Facility · Arizona ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Area (Scenic Area) · Restricted Access
One of the most photographed scenes in the southwest is towering Cathedral Rock reflected in the waters of Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing. It should come as no surprise, then, that the picnic area located at that same site is as popular as it is beautiful. People come here to fish, swim, and wade in the creek, as well as to picnic and photograph the scenery. At times it can become quite crowded. If you want the world-class beauty of Red Rock Crossing all to yourself (or nearly so) visit early in the morning or on a weekday.
Attractions: Picnicking, waterplay, wildlife watching, photography, and fishing.
Location: 37 miles south of Flagstaff, 7 miles southwest of Sedona. Elevation is 4,000 feet.
GPS (Map): 34°49'35.7"N 111°48'25.5"W
Access: Drive west from Sedona on US 89A. Just outside town, turn south on FR 216 (Upper Red Rock Loop Road). Drive about 1.5 miles and follow the signs to Red Rock Crossing. All roads except the short segment leading from Red Rock Crossing Road to the picnic area are paved.
Maps
Click map thumbnail for a larger view.
34.82659, -111.80709 · 34°49'35.7"N 111°48'25.5"W
Typically 97°F in Jul, down to 58°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 58 | 61 | 68 | 75 | 84 | 94 | 97 | 94 | 89 | 79 | 67 | 58 |
| Low °F | 34 | 36 | 40 | 44 | 53 | 61 | 68 | 67 | 61 | 51 | 41 | 33 |
| Precip in | 2.0 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 1.5 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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