Red Rock All American Road: A Short Drive Packed With Big Adventure
The Red Rock Scenic Byway is a 7.5-mile All-American Road on Arizona Highway 179 between Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. It is one of only two All-American Roads in Arizona, along with Historic Route 66, and it packs sandstone towers, trailheads, and cultural landmarks into one of the shortest scenic drives in the Southwest.
Often called a museum without walls, the byway runs along the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau through iron-rich cliffs, hoodoos, and layered canyons. Plan 20 minutes to drive it, and several hours if you stop to hike, photograph, or visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
What is the Red Rock Scenic Byway?
The Red Rock Scenic Byway is the designated scenic stretch of State Route 179 in Sedona, Arizona. The Federal Highway Administration lists it as an All-American Road, the highest honor in the National Scenic Byways Program, given to roads that are destinations in their own right. Its recognized intrinsic qualities are scenic and recreational.
The designated corridor is 7.5 miles (12.1 km). Full State Route 179 continues farther, from Interstate 17 to State Route 89A, but the All-American Road is the red-rock section through the Coconino National Forest between the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona.
How to get to the Red Rock Scenic Byway
Sedona is reached on US-89A from Flagstaff, or from the south on Interstate 17. From Sedona, drive south on AZ-179, the official route of the byway. From Interstate 17, take exit 298 and follow AZ-179 north through the Village of Oak Creek toward Sedona.
The byway is paved, open year-round, and suitable for a standard car. Scenic pullouts are generally RV-friendly. Cell service can be spotty.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
About three miles from Sedona, turn left onto Chapel Road. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is built directly into the red-rock mesas and is open to visitors of all faiths. From the chapel, Cathedral Rock and its sandstone spires fill the view. It is one of the most photographed sites in Arizona, and the short side trip is worth the detour even if you do not go inside.
Little Horse Trail and Bell Rock Pathway
About a mile farther south, Little Horse Trail is an easy 3-mile round trip through desert vegetation and distinctive rock formations. Nearby, Bell Rock Pathway runs 3.6 miles with views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and other signature landmarks.
A Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass is required to park at most trailheads. Passes and maps are available at the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center. This stretch is also a growing mountain-biking area, with rentals in Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. Public golf courses along the route add another way to see the cliffs.
Bell Rock Vista
Continuing south, Bell Rock dominates the horizon. Bell Rock Vista is the easiest place to pull off for photographs and to reach connecting trails. It is also one of Sedona’s best-known vortex sites, a place many visitors treat as a stop for quiet and reflection as much as for the view.
Cathedral Rock via Back O’ Beyond Road
Turn onto Back O’ Beyond Road for the Cathedral Rock trailhead. The hike is steep and hands-on, with some scrambling, but many visitors find it manageable. The payoff is a close look at one of Sedona’s signature formations, plus desert plants and seasonal wildflowers on the way up.
Village of Oak Creek
The byway ends in the Village of Oak Creek, historically called Big Park. Restaurants, galleries, lodging, and spas sit at the south end of the drive. From here, travelers can return north through Oak Creek Canyon on State Route 89A, or continue toward the Grand Canyon for a longer Arizona byway trip.
Best time to visit the Red Rock Scenic Byway
The byway is open year-round. Each season changes the light and the crowds.
Spring: Wildflowers and mild hiking weather. One of the best times to go.
Summer: Long days, but midday heat is intense. Start at sunrise and save exposed trails for morning or evening.
Fall: Cooler temperatures and cottonwood color against the red cliffs.
Winter: Light snow on the rocks, fewer visitors, and crisp light for photos.
Sunrise and sunset are the strongest hours for photography. The iron in the sandstone catches the low light and the cliffs turn copper and orange.
Why this short byway matters
Arizona has 28 scenic byways. Only two hold All-American Road status: Historic Route 66 and the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Sedona is also known for outdoor sports, spas, and galleries, and this 7.5-mile corridor is the front door to all of it. A short drive here is not a shortcut past the scenery. It is the scenery.
How long is the Red Rock Scenic Byway?
The designated All-American Road is 7.5 miles along Arizona Highway 179 between Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. Allow 20 minutes to drive it, or several hours with stops.
Is the Red Rock Scenic Byway an All-American Road?
Yes. It is an All-American Road, the highest designation in the National Scenic Byways Program, recognized for scenic and recreational qualities. Arizona’s other All-American Road is Historic Route 66.
Do I need a pass for the Red Rock Scenic Byway?
You do not need a pass to drive the highway. A Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass is required to park at most trailheads and some viewpoints. Buy one at the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center.
What are the main stops on the Red Rock Scenic Byway?
Chapel of the Holy Cross, Little Horse Trail, Bell Rock Pathway, Bell Rock Vista, and Cathedral Rock via Back O’ Beyond Road. The drive ends in the Village of Oak Creek.
When is the best time to drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway?
Spring and fall have the most comfortable hiking weather. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photos in any season. In summer, avoid midday heat on exposed trails.
How do I get to the Red Rock Scenic Byway?
From Sedona, drive south on AZ-179. From the south, take Interstate 17 to exit 298 and follow AZ-179 north through the Village of Oak Creek. Virtually, please click on https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/red-rock-all-american-road/