Junipine Resort Rating: 3.0 Pearls

Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Arizona

The creek

There’s no trace of town near the Junipine, which makes for an extra-quiet, secluded atmosphere. For travelers who want nearby shopping or nightlife, this is not the place. However, for those who wish to lounge away the hours by fishing in Oak Creek, playing horseshoes, soaking in a Jacuzzi while gazing up at the cliffs, or going for a hike, the Junipine is a great fit.

A tiny lobby houses the front desk and a small gift shop. Once outside, the 12-acre property features a well-forested grounds shading the creek-houses, some of which are located along Oak Creek. The 2.5 acres of creek-front property includes a large grassy play area with BBQ grills, as well as a trail that allows visitors to explore the creek. Overall, the Junipine feels private and close to nature, with the exception of busy Highway 89A at the entrance.

Food is available next door at the Junipine Cafe.

View on a Larger Map

The Junipine literally sets itself apart from the Sedona hotel scene with its location in upper Oak Creek Canyon, where the natural environment is heavily wooded and lush. At an elevation of 5,250 feet, it stays cool at night here even in the summer months. Winters can bring snow. And with Oak Creek running beside the property, the Junipine is always graced by the music of flowing water.

The cliffs of Oak Creek Canyon soar overhead, providing excellent views. This canyon originates between Sedona and Flagstaff, along a geological rift that cuts across central Arizona called the Mogollon Rim. The Rim, as it’s known to locals, is marked by massive cliffs and rugged, forested canyon slopes. As the creek tumbles down the 12-mile-long canyon towards Sedona, it creates a lush corridor of trees, pools, and waterfalls below 2,000-foot-high walls of red and white sandstone. Visitors who drive Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon are treated to views that may be only topped by the Grand Canyon.

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Oak Creek Canyon’s attractions. Visitors can easily hike to their hearts' content at the West Fork of Oak Creek, a tributary to Oak Creek just a few miles down the road from Junipine. The West Fork of Oak Creek is a special canyon all its own, with a stream and miles of spectacular red rock vistas. Other nearby trails in Oak Creek Canyon include the AB Young Trail and the Wilson Mountain Trail.

• 2 1/2-hour drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• 20-minute drive from Sedona Airport
• 30-minute drive from the Flagstaff Airport
• 10-minute drive to Slide Rock State Park
• 15-minute drive to Uptown Sedona (a.k.a. Main Street), a stretch of Highway 89A that's lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries
• 20-minute drive to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, a lovely shopping area with cobblestones, a fountain, and art galleries (where you can sometimes watch artists at work)
• 30-minute drive to Red Rock Crossing
• 30-minute drive to Bell Rock
• 30-minute drive to Sedona Golf Resort

A Forest View Creekhouse

The Junipine offers 41 "creekhouses," as the condos are called, each of which offer full kitchens, up to 1,400 square feet of space, and wraparound redwood decks to take advantage of the surrounding views. Each unit sleeps six people. The clean, comfortable condo-style units come with split floor plans, high ceilings, and wood-burning fireplaces.

Each of the creekhouses are individually owned, so it’s up to the owners to decorate as they see fit. As a result, getting a condo with up-to-date decor is hit-or-miss. The Junipine began renting out its creek houses in 1984, and certain rooms appear locked in that now-distant era, with older carpeting, tube TVs, and dated furnishings. However, other rooms look modern, and each unit has at least one big flat screen TV in the living room. Each unit comes with free Wi-Fi, a free daily newspaper, and a free delivery of firewood.

• The two-bedroom, 1,400-square-foot condos can fit up to six, or can be rented out as 900-square-foot, one-bedroom condos for smaller parties.
• Condos have either forest views or creek views, and come either with or without a Jacuzzi on the outside deck; condos with creek views and Jacuzzis are, naturally, pricier.
• Every condo has two wood-burning fireplaces; firewood is delivered for free.
• All condos have big redwood decks with patio furniture
• No air conditioning; creekhouses are cooled by fans

• 12 acres well-groomed, forested grounds, and 2.5 acres of creek-front property to explore
• No pool, fitness center, or spa
• Business center composed of a chair and laptop in the lobby
• 8 barbecue grills available
• Grassy area by the creek with picnic tables and horseshoes
• Free self-parking and free Wi-Fi
• View full list of amenities

The Junipine Cafe next door is not owned by the same company, but it is the only eatery in the area, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can sit outside on a deck to enjoy the view. Room service is available, but only on certain days, and room service availability is reduced in the winter.