Edge of the World, Flagstaff: The Jenga Rocks near Sedona
The “Edge of the World” (also known as “East Pocket”) is one of the best camping sites in Arizona.
Situated in a rural area between Sedona and Flagstaff, the stunning views and the climbable “Jenga Rocks,” known as “The Knob,” are well worth the bumpy ride to get there!
Key Info on Visiting the “Edge of the World” in Arizona
- Great day trip from Sedona or Flagstaff.
- Amazing camping site most of the year.
- You may need a 4×4 to get up the Forest Service roads.
- No permits or reservations are needed.
- Crowds are growing, as “Edge of the World” gains popularity.
“Edge of the World,” “East Pocket,” and “The Knob”
While people use these terms interchangeably, these are the differences (as I see them)
The Edge of the World (near Flagstaff)
The “Edge of the World” (or “End of the World”) refers to the entire rocky cliff area in the Arizona wilderness between Sedona and Flagstaff. The terrain changes dramatically, and from above, you can stand and gaze out over the sheer drop-off. It feels like you’re standing on the edge of the world, with Sedona far off in the distance to the south.
East Pocket, Arizona
“East Pocket” is more of the old-school Forest Service name for the larger area. You can hike to an old wildfire lookout tower nearby, called the East Pocket Tower.
The Knob
“The Knob” refers to the famous “Jenga Rock” formation, which is off-set from the cliff. From different angles, “The Knob” looks like it’s made of pieces of a rock puzzle, which seem to be impossibly balanced on each other.
It’s spectacular, whichever nickname you choose to identify this amazing part of Arizona!
How to Get to the “Edge of the World” in Arizona
You can use Sedona or Flagstaff, Arizona, as a base for this adventure in the Coconino National Forest.
Here are the GPS coordinates to plug in from the cliff: 34.9810054,-111.8274150
Only recently, “Edge of the World” appeared as a location pinpoint on Google Maps. It should pop up right near my coordinates above.
You can also plug “East Pocket Arizona” into Google Maps … BUT… it’ll lead you down a bit farther beyond the spot where you want to be, near “The Knob.”
A Warning: In general, Google Maps’ road numbers *do not* match the Forest Service signs in this remote part of Arizona.
Directions to the “Edge of the World” from Sedona
From Sedona, the “Edge of the World” is at least an hour-long drive in good conditions. In reality, it’ll likely take you closer to 90 minutes to get from Sedona to “The Knob.”
From Highway 89A, north of Sedona, look for Forest Road 535. Take a left on 535, heading west into the mountains. You’ll find the marked turnoff for 535 about 17 miles north of Sedona. It’s up beyond the famous Slide Rock area and the switchbacks on 89A.
From the turnoff, you’ll spend 19 miles on a windy, dirt road (535). You’ll be able to speed up to 30 mph at times, but you’ll turn on sharp switchbacks and navigate around ruts and rocks, so it’s really a slow-go.
Again, we did see several smaller cars and a few big campers along the way. I couldn’t help but wonder HOW they made it up there around the curves and over the ruts and rocks. They must be far more patient drivers than me! Most of them stopped and pulled off long before reaching the “Edge of the World.”
The drive along the US Forest Service Road isn’t overly scenic at first, but you’ll go up into the Arizona pine forests on the dirt roads. Some stretches are really nicely graded and maintained.
The end of the drive, as you near the “Edge of the World” is the only confusing part. There are no signs for “The Knob” or anything, so you’ll have to look for the numbered road signs.
Look for Forest Service Road # 9012R.
Take a right down the road, across ruts and through the trees to the cliff, where you’ll see “The Knob.”
Directions to the “Edge of the World” from Flagstaff:
From Flagstaff, the “Edge of the World” is about an hour and 45 minutes in good conditions. It could take even longer to get from Flagstaff to “The Knob” if the roads are rough or you end up behind a slower driver.
From Highway 89A in Flagstaff, head south for about 20 minutes, looking for US Forest Service Road 535. Take a right on 535, heading west into the mountains.
You’ll find the marked turnoff for 535 about 12 miles south of Flagstaff.
From the turnoff, it’s the same as the directions people coming up from Sedona will follow. You’ll spend 19 miles on a windy, dirt road (535). On the smoother, straight-away spots, you might be able to speed up to 30 mph. For the most part, it’s really a slow-go to “The Knob.”
The only confusing spot comes as you near the “Edge of the World.” You won’t see any signs for “The Knob,” so look for Forest Service Road 9012R.
Take a right down the road, and eventually the trees will clear to reveal “The Knob.”
Screen Grab Directions to “The Knob” from Sedona, AZ:
- Highway 89A North for 17 miles
- Left on Forest Road 535
- Stay on 535 for 19 miles
- Right on Forest Service Road 9012R
Screen Grab Directions to “The Knob” from Flagstaff, AZ:
- South on Highway 89A – 12 miles
- Right on Forest Service Road 535
- 19 miles on 535
- Right on Forest Service Road 9012R
Warnings about the Edge of the World
This is key information to keep in mind, if you’re making the trip to the Edge of the World from Sedona or Flagstaff:
- Cell service dies a few miles up the road (535), so make sure your map is open and loaded so you can follow the blue GPS dot.
- Google Maps’ road numbers don’t match the Forest Service signs on the road, so follow the blue dot on GPS and the instructions above.
- Check the weather! You’ll have snow here in the winter months, and the ruts in the road can become impassable after a heavy rain. Plus, rangers might impose restrictions during fire season.
- You *do regain some cell reception right from the “Edge of the World” viewpoint. I’d prioritize reloading your map if you get a signal around “The Knob,” but you should be able to call and text at that point, too.
You Need a 4×4 to get to the “Edge of the World”
In general, my advice is to take a 4×4 truck or SUV to get to the “Edge of the World” in Arizona. You’ll be on bumpy, muddy US Forest Service roads for miles.
You might be fine in a car during the dry early summer months, but once monsoon season arrives in Arizona, you should definitely take a higher-profile vehicle to “The Knob.”
We rented a truck, and were glad we did. You’ll be driving over big rocks heading toward the “Edge of the World.” Plus, while it hadn’t rained in a few days in the mountains between Sedona and Flagstaff, the roads were still very muddy.
I do want to mention: I saw a number of large campers along the way, and wondered how on Earth they made it to their spots! The drivers must have been crawling carefully up the roads. I’d rather be in a 4×4 cruising along, to get to the “Edge of the World” overlooking Sedona faster!
This photo shows the best part of the drive: a smooth straight-away… which didn’t last too long:
Camping at the “Edge of the World”
You do not need a permit to camp overnight along the “Edge of the World.” If you decide to hike on one of the surrounding trails in the Sedona area, it may require a daily use fee, which you can find here on recreation.gov.
Facilities at the “Edge of the World”
This is not an established campground, so you won’t find any facilities at the “Edge of the World.” The Coconino National Forest asks all visitors to “leave no trace,” and that includes removing human waste if you camp.
Can you Build Campfires in the Coconino National Forest?
Arizona’s fire season begins in the spring, and lasts until monsoon moisture comes up from the south.
More recently fires in the Coconino National Forest between Sedona and Flagstaff have been known to ignite even during and after the monsoon. It’s a good idea to check the Coconino National Forest Service website for up-to-date fire restrictions in the area.
Here are some other campfire guidelines at the “Edge of the World”:
- You can gather dead firewood from around the campsite.
- You cannot cut standing trees or their limbs.
- The USFS would prefer you to use a small stove for cooking.
- Rangers prefer lanterns to be used for light at night.
- Anyone building a fire should use fire rings.
- Keep 6 gallons of water and a shovel nearby.
- All wood should be burned to ash.
Exploring the “Jenga Rocks” …AKA… “The Knob”
To get to the “Jenga Rocks,” you’ll take an easy-to-find path and walk out across a rock ledge.
You can continue out to the formation itself, but it involves jumping across a three-to-four-foot wide gap in the rocks. It’ll require a leap which is fairly intimidating since there’s literally nothing below!
Climbing “The Knob”
You definitely can climb “The Knob,” if you choose. Sometimes you’ll find a rope or chain someone has attached to the top to help hoist you up.
I’ve seen photos of people doing yoga poses on top of “The Knob,” and even a bride in a wedding dress at the top of the “Jenga Rocks.” I also know how easy it is to edit a photo to make it *appear* like you’ve climbed to the top.
Full disclosure: I most certainly did *not* climb to the top of the “Jenga Rocks!” There was no rope attached on our visit, but even if there was, I wouldn’t have done it.
The leap across the crevasse from the cliff to “The Knob” was daring enough for me! You can see the four-foot wide span you jump here:
FAQs About the “Edge of the World” Near Flagstaff
Let’s tackle a few more of the “Frequently Asked Questions” about visiting “The Knob.”
Are Dogs Allowed?
Yes, dogs are allowed in the Coconino National Forest!
Can You Fly a Drone at The “Edge of the World?”
You can fly a drone over the “Edge of the World,” but try not to disturb the peace. If others are up there, maybe have a chat with them about your flight plans. I was hesitant to launch our drone over “The Knob,” while a few other people were exploring the cliff and the rocks. Once another group started playing loud music, we felt comfortable launching our buzzing drone for a while.
We pulled off a few great shots just before sunset. This is looking back at the knob and the rocky cliffs. You’d camp along the treeline:
Is the “Edge of the World” Crowded?
“The Knob” has definitely grown in popularity over the last few years. The “Jenga Rocks” have become an Insta-famous destination for people from all over the world.
On a Saturday during the fall, we were there with a few other people (and two dogs).
Two were from Flagstaff, two from Peoria (Arizona), and one guy was from Colombia!
Even with a larger crowd, there’s plenty of space to spread out along the rim to enjoy the amazing view.
Do you have Advice for Photographers Shooting “The Knob?”
The view from the “Edge of the World” looks south, down toward Sedona. As the sun sets in the west, it casts shadows over the valley and lights the green trees and red rocks in the distance nicely. Sunset (or sunrise) is probably the best time for photographers.
After dark, from the cliff you’ll be able to see the lights glowing from Sedona way off in the distance.
What Hiking Trails are Around the “Edge of the World?”
The Coconino National Forest has a list of options in this area, which they call the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness. It extends from “The Knob” down toward Sedona, and includes many of the most popular trails in Arizona, like the Devil’s Bridge Trail. It’s a great list of ideas, but I don’t think the Red Rocks can be considered a “secret” anymore.
Where to Stay in Sedona
You certainly don’t have to spend the night on the “Edge of the World.” It’s a great day trip from either Sedona or Flagstaff.
You can use this interactive. map to check out what’s available during the dates you’re considering:
Sedona has become outrageously busy with tourists. I’ve witnessed unbelievable growth in the size of the crowds over the last 10 years. It’s best to go in the off-season, and avoid spring break time in March!
It’s not surprising, given how stunningly gorgeous Sedona is!
Here are a few spots I’d suggest staying in:
Luxury: L’Auberge or Enchantment
I’m not sure which is more famous or renowned in Sedona, L’Auberge or Enchantment. I’ve been to both, but only for work functions. If you’re looking for a luxury stay (rather than a night camping on the cliff) these two are your best bets:
Great Deal/Great Views: Orchards Inn & Sedona Real Inn
These two options are solid, and usually available in the low-to-mid $200/night range. Plus, the Real Inn & Suites offers free breakfast!
📍Book Sedona Real Inn & Suites
Pet-Friendly: Arabella Hotel
I’ve often stayed at the Arabella, which is one of the first hotels you’ll come across on your drive into the main part of Sedona. They allow pets (which is what drew me there) and feature a big pool and views of the Red Rocks.
Budget: Los Abrigados
The term “budget” in Sedona is relative these days. Los Abrigados is efficient and right in the center of Sedona.
Other Amazing Arizona Camping Sites
As impressive as “The Knob” is, I’d suggest a couple other Arizona destinations for day trips or overnights.
Havasupai Falls
Granted, the permit system is a challenge. But a visit to Havasu Falls, Beaver Falls, Mooney Falls, the Confluence in the Grand Canyon, and the other stunning sites which make up Havasupai Falls is unlike any camping trip I’ve ever been on!
There’s criticism about it becoming overly-commercialized, and criticism about the permit price increase (now $455), but you’ll walk away with a lifetime of memories!
White Pocket
I go back-and-forth on this, and it’s hard to choose a “favorite,” but I truly have never seen anything like White Pocket.
It’s way up in Northern Arizona. You’d use the city of Page as a base. This one takes quite a bit more planning, and 4×4 is required. It’s worth the hassle and the bumpy ride to get there!
🌎 Jared’s Detours Blog: White Pocket, Arizona
Alstrom Point
This one isn’t technically in Arizona, but again: You’d use Page, Arizona, as a base. It’s another cliff-side camping experience, overlooking Lake Powell.
Wrap: Is a Drive to the “Edge of the World” Worth It?
I’ve seen a lot of visitors gripe about the growing popularity of the Edge of the World. It was once a hidden gem, which is now world-famous thanks to social media.
The Sedona area in general is overly-saturated with crowds of tourists much of the year. It just makes sense that they’re spreading into the surrounding areas.
You might arrive and find a crowd along the cliff, camping during the summer. But the area is vast enough that you’ll always find room to setup camp yourself.
Plus, the same advice applies here as it does to the other famous sites in Arizona: the off-season is the time to go, if you’re looking for peace and quiet. Plus midweek you’ll find far fewer people exploring this truly unique rock formation between Sedona and Flagstaff.
Personally, I still think the “Edge of the World” is worth the drive! It’s a bit tricky to navigate the dirt roads, but the payoff is an unforgettable view!
