Oak Creek

This clear canyon stream may be one of the most scenic fishing and swimming holes in the world. Oak Creek flows through Oak Creek Canyon [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=81590], a narrow gorge it has cut along a fault line in the same rock strata that form the Grand Canyon. But this smaller cousin of the world's most prestigious chasm, is much more accessible than its more famous relative. A road leads right down the middle of it. And if you'd really like to get to know these crimson cliffs and crystal pools up close and personal, there are plenty of overlooks and picnic areas, hiking trails and creekside paths to help you do it. In Oak Creek Canyon, be sure to stop by the Oak Creek Visitor Center [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55326] at Indian Gardens when it opens for the season, or visit the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=81575] near the Village of Oak Creek year-round. There is a catch and release section along Oak Creek from Call of the Canyon downstream to Junipine Resort. Refer to Arizona Game and Fish [http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/fishing_rules.shtml] fishing regulations for details. CAMPGROUNDS Campgrounds usually fill early. The best opportunities for getting a campsite are weekday mornings between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., or make reservations where available. * Cave Springs [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55268] * Manzanita [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55352] * Pine Flat [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55374] PICNIC AREAS * Banjo Bill [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55220] * Bootlegger [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55240] * Call of the Canyon [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55260] * Crescent Moon [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55286] * Encinoso [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55304] * Grasshopper Point [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55314] * Halfway [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55316] * Midgely Bridge [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55356&actid=70] * Slide Rock State Park [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55390] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION * Coconino National Forest: Red Rock District [/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=54892&actid=50]- Forest recreation information for the Oak Creek Canyon [/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=81590], Sedona, and the Verde Valley areas. * Slide Rock State Park [http://azstateparks.com/Parks/SLRO/] (glass containers are prohibited) * Red Rock State Park [http://azstateparks.com/Parks/RERO/] * Recreation Alternatives to Oak Creek Canyon [/detail/coconino/recreation/?cid=stelprd3806076]