Oak Creek Vista

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Oak Creek Vista is is a scenic overlook located at the top of the switchbacks on Hwy 89A, approximately 14 miles north of Sedona. The vista itself has historic value as the first or second roadside rest area in Arizona, and one of the first in the United States. It was designated a scenic vista by the highway department as the country was entering the first major era of highway construction.

A popular recreational pursuit at the Vista is rock climbing and rappelling. Due to safety issues primarily, climbing/rappelling is now prohibited at the overlook point but is permitted in an area east of the point. Climbers can still use the Vista parking lot to access the climbing area. (SHOWN BELOW). The Vista is the best place for easy to moderate traditional climbing near Flagstaff and Sedona, with top rope climbs of 60-70 feet ranging in difficulty from 5.5 to 5.11. Most climbers set up a slingshot system and rappel down, but there is a short trail if you prefer to start at the bottom.

   
Since 1988, one of the big draws to the Oak Creek Vista is the opportunity to shop for Native American arts and crafts. Some may consider this to be a recreational activity as well, and it is certainly a great opportunity for cultural interactions between the visiting public and members of Native Americans for Community Action (NACA). 

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