Coconino National Forest (Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon Region), Arizona:

The Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Byway (US 89A) in Arizona, which runs from Flagstaff to Sedona, is a nice introduction to Oak Creek Canyon and the red rock wonderland of Sedona. This is a region that sits on the southern edge of the massive Colorado Plateau, a geological zone that spans four states. Oak Creek Vista, a large viewpoint off the scenic drive, is located on the edge of the Mogollon Rim.

The Mogollon Rim is a long escarpment which is the result of a complex process of uplift, erosion, and faulting that took place millions of years ago and represents a major geologic boundary. From the overlook, a spectacular panorama of forested Oak Creek Canyon opens up. Along the walls of the canyon, one can make out the layers of sedimentary rock that have been sliced through by the waters of Oak Creek over the ages.

Numerous trails can be accessed from the drive, some of which feature yawning vistas of the area's red rock formations. Around the town of Sedona, wilderness trails meander through a rugged and colorful southwestern landscape of crimson buttes, cliffs, pinnacles, and evergreen forests. Few places display such a striking contrast in natural color than this chunk of the Coconino National Forest. Red Rock Crossing is a favorite among nature photographers who flock here to capture the dramatic beauty of Cathedral Rock and the flowing waters of Oak Creek.

Civilization is never far away with Sedona being so close by. Besides being a recreational hub, the town itself is well-known for its fine arts community where western paintings and modern artworks are exhibited in a cluster of art galleries. It also draws seekers of New Age mysticism from all over the world, which means you can expect to see plenty of eccentric tourist activity. However, being surrounded by such amazing canyon and plateau scenery, Sedona hardly needs to rely on cultural prominence to attract visitors.

Recommended Day Hikes:
Brins Mesa
Round Trip Length: 6.0 miles
Trailhead location: From Oak Creek Canyon, drive south on US 89A. In Sedona, turn right on Jordan Rd. and follow it for a mile until you reach the trailhead
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Attractions: This hike takes you right into the heart of the famous red rock scenery of the Sedona region which is characterized by soaring Coconino sandstone cliffs and rock formations in various shades of red and white. A juniper, cypress, and pinon pine forest carpets the valleys in green

Boynton Canyon
Round Trip Length: 5.0 miles
Trailhead location: From Oak Creek Canyon, drive south on US 89A. Drive through Sedona to Dry Creek Road at the southwest end of town. Turn north (right) on Dry Creek Road and follow the signs to Boynton Canyon. There is a sizeable parking lot and the trailhead
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: Another trail that highlights the best of Sedona's red rock wilderness. Boynton Canyon is a large and scenic box canyon where towering buttes dominate the landscape. The trail hikes along the canyon floor through an understory of vibrant high-desert greenery

Courthouse Butte Loop Trail
Round Trip Length: 4.2 miles
Trailhead location: From the junction of Routes 89A and 179 in Sedona, take 179 south 6.5 miles to a short roadway on the left marked for Bell Rock Vista, milepost 307.1
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Attractions: Wonderful views of some of Sedona's most prominent rock sentinels, including Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. Cathedral Rock can be seen in the distance. This largely unshaded hike circles Courthouse Butte. A little detour to the top of a smaller dome-shaped rock platform that lies along the trail affords spectacular views of Coconino National Forest

Recommended Points of Interest:
Oak Creek Vista (located on US 89A); Coffee Pot Rock; Bell Rock; Wilson Mountain; Red Rock Crossing (for great views of Cathedral Rock); the many art galleries in the town of Sedona

Helpful travel tips and observations
To go hiking in the Red Rock District of Coconino National Forest, you will need to purchase a Red Rock Pass which should be displayed on your car's windshield (not required if you already have a Golden Eagle, Golden Age or Golden Access pass). A Daily Pass goes for $5 and Weekly Passes go for $15. Passes can usually be purchased from machines located at trailheads or from government offices if necessary. For more information, visit the following link: http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml.

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