Red Rock Scenic Byway Overview

Published on Mar 28, 2005

Travel the Red Rock Scenic Byway and come closer to the wonders and splendor of central Arizona. At the beautiful Coconino National Forest, take a break from the ordinary and enjoy rugged rolling hills and washes covered with scrub oak, juniper, pinon pine, cacti, and yucca. At Dry Beaver Creek Bridge, you'll have your first glimpse of the spectacular red monoliths ahead, such as Courthouse Butte and Lee Mountain. The roadway gently curves through the high desert country, a colorful mosaic of red soil and green junipers. As you travel further down the road, you may see various wildlife such as deer, elk, coyotes, and quail on the ground, while hawks and eagles fly high overhead. Two miles farther, where the elevation sign says 4,000 feet, let your gaze sweep over the myriad of rock formations that make up the byway and enjoy your first awe-inspiring view.

Scanning the horizon from west to east, you will see Castle Rock, which like all the red rocks has the same iron ore that colors the crust on Mars, and mystical Bell Rock, a longtime spot known for its vortex "earth energy." Going further, you'll see the mammoth Courthouse Butte, a popular spot for off-road mountain biking. This vista has a fascinating history-- a 300 million-year-old story. Ancient Native Americans lived and hunted here for thousands of years, and people today continue to believe this land is sacred. "We didn't inherit the earth; we are borrowing it from our children" is still the prevailing wisdom of this road and its surroundings. Discover the history and much more fascinating information at the Forest Service Visitor Center just ahead; it's also the perfect stop for red rock panoramic photos.

Continuing north through the Village of Oak Creek, you'll see Castle Rock dominates the landscape on your left and Bell Rock on your right. With Wild Horse Mesa and House Mountain looming in the background, it's obvious how this area became a favorite site for filming westerns back in the 1940s and 50s. In just over a mile, the road re-enters the serenity of the Coconino National Forest, where the south end of the Bell Rock Vista Pathway is on the right. Bell Rock is a popular destination for mountain bikers and hikers alike.

The forest seems to hug the road, creating a sense of intimacy with nature, and the giant rock formations, often glowing in the sun, tower above both sides of the road. Near the end of this natural roller coaster, you'll climb a hill and see the north end of Bell Rock Vista Pathway, a wonderful place to stop and plan which trailhead you want to take. While hiking up the pathway, take out your camera to capture Cathedral Rock, one of the most photographed places in Arizona.

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