The Village of Oak Creek is just south of Sedona, about 90 minutes from the Valley via car. It is often considered “the start” of Sedona when driving in from the Valley because it marks the some of the most picturesque hiking and mountain bike trails in the region, notably the Cathedral Rock Tail, Bell Rock Trail and Courthouse Butte Loop Trail, all of which have parking if not staying in town.
More or less, The Village of Oak Creek has just one main road – State Route 179 – and 360 degrees of Red Rock views up until it hits Verde Valley School Road, which dead ends at Red Rock Crossing. That spot? It happens to be the most photographed place in greater Sedona. Unfamiliar? It is where you see Oak Creek running in front of Cathedral Rock.
If thinking about staying overnight or for a weekend, nestled into the Village is the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock. The final phase of the resort’s three-year, $12 million renovation was completed in 2018. The update included the launch of a new restaurant concept called ShadowRock Tap + Table; the addition of both an on-site hiking concierge and an adventure concierge; and a one-of-a-kind red sand boot camp playground called the Warrior Pit. In addition, each of the resort’s 219 rooms has been re-designed, and the lobby has been completely reimagined from the ground up. In addition, Hilton Sedona– along with all Hilton Hotels worldwide – have partnered with RB, maker of trusted home and industrial cleaning brands Lysol and Dettol, on its new CleanStay program. Through it, Hilton builds on its rigorous cleaning standards to provide complete peace of mind when staying onsite.
Beyond staying and playing, dining is a delicious adventure to be had in the area. Two of James Beard House-featured Chef Lisa Dahl’s restaurants are in the Village: Cucina Rustica and Butterfly Burger. Cucina Rustica features exquisite Italian and Mediterranean fare while Butterfly Burger is a dark and sexy space reminiscent of a modern lounge and features 10 stunning burgers as well as other small bites and craft cocktails. The Juniper Bar & Grill at the Sedona Golf Resort as well as Pago’s Pizzeria, J Bistro and Red Chopstick are also best bets.
Of course, many who stay in The Village of Oak Creek venture either all the way up the road into Sedona. Or, if you head east about 20 minutes, you hit Page Springs, which has three amazing vineyards nearly walking distance from each other. Also, either while coming up or heading back, just south of the Village is Rim Rock and Camp Verde, enjoy the local casino and Out of Africa Wildlife Park. If adding any to the trip, make it a three-day weekend and do it up right!