| State Route 179 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route information | ||||
| Maintained by ADOT | ||||
| Length: | 14.49 mi[1] (23.32 km) | |||
| Major junctions | ||||
| South end: | I-17 | |||
| North end: | SR 89A in Sedona | |||
| Highway system | ||||
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State routes in Arizona
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State Route 179, also known as SR 179 is the highly acclaimed Red Rock Scenic Byway, a north–south state highway in Arizona running from Interstate 17 to SR 89A in Sedona. In 2006, the US Dept. of Transportation awarded SR 179 its highest designation within the National Scenic Byways Program: the All-American Road designation, due to the spectacular red rock and sandstone formations through which it travels along its 7.5-mile (12.1 km) length within the rolling, pinion covered hills of the Coconino National Forest. The All-American Road designation also signifies to the travelling public that this is a road that is "a destination unto itself."
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The southern terminus of SR 179 is located at exit 298 off of I-17; the exit is about 15 miles north of Camp Verde. SR 179 heads northwest from the interchange briefly before curving towards the north. It keeps this heading as it passes through the spectacular red rock area of the Village of Oak Creek on its way to Sedona, just a few miles north. As it enters the Sedona city limits, it roughly follows along the east bank of Oak Creek. It eventually crosses the creek just prior to reaching its northern terminus at SR 89A.[1][2]
SR 179 originally continued south to Camp Verde. However, the southern section of the road was turned over to the National Forest Service for maintenance after the construction of I-17.
Just a few miles from the exit off I-17, the two 2-lane SR 179 reaches the Red Rock Ranger Visitor Center -- this is a must stop for scenic views and visitor information. At this point, the road becomes a two-lane divided road, recently re-constructed and designed to enhance the traveler's experience as they enter spectacular Red Rock Country. There are landscaped medians, sidewalks, roundabout intersections, bike lanes, rest benches, bike and trash receptacles, scenic view pullouts, shopping, dining, lodging and lots of things to do. Reference the Byway's website for a complete list of things to do and where to go.
| County | Location | Mile[1] | Junction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yavapai | 0.00 | I-17 | ||
| Coconino | Sedona | 14.49 | SR 89A |
Red Rock Scenic Byways section on the National Scenic Byways website