Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon)
Sedona, AZ
A classic view of Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek, with shaded picnic lawns. The Crescent Moon picnic site charges a day-use fee; arrive early on weekends.
Red Rock Crossing, also known as Crescent Moon Picnic Area, is a creekside spot on Oak Creek southwest of Sedona, Arizona, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) from downtown. It lies on the north bank and is known for the classic view of Cathedral Rock reflected in the water.
Facilities include a parking lot, picnic tables, toilets, drinking water, a large lawn and a paved path to the creek that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. The unpaved Buddha Beach Trail follows the creek for about 2 miles (3 kilometers) with no amenities. A flood destroyed the bridge in 1978; the low-water ford is described as relatively easy to cross.
Getting there: turn onto Red Rock Crossing Road from State Route 89A and follow the signs for about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers). There is no public transportation, and the parking lot fills quickly, especially on weekends. A per-vehicle fee applies, cash or check only according to Lonely Planet; check prices and opening hours in advance.
- Nearest town
- Sedona, AZ
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 34.8290, -111.8070
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camp AvalonCampsite1 mi from Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon)TentsShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Angel Valley Dispersed Camping AreaCampsite5 mi from Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon)TentsCaravans
- Javalina Dispersed Camping AreaCampsite5 mi from Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon)TentsCaravans
- Surprise Dispersed Camping AreaCampsite6 mi from Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon)TentsCaravans
- Fort Tuthill County CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon)TentsCaravansToilets
- Lakeview CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon)TentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon)?
Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon) is in Sedona, AZ, at GPS 34.8290, -111.8070. It is about 13 mi from Cottonwood.
Can you camp near Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon)?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camp Avalon, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 56 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon)?
Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon) is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon: Phoenix to Flagstaff.
What is there to see near Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon)?
Places worth a stop nearby: Chapel of the Holy Cross (2 mi), Slide Rock State Park (9 mi), Oak Creek Canyon Vista (12 mi) and Montezuma Well (13 mi).
When is the best time to visit Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon)?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)