Pets allowed
Allowed
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
No
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

It’s no surprise that Crescent Moon Ranch Day Use Park is busy year round. Some of the most beautiful views of Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek can be seen here. The area is easy to access and is close to downtown Sedona, making it an ideal stop between adventures. Many visit the area with their families to take pictures, picnic, and wade in the creek. Photographers frequent the area to capture the beauty of the flowing water and Red Rocks in the distance.

The day use area also has an easy, 1.5-mile round-trip dirt trail that takes you along Oak Creek to Buddha Beach, where many go for the scenic views and to mediate.  

Early morning and weekdays are ideal to enjoy the breathtaking beauty without large crowds and to see the most wildlife. Parking is limited, so many park along the road and enter by foot when the parking lot is full ($2 per person).

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

General Day Use Fee

Pros

Beautiful views. Easy to access. Access to creek. Fun for families.

Cons

Crowded. Limited parking.

Features

ADA accessible
Historically significant
Flushing toilets
Picnic tables
Fishing
Bird watching
Wildlife

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

04/19/2017
We tried to visit Crescent Moon Ranch one Sunday and it was so crowded the wait was an hour for a parking space! Went back on Wednesday and it was much better. What a nice spot for swimming and catching the beautiful views.
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