Crescent Moon Picnic Site

Facility · Arizona ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Area (Scenic Area) · Restricted Access

3,966 ft
Elevation

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.

Getting there

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

  • Red Rock Country Maps: Download Red Rock Country trail maps and find other Sedona recreation resources. See the Sedona Southwest map for this trail.
  • The Digital Travel Map: This full-color, GPS-enabled map is a handy reference to have on your mobile device. The map show trails, recreation sites, major landmarks, and forest roads.
  • Printed Maps: A variety of printed recreation maps for Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon can be purchased in our local offices and visitor centers, or ordered by phone.

 

Click map thumbnail for a larger view.

 

34.82659, -111.80709 · 34°49'35.7"N 111°48'25.5"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 97°F in Jul, down to 58°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F586168758494979489796758
Low °F343640445361686761514133
Precip in2.02.21.90.80.70.21.62.01.71.41.11.5

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.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Crescent Moon Picnic Site

Can you reserve a site at Crescent Moon Picnic Site?
No. Crescent Moon Picnic Site is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Crescent Moon Picnic Site

Comments

Contact

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.