Village of Oak Creek
Located south of central Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek is home to some of Sedona’s top hiking trails and one of the city’s most iconic attractions: the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Here are our some of our favorite places to explore in the VOC.
Must-See Attractions
One of the most iconic sites in all of the Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is dusted with snow.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of Sedona’s most popular attractions because there simply is nothing else like it in the entire world. Finished in 1956, The Chapel is built into the red rocks and provides onlookers with a gorgeous site that’s impossible to take your eyes off of. One of our favorite views in all of Sedona is looking up at the Chapel from aptly named Chapel Road. Inside, you’ll find pews, expansive windows providing red rock views and religious artwork. Downstairs, you’ll find a gift shop with Chapel inspired trinkets like a calendar. Entrance is complimentary.
780 Chapel Road, 928-282-7545, chapeloftheholycross.com
Cathedral Rock.
Drive on the Red Rock Scenic Byway
Cruising down the Red Rock Scenic Byway or AZ-179 is quite the experience. When you exit off of Interstate 17, turn left and follow the winding road. From there, red rocks will quickly come into view and make this one of the most memorable drives you’ll ever take. The rest of this winding road is punctuated by red rocks and blue sky all around you. The road ends in central Sedona. Enjoy the ride.
Outstanding Trails
Look forward to iconic red rock views if you hike the Bell Rock Pathway.
Bell Rock Pathway
The Village of Oak Creek is home to some of Sedona’s most recognizable red rock formations including this trail’s namesake, Bell Rock. If you’re searching for a meandering relatively easy hike that includes wide open spaces and one of Sedona’s most iconic red rocks, this is the trail for you. You’ll see Bell Rock almost immediately after you start your hike. Begin your trail at the Little Horse Trailhead and finish at Bell Rock Trailhead for a hike that’s 3.6 miles one way.
Bell Rock looms tall on the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail.
Courthouse Butte Loop
Courthouse Butte is another one of the most iconic red rock formations in town, and its titular hike offers up plenty of red rock views. This moderate 4.5-mile loop will take you around the base of, you guessed it, Courthouse Butte. At the midway point, your views will include Courthouse Butte and Lee Mountain and stretch all the way to Capitol Butte, Cockscomb and even Robbers Roost.
Cathedral Rock, one of the most iconic Sedona sites.
Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock – the most-photographed red rock in the town – is one of Sedona’s most iconic hikes. If you want to hike Cathedral Rock, be prepared for a tough jaunt that’s just over one mile. You’ll be hiking up a steep trail and will occasionally have to get on your hands and knees to reach the end of this trail. But like most difficult hikes, the views here are beautiful and make all the effort worth it.
Woods Canyon
Woods Canyon is one of our favorite Sedona hikes that typically flies under the radar. The trailhead kicks off by the Red Rock Visitor Center and District Ranger Station. Expect views of Bell Rock in the distance as you start the hike. Follow an old Jeep road for 1.25 miles until the trail enters into the canyon. At 2 miles, the trail crosses a (usually) dry creek bed then climbs out and crosses through a cattle gate. Not long after you pass through the gate, the trail intersects with Hot Loop Trail. Head to the right to continue into Woods Canyon. Hikers will be surrounded by a pine and sycamore forest and then the trail follows Dry Beaver Creek. Hear the rushing water as you hike along the path. Enjoy the scenery. Follow the creek and bring a swimsuit if you want to take a dip. The entire trail is over 10 miles out and back.
Great Restaurants
PJ’s Village Pub
Since 1974, a lively atmosphere and dynamite pub fare has kept locals flocking to this joint. Look forward to hearty choices here. Dig into Roasted Jalapeno Chili Cheese Fries, Jumbo Vienna Hot Dog and PJ’s Thick and Hearty Chili. The Classic Reuben is one of our favorite sandwiches in all of Sedona and a pub favorite. This is one of the city’s rare establishments that stays open until 2 a.m.
40 W. Cortez Dr., 928-284-2250, pjsvillagepub.com
A colorful burger from Chef Lisa Dahl’s Butterfly Burger. Diners can find a variety of burgers, sides and milkshakes on the menu of this restaurant.
Butterfly Burger
Local chef Lisa Dahl’s latest outpost, Butterfly Burger, serves up creative iterations of its titular item. The well-lit shelf behind the bar that spotlights the liquors is probably our favorite part of the restaurant that has a lounge-like feel with cozy booths surrounding the interior. The creative burgers include options like the award-winning Gringo Burger that’s topped with Tillamook white aged cheddar, louis remoulade, shredded romaine and crispy onion strings on an artisan bun. Cocktails and boozy milkshakes made with Madagascar vanilla gelato complete the menu.
6657 AZ-179, Ste. B1, 928-862-4448, butterflyburger.com
A pizza from Rotten Johnny’s Wood-Fired Pizza Pie. The wood-fired oven is the star of this Village of Oak Creek restaurant.
Rotten Johnny’s Wood-Fired Pizza Pie
Rotten Johnny’s serves up piping hot, wood-fired pizzas. You’ll spot the oven as soon as you walk in. Diners have the choice of red or white pizza, but no matter what you choose, you can look forward to a tasty pie. The Sausage pie features tomato sauce, mozzarella, Schreiner’s fennel sausage and giardiniera. The white Artichoke pizza is topped with mozzarella, Mediterranean olives, artichoke hearts, garlic and parmesan. Diners can have their meals inside in a cozy setting or outside on a charming patio in the back of the restaurant. Rotten Johnny’s also offers lunch specials and happy hour deals.
7000 AZ-179, Ste. B110, 928-641-6586, rottenjohnnys.com
A bright pink cocktail on the patio of the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock. Diners can enjoy meals and s’mores alfresco on the hotel’s patio.
ShadowRock Tap + Table at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
We’ve had many memorable nights cozied up by the outdoor firepits at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock’s signature restaurant ShadowRock Tap + Table. Try ordering the s’mores kit along with a glass of wine or a cocktail as you chill out under the stars. If you’d prefer a more substantial meal, try the signature Lollipop Chicken Wings appetizer, flatbreads, burgers and sandwiches at the modern American restaurant.
90 Ridge Trail Dr., 928-284-4040, hiltonsedonaresort.com
Minami Japanese Restaurant
A comfortable, relaxed atmosphere makes this sushi bar a perfect setting for striking up conversations. Choice appetizers include Gyoza or dumplings filled with pork, beef, garlic and onion and deep fried Sweet Potato Skins drizzled with teriyaki sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Diners can order sushi, tempura and teriyaki orders. Most food orders include miso soup, rice and edamame. Cap off your meal with chocolate fudge ice cream mochi or green tea ice cream.
6586 AZ-179, Ste. A1, 928-284-0684
Ask a Local
“My favorite restaurant in the Village of Oak Creek is Red Chopstick. My family and I have been going there since we moved here about 15 years ago. We even made it a tradition to eat there every new year. It really is amazing Chinese food with the best sauces. They have mastered their dishes, and I love how welcoming they are. I’ve always enjoyed hiking Slim Shady Trail. The trail is accessible and close to walk to from AZ-179. It has 360 views of the Red Rocks and overlooks the Village. The name of the trail always makes me laugh. Whenever the Oak Creek Arts and Craft Show is in the Village, I always make an effort to go. There are so many amazing artists and vendors, and I love how it is different every time.” – Emma Keider
