Sedona is usually introduced by its cathedrals of sandstone, but there's another side to the story. Oak Creek and its tributaries cut cool corridors through the desert, feed riparian oases, and in the right conditions even form seasonal waterfalls. The mix of water and rock makes for a rare experience in Arizona: shady creekside trails with towering crimson walls overhead. After more than a decade of field visits and research, the hikes below stand out as the best ways to pair creek time with world-class red rock scenery. You'll also find practical notes about shuttles, passes, monsoon safety, and Leave…