Crescent Moon Picnic Area Red Rock Crossing
Iconic Red Rock Crossing views of Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek, perfect for swimming and picnics.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Crescent Moon Picnic Area Red Rock Crossing
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Red Rock Crossing views of Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek, perfect for swimming and picnics.
"A great park to hide from the summer heat with lots of shade and easy access to the creek."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Get there before 9 AM on weekends to snag a spot and a good creek-side location.
👟 Water Shoes are a Must
Protect your feet from rocks and enjoy the creek's natural slides. Essential for a comfortable creek experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cathedral Rock Views
Oak Creek
Iconic views of the majestic Cathedral Rock reflected in the tranquil waters of Oak Creek.
Oak Creek Swimming
Oak Creek
Cool off in the refreshing 75°F waters of Oak Creek, with spots for swimming, fishing, and natural rock slides.
Picnic Paradise
Shaded areas along Oak Creek
Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch under the shade of trees, with easy access to the creek for a refreshing dip.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds and Heat
Essential Gear for Creek Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Get there before 9 AM on weekends to snag a spot and a good creek-side location.
👟 Water Shoes are a Must
Protect your feet from rocks and enjoy the creek's natural slides. Essential for a comfortable creek experience.
🧺 Pack a Picnic & No Glass
Bring your food and drinks, but remember to leave glass bottles at home for safety.
🐶 Dogs Welcome!
Your furry friends can enjoy the trails and water too! Keep them leashed and clean up after them.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Get there before 9 AM on weekends to snag a spot and a good creek-side location.
👟 Water Shoes are a Must
Protect your feet from rocks and enjoy the creek's natural slides. Essential for a comfortable creek experience.
🧺 Pack a Picnic & No Glass
Bring your food and drinks, but remember to leave glass bottles at home for safety.
🐶 Dogs Welcome!
Your furry friends can enjoy the trails and water too! Keep them leashed and clean up after them.
🎣 Fishing Fun
Try your luck at fishing in Oak Creek; some visitors have reported catching decent-sized fish!
📸 Stunning Photo Ops
The views of Cathedral Rock are incredible, especially during golden hour. Perfect for engagement and family photos. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Crescent Moon Picnic Area for its stunning views of Cathedral Rock and refreshing Oak Creek swimming. It's a perfect spot for picnics and family fun, offering a more relaxed experience than some other Sedona attractions. While the $15 fee and potential for crowds are noted, most agree it's well worth the visit for the natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
"What a great park to hide from the summer heat. There is lots of shade and a variety of easy access points to the creek. Just keep walking down the trail, and you will find your perfect spot to sit down, relax, enjoy the water and go for a dip. As any park with access to the water, there is a $15 charge. Bring your swim and picnic gear. Totally worth it!"
Olga Kiseleva
"$15 per car now. Keeps going up. Dogs are allowed!!!! Get there early for a river spot but also to get a parking spot. If not you wait in queue until someone leaves. Worth it. beautiful place. Amazing view of Cathedral Rock. Water is a cool 75°. Bring water shoes and tubes or floats. There is rock “sliding”. Deep and very shallow spots. Nice shade if you plane it right. Bring a picnic. No Glass bottles."
HRO
"Milipedes all over the sandy edges, so if you are not big on entomology make sure to get there early enough for a middle red rock creek spot! Great water movement and some solid fishing spots!! Had a fish big enough it snapped our friends line completely in the attempt to wrangle it! Safe rope swing and jumping spots as well as lazy river action and great sun to covered spots all a long. First time was able to get in before it was full in some years, I highly recommend it as an easy creek stop alternative to slide rock or grasshopper point. Great staffers too"
Mikayla L.R Walker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crescent Moon Picnic Area is located off State Route 89A north of Sedona. Follow the signs for Red Rock Crossing. The drive itself offers scenic views of Oak Creek Canyon.
Currently, there is no direct public transportation to Crescent Moon Picnic Area. Driving is the most common way to access the site.
From Sedona, head north on SR 89A. Turn right onto Red Rock Crossing Road. The picnic area will be at the end of this road.
Yes, the drive along SR 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is incredibly scenic, with numerous pull-offs and vista points.
The area offers easy access points to the creek from the parking lot, with some paved paths. However, navigating the creek bed itself can be uneven.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle. This fee helps maintain the park and its amenities.
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the entrance station. Booking in advance is not usually required, but it's wise to check for any special event closures.
The picnic area is generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's best to confirm current hours before your visit, especially during off-season.
The $15 per vehicle fee covers both entry and parking.
Information on discounts is not widely available. The standard fee applies to most visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim, fish, picnic, hike short trails, and enjoy the stunning views of Cathedral Rock. It's also a popular spot for photography.
Oak Creek has varying depths, with some shallow areas and deeper spots. The water temperature is around 75°F. Always exercise caution and supervise children.
Yes, restrooms are available within the picnic area.
Yes, dogs are allowed in the picnic area and on the trails, provided they are kept on a leash.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, perfect for capturing the reflection of Cathedral Rock. Early mornings are also great for softer light and fewer crowds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within the picnic area itself. It's a picnic-focused spot, so bringing your own food is recommended.
Grilling facilities may be available, but it's best to check park regulations upon arrival. Pack out all your trash.
The town of Sedona, a short drive away, offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores.
Pack sandwiches, snacks, fruits, and plenty of water. Don't forget plates, utensils, and a blanket or tablecloth.
Glass bottles are prohibited for safety reasons.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic spot is along the banks of Oak Creek, offering stunning reflections of Cathedral Rock. The trails also provide beautiful natural backdrops.
Absolutely! The picturesque setting with Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek is a dream for engagement and portrait photography.
Drone usage is often restricted in national forest areas. It's crucial to check current FAA and forest service regulations before flying a drone.
Landscape photography, engagement shoots, maternity sessions, family portraits, and even astrophotography (for Northern Lights) are popular.
While not specific to this picnic area, Sedona has many photography tour operators that can guide you to the best spots, including Red Rock Crossing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't extensive playgrounds, the natural environment offers plenty of exploration. Kids can enjoy 'rock sliding' in the creek, looking for interesting rocks, and simply enjoying the shade and cool water on a hot day. It's a great alternative to more crowded spots like Slide Rock.
🚶♀️ Visitors with Limited Mobility
While the creek bed itself can be uneven with rocks, you can find comfortable spots to sit and enjoy the scenery. Bringing a portable chair might enhance your comfort. The accessibility makes it a great option for experiencing Sedona's natural beauty without the physical demands of hiking.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+2Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and have more freedom to set up your shots. While drone photography is popular, be sure to research and adhere to all current regulations regarding drone usage in national forest areas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Cathedral Rock
For the best photographic opportunities, aim for sunrise or sunset. The soft, warm light during these times enhances the rock's natural colors and creates stunning reflections. Even on cloudy or rainy days, the scene can be dramatically beautiful, offering a unique perspective on this natural wonder.
While the picnic area offers excellent views, some visitors also enjoy short walks along the creek to find different vantage points of Cathedral Rock. The accessibility from the parking lot makes it a great spot for those who may not be able to undertake strenuous hikes but still want to experience Sedona's iconic scenery.
Oak Creek: A Desert Oasis
The creek bed is a mix of sand and rocks, making water shoes highly recommended for comfort and safety. Many visitors bring inflatable tubes or floats to lazily drift along the gentle currents, creating a 'lazy river' experience. There are also natural rock slides that offer a bit of playful fun for those seeking a bit more adventure.
Beyond swimming, Oak Creek is also a popular spot for fishing. Anglers have reported success in catching fish, adding another dimension to the recreational activities available. The shade provided by the trees along the creek banks makes it an ideal place to spend a leisurely afternoon picnicking and enjoying the natural beauty.
Photography Hotspot: Capturing Sedona's Beauty
+2The best times for photography are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset when the light is soft and warm, casting a magical glow on the landscape. The changing seasons also offer unique photographic opportunities, with fall foliage adding vibrant colors to the scene. Even on overcast days, the dramatic skies can create compelling photographic moments.
+1While the main viewpoint is easily accessible, exploring the trails along Oak Creek can reveal hidden gems and alternative perspectives of Cathedral Rock. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment while capturing your shots.
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