Experience the Majesty of Sedona's Red Rocks: A Scenic Drive Unlike Any Other

Unveiling the Wonders of Dry Creek Scenic Road

The Red Rock region of Arizona presents a landscape that defies comparison, characterized by extraordinary sandstone formations that captivate the imagination at every turn. While the area's hiking trails are renowned for their beauty, they can be quite demanding and crowded. The 7-mile Dry Creek Scenic Road provides an excellent alternative, allowing visitors to enjoy sweeping panoramic views without the physical exertion or the throngs of people at popular overlooks. This route is ideal for anyone seeking an intimate encounter with Sedona's dramatic red rock buttes and mesas.

Navigating the Picturesque Dry Creek Scenic Byway

Despite its modest length, the Dry Creek Scenic Road is rich with visual splendor. Beginning in downtown Sedona, at the junction of State Route 89A and State Route 179 (also known as Red Rock Scenic Byway), the route extends southwest along 89A. As you depart the city, you'll be enveloped by the towering, crimson-hued rock formations of the Colorado Plateau's southern edge. Massive sandstone cliffs and spires emerge from the extensive Coconino National Forest, dotted with ponderosa pines and junipers. Numerous scenic pullouts offer captivating views of the Verde Valley, with the journey culminating in Cottonwood, a town celebrated for its well-preserved historic main street and vineyards. For those arriving by air, the scenic road is conveniently located just five minutes from the regional Sedona Airport. Travelers requiring more extensive flight options can fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which is less than two hours away, and rent a vehicle there.

Essential Stops Along the Dry Creek Scenic Route

Along the Dry Creek Scenic Road, you'll discover a wealth of stunning viewpoints, charming side roads, and parks perfect for photography or short excursions on foot. It is important to note that parking for more than 15 minutes within Red Rock Country, a nationally managed area, requires a pass. These passes, including day passes, are available for purchase online at a nominal cost\u2014currently $5 for a day pass and $15 for a week pass.

Architectural Marvel and Natural Sanctuary

One unmissable stop is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, situated just a seven-minute drive south of the scenic road's starting point in Sedona. This architectural masterpiece is seamlessly integrated into the landscape, designed to appear as if it naturally emerges from the sandstone buttes. The chapel is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and limited parking. Inside, expansive windows behind the altar provide magnificent vistas of the surrounding red rock scenery.

Tranquil Parks and Stargazing Havens

Alternatively, a brief four-minute detour along Red Rock Loop Road leads to Red Rock State Park. Nestled beside Oak Creek and offering superb views across the valley, this park provides a quieter alternative to some of the Red Rock Country's more frequented destinations. Here, you can enjoy a picnic under a ramada or explore a picturesque hiking trail. For those driving after dusk, the Two Trees Observation Area, located a few minutes further along 89A at its intersection with Forest 525 Road, is a premier stargazing location. Though it appears to be a simple field, its pristine night skies are so exceptional that Sedona's leading astronomy organizations gather here to observe celestial bodies.