Village of Oak Creek
The Village of Oak Creek is not in Sedona. Despite a Sedona postal address and zip code, it's unincorporated Yavapai County, part of the Big Park census-designated place — confirmed by the community's own governing advisory body. City of Sedona services, permits and ordinances don't apply here; county ones do.
Practically for a visitor: it sits about 6–7 miles south of the Y on SR 179, it's quieter and generally cheaper than Sedona proper, and it's the base for the trails that are actually open right now — Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Cathedral Rock just up the road.
It also holds its own Dark Sky designation, separate from Sedona's.
The facts
- What it is
- Unincorporated community (Yavapai County)
- Where it is
- SR 179, about 6–7 miles south of the Y
- Elevation
- About 4,105 ft
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated Yavapai County — not City of Sedona
- Good for
- Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte access, quieter lodging, better value
The jurisdiction thing, and why we mention it
This trips people up more than it should, because the postal address says Sedona, AZ 86351.
The Big Park Council — the community's own advisory body — puts it plainly: "Sedona is an incorporated city that is in both Yavapai and Coconino counties. The Village of Oak Creek/Big Park are unincorporated areas within Yavapai county."
Why it matters practically: county rather than city jurisdiction for law enforcement, permitting and services. If you're dealing with a short-term rental question, a parking citation, or anything municipal, the City of Sedona is not who you want. It also means Sedona's city ordinances — including its lighting code — don't automatically apply, though the Village achieved its own Dark Sky designation through a county-wide lighting ordinance.
One naming trap worth avoiding: the Village of Oak Creek and Oak Creek Canyon are different places, on opposite sides of Sedona. The Village is south on SR 179. The Canyon is north on SR 89A. Booking accommodation in the wrong one is a genuinely common mistake.
Why it's the smart base right now
In a normal year the Village is a reasonable, slightly quieter alternative to Sedona proper. In 2026, with the fire closure taking out most of the northwest-side trails, it's arguably the best place to stay.
Everything within easy reach of the Village is open: Bell Rock Pathway and its three lots, the Courthouse Butte Loop, Little Horse, Broken Arrow, and Cathedral Rock a few minutes north. The North SR-179 Park & Ride for shuttle Route 15 is on this corridor too.
You also get the Red Rock Scenic Byway as your daily commute, which is not the worst thing.
The trade-off is that it's quiet. There's a retail and dining strip along SR 179 serving residents and visitors, but nothing like Uptown's density. If you want to walk out to a busy street in the evening, stay in Sedona.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Village of Oak Creek part of Sedona?
No. It's unincorporated Yavapai County, part of the Big Park census-designated place, despite having a Sedona postal address and zip code. City of Sedona jurisdiction doesn't apply.
Is the Village of Oak Creek the same as Oak Creek Canyon?
No, and they're on opposite sides of Sedona. The Village is about 6–7 miles south on SR 179. Oak Creek Canyon is north on SR 89A toward Flagstaff. Confusing them when booking is a common and annoying mistake.
Is the Village of Oak Creek a good place to stay?
Right now, arguably the best — it's quieter and better value than Sedona proper, and the trails within reach of it (Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Little Horse, Cathedral Rock) are all open while much of the northwest side is closed.
How far is the Village of Oak Creek from Sedona?
About 6–7 miles south of the SR 89A/SR 179 junction, along the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
Facts on this page last verified July 28, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.