Sedona Oak Creek Canyon Tour with Chapel of the Holy Cross and Native Craft Markets
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable for most travelers; expect short walks on paved or hard-packed paths with a few gentle grades.
Overview
Ride the curves of Oak Creek Canyon to a sweeping overlook, meet Native artisans at the rim, and step into Sedona’s iconic Chapel of the Holy Cross—all in a compact, guided tour. It’s an easy day with outsized views, rich stories, and the kind of local insights that sharpen every stop.
Sedona Oak Creek Canyon Tour with Chapel of the Holy Cross and Native Craft Markets
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Morning light hits the buttes like a match strike, and the red rock wakes up fast. From the quiet of West Sedona, your guide eases the van onto 89A, that serpentine ribbon that climbs into Oak Creek Canyon. Windows down, ponderosa pines breathe their vanilla scent into the cabin. The road tilts and coils, and the canyon answers back—walls narrowing, creek riffles flashing, shadows sliding from one bend to the next. It’s a drive that keeps you alert. The river urges you upstream while the switchbacks test your balance, a duet of motion and stone.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Beat chapel crowds
Aim for an early departure to find parking and calmer walkways at the Chapel of the Holy Cross before tour buses arrive.
Cash for artisans
Bring small bills for purchases at the Oak Creek Vista Native craft market; some vendors may not accept cards.
Prepare for winding roads
Highway 89A climbs via tight switchbacks—take motion-sickness precautions if you’re sensitive to curves.
Layer for canyon temps
The rim can be 10–15°F cooler than Sedona; pack a light layer even on warm days.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Abert’s (tassel-eared) squirrels in the ponderosa pines
- Mule deer browsing at dawn along the canyon floor
History
The modern chapel was completed in 1956, inspired by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude. The broader area holds traces of the Sinagua culture (circa 600–1400 CE), whose farming communities thrived along Oak Creek.
Conservation
Stay on established paths to protect fragile cryptobiotic soils and vegetation. Support permitted Native artisans at the vista market to help sustain traditional crafts and livelihoods.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sedona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reusable water bottle (24–32 oz)
Stay hydrated in Sedona’s dry air, especially at higher elevations in the canyon.
Sun hat and sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Open viewpoints and reflective sandstone amplify sun exposure during warmer months.
summer specific
Light insulating layer
Cool breezes at the Oak Creek Vista make a thin fleece or windbreaker useful in shoulder seasons.
spring specific
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
Short walks to overlooks and chapel paths are easier with supportive footwear.