Crescent Moon Creek Walk

Red Rock Crossing comes alive in the fall, when leaves’ changing colors add to the classic views of Cathedral Rock

You’d be hard-pressed to find a Sedona resident or visitor who hasn’t been to Crescent Moon Ranch, a.k.a. Red Rock Crossing, easily one of the most photographed spots in Arizona. But don’t take it for granted; it’s especially nice in the fall, when warm days and cool nights equal a dazzling array of colorful leaves. While West Fork Trail may have the rep as the best local spot for fall foliage, we’d call the short and easy trail through Crescent Moon Ranch a close second.

The pathway begins as a concrete sidewalk near the fee booth at the ranch. We chose to drive to the end of the parking lot to begin our walk at the grassy meadow – an old waterwheel and shed remain from the days when the area was an apple, apricot, plum, grape, and peach orchard in the early 1930s. Cathedral Rock dominates this area, but some of our favorite views are found further along the trail. Shortly after the meadow, the concrete path turns into a flat dirt trail, meandering along the banks of Oak Creek. During the fall months, particularly mid-October through early November, the large oak and maple trees that tower overhead, completely blocking out the sky, are various shades of yellow and gold with a few touches of red (we found one brilliant red sumac during our hike). Side trails lead down to the creek; the number of swimmers here dwindles by the fall, when the water is already pretty cold.

The trail opens up and crosses an undulating red rock shelf right along the creek – site of our favorite views of Cathedral Rock. Look for the spire in between the two main domes of Cathedral Rock – it’s commonly referred to as “the family” because it reminds people of a man and woman standing back-to-back with a child at their side. This is a favorite spot for lounging, picnics, and dipping toes into the creek. During our visit, the trees were in full color, making this photogenic area all the more stunning. If you are visiting with the hopes of snapping a few postcard-worthy shots, visit during the late afternoon for the best light.

The trail continues east – Cathedral Rock drifts out of sight – and basically ends after a half a mile at Buddha Beach, a red sand beach notable for its hundreds of stacked rocks. •

DIRECTIONS: South on Hwy 89A and left on Upper Red Rock Loop Rd. Follow the road for six miles and turn left at the sign for Crescent Moon Ranch. Make a left into the parking lot. There is a $7 fee to park. Red Rock Passes, with the exception of the Grand Annual and weekly passes, are not valid.

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