Grasshopper Point, just two miles north of Sedona, is a large, picturesque swimming hole nestled at the base of Oak Creek Canyon. Rust-hued, iron-rich rocks form the red cliffs and mountains that gave Sedona its reputation for an unimaginably beautiful visual paradise. A popular site for picnicking, photography, swimming, fishing, observing wildlife, and hiking, Grasshopper Point offers respite from the heat of summer in its cool shade. While cliff diving and jumping are both discouraged for safety reasons, visitors can still swim in the refreshing natural pool here and take in the stunning panorama of the Coconino National Forest. This serene, tranquil desert forest locale has three trails of varying intensity by which visitors can go sightseeing: Allen’s Bend, Casner Canyon Trail, and Huckaby Trail.
Allen’s Bend acts as a link between Casner Canyon Trail and Huckaby Trail, with Casner Canyon lying at the north end of Allen’s Bend and Huckaby trail located at the south end. Allen’s Bend is an easy and pleasant one-mile trail named for Charles R. Allen, an avid photographer and former homesteader of what is now the Junipine Cabins.
Casner Canyon is a more difficult trail, in which hikers wade through Oak Creek, traverse through a portion of the floor of Casner Canyon, and take a steep climb to the canyon rim through scenic rock formations. There’s not a lot of shade on this trail, so the climb can be hot and difficult on a sunny day; bring lots of water! You’ll also want to bring your camera to capture images of the scenery, which is truly one of a kind.
Huckaby Trail is another moderately difficult trail and mostly non-shaded trail, descending across Bear Wallow Wash, then ascending over the next half of a mile. The ridge view here has nice views of Oak Creek and Uptown Sedona. One mile into the trail, the path curves around Mitten Ridge, with visibility of Steamboat Rock, Midgley Bridge, and Wilson Mountain. At the two-mile mark, the trail crosses two part of the creek; hikers will need to wade through or hop over boulders, but only if the water isn’t too high. After the creek, the trail climbs up over switchbacks, passing beneath Midgley Bridge and ending at the north parking lot under the bridge. Again, you’ll want to bring an ample supply of water, as the trail is hot and lacks shade.
For a relaxing break between hiking and swimming, you can have a picnic with family and friends at one of the park’s eight tables and grills available. Public restrooms are also available.
There aren’t any drinking fountains on-site, so be sure to bring plenty of water—especially during the summer, which is the busiest season. Grasshopper Point is open year-round, with the best season to visit taking place from spring to fall.
Hours: 8:00am to Dusk Daily
Price Range: $2 – $8
The Fun Doesn’t Stop Here
Most people don’t expect it, but Sedona is booming with natural swimming opportunities all along Oak Creek. If you’ve gotten your fill of Grasshopper Point, consider checking out some of these other popular destinations to cool off during the warmer summer months:
If basking in the hot sun atop a large red rock “beach” sounds like your idea of heaven, you’ve got to check out Midgely Bridge. With a sort of “spring break” atmosphere, a lot of guests love this destination for socializing and soaking up the laid-back vibes. Pro tip: Be sure to pack a cooler with some drinks, sandwiches, chips, and plenty of water.
For breathtaking views, a partial natural water slide, and some calm water to drift on a floaty, you’ll want to check out Red Rock Crossing. Finding a spot to set up for the day along the red rock is usually pretty easy but get there early if you want the breathtaking view of Cathedral Rock to keep you company for the day.
Finally, not to be missed, is Slide Rock State Park. Here you can make your way down the creek in the cool white water as you cascade over the naturally occurring water slide. With plenty of rock ledges to lay out on towels, you might also want to bring an umbrella for shade.
After a Day in the Sun, Wet Your Whistle
What kind of hosts would we be if we didn’t point you towards a refreshing watering hole at the end of a long day in the desert? Sometimes out here in the wild, wild west all you need is a good saloon – or at least the modern-day equivalent to that. Adults may love it for the variety of ales brewed in house such as Snake Charmer IPA or the award-winning Doc’s Pale Ale, but families love it too for the delicious assortment of food offered. The Oak Creek Brewery & Grill has a little bit of everything and after a fun day of playing hard, you’ll swear nothing ever tasted so good.
Sedona Vacation Rentals Place You in the Middle of It All
Breathtaking sights, a cool artistic community, calming and peaceful energy—what isn’t there to love about Sedona? Pamper yourself during your vacation by choosing a luxury vacation rental to have all to yourself, whether you’re looking for a spacious home for a trip with family and friends, or for a cozy condo for a romantic getaway. You’ll love having your own kitchen space to gather together. Spend your mornings drinking coffee and watching the roadrunners scavenger through the towering red rocks or gather together on your private outdoor patio at the end of the day for ghost stories under the stars like the cowboys used to do. Contact our reservation specialists to learn more about what Sedona has to offer when you book one of our premium vacation properties today! Browse through our Sedona villa rentals today.
