Within the Crescent Moon Ranch Day Use Area, Red Rock Crossing is a spectacular Arizona swimming hole with perfect views of Sedona’s Cathedral Rock. Slide on in.
Sedona, Arizona, is outrageously greedy with spectacular views. But Red Rock Crossing combines a perfect view of Sedona’s most celebrated formation – Cathedral Rock – with a refreshing natural pool.
What is Red Rock Crossing?
Red Rock Crossing is a former low water ford across Oak Creek in Sedona, Arizona. It is part of the Crescent Moon Ranch, which was acquired by the Coconino National Forest in 1980. The ford has been washed away by floods several times in the past, and there’s no longer any vehicle crossing.
What there is instead is possibly the most glorious swimming hole in the world.
Oak Creek splits and cascades gently along several red rock shelves, which double up as small slides. Children adore sliding down into the main channel of the creek, which acts as a natural swimming pool.
Trees line the banks, and the views of the looming, 4,967ft-tall Cathedral Rock from the creek are impeccable.
Is it safe to swim at Red Rock Crossing?
It is obviously not entirely safe to swim at Red Rock Crossing. There are some reasonably dramatic drop-offs within the creek, and the current – while by no means vicious – may prove a challenge for weak or novice swimmers.
Moreover, the rocks can be slippery. I went over, cartoon banana skin-style, and whacked my head on the rock shelf while trying to teeter along between mini-waterfalls.
But, for most people, Red Rock Crossing will be more than safe enough. And far too tempting to let safety concerns scare them off getting in the water. It’s soft adventure rather than a big risk.
How much is the Red Rock Crossing entry fee?
Access to Red Rock Crossing costs $12 per private vehicle – the entrance fee for the Crescent Moon Ranch Day Use Area. Go to the end of the car park to be closest to the pool, although spaces fill up pretty quickly on the weekends.
Without the entrance fee, the number of people using Red Rock Crossing would probably get unmanageable.
There are picnic tables, toilets and vending machines within the Crescent Moon Ranch Day Use Area.
How to get to Red Rock Crossing from Sedona
The drive from Sedona to the Crescent Moon Ranch Day Use Area takes about 16 minutes. Turn off AZ89a-W down the Upper Red Rock Loop Road, then branch down Crescent Moon Ranch Road.
What else to do in Sedona
Other ways to discover Sedona’s highlights and quirks include spiritually-inclined vortex tours, nighttime stargazing tours and Jeep tours through the canyons.
What you shouldn’t do is attempt a day tour from Sedona to the Grand Canyon…
More Arizona travel
For more things to do in Arizona, head here.
Other articles about Arizona on Planet Whitley include:
