of Transportation awarded SR 179 its highest designation within the National Scenic Byways Program: the All-American Road designation, due to the red rock and sandstone formations through which it travels along its 7.5-mile (12.1 km) length within the hills of the Coconino National Forest.

SR 179 heads northwest from the interchange briefly before curving towards the north.

It keeps this heading as it passes through the red rock area of the Village of Oak Creek on its way to Sedona, just a few miles north.

As it enters the Sedona city limits, it roughly follows along the east bank of Oak Creek.

It crosses the creek just before reaching its northern terminus at SR 89A.