In Sedona there are so many extraordinary views it is really hard to choose favorites. I have a special affinity for Cathedral Rock though. It is my favorite red rock formation in Sedona. You can be in awe of Cathedral Rock from several different vantage points. None of them are from a park like Crescent Moon.
Crescent Moon park is special. Even though the park is crowded you can slip away off the main path and find solitude. Oak Creek runs through the park, which is music to a nature lover’s ears. A canopy of trees along the creek offering a reprieve from the sun.
- How to get to Crescent Moon Park?
- Parking at Crescent Moon Park
- What to see and do at Crescent Moon Park
- Best views of Cathedral Rock
How to get to Crescent Moon Park?
Crescent Moon Park is in Sedona off of West 89A and part of the Red Rock Loop.
If traveling from Phoenix to 179 you will go west on 89A at the “Y” intersection. Turn south on Red Rock Loop Road. Follow to Chavez Ranch Road and follow this to Red Rock Crossing Road. The park is just off Red Rock Crossing Road. The Visitor Center and Forest Services offers maps to Sedona’s southwest area.
Parking & Facilities at Crescent Moon Park
Crescent Moon park has a large paved parking area. Despite this, the park is popular and the parking lot will fill up especially on the weekends. There is a cash fee to enter the park or you can use your Red Rock Grand Annual Pass.
The park has wide paved paths to connect the Ramadas and restroom facilities . Dirt paths lead to Oak Creek and Cathedral Rock. Group sites must be reserved ahead of times.
What to See and Do
The park’s natural beauty will bring out the photographer in you. You can have a picnic at the park, wade in the creek, hike to Cathedral rock, swim, fish and view wildlife.
Hike to the Best Views of Cathedral Rock at Crescent Moon Park in Sedona
Crescent Moon park has one main trail. You can go straight to the creek’s edge and follow it. Another option is to take the path towards the historic water mill. Follow this path into the woods towards the creek.
Crescent Moon Park is such a fun place to explore. It offers so many secret spots to escape from the crowds.
If you keep following the path you’ll reach a large flat rocky area. Just ahead of you are amazing views of Cathedral Rock. This view is unobstructed in the fall and winter. In the summer the trees have more leaves and the view can be blocked somewhat. In the summer this is a great area to cool off in.
The Red Rock Crossing Trail and the Baldwin Trail are just on the other side of the creek.