Park entry and swim area close one hour prior to closing.
NO PETS are allowed in the park through September 30. This will be an annual restriction.
Stage 2 fire restrictions in effect. No charcoal or wood fires allowed in the park.
No walk-ins, drop-offs or bicycle entries permitted: admission only by vehicle via the entry station.
Reservations are not available. Park entry is first-come, first-served.
The park opens at 8 a.m. Lining up on the road prior to opening is not permitted due to the hazardous highway conditions it creates.
Water Quality
Don’t Let Rumors Muddy the Waters…Here’s The Truth About E. coli Levels in Oak Creek Canyon.
Oak Creek is one of Arizona’s most beloved natural treasures—and protecting its waters is a community effort. While some visitors assume high E. coli levels are caused by human waste in the creek, the real story is more complex and less alarming.
E. coli is a bacteria naturally found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. In Oak Creek, most contamination is linked to wildlife waste, especially after rainstorms that wash animal feces and bacteria into the water. Littering can worsen the issue by attracting more animals to the creekside. In fact, one of the only high E. coli readings in the last three years occurred after a heavy monsoon.
Park staff, in partnership with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), test Oak Creek weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day, far exceeding required standards, and have been doing so since the 1990s. Thanks to efforts like the Oak Creek Caretaker campaign, the removal of several unofficial trails, and education around Leave No Trace™ and Appreciate AZ, the watershed is healthier than ever.
Visitors can help by using designated trails and restrooms, packing out all trash and food waste, and staying informed. Together, we’ve reduced E. coli exceedances considerably. With continued care, we’ll keep Oak Creek clean and thriving for generations to come.
Learn more about how you can help as an Oak Creek Caretaker and then plan your next adventure!
