Banjo Bill, Halfway & Encinoso Picnic Areas Near Sedona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 14, 2026

Banjo Bill, Halfway and Encinoso are three creekside picnic areas along State Route 89A in scenic Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona. Each provides convenient access to the canyon’s pine and sycamore scenery, picnic tables and nearby Oak Creek, making them popular stops for picnicking, relaxing, photography and short walks. These are day-use recreation areas, and facilities and access can change because of wildfire, flooding, rockfall or seasonal conditions.

Temporary Closure Notice: Banjo Bill, Halfway and Encinoso picnic areas are currently closed under the Coconino National Forest Oak Creek Temporary Area Closure following the 2026 Pocket Fire. The current order is scheduled through September 30, 2026 unless rescinded or extended. Check current Coconino National Forest alerts before driving into Oak Creek Canyon because reopening dates and access conditions can change.

Picnic Area Overview
Banjo Bill
Halfway
Encinoso
Fees & Passes
Facilities
Rules & Safety
Directions
Visitor Tips
Map
FAQ

Oak Creek Canyon Picnic Areas

Banjo Bill, Halfway and Encinoso are Forest Service day-use sites along the Oak Creek Canyon corridor. The three areas are relatively close together along State Route 89A and provide convenient places to stop for a picnic while exploring the canyon between Sedona and Flagstaff.

Parking and picnic tables are first-come, first-served when the sites are open. Oak Creek Canyon is especially busy during warm-weather weekends and fall-color season, so parking can fill early.

Banjo Bill Picnic Area

Banjo Bill is a small creekside picnic site on the west side of State Route 89A approximately five miles north of Sedona. Shaded picnic tables and easy access to Oak Creek make it a convenient stop for a meal or a break while driving through the canyon.

Because the parking area is small, it can fill quickly during busy periods. Banjo Bill is currently closed because of post-fire rockfall and flooding hazards, so verify its status before visiting.

Halfway Picnic Area

Halfway Picnic Area is another small day-use stop along Oak Creek Canyon with picnic tables and access to the creek corridor. Its location makes it convenient for visitors traveling between Sedona and the upper canyon recreation areas.

Halfway is currently closed because of post-Pocket Fire flood risk. Check current Forest Service conditions before planning a stop.

Encinoso Picnic Area

Encinoso Picnic Area offers a wooded Oak Creek Canyon setting with picnic tables beneath the pines and convenient access from State Route 89A. It is generally roomier than some of the smaller picnic pullouts in the canyon.

Encinoso is currently closed because of potential post-fire flooding. Confirm current access before driving to the site.

Season & Hours

These picnic areas are normally operated as day-use recreation sites, but hours and access can change because of seasonal conditions, wildfire, flooding, rockfall or maintenance. Check current Coconino National Forest information before visiting rather than relying on a fixed seasonal schedule.

Fees & Red Rock Passes

Banjo Bill, Halfway and Encinoso are standard Red Rock Pass recreation sites. Current Red Rock Pass prices are $5 for a daily pass, $15 for a weekly pass and $20 for an annual pass, charged per vehicle. America the Beautiful interagency passes are also accepted at these picnic areas.

Pass prices and site requirements can change, so confirm current information before visiting. A recreation pass does not guarantee a parking space when a lot is full.

Picnic Facilities

Facilities vary somewhat between the three sites, but visitors can generally expect picnic tables and basic day-use amenities. Vault toilets are available at developed Oak Creek Canyon recreation sites, but services can be limited and visitors should carry their own drinking water.

These sites are intended for daytime recreation rather than overnight camping. Pack out trash and leave picnic areas clean for the next visitor.

Rules & Safety

These are day-use recreation areas; overnight camping is not permitted.
Follow all posted fire restrictions and Forest Service closure orders.
Bring sufficient drinking water for everyone in your group.
Watch for slippery rocks and uneven footing near Oak Creek.
Check weather conditions before entering Oak Creek Canyon.
Stay alert for flash-flood hazards during monsoon season.
Do not enter areas closed because of wildfire, flooding or rockfall.
Pack out trash and leave picnic sites clean.

Directions From Sedona

From Uptown Sedona, drive north on State Route 89A into Oak Creek Canyon. Banjo Bill, Halfway and Encinoso are located along the canyon corridor approximately five miles or more north of Sedona. Watch for Forest Service signs marking each picnic area and use only designated entrances and parking areas.

State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is narrow and winding, so allow extra travel time during busy weekends, holidays and fall-color season.

More Information

Red Rock Ranger District
Coconino National Forest
8375 State Route 179
Sedona AZ 86341
928-203-7500

Because Oak Creek Canyon recreation areas can close temporarily after wildfire, flooding or severe weather, check current Forest Service alerts before making a special trip.

Visitor Tips

Check current closure status before driving into Oak Creek Canyon.
Arrive early on weekends and holidays because parking areas are small.
Bring drinking water and snacks.
Wear sturdy shoes around the rocky creek corridor.
Bring sun protection even though many areas have tree cover.
Expect cooler temperatures in Oak Creek Canyon than in central Sedona.
Watch weather forecasts carefully during monsoon season.
Do not park along State Route 89A where roadside parking is prohibited.
Pack out everything you bring into the picnic area.

Best Time To Visit Oak Creek Canyon Picnic Areas

Spring through fall are the most popular seasons for picnicking in Oak Creek Canyon. Summer offers cool creekside shade but also brings the largest crowds and monsoon-related flood risk. Fall is especially scenic when canyon vegetation changes color, while cooler winter days can provide a quieter experience.

Regardless of season, check current weather, road conditions and Forest Service alerts before visiting.

Banjo Bill, Halfway & Encinoso Map

Map of Banjo Bill Halfway and Encinoso picnic areas in Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona

More Oak Creek Canyon Recreation

Banjo Bill, Halfway & Encinoso FAQ

Where are Banjo Bill, Halfway and Encinoso picnic areas?

They are Forest Service day-use picnic areas along State Route 89A in Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona, Arizona.

Are Banjo Bill, Halfway and Encinoso currently open?

As of September 14, 2026, all three picnic areas are temporarily closed under a Coconino National Forest Oak Creek closure associated with post-Pocket Fire flood, rockfall and watershed hazards. Check current Forest Service alerts before visiting.

Do I need a Red Rock Pass?

Yes. When the sites are open, Banjo Bill, Halfway and Encinoso are standard Red Rock Pass recreation sites.

How much is a Red Rock Pass?

Current prices are $5 for a daily pass, $15 for a weekly pass and $20 for an annual pass per vehicle. Rates can change, so confirm current pricing before visiting.

Does an America the Beautiful pass work at these picnic areas?

Yes. America the Beautiful interagency passes are accepted at Banjo Bill, Halfway and Encinoso.

Can you camp at these picnic areas?

No. Banjo Bill, Halfway and Encinoso are day-use recreation areas rather than campgrounds.

Are picnic tables available?

Yes. Picnic tables are provided at the developed picnic areas when the sites are open.

Can you access Oak Creek from these picnic areas?

The sites are located along the Oak Creek corridor, but creek access can be restricted during wildfire recovery, flooding or other temporary closures.