NOVEMBER
Clear water rushes over small waterfalls at Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon. The main attraction here — an 80-foot natural waterslide made slick by algae — is the reason the park was created in the 1980s.
Guy Schmickle
OCTOBER
Fallen maple leaves decorate smooth rocks in Oak Creek Canyon. In general, locals say, late September through mid-October is the best time to see autumn color in the canyon.
Gerry Groeber
MAY
A normally dry watershed in Secret Canyon, part of the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, cradles a pool of water fed by spring runoff. This 48,314-acre wilderness area is accessible via numerous trails that start in the Sedona area.
Derek von Briesen
APRIL
Storm clouds gather above Bear Mountain and a “superbloom” of purple owl’s clover (Castilleja exserta). This corner of Red Rock Country is known for these vibrant wildflowers, which often appear after a wet winter.
Guy Schmickle
JANUARY
A sandstone alcove frames a wintry view of evergreens and other plants along the West Fork of Oak Creek. The trail along the West Fork is one of Arizona’s most popular hiking routes but sees significantly less foot traffic in winter.
Michael Wilson
FEBRUARY
Fog, weathered rock walls and vegetation form an eerie scene in Boynton Canyon, northwest of Sedona. One of the most scenic of Red Rock Country’s box canyons, Boynton Canyon can be explored via an easy hiking trail that bears its name.
Mark Frank
AUGUST
Oak Creek nourishes abundant greenery at Red Rock Crossing. Perhaps best known for its views of Cathedral Rock, Red Rock Crossing also offers opportunities for fishing, picnicking and learning about the history of the area.
Derek von Briesen
JANUARY
Patches of snow punctuate a view of Red Rock Country from Bear Mountain. A favorite hiking destination among Sedona residents, Bear Mountain gets its name from its general resemblance to the animal; you aren’t likely to encounter any bears there.
Guy Schmickle
OCTOBER
Healthy yuccas mingle with multicolored maple leaves and stately ponderosa pines in Oak Creek Canyon. In addition to maples, walnut and oak trees bring color to the canyon in autumn.
Guy Schmickle
JUNE
Delicate wildflowers and other greenery huddle beneath steep canyon walls along the West Fork of Oak Creek. The biodiversity of Oak Creek Canyon led the federal government to designate part of it as a Research Natural Area in 1931.
Shane McDermott
OCTOBER
One of the spires of Cathedral Rock, perhaps Sedona’s best-known sandstone formation, glows in morning light. Hikers can explore Cathedral Rock via a short, steep trail that’s more like a rock climb in places.
Steve Bruno
AUGUST
A monsoon storm rages at sunset in a view from Schnebly Hill, named for Red Rock Country pioneers T.C. and Sedona Schnebly. Among the features visible here are Munds Mountain (left) and Mitten Ridge (right).