The Roaming BoomersThe Number One Iconic Sedona, Arizona Photograph Location
Oak Creek with Cathedral Rock ~ Sedona, Arizona – Sedona, Arizona is certainly in no short supply of beautiful locations to snap a photograph.
However, if you look at a great many of the glossy publications touting the area’s red rocks, you are very likely to encounter a photograph of Oak Creek with Sedona’s Cathedral Rock in the background.
Photographers flock here during the various seasons , and you can find them here for sunrise, for sunset, for moon glow, for starry nights, for snow covered peaks, and for fog. Why, there must be millions of variations of this very scene.
For years, as I have traveled all around Sedona, I never found a spot where I could capture water and long range views of Sedona’s red rocks.
Well, thanks to a stop in the Red Rock Country Ranger Station, the mystery has been solved.
Now, if I share this with you, you have to promise not to tell anyone. Promise? Is your right hand in the air?
Head west on Verde Valley School Road. Go to the very end where you encounter signs that says “drive no farther”. Park your car in the parking lot, and walk down to the very end of the road (about 1/4 mile). Do not hop on the hiking trail that has a trail-head at the parking lot. Stay on the road.
When you reach the end of the road, go down to Oak Creek, turn right, and walk another 1/4 mile until you find the perfect spot to snap your photograph.
There! I shared a photographer’s secret with you.
Now, as payment for this grand gesture, you must promise to refer one of your friends to our online travel magazine. That’s only fair, right?
16 Comments on “The Number One Iconic Sedona, Arizona Photograph Location”
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OKAY!!! I will be heading to this spot next week for a photo! Dinner reservations are made for Fournos on Friday. Thanks for both tips! Now…is there still a market at the Dairy Queen on Saturday. Yes, I know it sounds crazy but I have bought some great jewerly there and am hoping to buy more! Excited!
SBoone,
You stumped me on the Dairy Queen thing. But, please say hi to everyone at Fournos for us.
As a Sedona resident of 22+ years, I’ve seen a LOT of photos of Cathedral Rock. Even though you’re giving away our secrets, I have to say your picture is particularly lovely ;^) Love the saturated fall colors.
Beth,
Thanks for the kind comments. I promise not to tell anyone the photo location in person. Only those who read this article will know the secret. 🙂
You write well…and for the areas I’m familiar with can say you know your stuff…so I will enjoy following your posts about other areas as well. Can’t travel as often as I’d like to right now, so armchair travel’s the next best thing!
Beth,
We love armchair travelers. We have hundreds that follow us, and we’d be very proud to add you to the growing list.
Great article. I will be a permanent resident of Sedona in about 6 years but until then I am a visitor every six months. I appreciate your tips, they’ll help me be an old hand by the time we move there. Love that place! :yes:
Thanks Carol! It’s an easy place to love. Enjoy living in Sedona!
hi thanks for that info I recently visited Arizona and took your easy directions to that great spot. coming all the way from hong kong I found Arizona a photographers paradise. would love to visit in the fall or even winter.
You’re very welcome! I quite beautiful, isn’t it?
I appreciate the help…..I’m going tomorrow (Literally) and only have 1 shot at this tomorrow evening.
at the end of Verde Valley School Road the map shows that the road branches….is this so? and if it does, do I take the right or left branch?
thanks so much
Greg Jackson
Portland, OR
Take the shorter right branch to a parking lot near the river. Hike down the bank and turn right along the river. Have fun!
We too have only one chance to see the spot this coming weekend. We’re flying in and staying near the airport. Is there anyway to access the spot from the other side of Oak Creek? I’m looking at Google maps and wondering if one can walk down from either Forest Park of Red Rock Crossing Road. It would save a lot of miles of driving if possible. Thanks for any advice.
On the other side of the river, at least from where we stood, it looked like a lot of private property. But, I’m not sure. Perhaps you could contact the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. They might help with your special request.
Thanks for the info. Leaving for Sedona tomorrow for two weeks. Can’t wait to go here for the photo op!
Valerie,
You’re welcome! Have fun! 😀