Grasshopper Point Sedona: Is It Worth Visiting?

Shaded trails, a gentle rush of water, red sandstone cliffs and a nice swimming hole to cool off in the summer. Grasshopper Point is a beautiful spot in Oak Creek Canyon and worth visiting.

While Slide Rock is beautiful, Grasshopper Point feels more secluded. The path to Slide Rock is more open and the rocks are flat near the water. Grasshopper Point is more shaded, but the shore has large rocks with no flat surfaces to put your stuff.

Slide Rock is the place to go for a natural water slide. Grasshopper Point has cliffs with varying heights which many visitors use to jump into a cool natural pool of water.

Grasshopper Point Sedona

If you’re looking for a refreshing spot to cool off on a hot Arizona day, Grasshopper Point and Picnic Area in Sedona should definitely be on your radar. Tucked beneath the red rock cliffs just off the scenic stretch of 89A towards Flagstaff, this hidden gem offers a shady place to swim, picnic, and enjoy the beauty of Oak Creek.

Plan to stay at least 2-4 hours to enjoy Oak Creek and if warm enough to go swimming. If you plan on swimming the best months to visit our June through August. Otherwise the Oak Creek area is beautiful to explore year round.

Grasshopper Point Swimming Hole

Grasshopper Point is the second most popular swimming hole in Sedona. Like Slide Rock, Grasshopper Point gets busy in the summer. When I’ve visited in the summer I am usually getting one of the last parking spots or there is a line waiting for a space to open up.

There are a limited number of parking spaces, and once the lot fills up, the gate closes until someone leaves. Plan to arrive early, or bring a little patience in case you need to wait your turn.

When we visited in the spring there are way less people here. It’s a great area to hike, but the water in April is too cold to swim. Once you find a parking spot, follow the path to the picnic area.

Grasshopper Point Picnic Area

There’s a small picnic area just a short walk from the parking lot, with tables shaded by trees perfect for a trail lunch or some downtime before or after your swim. From the picnic area there are two trails- Creek Access to your right and Allen’s Bend to your left.

This trail quickly transitions to rocky terrain, so wear good shoes. It’s only a few minutes from car to creek.

How to Find Grasshopper Point Swimming Hole

From the picnic area take the trail to the right. There is a wooden sign that says “Creek Access.” Follow the trail down the hill, to your left you’ll see a rocky area.

There are no other signs, however you will cross the big stone area to get to the creek. You’ll want to wear some good shoes, so you don’t twist your ankle. I find it easiest to walk across the rocky area until I see the creek. You should reach the creek in a couple minutes.

To get to the swimming hole continue walking upstream for about five minutes. You will come to a larger swimming area and see the red rock carved ledges. There are lots of pretty spots along Oak Creek to wade and explore, on the way there.

At the base of the trail, Oak Creek spreads out into a deep swimming hole framed by layered red cliffs and shaded by cottonwoods and sycamores. The water is shallow near the shore and then gradually drops off.

The cool, clear water offers a natural escape from the Arizona heat and it stays surprisingly cold, even in July.

Grasshopper Point Sedona is loved for it’s classic Arizona swimming hole vibes. Some brave folks even climb the cliffs and leap into the water from the rocks above. While it might look fun use your best judgment. The rocks can be slippery and water levels vary, so be safe, not sorry.

The shoreline here is more rocky than sandy, so swim shoes can make your visit more comfortable. Bring a towel, pack a lunch, and settle in for a laid-back afternoon by the creek.

Allen’s Bend Hiking Trail

If you’re up for a short hike, there is a scenic trail that starts right from Grasshopper Point Picnic area.

Allen’s Bend Trail is a chill, shady trail that runs high above the creek and connects to Huckaby Trail. If you veer off to the right you can get some good views of the creek from above.

Allen’s Bend Trail also connects to Casner Canyon Trail which is a bit steeper and more rugged, this one climbs up through the canyon for lovely views of the surrounding cliffs.

How to Get to Grasshopper Point Sedona AZ

Grasshopper Point is about 3 miles north of uptown Sedona off of 89A, about a mile north of Midgely Bridge and just 5 miles south of Slide Rock State Park.

 Drive through uptown Sedona North 89A. Soon after you cross over Midgley Bridge you will see a parks and recreation hut to the right and a road that leads down to the creek.

 Turn right at the sign that says “Grasshopper Point.” If you are traveling from the other direction, you cannot turn left into the park.

Below is a map of the “Y” intersection in Sedona by uptown as the starting point and Grasshopper Point as the ending point.

For the latest information or any closures, visit the official USDA Forest Service site.

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Grasshopper Point FAQs

Q: Can you swim at Grasshopper Point Sedona?
A: Yes, Grasshopper Point is one of Sedona’s most popular swimming holes. You can swim in the clear waters of Oak Creek. Some cliff jump from here, but it isn’t advised. Always check water depth and flow before jumping.

Q: Is there a bathroom at Grasshopper Point?
A: Yes, there are pit toilets. Bring your own hand sanitizer.

Q: Is there a fee to enter Grasshopper Point?
A: Yes, there is a small day-use fee of $15 per vehicle as of 2026 or a Coconino Pass. You cannot use your Red Rock Pass here or America the Beautiful Pass. Bring cash or a credit card. The fee helps maintain the site.

Q: What should I bring to Grasshopper Point Sedona?
A: Bring water shoes, sunscreen, drinking water, snacks, and a towel. A folding chair is great for relaxing by the creek. There’s no food onsite, so pack what you need for the day.

Q: Hours at Picnic Site
A: Opens at 8 am during the summer and 9 am during the winter months. Closes at 6 pm.

Q: Can you bring Pets to Grasshopper Point?
A: No, pets are allowed at Grasshopper Point.

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