South Oak Creek Trail: What to Know Before You Go
South Oak Creek offers a different, longer approach to the same canyon LvLocal's Oak Creek Canyon guide covers — a 4.8-mile round trip along an old jeep road through open desert, reached from a separate pullout on SR-159 rather than the Scenic Drive. Along the way, the route passes petrified wood and conglomerate rock before ending at the mouth of Oak Creek Canyon itself. Welcome to South Oak Creek, a quieter, longer alternative for hikers who've already done the shorter Oak Creek Canyon trail.
Trail Snapshot
Distance | Approximately 4.8 miles round trip
Difficulty | Moderate
Hike Time | About 3.5 hours
Elevation Gain | Not officially stated
Fee | Likely free — trailhead is on SR-159, outside the Scenic Drive fee loop (not explicitly confirmed on an official fee page)
Restrooms | Not confirmed at this trailhead
Pets | Allowed, must be leashed (standard park policy)
Difficulty | Moderate
Hike Time | About 3.5 hours
Elevation Gain | Not officially stated
Fee | Likely free — trailhead is on SR-159, outside the Scenic Drive fee loop (not explicitly confirmed on an official fee page)
Restrooms | Not confirmed at this trailhead
Pets | Allowed, must be leashed (standard park policy)
How to Reach the Trailhead
The trailhead is a dirt pullout on SR-159, about 1.5 miles south of where the Scenic Drive exits back onto the highway — outside the Scenic Drive loop itself. This suggests the standard $20 fee and reservation likely don't apply here, though it isn't explicitly confirmed on an official fee-specific page, so check current signage before assuming.
What to Expect on the Trail
The route follows an old jeep road across open desert for nearly 5 miles round trip before reaching Oak Creek Canyon's mouth. The jeep-road surface can be uneven in places, and there's limited shade across the open desert approach.
Petrified Wood Along an Old Jeep Road
Petrified wood and conglomerate rock line the route, a different geological texture than the main Oak Creek Canyon trail. The old jeep-road setting and quieter trailhead give this a more remote feel than Red Rock Canyon's Scenic Drive trails.
Best Time to Visit and Conditions
Fall through spring is most comfortable given the open, largely shadeless terrain.
Practical Advice for New Visitors
- Bring at least 2 to 3 liters of water per person.
- Wear sturdy shoes for uneven jeep-road terrain.
- Pack sun protection — shade is limited.
- Bring an offline map, since this is a quieter, less-marked trailhead.
- Watch for petrified wood and conglomerate rock along the route.
- Confirm current fee/access signage before you go.
- Better suited to older kids given the distance.
- Leash your dog for the full route.
For hikers who've already done the shorter Oak Creek Canyon trail and want a longer, quieter alternate approach to the same canyon, South Oak Creek delivers real distance and a different geological story. Stay on the marked route and pack out everything you bring in.
