunning red rock vistas. Many hiking trails and parking areas are along this road. Arizona, North Central Arizona / May 1, 2021 by Adventurer At Heart. menu . . Drive Scenic Oak Creek Canyon from Sedona to Flagstaff State Route 89A (SR 89A) is a 83.85-mile (134.94 km) state highway . The road trip from Phoenix to Sedona clocks in at just under 2 hours without accounting for breaks. Red Rock Ranger District, 8375 State Route 179 Sedona, AZ 86351. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (RRCNCA) is a premier outdoor recreation experience in Las Vegas which includes a 13-mile scenic drive, miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, road biking, picnic areas, and many other outdoor recreation opportunities just minutes away from the bustling, brightly-lit Las . Their friendly and knowledgeable Forest Service employees and volunteers can answer your questions about hiking trails, mountain biking, horseback riding, scenic drives, camping, fishing, heritage sites, and more. These two towns have fabulous views of the glory of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and many other mind-blowing rock formations. . Continue south 5.5 miles to US 89A and another 5.3 miles on pavement back to Sedona. Red Rock Scenic Byway Tour - Sedona Arizona top ten sights. The entire scenic loop begins in West Sedona along Highway 89A and loops onto Forest Roads which are unpaved, can be bumpy in spots and muddy after rain storms. . There are a number of scenic Sedona drives that provide beautiful unobstructed views of the landscape as well as access to trails and notable sites. The drive through Sedona's Red Rock country is one of awesome scenery and good food served with old-fashioned western hospitality. Though it's only 7.5 miles long, the Red Rock Scenic Byway offers up some of the most beautiful scenery in the . These roads range from easy to difficult and take you to stunning overlooks and through remote terrain. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 25 min to complete. You can purchase one at the trailheads, online, by phone (928-203-2900 or 928-203-2923) or at a number of . The Scenic Byway is south of the city starting around Cathedral Rock on Arizona State Route 179 and continues through the Red Rock Canyon area. Also, a detour from Flagstaff to Grand . 1 Bedroom, light cooking, 20 minutes to Sedona vortex, Lush Oasis in the desert - $85 avg/night - Lake Montezuma - Amenities include: Internet, Air conditioning, TV, Satellite or cable, Parking, No smoking, Heater Bedrooms: 1 Sleeps: 2 Minimum stay from 2 night(s) Bookable directly online - Book vacation rental 1438883 with Vrbo. The map below diagrams the route which covers about 23 miles not . The Red Rock Ranger Station is open daily 9am-4:30pm. The trip is just about 90 minutes. State Route 179, also known as SR 179, the Red Rock Scenic Byway, a north-south state highway in Arizona, United States, running from Interstate 17 to SR 89A in Sedona, entering Coconino County from Yavapai County.In 2006, the US Dept. Drive slow and enjoy a cruise through one of the country's most unique landscapes. From here you can turn north (right) to the Loy Butte spur or south (left) to continue the drive. The Red Rock Scenic Byway. The Red Rock Scenic Byway runs from the Sedona City Limits to Interstate I17. Red Rock State Park is located in north central Arizona's amid Sedona's famed red rock escarpments! The Red Rock Scenic Byway only takes up 7.5 miles but offers several hours of fun with quite a few activities along the way. Red Rock Loop, aptly named, creates a complete loop that passes through Red Rock State Park, one of Sedona's most popular hiking, picnicking and photography spots. See all. In another 4 miles FR 525 intersects FR 525C (Sycamore Pass spur). This is Sedona's only Nat'l Scenic Byway and runs through Coconino National Forest. Back out on Highway 89A to the west 1.1 miles is Upper Red Rock Loop Road. You must drive this scenic byway while in Sedona! This is a shared use trail and follows a scenic old wagon road through the high desert of north central Arizona . A Red Rock Pass ($5 per day, $15 per week or $20 annually) is required to park at either trailhead. Take a scenic drive along State Route 179 also known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Ask 519kristiep about Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) 4wd 4x4 arizona best sedona broken arrow dangerous roads off road outlaw trail scenic drive sedona soldier pass united states . You won't merely drive through but will want to explore its marvelous sights and scenery. The road is only 7.5 miles long, but it's packed with scenic beauty. . 4 reviews of Red Rock Scenic Byway "One of the most beautiful drives I've ever experienced. 2 Red Rock Ranger District. 3.2 Chapel of the Holy Cross. Cover from one end to the other and everything in . The Red Rock Loop Road (see photo . Driving around Sedona is one of the best ways to take in the amazing scenery in a short amount of time. . The Cathedral Rock trailhead can be reached off Back O Beyond Road; turn west off state route 179 and drive 0.7 miles to the parking lot. My husband and I made it an early morning drive while traffic was still light around town. As the short byway is in south Sedona, Suggest edits to improve what we show. To join up on the Red Rock Scenic Byway from Phoenix, head north on Route 17. Bell Rock Pathway. Take the Red Rock Scenic Byway in Sedona to see some of Arizona's most beautiful country. Date of experience: July 2022. Below are our selections for where to . Green meadows are framed by native vegetation and hills of red rock. It is a 7.5 mile road that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Red Rock Scenic Byway is also called State Route 179 and is named for the red sandstone and rock compositions along its 7.5-mile (12.07 kilometers) stretch. There are 2 main drives to consider if you are looking to take in the best Sedona has to offer: Red Rock Scenic Byway and Oak Creek Canyon. The Red Rock Scenic byway runs along Arizona State Route 179 up to Sedona and it's my favorite stretch of highway in the entire world. . 3.1 Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte. An easy and smooth ride on I-17 on your way to Sedona from Phoenix. Try the Red Rock Loop, a drive through Oak Creek Canyon or up to Airport Mesa. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Scenic Driving and Good Eating. Sedona is so beautiful and was the highlight of our little trip out west. . A lazy Sunday we took a drive to Sedona just to explore Red Rock State Park and the Red Rock Loop. Usa-Pyon/Shutterstock.com. 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd Sedona, AZ 86336 (877) MY-PARKS Element Sedona is a new hotel where outdoor enthusiasts have endless access to enjoy the beautiful scenery - golf, bike or hike with over 400 miles of trails nearby, plus access to downtown without . . The South Gateway Visitor Ce . This road will take you to the East side of Sycamore Canyon. This drop in elevation is fully explored on this scenic drive which travels through the lush forests of Flagstaff and explores the glorious red-rock deserts, unique rock formations and rainbow-colored sandstone-cliffs on the way to Sedona. . Certain stops along the byway require a $5.00 use pass to access. The Red Rock Scenic Byway is also known as State Route 179 in Sedona. Enjoy a scenic ride through Oak Creek Canyon, one of the top 10 scenic drives in America, as you descend 2000 feet in elevation to reach your destination. Rising an average of an inch every 60 to 80 years, the beautiful Red Rock formations that we see today were formed several million years ago. The Red Rock Scenic Byway is your Gateway to the world-famous Red Rock Country of Sedona, Arizona just 110 miles north of Phoenix, about 40 miles south of Flagstaff, and only a few hours south of the Grand Canyon. State Route 179, also known as SR 179, the Red Rock Scenic Byway, a north-south state highway in Arizona, United States, running from Interstate 17 to SR 89A in Sedona, entering Coconino County from Yavapai County. 4.1 Midgley Bridge. It is a short-lived view that is worth it. The winding loop has beautiful views of Sedona's . Getting There. Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) will take you past several of Sedona's most prominent red rock formations. Red Rock Scenic Byway. Red Rock State Park is a 286 acre nature preserve and environmental education center with stunning scenery. Get picked up from your Flagstaff hotel and travel in comfort and style offering great views of Sedona's famous red rock landscapes. If you have extra time to spare on your scenic drive from Phoenix to Sedona, consider making the one hour detour over to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. More info at RedRockScenicByway.com! 4 Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road. Slide Rock State Park. Red Rock Scenic Byway winds through Sedona's Red Rock Country, often called a "museum without walls." Travelers are amazed by the high desert's power, diversity, and sense of intimacy . Improve this listing.