Sedona, Arizona is a destination that is brimming over with natural beauty. From desert plants to vast horizons and the towering rock formations that vibrantly dot the landscape, it’s nearly impossible to look anywhere without finding something mother nature has provided that’s worth admiring. Out of all of these breathtaking features, Cathedral Rock often stands out vividly as a sight that must be witnessed. This captivating formation has made a name for itself due to its sheer magnitude and towering heights. When it comes to finding the ideal place to settle in for the best views of this natural wonder, there’s no place quite like the Crescent Moon Picnic Site in Sedona.
A Day to Play and Admire the View
The Crescent Moon Sedona Picnic Site is located at Red Rock Crossing in Oak Creek nearly seven miles southwest of the city center. Sitting at an elevation of 4,000 feet, the Crescent Moon Picnic Site is perfectly situated to frame picturesque Cathedral Rock. This destination’s scenic gift is not unknown to visitors or locals which means the picnic site is generally very crowded on weekends but if you make your way during a weekday or early morning, the beauty of beholding Cathedral Rock is yours for the taking.
Beyond the beautiful view, many families make their way to the Crescent Moon Picnic Site in Sedona to enjoy a day of eating, lounging and laughing under the sun. The area comes complete with picnic tables and shelters that can be reserved for group events in advance. Many visitors enjoy taking time to fish the nearby creek while those looking for a more immersive experience are free to wade or jump in the water too! It comes as no surprise that the Crescent Moon Picnic Site is highly popular with photographers who take the opportunity to capture the beauty of Cathedral Rock from the grassy lawns this area offers up. Fully functional restrooms, as well as water fountains, are on-hand, making this a convenient, captivating and family-fun destination during your visit to Sedona.
Keep the Fun Going
Once you’ve experienced the beauty and fun of Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing, we have no doubt you’ll be eager to experience everything the creek has to offer. Another state park you won’t want to miss out on is Slide Rock. Picture wide red rocks that line the creek, perfect for lounging aside the natural water slide within the caverns of the red rock. Fun for all ages, you can make a day of it, jumping into the cool white waters to escape the Arizona sun while alternately soaking up the rays with a cooler providing crisp beverages and lunch. Grasshopper Point is another fun destination, providing spots along the water that offer more shade in addition to deep swimming holes that are perfect for jumping off the red cliffs. Finally, though more of a hiking trail than it is a swimming spot, is the West Fork Trail. On it, you’ll cross the creek in 13 different spots, so be sure to bring your water shoes if you don’t plan on perfecting the game of leapfrog across the river rock banks. This is a well-maintained trail for 3 miles in, at which point we recommend you turn around to head back to the car and pick a place to eat.
Fuel the Adventures
With so many fun destinations to mark off the bucket list, we’d be doing you a huge disservice by not pointing out the best places to refuel your bodies so you can get back outside and do it all again. As you can imagine, picnics are a big hit in Sedona. With plenty of grocery options including Whole Foods and their epic salad bar, we recommend stocking up on your favorite staples and sandwich supplies so you can store everything at your vacation rental (which, when you book with Sedona.Org, you can count on a full kitchen being at your disposal). When the cooler runs out, rest assured that Sedona is a culinary delight, offering food options that are sure to please visitors from all over the world.
With so much energy going into outdoor recreation, you’ll need carbs. The only question now becomes: do you want to eat your carbs or drink them? If you’re looking to wet your whistle, we suggest you head to Oak Creek Brewery & Grill. You’ll love their handcrafted brews and varied menu. If you’d like to eat your carbs, of course we’ll recommend our favorite Italian restaurant. With amazing reviews not only for their food but for their views as well, you’ve got to try Hideaway House, where you can get all the traditional Italian favorites you crave – like pasta, pizza, and appetizers to die for.
Play and Stay in Sunny Sedona
When you’ve spent a day picnicking and admiring the view at Crescent Moon Sedona Picnic Site, return to one of the Sedona holiday rentals that feels like a luxurious retreat when you book a property with Sedona.org. Our team is dedicated to making sure every guest experience is customized to their personal style. Let us know what you’re looking for and when you’ll be in town so we can help you make the most of your getaway. Contact us today to start planning! Browse our West Sedona vacation rentals now.
