Red Rock Crossing Swimming Hole

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Description

Heading to Sedona and looking for a nice swimming hole besides the overcrowded Slide Rock State Park? Don't get me wrong, there can be a lot of people here, but not Slide Rock busy. When I was there, the once the parking area was full, that was it, no other cars could enter until another car left. I hope that is how it works all the time.

The location is pretty much perfect, you have a fantastic view of Cathedral Rock off in the distance. The water temperature is a bit warmer than Slide Rock. Crescent Moon Ranch is downstream 10 miles or so from Slide Rock which gives the water a chance to warm up. The park is just a couple miles west from the center of town.

There are a couple of swimming holes at the ranch but the main one is a tenth of a mile or so east of the last parking area. When you find a parking spot, check out one of the maps near the restrooms to get your bearings. To the west is the smaller more shallow hole which is good for small children. The hole to the east of the parking area is the fun one. Just walk east until you see a trail heading off into the trees. Follow that and it will take you right to the swimming hole. Find a spot and think about where the shade will be when you get there. A beach area is on the far side of the pool which is on the downstream end of things. The pool is only a couple feet deep here and is easily crossed while you are lugging your gear. Snag a spot and enjoy the hole. Across from the beach area is a long raised rock formation. The closer you get to that, the deeper the pool, eventually reaching 7 to 8 feet deep.

Above the rock formation, it is very slick as a thin layer of moss is covering the rock, so be careful walking there. We saw more than a few people wipe out while we were there. That area also makes for a slide that the kids can cruise down if they lay down and let the creek water push them down to the pool.

Water clarity is average, Compared to Fossil Creek, which is crystal clear. You can see maybe 4 to 5 feet into the water, but that is it.

Near the parking area, there are several picnic areas complete with concrete picnic tables and all are shaded at some point during the day. There is also a reservable cabin and group area with a covered patio and several tables in a group. You can make reservations here.

Getting There

From the Intersection of 89A and HWY179 (at the Point Hyatt) head west toward Cottonwood for 4.2 miles to Upper Red Rock Loop Road and turn left. Drive 1.75 miles to Chavez Crossing Road and turn left onto Red Rocks Crossing Road ont he right. Take Red Rocks Crossing Road to the entrance of the park.