Sedona Oak Creek Canyon: Pavement Jeep Tour & Route 89A Drive

Summary

Red rocks, canyon roads and Slide Rock scenes with local stories

You’ll ride through Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon in a comfy Jeep with a local guide who knows every twist of Route 89A. Expect cool air scented with pine, views over Slide Rock State Park, and stories that make you feel part of this place. There’s bottled water included — and if you bring your dog or kids, they’re welcome too.

What’s the experience like?

"You can smell the juniper here," our guide Mike said as we rolled down the windows, and he was right — it hit me before I even noticed the view. We’d barely left Sedona when the pavement started winding into Oak Creek Canyon, that old Route 89A stretch everyone talks about. The air felt cooler than in town, kind of sharp with pine and something almost sweet. Mike kept pointing out things I’d never have spotted — like these weird streaks on the cliffs where water runs after rain. He grew up nearby and you could tell; he knew which bend had the best light, which spot made your ears pop as we climbed.

I’ll admit, I thought a Jeep tour would be all bumps and dust, but this one stuck to smooth pavement so my coffee didn’t end up in my lap. We cruised past Slide Rock State Park — families were already staking out spots by the water even though it was barely mid-morning. The canyon walls got higher and redder as we went, almost closing in at some points. There was this moment near Midgley Bridge where everything just went quiet for a second except for a hawk overhead (or maybe it was just me zoning out). It’s hard to explain but you sort of feel small in a good way here.

Mike told us how the leaves go wild in fall — gold everywhere — but today it was all deep green and that rusty red you see in every Sedona photo. He had stories about old travelers on Route 89A and how people used to camp right by the creek before there were rules about it. Someone asked if dogs could come too (they can, just let them know ahead), and he laughed about his own hound always trying to jump in the river at Slide Rock. Honestly, by the time we reached the top of the rim (I think it’s over 2,000 feet up?), I wasn’t even thinking about photos anymore. Just watching sunlight move across those cliffs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic Oak Creek Canyon Jeep Tour

• Drive over Midgley Bridge
• Pass by Slide Rock State Park
• Enjoy views of 1500 ft red cliffs
• Ascend to south rim of Colorado Plateau
• Listen to guide's geological insights

Top questions

Is this Oak Creek Canyon Jeep tour bumpy or off-road?

No, this is a pavement-only Jeep tour along historic Route 89A for a smooth ride.

Does the tour include stops at Slide Rock State Park?

You’ll drive by Slide Rock State Park for great views but won’t stop inside.

Are dogs allowed on this Sedona Oak Creek Canyon tour?

Yes, dogs over 25lbs are allowed with advance notice; child rate applies for large dogs.

How high does the tour climb above Oak Creek Canyon?

The route ascends over 2,000 feet to reach the south rim of the Colorado Plateau.

Is this Jeep tour suitable for young children?

Yes, but children under 5 require you to provide a full car seat.

What’s included on this Sedona Jeep tour?

Bottled water, professional guide/driver, and local taxes are included.

How long is the drive from Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon?

The scenic drive along Route 89A winds through Oak Creek Canyon from Sedona up to the rim; timing varies by group.

What’s included

Your day includes a comfortable ride in a custom-built Jeep with bottled water provided throughout; you’ll be guided by a professional driver who shares local stories as you travel along Route 89A past iconic spots like Slide Rock State Park and Midgley Bridge—dogs are welcome with advance notice and there’s no need to worry about rough roads or fitness levels here.