Swim, Hike, Picnic, Or Just Relax Surrounded By Arizona Red Rock Beauty At This Scenic Site

When traveling through Arizona, there are plenty of scenic road trips with views you won't soon forget. With so much choice, knowing the best swimming, hiking, and picnicking spots along the way is important. One of the state's most popular scenic regions — and a less touristy alternative to the Grand Canyon – Coconino National Forest is right near Sedona and boasts a bevy of trails and views for everyone from experienced hikers to casual day visitors. Inside Coconino National Forest (just south of Sedona) is Red Rock Crossing, which includes the Crescent Moon Picnic Area. 

When you're ready to pause and relax, the Crescent Moon Picnic Area, nestled in the shadows of towering Cathedral Rock, offers plenty of options for rest and recovery from the warm Arizona sun. You can picnic, lay down, and soak up the scenic views. Of course, there are plenty of recreational activities in the area as well, with options to swim, hike, and plenty of space for the whole family to explore. Overall, the Crescent Moon Picnic Area offers a comfortable respite during your Arizona exploration. 

While visitors to the Crescent Moon Picnic Area can enjoy a splash in Oak Creek or just pause for a snack, there are plenty of opportunities for exploration around the area. For those looking for a rugged, in-the-dirt experience, this area near Sedona is a hiker's paradise, with trails winding in every direction. Cathedral Rock is the biggest stand-out, towering over the Crescent Moon Picnic Area, begging to be explored. You can hike to Cathedral Rock via the Cathedral Rock Trail, which starts a bit away from Crescent Moon. The trail is a moderately challenging 1.2-mile out-and-back trail to the ever-popular destination. 

A bit north of Crescent Moon, the 4.6-mile, easy-to-moderate path to Devil's Bridge features the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona. For a more leisurely pace, there is the Crescent Moon Spiritual Area, where guests can pause for meditation among dozens of rock cairns built previously. With the natural red rock beauty, views are stunning during all seasons of the year, however, visitors have noted that it is particularly beautiful during fall months when the changing foliage bring additional colors to the area.

You can reach the Crescent Moon Picnic Area by vehicle, with the picnic spot just a quick walk from the parking area. Remember that Red Rock Crossing and Crescent Moon Picnic Area are often talked about interchangeably, so keep note of this when doing your research and finding the space. You can find your way by traveling through western Sedona to Upper Red Rock Loop Road and follow the signs. The area can be accessed via entry gate, and there is a nominal fee for guests to enter.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, and picnic provisions, though barbecue grills are provided. Public toilets are also available, along with a group-sized patio. Take a stroll, grab a bite, snooze in the lush grasses, or drop on into the waters of Oak Creek — whatever you choose to do, the Crescent Moon Picnic Area is a beautiful spot to swim, hike, picnic, or just relax surrounded by Arizona red rock beauty.