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 September 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
Cathedral Rock – The obvious companion to Red Rock Crossing, with the distinctive formation rising directly above Oak Creek and particularly good views from the water at the crossing.
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte – These two prominent formations are a short drive south and have trails around their bases, making them easy to combine with Red Rock Crossing in the same day.
Chapel of the Holy Cross – Built into the red rocks south of Sedona, this distinctive chapel is a straightforward drive from Red Rock Crossing and provides elevated views across the surrounding landscape.
Airport Scenic Overlook – This roadside viewpoint on Airport Road offers wide views over Sedona’s red-rock formations and is particularly easy to add if you are driving between the town and other attractions.
Sedona Heritage Museum – In west Sedona, this small museum covers the town’s early settlement and film history, providing an indoor option if you want a break from hiking and outdoor activities.
Alternative attractions
Devil’s Bridge – This natural sandstone arch is reached by a hiking trail through the Coconino National Forest and provides another chance to explore Sedona’s distinctive red-rock landscape.
Schnebly Hill Vista Overlook – The elevated viewpoint looks across the red-rock country east of Sedona and provides a very different perspective from the views around Oak Creek.
Red Rock State Park – This nature preserve south-west of Sedona has trails along Oak Creek, a visitor centre and quieter desert scenery, making it a good alternative for a less strenuous outdoor visit.
Montezuma Castle National Monument – Around 40 minutes south of Sedona, this remarkably preserved cliff dwelling provides a different type of natural and cultural attraction, with trails and interpretation explaining the Sinagua people who lived here.
Tuzigoot National Monument – Near Clarkdale in the Verde Valley, this hilltop pueblo ruin has short walking trails and views across the surrounding valley, making it a useful addition to a wider Sedona road trip.
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:
