Crescent Moon Ranch — Attraction in Four Corners States

We originally planned to hike Cathedral Rock directly, but the parking lot was full. Instead, we went through Crescent Moon Ranch Park — and it turned out to be a great option!

Entry Fee: $15 per car (up to 4 people)

Parking: Plentiful spots available

After some trial and error, we figured out a solid route. Here’s our recommended path so you can skip the guesswork:

Step-by-Step Directions Start by heading west: Park your car and walk along the treeline and sidewalk, keeping the creek to your right.

Follow the creekside path: When the sidewalk ends, you’ll naturally drop down onto a dirt path. Stay in the shade and enjoy the creek views as you continue west.

Walk across the red rock flats: Eventually, you’ll hit an open, flat area of red rock. Keep going west across it — the trail will pick back up on the other side.

Look for the creek crossing: Keep an eye out for a spot where you can see hikers and trails on the opposite bank.

You may find a log or branch bridge (see photo) to cross without getting wet.

Otherwise, remove your shoes and wade across — the water may reach above your knees.

Trail resumes on the south bank: Once across, continue heading west. The trail climbs gently and begins to switchback up a plateau.

Stay on the trail westward: The path will eventually lead you all the way to Cathedral Rock.

What to Expect Distance: Roughly 2 miles to reach Cathedral Rock base

Challenge: This route can be a bit tiring, so you may not have energy for a full climb up Cathedral Rock — but a partial climb is very doable depending on your...

Located in West Sedona in the Coconino National Forest, it is a beautiful day use only park and swimming area under the shadow of Cathedral Rock. Absolutely a great place for adults and kids. It is dog-friendly and, in my opinion, the best dog park in the region. It has so much to offer in a compact area. In the summer, there is Buddha Beach, a popular swimming area for both humans and dogs. There are short hiking trails, 14 picnic areas with BBQ grills, a lovely walk along Oak Creek, lots of photo opportunities of Cathedral Rock, and Red Rock Crossing. There is also one of the famous Sedona mystical vortexes located in the park along one of the hiking trails. Formerly a private ranch that once supplied fruits and vegetables to the mining camps in surrounding areas, you can still see the old water wheel and other old buildings, such as the canning shed and animal barns on the property. In the fall and winter, a great place for walking and fantastic photos. In the warmer months, plan to spend the day picnicking, swimming, and enjoying nature. It's my favorite park...

This is a beautiful, clean park with many places to walk/ hike inside the park as well as hiking trails to the Vortex, Buddha Beach, and Red Rock Crossing. There is also a nice hike to Cathedral Rock. However, most people come for the creek! There are great places to swim, wade, fish, or just hang out. They are open from 7am-7pm (MST) 7 days per week (summer hours). Beginning Sept 22, 2025 they will close at 6:30pm. The price is $15/vehicle for up to 5 people, then $4 for each additional person. Walk-ins are $4/person. They are the busiest on the weekends when they run out of parking spaces very early in the morning. They are a concession operated facility, so the America The Beautiful annual pass is not accepted here. The only passes accepted are the green Grand Annual Red Rock Pass (which will be phased out the end of 2025), The Big Three weekly pass, and the Coconino annual pass. The bathrooms are nice and clean. It seems like they really try to keep the...