Oak Creek Canyon is quite a contrasting difference from the stark beauty of Arizona's arid red desert lands. A 2,000 foot deep canyon slices through the Coconino National Forest, covered in thick ponderosa pines. Route 89A drops down from Flagstaff and its San Francisco Peaks, and winds through layers of sedimentary rock. Just as Oak Creek snakes its way south toward Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon Drive follows with its twisting switchbacks along the steep cliffs. Once in Sedona the foliage thins and more of the famous intriguing rock formations are evident.
This view looks down into Oak Creek, a section of the Slide Rock State Park. It's a winter day and only a few visitors walk along the natural recreation area. During Arizona's hot summer months, the natural water slide is the place for fun, a grand oasis for cooling off.