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.
5 great Sedona experiences to book
- 🚙 Get to red rock views others cannot reach on an off-road Jeep tour.
- 🚆 Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad, passing cliff dwellings, desert scenery and wildlife.
- 🌀 Discover the science and spirituality of Sedona’s vortexes on a specialist tour.
- 🚲 See Sedona’s highlights the easy way on an e-bike tour.
- 🌌 Take a Sedona night sky tour and hear the stories of the constellations.
How much is the Red Rock Crossing entry fee?
Access to Red Rock Crossing costs $15 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.
This Red Rock Crossing entrance fee was checked and updated in January 2026.
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.
Things to do near Red Rock Crossing in Sedona
Red Rock Crossing sits in the Coconino National Forest, with some of Sedona’s best known scenery and trails close by. The area is well suited to short drives between viewpoints, walks and natural landmarks.
Cathedral Rock
One of Sedona’s most recognisable formations, Cathedral Rock rises directly above Oak Creek. Several trails lead to viewpoints and climbing routes, and the reflection of the rock in the water is a popular sight near the crossing.
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte
A short drive south, these paired formations are visible from the road and have well marked trails around their bases. They are often combined in a single walk.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Built into the red rock cliffs, this modern chapel is reached by a short drive and offers elevated views across the surrounding landscape.
Airport Mesa Scenic Viewpoint
This elevated lookout provides wide views over Sedona’s red rock formations, particularly at sunset, and is easily reached by road.
Sedona Heritage Museum
Closer to town, this small museum explores Sedona’s early settlers and film history, adding cultural context to the area’s natural scenery.
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:
