Edge of the world flagstaff camping

Edge of the World is a beautiful cliffside location in the middle of the wilderness on the northwest side of Sedona, Arizona and features dramatic limestone cliffs, panoramic vistas, and cool rock formations (just like in
Cathedral Rock
and
Bell Rock and the Courthouse Butte
) in a very off-the-beaten-path location. This was honestly such a fun stop! We loved the pretty drive up and the great views at the end.

In this short guide, we’re sharing everything to know about visiting Edge of the World, how to get there, and what to expect.


Where Exactly is Edge of the World?


If you look at the pinned location for Edge of the World, it doesn’t look all that far from Sedona. However, it takes nearly 1.5 hours to get here, because you have to go up and around, and because a big section of the drive is on an unmaintained dirt road.

From Sedona, you will head up Highway 89a, going through the canyon, and then make a turnoff on County Road 535/Forest Service Road 535. Once you make this turnoff, it’s 19 miles to the overlook, but it takes a solid hour to get there, due to the bumpy dirt road that you will have to traverse.



This drive is through a pine forest


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Situated between Flagstaff & Sedona, there is a campsite with incredible views of the red rocks miles away and this beautiful green forest over cliff sides in front of you. It’s a view of absolute beauty and grandeur! When it comes to camping in Arizona, it doesn’t get much better than this.

I visited the ‘Edge of the World’, also known as the ‘End of the World’ or East Pocket in November of 2020. More exact, I camped on election night of 2020. A place called the End of the World seemed quite.. fitting! Haha. Me and my boyfriend Tyler arrived on that weary Tuesday afternoon to the most EPIC campsite we have ever been to.

Since getting a rooftop tent in the summer of 2020, we have camped through Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, & Arizona. Tyler, who is not the
biggest
fan of camping still says this is his favorite spot and he would go back again to camp. He also says it is a better view than the Grand Canyon!

If you want to learn more about car camping off grid in Arizona and around the U.S., visit this blog post for more information!

Looking for more things to do in Arizona? Read my blog post on spending three days in Tuc


The End of the World in Flagstaff is a really incredible spot to sight see, camp, and enjoy some unique views looking down on Sedona!

This area is formally named East Pocket, but is known as the End of the World for the canyon it overlooks, and the sheer drop offs on the rim. This would be a great spot to hang out for the day to sight see, but its most spectacular as an overnight trip! The sunset and sunrise overlooking Sedona is truly hard to beat!






Getting There


To get to this spot from Flagstaff, take Historic Route 66 west out of Flagstaff, and turn left on Woody Mountain Road. This road will turn to dirt, and you will follow it for about 23 miles. Stay on this road until you see the break in the trees on your right, and you’ll make a right hand turn towards the opening. You’ll immediately see camping locations and Jenga Rock (in the cover photo) when you get to the rim.

There are a few potholes in the dirt road on the way up, and lots of braking bumps. However, most cars should be just fine getting here (high clearance would be best)! We read somewhere that 4×4 was recommended, however we are positive that 4×4 is not necessary in dry conditio


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Camping

Roads

Facilities

Nature
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Edge of the World (East Pocket), near Sedona, Arizona, is a breathtaking location that draws visitors in with its stunning views and natural beauty. This area is all about the scenery, offering majestic overlooks that make the drive worthwhile.

The camping experience here is quite rustic, with no amenities like toilets or drinking water, so be prepared to bring everything you need. As one visitor noted, “BYO… Everything.” The lack of facilities means you’ll need to be self-sufficient, but the payoff is worth it when you take in the panoramic views of the Sedona valley.

Accessing the area involves navigating some dirt roads, which can be a bit bumpy, but most vehicles can make it without a hitch. Reviewers have mentioned that the trek is manageable, especially if you have an SUV. Just keep an eye on the weather, as strong winds can make your stay less enjoyable.

For those looking to stretch their legs, there’s a two-mile round trip hike to a viewpoint that’s definitely worth the effort. Visitors have raved about the beauty of the forest surrounding the area, making it a great stop on your way to Sedo