Tucked into the heart of Arizona’s Red Rock Country, AZ-179 is a road that feels more like a painting than a drive. Stretching through Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek, this scenic byway is famous for its jaw-dropping red rock formations, lush desert vegetation, and crystal-clear creek views.
Whether you are a road tripper, nature lover, or just someone looking for an unforgettable adventure, AZ-179 has something special waiting for you. Get ready to discover why this stretch of Arizona highway is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the entire Southwest.
The Red Rock Scenic Byway Designation
Not every road earns a special title, but AZ-179 did exactly that. Officially designated as the Red Rock Scenic Byway, this 7.5-mile stretch of highway between Interstate 17 and the heart of Sedona is recognized by the U.S.
Forest Service as one of America’s most scenic roads. That is a big deal when you consider how many beautiful roads exist across the country.
The byway winds through the Coconino National Forest, offering drivers and passengers an ever-changing gallery of red sandstone buttes, mesas, and canyon walls. Every curve reveals a new angle of Arizona’s geological masterpiece.
Travelers from all over the world make the trip just to experience this road.
If you are planning a visit, try driving it during golden hour when the rocks glow orange and pink. It is truly a sight that stays with you long after you have returned home.
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Viewpoints
Few roadside views anywhere in the country match what you see when Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte come into sight along AZ-179. Bell Rock rises like a giant rust-colored bell from the desert floor, and Courthouse Butte towers beside it like a natural skyscraper.
Together, they form one of the most photographed rock pairings in the American Southwest.
Pullouts along the highway give drivers a safe place to stop and soak in the scenery. Hikers can also access well-marked trails that loop around both formations, offering close-up views that are even more impressive than what you see from the car.
Many visitors say standing at the base of Bell Rock makes them feel incredibly small in the best possible way. The scale of these formations is hard to understand until you are right there, looking up at millions of years of geological history carved by wind and water.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Rising dramatically from the red rocks like it grew there naturally, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most striking architectural achievements in Arizona. Built in 1956 and designed by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, the chapel is embedded directly into a 200-foot red rock spur just off AZ-179.
The contrast of the modern concrete structure against the ancient landscape is absolutely unforgettable.
Visitors of all faiths and backgrounds make the short drive up Chapel Road to experience the panoramic views from the chapel’s terrace. On a clear day, you can see miles of red rock country stretching in every direction.
The inside of the chapel is simple and peaceful, making it a favorite spot for quiet reflection.
Admission is free, and the chapel welcomes thousands of visitors every year. It was even named one of the greatest architectural achievements in the United States by the American Institute of Architects.
Oak Creek Canyon Views Along the Route
Water and rock make a stunning combination, and Oak Creek proves that beautifully along the AZ-179 corridor. Oak Creek runs alongside and near portions of the byway, carving its way through layers of ancient sandstone and limestone.
The creek creates a ribbon of green vegetation that pops brilliantly against the surrounding red and orange rock walls.
Swimmers, picnickers, and photographers flock to creek access points throughout the area. Slide Rock State Park, located a bit north on AZ-89A, is one of the most popular natural water parks in Arizona, where visitors slide down smooth red rock chutes into cool creek pools.
Even just spotting the creek from a roadside pullout along AZ-179 feels refreshing on a hot Arizona afternoon.
The combination of rushing water, towering cliffs, and lush riparian vegetation makes this one of the most ecologically diverse stretches of road in the entire state. Nature lovers will find plenty to celebrate here.
Village of Oak Creek Gateway
At the southern end of AZ-179, the Village of Oak Creek serves as a charming gateway community that many travelers overlook in their rush to reach Sedona. That is a mistake worth correcting.
The village offers a quieter, more relaxed alternative to the busier tourist areas further north, with local shops, restaurants, and galleries that reflect the authentic character of the region.
The village also provides excellent base camp options for exploring the full length of the byway. Several well-regarded hiking trailheads are located right within or near the village, including access to the Bell Rock Pathway, a popular multi-use trail that is easy enough for beginners but scenic enough to impress even seasoned hikers.
Staying in the Village of Oak Creek instead of central Sedona often means better prices, fewer crowds, and a more laid-back atmosphere. It is a smart choice for travelers who want the full Red Rock Country experience without the hectic pace of peak tourist season.
Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village
Named after a famous arts district in Guadalajara, Mexico, Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village is one of the most unique shopping experiences you will find anywhere along a scenic byway. Located right near AZ-179 in Sedona, this charming complex features Spanish colonial-style architecture, cobblestone walkways, and lush gardens that feel worlds away from a typical strip mall.
Inside, more than 40 galleries and specialty shops showcase fine art, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and textiles from local and regional artists. Many of the pieces sold here are one-of-a-kind, making Tlaquepaque a perfect stop for travelers looking for meaningful souvenirs rather than mass-produced trinkets.
The complex also hosts seasonal festivals and art events throughout the year that draw large crowds and add a festive energy to the already vibrant atmosphere. Even if shopping is not your thing, walking through the beautiful grounds and architecture makes a visit completely worthwhile on any trip along AZ-179.
Hiking Trails Accessible from AZ-179
AZ-179 is practically a trailhead highway. Dozens of hiking trails branch off from or near the byway, catering to every skill level from casual walkers to experienced backcountry trekkers.
Trails like the Cathedral Rock Trail, Chicken Point, and the Bell Rock Pathway are among the most beloved hikes in the entire state of Arizona.
Cathedral Rock Trail is especially famous for its dramatic summit views and the iconic photo opportunity at its base near Oak Creek. The hike involves some scrambling over rocks, which adds a fun challenge without requiring technical climbing skills.
Most visitors find it incredibly rewarding.
The Arizona Trail network and Coconino National Forest trail systems both connect through this area, meaning adventurous hikers can explore far beyond the roadside scenery. Picking up a free trail map at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce visitor center is a smart move before heading out on any of these routes.
Sedona’s Vortex Sites Near the Byway
Sedona is world-famous for something a little mysterious: its vortex sites. These are spots believed by many visitors and spiritual practitioners to be centers of concentrated energy rising from the earth.
Whether or not you believe in the metaphysical side of things, visiting a vortex site near AZ-179 is genuinely one of the more memorable experiences this byway offers.
The Airport Mesa vortex, Cathedral Rock vortex, and Bell Rock vortex are among the most visited. Each site has its own character and surrounding landscape that makes the hike to reach it worthwhile all on its own.
Many people report feeling a sense of calm and clarity after spending time at these spots.
Twisted juniper trees near vortex sites are often cited as physical evidence of the energy at work, their spiraling trunks curling in unusual directions. Guided vortex tours are available in Sedona for those who want a deeper understanding of this fascinating local phenomenon.
Wildlife Watching Opportunities Along AZ-179
Pull over, stay quiet, and keep your eyes open because AZ-179 runs through some of the richest wildlife habitat in Arizona. Mule deer are a common sight along the roadside, especially in the early morning and late evening hours.
Javelinas, those funny-looking pig-like animals native to the Southwest, also wander through the area in family groups and have a reputation for being surprisingly bold around humans.
Birdwatchers will find the riparian areas near Oak Creek particularly rewarding. Great blue herons, belted kingfishers, and a wide variety of warblers and hawks can be spotted throughout the year.
The canyon wren, with its beautiful cascading song, is a local favorite that many visitors hear before they ever see it.
Remember to keep a safe distance from all wildlife and never feed any animals you encounter. Respecting the natural behavior of wildlife keeps both animals and visitors safe while preserving the wild character of this extraordinary landscape.
Photography Hotspots Along the Byway
Photographers absolutely love AZ-179, and it is easy to understand why. The combination of towering red rock formations, dramatic desert skies, and constantly shifting light creates an almost endless supply of stunning compositions.
Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to shoot, when the rocks shift through shades of gold, orange, crimson, and purple in a matter of minutes.
Red Rock Crossing, where Cathedral Rock reflects beautifully in the still waters of Oak Creek, is one of the most photographed spots in all of Arizona. Getting there early is key because parking fills quickly and other photographers will already be setting up tripods before the sun even rises.
Even smartphone photographers can capture stunning images along this byway without any special equipment. The scenery is so naturally dramatic that almost any shot taken along AZ-179 looks like it belongs on a postcard.
Bring extra memory cards because you will definitely need them.
Coconino National Forest Access Points
AZ-179 serves as a main artery into one of Arizona’s most spectacular national forests. The Coconino National Forest surrounds much of the Sedona area and offers more than 1.8 million acres of protected land that includes red rock canyons, ponderosa pine forests, alpine meadows, and ancient ruins.
Accessing this vast wilderness is incredibly easy from the byway.
Several forest service roads branch off from AZ-179, leading to dispersed camping areas, off-highway vehicle trails, and remote hiking destinations that most tourists never find. Having a good map or a downloaded offline trail app before exploring these roads is a smart preparation move.
Cell service can be unreliable in some areas.
The forest also protects numerous archaeological sites from ancient Sinagua and Yavapai peoples who lived in this region for thousands of years. Discovering these cultural connections adds a rich historical layer to what might otherwise seem like purely a nature drive along one of Arizona’s most celebrated roads.
Roundabouts and Scenic Road Design of AZ-179
Here is something you might not expect to find fascinating about a scenic byway: its roundabouts. AZ-179 is famous among road design enthusiasts for its series of beautifully landscaped traffic circles that replaced traditional stoplights to improve traffic flow and reduce the visual clutter of signal infrastructure.
The result is a road that feels more natural and less interrupted by mechanical hardware.
Each roundabout is landscaped with native desert plants and features artistic stone work that complements the surrounding red rock environment. The design choices were intentional and deliberate, meant to keep AZ-179 looking as close to its natural setting as possible even as it accommodates millions of visitors each year.
Drivers unfamiliar with roundabouts should simply yield to traffic already in the circle and proceed when clear. Once you get the hang of it, the flow feels surprisingly smooth and actually enhances the overall experience of driving this gorgeous stretch of Arizona highway.
Best Times to Drive AZ-179
Timing your visit to AZ-179 can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the experience. Spring and fall are widely considered the best seasons to drive the byway.
Temperatures are comfortable, wildflowers bloom across the desert floor in spring, and fall brings splashes of golden cottonwood and sycamore leaves along Oak Creek that create a stunning contrast with the red rocks.
Summer brings intense heat but also dramatic monsoon thunderstorms that roll through in the afternoons, painting the sky with dark clouds and lightning while the red rocks seem to glow even brighter in the stormy light. Morning drives in summer are still very enjoyable before temperatures peak.
Winter is the quietest season, with smaller crowds and occasional dustings of snow on the rock formations that create a truly otherworldly scene. No matter when you choose to visit, AZ-179 delivers a version of beauty that is completely its own and unlike anything else in the Southwest.