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Sedona Road Closures During the Pocket Fire
Sedona Road Closures and Oak Creek Canyon Updates
Updated July 23, 2026. SR 89A between Sedona and Interstate 17 is open. Travelers should still plan for weekday lane restrictions, possible brief fire-support stops, remaining forest-road closures, and monsoon-related hazards.
Current Sedona Road Status
Main Routes OpenThe former Pocket Fire highway closure has ended. Current travel issues center on construction, limited forest access, fire-response traffic, weather, and recreation-site restrictions.
Can You Drive Into Sedona Today?
Road status still changes for construction, weather, traffic incidents, or emergency activity. Check AZ 511 before leaving, especially when driving between Flagstaff and Sedona.
SR 89A and Oak Creek Canyon
ADOT reopened SR 89A between Sedona and Interstate 17, mileposts 374 through 397, on July 13. The highway now carries normal through traffic again.
Fire-response vehicles may still use the canyon. Brief intermittent closures remain possible when crews need protected access. Drive slowly, leave room for emergency vehicles, and avoid roadside stopping outside legal pullouts.
Best Routes Into Sedona
From Phoenix
Use I-17 north to SR 179. This route enters Sedona through the Village of Oak Creek.
From Flagstaff
SR 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is open. Allow extra time for weekday flagging and possible traffic delays.
From Cottonwood
Use SR 89A east through West Sedona. This route avoids Oak Creek Canyon construction.
From I-40 or Northern Arizona
Check both SR 89A and I-17 before choosing the canyon route or the longer SR 179 approach.
Remaining Closures and Restricted Areas
| Road or Area | Latest Verified Status | Visitor Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| SR 89A, Sedona to I-17 | Open | Expect construction delays and possible brief emergency stops. |
| Woody Mountain Road, FR 231 | Restricted south of FR 536 in the last formal Pocket Fire update | Do not use this as a shortcut. Verify current Forest Service access first. |
| West Fork and Call of the Canyon area | Site-specific restrictions have continued after the highway reopened | Confirm recreation-site access before driving into the canyon. |
| Remote roads north and northwest of Sedona | Mixed access | Follow posted gates and current Coconino National Forest orders. |
| Uptown, West Sedona, SR 179 | Open | Normal visitor traffic and parking conditions apply. |
Monsoon Driving After the Pocket Fire
The burn area creates a higher risk of runoff, debris, falling rock, and flash flooding during summer storms. A road may stay open under clear skies, then become unsafe quickly when heavy rain reaches the canyon or burn scar.
- Check the National Weather Service forecast before entering Oak Creek Canyon.
- Avoid narrow canyon drives during active flash-flood warnings.
- Watch for loose rock and debris after strong storms.
- Do not park in washes or drainage channels.
- Keep extra water and enough fuel or battery range for delays.
Road Closure Update Timeline
This timeline shows the transition from the Pocket Fire closure to current travel conditions.
What To Check Before Driving
AZ 511
Live highway closures, lane restrictions, crashes, delays, and route conditions.
ADOT SR 89A Project
Guardrail work, project limits, restrictions, and expected construction schedule.
Coconino National Forest
Forest-road, trail, recreation-site, and Pocket Fire closure information.
Gateway Pocket Fire Hub
Visitor-focused fire status, trail access, air quality, and Sedona planning guidance.
Keep Your Sedona Day Simple
Traffic delays do not need to disrupt the entire day. Choose one area, reduce cross-town driving, and build your schedule around a confirmed appointment or reservation.
Sedona Road Closure FAQ
Is SR 89A open between Sedona and Flagstaff?
Yes. ADOT reopened SR 89A between Sedona and Interstate 17 on July 13, 2026. Weekday construction delays remain possible in Oak Creek Canyon.
Is Oak Creek Canyon open?
Yes, through traffic is open. Some recreation sites, roadside parking areas, or nearby trails may have separate restrictions.
Are there full closures on SR 89A today?
No continuing Pocket Fire highway closure is listed in the latest verified update. Check AZ 511 before driving for incidents, construction, or temporary stops.
Why is traffic slow in Oak Creek Canyon?
Weekday guardrail work between Pine Flat Campground and Oak Creek Vista uses flaggers and one-direction-at-a-time traffic.
Is Woody Mountain Road open?
The latest formal Pocket Fire update kept Woody Mountain Road restricted south of Forest Road 536. Verify current access with Coconino National Forest before using the road.
What route should I use from Phoenix?
Use I-17 north to SR 179 unless AZ 511 directs you differently.
Should I use Google Maps during a closure?
Use navigation apps for directions, then verify closures through AZ 511. Apps may route drivers onto unsuitable local or forest roads.